London, Feb 22 : Another 9,834 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,115,509, according to official figures released on Sunday.

The country also reported another 215 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 120,580. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test, Xinhua news agency reported.

The latest figures were revealed as more than 17.5 million people in Britain have been given the first jab of a coronavirus vaccine.

Earlier on Sunday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News that the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine appears to reduce the chances of transmitting the virus by "about two-thirds." Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged that every adult in Britain will be given a jab of the Covid-19 vaccine by the end of July.

According to Johnson, people aged 50 and over and those with underlying health conditions will now be offered a jab by April 15.

The prime minister is set to unveil his "roadmap" exiting the current coronavirus lockdown on Monday. It is widely expected that schools in England would start to open on March 8.

England is currently under the third national lockdown since outbreak of the pandemic in the country. Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Johnson has said he would take a "prudent" approach to the easing of lockdown to ensure the process is "irreversible".

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

COVID-19 wasnt the only thing that made 2020 such a horrific year. It was also a historically bad year for wildfires across the United States, to put it mildly.

States such as California and Colorado saw extreme wildfires that lasted for weeks, turning the sky orange in some of the nations largest cities.

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In New Mexico, lightning strikes caused a large, out-of-season fire in the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF), later named the Medio Fire, which burned more than 4,000 acres.

As a result, local forest and fire officials are already preparing for what could be another big wildfire year for New Mexico in 2021.

Terrance Gallegos, deputy fire staff for SFNF, said extreme drought conditions in the area  which have lasted close to a year  have severely dried out the area, making it more prone to multiple wildfire events. Recent snowfall has done little to mitigate the danger.

Its still really dry and its going to take a pretty significant amount of moisture to get to where its not going to be a significant factor, Gallegos said. A lot of the vegetation during drought has a hard time recovering.

Santa Fe Assistant Fire Chief Brian Moya said his team is already bracing for the worst, both in New Mexico and in other states where local firefighters are asked to assist.

Were thinking its going to be a big fire season this year, Moya said.

Part of that preparation is assembling a team of seasonal wildland operators, tasked with preventing and addressing any wildfires that may pop up.

The City Quality of Life Committee approved a budget adjustment of $250,000 to allow the funding of 15 seasonal employees, including 11 wildland operators and four sawyers, who are trained to use heavy equipment, such as chainsaws.

Moya said those positions had to be eliminated last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic impact on city finances, but added the fire department has now found the money for the positions.

Its very important, he said. We can use them for anything we need.

That includes managing prescribed burns and clearing brush around residences, two methods that cut down on the fuel a fire can use to expand rapidly.

And while all city firefighters are trained to fight wildfires, Moya said, these workers can travel to other areas to assist with wildland fires, for which the city receives reimbursement. He said the expenditure would eventually pay for itself.

The Santa Fe City Council will vote on a final approval of the positions on Feb. 24.

Distributing those resources will, however, be a challenge, especially as western states experience more wildfires. A 2019 report from NASA showed wildfires have become more frequent over the past few decades due to human-caused climate change.

Gallegos said that can lead to various jurisdictions jockeying for resources, especially when wildfires start burning out of season.

The Medio Fire, for example, burned in August when monsoon rains typically dampen the chances of large wildfire activity.

It puts strain on other parts of the country, as well as here, Gallegos said. Youre not quite getting everything that you want.

Moya said the department has enough trained firefighters going into the next wildfire season, which typically lasts from April to June. Assuming city councilors approve their funding, Moya said the department will start hiring for the wildland operator positions, many of whom will be local residents.
Vote Percentage of Parties in Puducherry2021: How did the parties fare

Puducherry floor test: CM meets Congress, DMK MLAs to discuss strategy

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 21: Ahead of crucial floor test in Puducherry Assembly on Monday, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy held a meeting with Congress and DMK MLAs to discuss further strategy.

Puducherry Congress-led govt falls | CM loses trust vote | Oneindia News

Addresing the reporters, Narayanasamy said "I held a meeting with ministers, MLAs of Congress and DMK, MPs and other party leaders today. We discussed the strategy to be adopted in the Legislative Assembly tomorrow. We have decided to disclose our strategy on the floor of the House."

Earlier, in the day, two more MLAs of the Congress- DMK alliance in Puducherry resigned on Sunday, delivering yet another jolt to the Congress government.

The resignation by Congress MLA K Lakshminarayanan and DMK legislator Venkatesan further reduced the strength of the ruling alliance to 11, while the opposition has 14 MLAs in the 33-member assembly, which has seven vacancies.

Ahead of Puducherry floor test, 2 more MLAs quit; govt's strength drops to 12

Four Congress MLAs--including ex-ministers A Namassivayam (now in BJP) and Malladi Krishna Rao had quit, while another party legislator was earlier disqualified.

Narayanasamy's confidante A John Kumar had resigned this week.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, handed over additional charge of Puducherry, had on Thursday directed Narayanasamy to prove majority by ordering a floor test on February 22.

The resignation of two MLAs' comes on a day when the ruling party members are slated to meet under the CM to discuss the future course of action, though similar discussions on February 18 yielded no results.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 22:07 [IST]
(Natural News) Bart Avery, one of the owners of Bravery Brewing Company in Lancaster, Calif., has shared video footage of Los Angeles County health inspector Jatinder Chhabra dancing inside his facility after illegally ordering him to shut his business down on Super Bowl Sunday.

Misinformed about the actual rules, Chhabra told Avery that he needed to close his doors because there was no food truck on site to meet Gov. Gavin Newsoms requirement that alcohol establishments serve meals along with drinks. Avery informed Chhabra that his business was open for takeout only, making it exempt.

Chhabra refused to listen, however, demanding that Avery close the brewery down or else. Moments later, surveillance footage caught Chhabra standing around and dancing, swinging her arms back and forth with glee over her perceived power over the small business owner  you can watch the video at this link.

Super Bowl Sunday is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants and bars, including breweries. Bravery does not have any televisions, though, and really was just open for people to drop by, pick up some beers, and take them home. Chhabra must not understand English very well as this concept was apparently lost on her.

Democrats couldnt be happier that capitalist businesses are being destroy by their never-ending lockdowns

Instead of leaving the premises and letting hard-working Americans earn their living, Chhabra instead started harassing Avery and his employees. She reportedly told one of his employees that the brewery was in violation of county guidelines because there was no food truck, and it had to close.

As we all know, the coronavirus will not dare show its face if a food truck is in proximity, joked Western Journal writer Grant Atkinson. A brewery without a food truck, on the other hand, is undoubtedly an enormous breeding ground for the virus.

Not only does this rule make no logical sense, but it also did not apply to Bravery that day. Again, since it was only selling to-go drinks, there was no requirement that a food truck be present. (RELATED: Check out this story about a Maryland man who was sentenced to one year in prison for holding a party during his states lockdown).

While he is unsure exactly why Chhabra started dancing, Avery told the independent media that the perception really sucks. Avery mourned the fact that his brewery has been decimated financially and emotionally by the lockdowns, which have been going on for almost a year, despite the original plan being 14 days to flatten the curve.

This inspectors behavior was nothing short of despicable, Atkinson further writes. Even if she was not dancing as a direct result of shutting down the business, the fact that she could have such a light-hearted attitude after potentially altering peoples livelihoods is astonishing.

One Western Journal commenter wrote that it really does not matter why Chhabra was dancing because her entire existence is disgusting. People like her will go down in history as the dumbest people to have walked the earth, this person wrote.

Politicians hold too much power over populations. It is wrong, this same commenter added.

They control every aspect of peoples lives and it is just wrong. Why should they only be accountable every election? They should be accountable every single day. Every day they should live in fear of losing their stupid job just like the rest of the planet that has to kill themselves working so these blabbering fools can go around spitting in the air talking down to us. They are all disgusting.

You can read more about the latest tyranny happening under the banner of Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

WesternJournal.com

NaturalNews.com

A bomb squad has been called in to disable a suspicious looking bag left outside an Ohio church - only to discover it was full of abandoned kittens.

The incident occurred Thursday in New Miami when a staffer at the church came across the small black carrier outside the building's front door.

Members of the Butler County Bomb Unit quickly descended on the scene to inspect the 'suspicious package' but were left startled when they heard the sounds of purring coming from inside the bag.

'There was a momma cat and her six one-day-old babies in the bag,' the Butler County Sheriff's Office revealed in a Facebook post shared Saturday.

A bomb squad has been called in to disable a suspicious looking bag left outside an Ohio church - only to discover it was full of abandoned kittens

'There was a momma cat and her six one-day-old babies in the bag,' the Butler County Sheriff's Office revealed in a Facebook post shared Saturday

The bomb squad took the family of felines to the Animal Friends Human Society in nearby Hamilton, where they were tended to by volunteers

The police department went on to explain that the animals had been abandoned, and that the owner had left a note.

'Moms name is Sprinkles. She began giving birth at 2.00pm, Wed Feb 17th,' the note read.

The bomb squad then took the family of felines to the Animal Friends Human Society in nearby Hamilton, where they were tended to by volunteers.

The update was accompanied by a series of snaps, including one which showed Sprinkles keeping guard over her six babies while inside the black bag.

Several other snaps showed the tiny kittens being cared for by volunteers, who wrapped them up in towels.

The kittens are now 'warm, cozy and fed' and will be adopted out to homes in the coming weeks.

The police department went on to explain that the animals had been abandoned, and that the owner had left a note

The bomb squad then took the family of felines to the Animal Friends Human Society in nearby Hamilton, where they were tended to by volunteers

Snaps showed the tiny kittens being cared for by volunteers, who wrapped them up in towels

The story heartened hundreds of people on Facebook, many of whom left comments beneath the post.

One woman expressed sympathy for Sprinkles' previous owner, saying the person may not have had the funds to properly provide for the new litter.

'Someone cared for Sprinkles and did the only thing they could think of to do, though we may all agree it could have not gone so well, I believe there's someone who struggled and probably worried about mama and babies,' the wrote.

Another stated: 'This story had a happy ending.. and that's what matters the most. Mommy and babies are safe and being taken care of.'
Officials in Texas announced Saturday investigations into the causes of the state's widespread power outages and an energy bills spike following the state's winter storms.

Why it matters: Millions of Texans lost power and water during last week's storms. In the aftermath, wholesale power prices rose from roughly $50 per megawatt hour to $9,000, WFAA reports  noting some Texans faced bills of up to $17,000 so far this month.

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What's happening: Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said in a statement after holding an emergency meeting with the state's Republican and Democratic legislative members it's "unacceptable for Texans who suffered through days in the freezing cold without electricity or heat to now be hit with skyrocketing energy costs."

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the state's utility regulator, announced Saturday that it has opened an investigation "into the factors that combined with the devastating winter weather to disrupt the flow of power to millions of Texas homes."

"The Commission also unanimously approved a series of steps designed to protect retail electric customers feeling the financial effects of the ERCOT grid event."

PUCT statement

Of note: Abbott has called the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) "kind of opaque, the way its run.

Critics argue that the agency operates under his leadership.

What to watch: Abbott said in his statement that he's working with lawmakers and the state's lieutenant governor "to develop solutions to ensure that Texans are not on the hook for unreasonable spikes in their energy bills."

Go deeper:

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New Delhi, Feb 21 : In order to avoid any untoward incident at the protest site, farmers protesting against the three farm laws enacted by the Centre government at Singhu border have beefed up the security at Singhu border and adjoining areas.

Around 100 CCTV cameras at both the stages and many locations including the areas outside restrooms earmarked for women protestors have been installed along with heavy deployment of police personnel near the barricades close to the protest site. Two control rooms for monitoring of CCTV cameras have also been set up behind both the stages.

The number of volunteers for security check at every entry and exit gates along with the way from Singhu village to Kundli village has also been increased.

"Activities of people moving around are been monitored and volunteers are keeping a close watch on people coming from outside and farmers staying on tractor trollies. Since there are many cuts for entry and exit towards the villages so the volunteers have been deployed at every possible spot. Volunteers are also patrolling on tractors especially after the sun set," said Maninder Singh, a member of Krantikari Kisan Union in Punjab who is also part of security management at Singhu.

Height of concrete barricades that were setup earlier by Delhi Police close to the protest site (towards Delhi) have been increased by putting barbed wire on them. Whereas barricades put at four spots along the way from Singhu to Singhola village (Delhi-Chandigarh) highway were added with barbed wire after stone-pelting incidents.

Drone cameras are been used by the security forces to monitor the situation. However, Delhi Police personnel along with the paramilitary forces deployed at the protest site have been decreased while the entry of visitors and mediapersons from the main gate is still banned.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The public transport system in Bahrain is making a big come back amid the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 33 thousand passengers are using the buses per day now, which is an increase of 150%, compared to the prior year.

This number jumps to 45 thousand during weekends and public holidays, said Sami Abdulla Ahmed Buhaza, the Undersecretary for Land Transportation and Post at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications...

Passenger numbers, Buhaza said, rose significantly following the introduction of upgraded buses in 2015.

The number of busses servicing various routes also doubled.

Even-though, the pandemic severely impacted the services, passenger footfall is rising again now, thanks to the stringent safety and security measures followed.

Buhaza said the Bahrain Public Transport Company attaches great importance to this aspect.

Passengers are required to wear face masks at all times.

We are also cleaning and sanitising frequently touched parts and switches throughout the day and is checking the temperatures of drivers and employees.

An empty seat is left between each passenger to follow social distancing measures.

We had also suspended the use of paper tickets to reduce the need for touching objects on the bus, said Buhaza.

The company is also reviewing and rescheduling bus services according to the demand and connected important destinations in various part of the Kingdom.

The most prominent of them was connecting the network to the new terminal at Bahrain International Airport.

Buhaza further said they had developed more than 300 bus stations, 26 new air-conditioned stations, and more than 70 new bus stops to cover new areas in the network.

The company is also operating a distinctive fleet of busses for the elderly and people with special needs. Besides, buses are also equipped with free wireless internet and have special weekly and monthly offers for Go-Card holders.

Buhaza said they are also working on more plans to encourage people to use mass transport services.

For this, the company is providing stops near residential areas, commercial markets and health centres.

The ministry, Buhaza said, is also working on the Bahrain Metro project, which will provide a new travel experience for people in the Kingdom.

Mass transit buses will act as feeder service to metro route in the future. On punctuality, Buhaza said that the ministry is keen to set performance indicators.

We are continuously monitoring the commitment of buses to the timetables set and updates travellers continuously and realistically to reduce the waiting time.

All bus stops have a QR Code to find actual bus timing for the station itself. Screens display the arrival time of buses in the main stations and Bahrain International Airport. Buhaza said the ministry is working to develop more comprehensive plans to reduce waiting time.

We are currently in the process of identifying road lanes with high occupancy to grant them a priority.
Just over thirteen months since COVID-19 first reached Australia the nationwide vaccination program has begun, with tens of thousands of aged care residents, healthcare workers and quarantine staff rolling up their sleeves for vaccines.

An army of nurse immunisers have begun travelling to aged care facilities to immunise the elderly residents in 190 towns across the country, while 16 hospitals have become vaccination hubs for the workers at the frontline of the pandemic response.

John Healy receiving his Pfizer vaccine on Sunday. Credit:Edwina Pickles

The vaccine rollout was launched in Sydney on Sunday, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly receiving the vaccine in front of a large media pack.

The countrys first vaccine recipient, 84-year-old Jane Malysiak, received a round of applause after getting a dose of the Pfizer shot.
As La Perouse Glacier in Southeast Alaska retreated, it exposed a ghost forest. In the past, the glacier ran over the rainforest trees. Two people are also in the photo.
President Joe Biden's national-security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said on February 21 that the new administration has "begun to communicate with the Iranians" on the issue of detained Americans.

Speaking on a weekend current-affairs program, Sullivan said Washington's "strong message to the Iranians will be that...we will not accept a long-term proposition where they continue to hold Americans in an unjust and unlawful manner."

The United States has repeatedly called on Iran to help locate former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who disappeared when he traveled to the Iranian resort of Kish Island in 2007 and is presumed dead.

At least four other American-Iranians are thought to still be in Iranian custody, including businessmen Emad Sharghi and Siamak Namazi.

"It will be a significant priority of this administration to get those Americans safely back home," Sullivan said.

The United States and other Western governments have long accused Tehran of detaining dual nationals who visit Iran and other foreign nationals -- frequently on dubious espionage charges -- in order to use them as bargaining chips for prisoner swaps.

"We intend to very directly communicate with the Iranians about the complete and utter outrage, the humanitarian catastrophe that is the unjust, unlawful detention of American citizens in Iran," Sullivan said on CBS's Face The Nation program. "We have begun to communicate with the Iranians on this issue, yes. And we will continue to do so as we go forward."
The British government says it aims to give every adult in the country a first dose of vaccine by July 31, a month earlier than its previous target.

The goal is for everyone over 50 or with an underlying health condition to get a shot by April 15, rather than the previous target of May 1.

The makers of the two vaccines Britain is using, Pfizer and AstraZeneca, have both experienced supply problems in Europe. But UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Sunday that we now think that we have the supplies to speed up the vaccination campaign.

More than 17.2 million people have been given the first of two doses of vaccine since the UK inoculation campaign began on December 8.

The news comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets with senior ministers Sunday to finalise a road map out of that national lockdown that is due to be announced on Monday.

Britain has had more than 120,000 deaths, the highest toll in Europe.

(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.)
NATO has never been a defense organization

Simply put: From day one NATO has been aggressive and criminal, aimed mainly at the USSR, later after the USSR went to the history books, NATO destroyed many innocent countries trying to stay relevant. It is not relevant. It does not defend its members against enemies (as there are no enemies to defend against). Instead, it finds enemies, or even creates them by lies and propaganda

Simple solution: NATO should be disbanded to save the world from destruction

WtR
Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger has slammed the site's leftist bias and claims its days of 'neutrality are long gone' in a new interview.

Sanger, 52, called alleged bias on the site he co-founded in January 2001 with Jimmy Wales 'disheartening' in an interview for a Fox News analysis.

According to his own Wikipedia page, Sanger has long 'been critical of the project,' and described it as being 'broken beyond repair' in 2007.

'The days of Wikipedia's robust commitment to neutrality are long gone,' Sanger said.

Larry Sanger, 52, called alleged bias on the site he co-founded 'disheartening' in an interview for a Fox News analysis

His own Wikipedia page documents a long history of criticism against the site he co-founded

'Wikipedia's ideological and religious bias is real and troubling, particularly in a resource that continues to be treated by many as an unbiased reference work.'

Wikipedia pages related to socialism and communism contain show how the website has 'become merely left-wing advocacy essays,' according to Fox News.

'The two main pages for "Socialism" and "Communism" span a massive 28,000 words, and yet they contain no discussion of the genocides committed by socialist and communist regimes, in which tens of millions of people were murdered and starved,' the Fox News analysis claims.

Sanger told the outlet he is now working on a new 'Encyclosphere' project but said he doesn't think Wikipedia could be 'salvaged.'

His own Wikipedia page documents a long history of criticism against the site he co-founded.

Sanger's woes with the company were first revealed in 2004 when he wrote an article for the website Kuro5hin.

Sanger's article claimed that Wikipedia, which calls itself 'the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit,' is not perceived as credible by librarians and academics because it lacks a formal review process and is 'anti-elitist.'

In 2007, Sanger criticized Wikipedia again after the launch of Citizendium, another wiki-based encyclopedia he created to address the 'flaws' with Wikipedia.

Sanger said Wikipedia was 'broken beyond repair' and had 'a whole series of scandals' from 'serious management problems' to 'frequently unreliable content,' according to IT News.

The techie again distanced himself from Wikipedia in September 2009 when he claimed: 'I thought that the project would never have the amount of credibility it could have if it were not somehow more open and welcoming to experts.'

'The other problem was the community had essentially been taken over by trolls to a great extent. That was a real problem, and Jimmy Wales absolutely refused to do anything about it,' Sanger told Internet Revolution.

Sanger sent a letter to the FBI in April 2010 claiming that Wikimedia Commons was hosting child pornography, according to a BBC article.

'I think Wikipedia never solved the problem of how to organize itself in a way that didn't lead to mob rule,' Sanger said in an interview with Vice in November 2015.

'People that I would say are trolls sort of took over. The inmates started running the asylum.'

In the Vice interview, Sanger equated the alleged trolls that took over the platform with modern-day social justice warriors.

He again called Wikipedia 'a broken system' in a May 2019 interview with 150Sec, his page noted. He said the leaders did not 'come up with a good solution' 'to stop bad actors from ruining the project.

Sanger described Wikipedia as 'badly biased' in a May 2020 blog post in which he claimed the site no longer had an effective neutrality policy.

'The notion that we should avoid false balance is directly contradictory to the original neutrality policy. As a result, even as journalists turn to opinion and activism, Wikipedia now touts controversial points of view on politics, religion, and science,' he wrote.

A Fox News analysis claims that Wikipedia articles on Socialism and Communism are biased

Sanger claimed in his blog post that the Wikipedia article on Donald Trump is 'unrelentingly negative' but the site's article on Barack Obama 'completely fails to mention many well-known scandals.'

'As you can imagine, the idea that the article is neutral is a joke. Just for example, there are 5,224 none-too-flattering words in the Presidency section,' Sanger wrote.

He added: 'Wikipedia frequently asserts, in its own voice, that many of Trumps statements are false. Well, perhaps they are. But even if they are, it is not exactly neutral for an encyclopedia article to say so.'

Sanger's comments to Fox News had not yet been added to his Wikipedia page by Saturday night.

The Wikimedia Foundation responded to Fox News with a statement noting that: 'Wikipedia is a living, breathing project, and is always evolving just as our shared understanding of a topic does.'

The response also noted that the foundation does not directly control content on Wikipedia, which is written by volunteer editors.

A Wikimedia Foundation spokesperson said that a Harvard study 'shows how the more people edit an article, the more neutral it becomes,' according to Fox News.

The spokesperson 'also pointed to another study that found that page quality is higher when editors are more politically diverse, and lower when they think alike,' according to the Fox News analysis.

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Aspen, CO (81611)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon hours. High 63F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 39F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
New Delhi: While private hospital chains such as Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd and Fortis Healthcare Ltd continued to witness a recovery in international arrivals in October-December, the number of such patients was significantly lower compared with pre-covid levels due to restrictions on international flights.

Just looking at international patients, it is about 10% of total outpatient visits in normal times. I think what was significant is that patients are not able to travel because airlines are not operating at full capacity. We believe when that comes back, the OP (out-patient visits) will definitely pick up in terms of international patients," Apollo Hospitals managing director Suneeta Reddy said at an investor call on Saturday.

For most large private hospitals, medical tourism made up for 10% of total out-patient visits, but revenues had a higher share.

Max Healthcares revenue from international medical tourists was at 40% of pre-covid levels in October-December though there had been a sharp uptick in arrivals from the preceding quarter.

To grow the international medical tourism business, Max now plans to establish a subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates, which will reach out to a greater number of patients to capture a higher market share from Africa, West Asia and Eastern Europe.

Fortis said revenues from medical tourism contributed 5% to its total revenues, which was far higher than 1.3% in the September quarter, but is still substantially short of the 10.7% in the third quarter of FY20.

At Narayana Hrudayalaya, the share of international patients was just about 3% in October-December, against 11% in the year-ago quarter.

While Bangladeshi patients made up for its largest share of international patients, flights from the country have not yet resumed fully.

The recovery has not been great... Though some flights have started, the frequency has not really increased and international patients mostly come to India for elective cases. A bulk of our patients do come from Bangladesh and the frequency of flights hasnt resumed," said Narayana managing director and group chief executive officer Emmanuel Rupert.

The hospital chains management said it is compensating for the decline in medical tourism with enhanced domestic activities.

Since October, recovery in domestic patient visits for non-covid treatment has been robust, with the economy opening up and people becoming more confident about visiting healthcare facilities.

This was reflected in Fortis overall hospital occupancy rising to 64% in October-December, almost on par with levels in the year-ago period.

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The dispersion of vegetation is regularly used to categorize climate areas globally, still whether these areas are suitable for other organisms is unknown. Umea experimenters have verified climate area based on the distribution of vertebrate species in recent research released by eLife.

They discovered that while elevated energy climate regions are alike across the plant and vertebrate groups, there are huge distinctions in cold and temperate climates.

Climate specifies how living organisms across the globe understand which climatic conditions propel key change in the ecosystem is vital to understand and foresee how life functions unfold.

Conditions That Propels Vertebrate.

Human well-being crucially relies on vertebrate diversity, but still, we don't know much about climates that improve the union of these species. We know for instance that dry areas improve the generation of deserts and humid, hot areas enable evergreen forests to flourish.

But what conditions propel the dispersion of vertebrates like birds, frogs, mammals, and more?



Former postdoc at Integrated Science Lab, Umea University who now works with King Juan Carlos University in Spain Joaquin Calatayud explained that to cover this hole, "we researched the climates propelling the organization of Earth. We expanded a network-based strategy that attaches species to their desired climatic conditions. Then, we looked for climatic conditions desired by similar vertebrate species."

With this strategy, the researchers illustrated the climate regions that specify the distribution of vertebrates. High energy climates, such as steppes, deserts, and tropical savannas, were discovered to be alike across different organizations of plants and vertebrates. This was not the issue for cold and temperate climates. Locations defined by those climates changed across all organizations.

ALSO READ: Happening Every 27 Million Years: Mass Extinctions of Land-Dwelling Animals

Evolution Research

For example, warm-blooded mammals and birds define areas of polar climates that are not surveyed in the case of cold-blooded reptiles and amphibians. This implies that hindering these climates mandates possessing certain climatic adjustments that have not come up in all organizations.



Joaquin explained that "our outcomes show that certain climate classes are needed to research the evolution, ecology, and conservation of certain organizations of species". This research can build the purpose for a greater understanding of climate-driven evolutionary and ecological procedures, steering to bigger conservation methods,



Here are a few of the queries that our outcome could assist to answer. Do climatic areas carry a similar conservation status? Do ecosystem works or evolutionary processes vary among climate areas?

Why Most Animal Can't Survive Very High Temperatures

Animals possess certain amazing adaptation that enables them to live in the largely aggressive environments.For example, camels can flourish/thrive in some of the driest and hottest regions on Earth. Because of the thick leathery patches on their knees, when can't get burnt when kneeling.

Cold-blooded animals can't sustain a steady body temperature. They receive their heat from the external environments while warm-blooded animals need so much energy to sustain a steady temperature. Birds and mammals need a lot of energy and food than cold-blooded animals of the same weight. This is because in warm-blooded animals the heat they lose is equal to the surface area of their body.

RELATED ARTICLE: Nuclear Bomb Pulses Reveal 400-Year-Old Greenland Shark is World's Longest Living Vertebrate

For more news, update and similar stories about vertebrates don't forget to follow Nature World News!
The Pentagon will review Donald Trumps last-minute decision to relocate US Space Command from Colorado to Alabama, it has announced.

The move, which the ex-president signed-off on one week before he left office last month, blindsided Colorado officials and raised questions of political retaliation, reports the Associated Press.

Mr Trump had hinted at a 2020 rally in Colorado Springs that US Space Command would stay at Peterson Air Force Base in the city.

But following Colorados Republican Senator Cory Gardner losing his seat, Mr Trump decided to move command headquarters to the US Armys Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

Mr Trump won 62 per cent fo the vote in Alabam in the 2020 presidential election, and the state also elected a pro-Trump senator, Tommy Tuberville.

Now the Department of Defenses inspector general has announced an investigation into the relocation to see if it complied with Air Force and Pentagon policy.

It is imperative that we thoroughly review what I believe will prove to be a fundamentally flawed process that focused on bean-counting rather than American space dominance, said Republican congressman Doug Lamborn, whose district includes Space Command.

Colorados two Democratic senators also welcomed the review.

Moving Space Command will disrupt the mission while risking our national security and economic vitality, said Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper in a joint statement.

US Space Command differs from US Space Force, the sixth and newest branch of the US military that was established in 2019.

Space Command is not an individual military service but a central command for all military space operations.

It was dissolved in 2002 and also revived in 2019.

The Air Force accepted bids from six final locations, including Huntsville, before Mr Trump hinted it would stay in Colorado.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

The bail plea filed by nine accused have been rejected including six on Saturday

Lankesh, a left-leaning journalist-activist, was shot dead on September 5, 2017 outside her house here by a member of a gang.(PTI file photo)

Bengaluru: A special court here on Saturday rejected the bail plea of six accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case.

Earlier, the court hearing cases registered under Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act had dismissed the bail applications of three other accused. "The bail plea filed by nine accused have been rejected including six on Saturday," Special Public Prosecutor in the case S Balan told PTI.

He added that the hitman and his prime aide did not move any bail plea.

Lankesh, a left-leaning journalist-activist, was shot dead on September 5, 2017 outside her house here by a member of a gang that apparently planned to kill her after being inspired by a book brought out by right-wing group Sanatan Sanstha, that had identified Lankesh as a 'durjan' (evil person). The Special Investigation Team which probed the case had stated Parashuram Waghmare was her assassin.
(Newser)  A couple of hundred people were hurrying around a Texas grocery store to stock up during the storm emergency Tuesday when the power went out. A "collective groan" could be heard, one shopper said. The checkout lines at the H-E-B store in Leander were 20 carts long, the Washington Post reports, but Tim Hennessy noticed that they were moving surprisingly quickly. It wasn't until he reached the register and asked how he could pay that he learned why. "Please go ahead," the cashier told him, per KTEM, "but we can't bag anything up for you." All the shoppers, many with credit cards in hand, were being waved through. No one told them to put any items back on the shelves. "Just be safe driving home," the cashier said. When Hennessy saw carts on their way out filled with milk, diapers and other necessities, he started to tear up.

story continues below

Outside, he saw that the spirit had reached the icy parking lot. People were holding bags for each other as they tried to keep from spilling their groceries. A group pushed a car whose wheels were just spinning on the ice. "Everybody started helping each other," Hennessy said. There was time to joke, said Hennessy, who told an employee on his way out, "Wait a minute, I forgot the filet mignon." No one said why the store didn't try to collect from anyone or wait to see if the power would be restored. "People are really good, and you see it in the tougher times," he said. Hennessy interpreted the store's thinking to be: "You're our customers. You probably need this stuff." Store management didn't comment, except to answer a tweet with: "Yes, this is a true story." (Read more uplifting news stories.)
HYDERABAD: Children staying at home and not going to school in the past 11 months may not have been such a bad thing after all, psychologists say. They point out that while children not getting educated in schools could have caused concern among parents, the time kids spent at home because of Coronavirus pandemic has had some beneficial effects in terms of bonding within families, among other things.

Dr Mothukuri Ramchander, a counselling psychologist, observed: Children have been able to enjoy their childhood in a better way. Before the lockdown, children as young as one year were forced to spend time in creches or play schools. After that, they would go to a regular school, where the focus of parents will only be education that they want their children to pursue.

Such a pursuit meant children straightaway preparing for their future, thereby losing their childhood, as they would have no time to really experience it. Such academic pressures from early childhood are resulting in fragile minds among children, which we are already witnessing, Dr Ramchander remarked.

But thanks to lockdown for quite some months, children have developed deeper bonds with their families, learnt how to be a part of a team, and developed ability to express care and concern for others. This is very different from children who instead develop selfish and self-centred tendencies, the psychologist observed.

Dr Sudhir Charles, consultant paediatrician, said the confinement of children to their homes had made them play, spend time outside and remain in the sun.

Increased outdoor activity and exposure to sun has even helped them develop better immunity, apart from making them physically stronger.

Meghala and Aarshita (names changed) have been having best of time playing with friends in their colony. The past few months have been like a retreat for them. They said they now get more time to sleep, there is no need to wake up early, or rush to school.

Shazia Hussain, whose two daughters are school students, said: These 11 months gave us some quality time. I got to spend a lot of time with my daughters. Even my husband is working from home. Initially, there was a lot of phobia about the new virus. But overall, it has been a pleasant time.

Bharathi Vaidyula and her husband, residents of Vanastalipuram, are very happy about spending more time with their grandson. He had always been busy with school or tuition. But now, we have been spending a lot of time with him. It is great to see him playing with neighbouring kids, Bharathi remarked.
(Natural News) China announced that it has arrested the leader of a multimillion-dollar scam selling fake Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines made out of saline solution and mineral water.

The man, who Chinese authorities have identified only by the name Kong, led a fake vaccine ring based around Beijing and the provinces of Jiangsu and Shandong to the south of the Chinese capital. The group made over 18 million yuan ($2.78 million) by putting either saline solution or mineral water into containers made to look like how real coronavirus medication would be packed.

This operation has reportedly been going on since August last year, but Chinese authorities have only released the details of operations from November onwards.

Chinese authorities said Kong sold around 2,000 fake vaccines in November for 1.04 million yuan ($161,000) to another individual who resold them at a higher price. Of those 2,000 vaccines, around 600 were shipped to Hong Kong before they were sent overseas. No details have been provided regarding which country they were sent to.

Kong stored another 1,400 fake coronavirus vaccines in Hong Kong and southern China. By December, officials report that around 200 people had been jabbed with 500 doses of the fake vaccine.

According to an official statement released on Wednesday, Feb. 17, the suspects were arrested last Christmas Day. Despite the fact that most of the cases surfaced last year, the Chinese Communist Party waited until this week to release new details regarding the incident.

This news came as a shipment of Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Hungary on Tuesday morning. This made it the first country in the European Union to receive a vaccine made by the state-owned pharmaceutical company, Sinopharm.

China has already reported the situation to the relevant countries, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin at a daily briefing.

The Chinese government highly values vaccine safety and will continue to take efforts to strictly prosecute any counterfeits, fake sales and illegal business, and other related actions that involve vaccines, he added. At the same time, China will strengthen our law enforcement cooperation with the relevant countries, to earnestly prevent the spread of this type of illegal and criminal action.

Spread of fake vaccines undermines confidence in CCPs vaccine rollout

Kong is among 70 other people who have been arrested for committing similar crimes. It is unclear how many of the 70 individuals were members of Kongs fake vaccine ring.

According to court rulings, Kongs vaccines were sold on the basis that they were acquired through internal channels within genuine manufacturers.

Kong and his accomplices would also go to hospitals to sell the fake coronavirus vaccines at very inflated prices. At other times, they would hire village doctors or have one of their members pose as a healthcare worker and conduct vaccination programs, jabbing people with the fake doses in their homes and cars.

Chinas highest investigative and prosecutorial body, the Supreme Peoples Procuratorate, urged regional agencies to cooperate with the police and national communist authorities to curb any further attempts by criminal organizations to sell fake coronavirus vaccines.

The pro-CCP tabloid Global Times claimed that the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) checked with vaccine manufacturers several times to make sure that the products Kong and the other suspects illegally sold were fake and did not come from any Chinese pharmaceutical company.

The MPS also launched a campaign to clamp down on the production and sale of fake coronavirus vaccines. The CCP is concerned that the fake shots could undermine confidence in the countrys own vaccine rollout, which is already off to a very bumpy start. (Related: Shanghai district residents refuse to take Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine.)

The communist government wanted to provide 100 million shots before the Lunar New Year on Friday, Feb. 12, but the country fell far short of its intended target, only being able to give people around 40.52 million doses.

Because of this, the CCP announced that it has ramped up production of domestically-made vaccines from Sinopharm and another state-owned pharmaceutical corporation, Sinovac.

China has a long history of scandals regarding vaccines resulting from improper business practices as well as manufacturing issues. Back in 2016, police arrested several people for running a criminal enterprise that sold millions of improperly stored vaccines. Confidence in domestically-manufactured vaccines has fallen since that incident.

Learn more about the controversies surrounding vaccines made in China, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and other places by reading the latest articles at Vaccines.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

BBC.com

APNews.com

AFR.com
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New Delhi:

Internet-giant Google has offered Rs 14 million yearly package to a 16-year-old boy from Chandigarh for icon designing.

The search-engine giant has offered the class 12 passout, Harshit Sharma, the offer to be part in its team as a graphic designer.

I cant share my happiness, its like a dream has come true, says Harshit Sharma

Sharma, a student of Class-XII of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh, will fly to California, USA in August.

Also Read: Google denies offering 16-year-old boy Rs 14 million package

The offer by the Google to the 16-year-old boy was released by government officials of Chandigarh.

Google will pay Rs 4 lakhs per month as stipend for a year and give him advance training in graphic designing. After a year he will be enrolled as a regular employee and receive a salary of Rs 12 lakhs per month.

Sharma talking to the media said, I was hunting for job as a graphic designer online. I came across the opening with google. I had to go through an online interview.

He added that he was interested in graphic designing since he was 10-year-old. Last year posters designed by Harshit was selected by Google.

Harshits teachers told the media that he was a meritorious student.

Harshit school teachers also informed the media that he had received an award of RS 7,000 under the Digital India Scheme.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Bank of Queensland chief executive George Frazis is expected to expand the banks loan portfolio by about 50 per cent as it swoops on ME Bank, in an ambitious takeover aimed at bulking up the regional banks scale.

After BoQ last week said it was launching a capital raising to fund the acquisition, reportedly worth about $1.3 billion, the lender is expected to provide full details of the transaction as soon as Monday.

Bank of Queensland CEO George Frazis. Credit:Paul Harris

The takeover, which neither bank has yet publicly confirmed, is a historic development for ME Bank, a lender set up in the 1990s by industry super funds aimed at competing with the big four. ME Bank has not paid its shareholders a dividend.

Former ME Bank chief executive Anthony Wamsteker said the sale of ME Bank to Bank of Queensland was an endorsement of the growth experienced by industry super funds and part of the wider trend of simplification within the financial services industry.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 01:52:25|Editor: huaxia

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DAKAR, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese government on Saturday began to distribute the first doses of Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccine to its regions across the country for the imminent vaccination campaign, Senegalese Health Minister Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr announced at the launching ceremony.

"The vaccines will leave Dakar today and within four days, will be available throughout the country to effectively support our plan to operationalize the COVID-19 vaccination," said Senegalese Minister of Health and Social Action.

According to him, his ministry will set up a national committee of control and monitoring of all vaccination operations Monday, which will be followed by the launch of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign throughout Senegal Tuesday.

"It is absolutely necessary to masterfully carry on the vaccination operations until the resolvement (of the situation). These vaccines must be available throughout the territory until the outcome of the national strategy to fight against the disease," he stressed. "It is in an international context of vaccine shortage that the head of State has done everything to obtain this vaccine."

Sarr further assured that his country has "very effective equipments" for storing and distributing pharmaceutical products.

The Senegalese authorities received 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from the Chinese company Sinopharm Wednesday night.

According to the country's Minister of Health and Social Action, the vaccination campaign will kick off on Feb. 23.

Senegal reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 2, 2020. So far, the country has recorded 32,630 positive cases, including 26,907 recoveries and 795 deaths. Enditem
Source: CPAFFC| 2021-02-21 20:36:07|Editor: yhy

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February 9, 2021

Dear H.E. Lin Songtian,

It is quite fortunate for me, to be able to elaborate to you a true story about the Transformation of The Peoples Republic of China. My story is based on my first-handed experience in the PRC which first took place in 1975.

It was then in 1975, when I first went to Beijing. My memory then is still quite vivid today. Over the horizon of Beijing, Beijing hotel was one of the tallest. I took a stroll down the street in front of the hotel. The streets were very wide. Only buses and bicycles. Once in a while a car would show up. People were standing at the bus stops in a very orderly manner. Both men and women were dressed alike. Only in blue and grey. Some of them with hats. If we were to summarize in a few words of the impressions then. It would be very orderly, very well disciplined, not many cars, but plenty of bicycleseverybody wearing the same colored dressesno hi-rises over the horizon of Beijing

When I was invited back to Beijing on October 1, 2019 to join in the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of The Peoples Republic of China, I took time to go back and stood at the same spot near the Beijing Hotel again. The time was 44 years apart ! And what did I see?????

I looked around me, into the four directions. I have to confess to you who are reading this column. I just could not believe what I saw. The most modern designed building of the CCTV head office became the signature of Beijing architecture !!! There were so many super stores, with the latest model of all products, from the World Designers fashion apparels, to the most sophisticated Electronics Devices. All of them are the most advanced in their own fields. And all of them are Made in China!!!

I asked myself

Mr. China, How did you do it ?

I believe that, anyone, not only me, who has had this kind of personal experiences with China, would have the same question

When I dig deeper into the statistics of China, I found another amazing numbers. In 2020, China was able to proclaim the success of Nation-wide Poverty Eradication. This milestone must be regarded as the most successful governmental policy in the world. Covering a time-span of forty years, lives of 750 million citizens have been lifted up above the poverty line. This must be the world record. And only China can do it.

I also remember that when our delegation from Thailand had a meeting with H.E. Deng Xiaoping in 1980 in Beijing, he invited us to visit Shenzhen. He said that the city was selected to be the first SEZ, Special Economic Zone. We accepted the invitation and took a train from Guangzhou to Shenzhen. In 1980, Shenzhen was only a small fisherman village, without any form of modernization. But today, Shenzhen has become the most advanced smart city in the world! Shenzhen has become the role model for other cities in China to follow in economic modernization!

I have given you example of only two cities where I had been to, both before and after. I still cherish these first-handed memories until today.

Throughout the 46 years since my first visit to China, I have accumulated so many first-handed experiences which I wish to share with you.

Many years ago, I was invited to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. When our delegation arrived, the temperature was 35 Celcius below zero. We were invited to go and watch an outdoor swimming contest! All contestants were over 60 years old. We were freezing, sitting on the side of the swimming pool. All of the swimmers were in a tent, equipped with hot air blowing to their bodies. Once the whistle blown, they all ran out to the pool and jumped into the pool, and swam to the edge of the pool and back, then quickly ran back to the hot air blown tent. That was quite an experience for a person like me from Thailand, who had never experienced the temperature that low before. The organizers told me that the intention of the contest was to show to the foreigners how healthy the people of Harbin were. I was impressed!

I wish to take this opportunity to relate to you my personal observation on the Chinese people eye-expressions in the past 46 years, on my 155 visits to China.

In comparison to what I witnessed in 1975, today there are two characteristics expressed through the eyes of the Chinese people that were not detected before 46 years ago.

One: The eyes show that they are truly happy today.

and Two: They are proud to be Chinese!

And I believe that they want the world to know these messages too!

Throughout these 46 years, I am most fortunate to have met so many leaders of China, I have also learned from these high level acquaintances so many priceless lessons. Three outstanding characters of the Chinese government, from my own viewpoint, that have brought China to where she is today, are:

STABILITY

UNITY

ANTI CORRUPTION

China has proven to the eyes of the world that poverty can be eradicated !!!

Now that poverty in China has become History , China is now ready, willing and able to offer friendship to all other less developing nations.

This policy is clearly spelled out in the Friendship Message from China to the World today:

E Ta E Lu

One belt One Road

BELT OF PEACE, ROAD TO PROSPERITY

TOGETHER

From China to the World.

Yours sincerely,

Korn Dabbaransi
The mayor said that he will be recommending some of those who are not appointed to the review board for some of the more than 30 other city boards and commissions.
Michael Learned spent years playing Olivia Walton on The Waltons. The kind and loving Walton family matriarch was always there for her children and husband John Walton (Ralph Waite) with an open ear and, often, a slice of her homemade applesauce cake. But things were a little more complicated behind the scenes for Learned. As she recalled in a 2002 essay, she was not in a great place personally when she accepted the role of Olivia.

Michael Learned said her real life was in stark contrast to The Waltons

(L-R) Michael Learned as Olivia Walton and Ralph Waite as John Walton | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

RELATED: The Waltons: When Michael Learned Won Her Emmy for Playing Olivia Walton, the Presenter Made a Big Mistake

In a 2002 essay for the Daily Word (a publication of Unity Church), Learned talked about being at a low point in her life when she was cast as Olivia. When the show began in 1972, she was at rock bottom, she recalled.

I was drinking too much, and I felt lost, she wrote. My life was a stark contrast to the idyllic scenes portrayed by Olivia and her family.

The Emmy-winning actor traced her challenges to her childhood, which she said was enchanting in some ways and confusing in others. Her father was a government employee, which meant the family moved frequently when Learned was growing up. She lived in Austria and attended boarding school in England, where she developed her passion for performing.

Learned felt she was all wrong for the role of Olivia Walton

Watch The Waltons weekdays 12P | 11C and The Andy Griffith Show weeknights 8P | 7C on MeTV! pic.twitter.com/gQy6nVkvyc  MeTV (@MeTV) February 7, 2020

Learned married at 17, but the marriage eventually ended in divorce. In the early 70s, she was working in theater and struggling to support her three kids. That was when her agent let her know that the creators of The Waltons were looking for someone to play Olivia. It was a good opportunity, but Learned had concerns.

I didnt want to work in television, I felt I was wrong for the part, and I was terrified of the Hollywood scene. But I did have three children to support, she recalled. While on a brief hiatus from a play in San Francisco, she reluctantly went to L.A. to audition where she stayed in a little hotel with a bottle of bourbon for strength and a Raggedy Ann doll for comfort.

In an Archive of American Television interview, Learned said she wasnt emotionally invested in her screen test  which took place when she was hungover and had been crying all night  in part because she wanted to continue working in theater and in part because she felt she didnt fit the mold of who producers wanted to cast. They were looking for a woman with long red hair in her 40s. Learned was 31 at the time and had short blonde hair.

To her surprise, Learned was cast as Olivia Walton. That was a beginning of a whole new life, she said.

Michael Learned realized she was drinking too much

Michael Learned | Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Winning a starring role on The Waltons alleviated Learneds financial concerns. But it did not alleviate her issues with alcohol.

I knew I had to take a good, hard look at myself, she wrote in her essay. Eventually, she got sober and began an incredible spiritual journey.

Mine has been both a wonderful journey and a painful one, Learned said. At times I felt as if I were at the bottom of a slimy well, trying to crawl out. Sometimes I would even get to the top of the well and then just slide right back down.

But eventually, Learned reached a place of happiness.

My life is so wonderful today that it is beyond anything I could have ever imagined, she said. Still, I keep praying, asking God to keep me in check so that I dont take any blessing in my life for granted.

How to get help: In the U.S., contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
The Pound Sterling to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate retreated slightly in early Europe on Monday, but is trading above 1.7700 and remains close to 10-month highs just below 1.7750 posted last week.

The Canadian dollar has gained support from further gains in commodity prices amid expectations of a strong global economic recovery.

USD/CAD dipped to 34-month lows below 1.2600 before a correction in early Europe as equity markets declined. US dollar trends and risk appetite remained crucial for the Canadian currency.

GBP/CAD Exchange Rate Slides as UK Retail Sales Plunge -8.2%

A sharper-than-expected decline in Canadian retail sales was not enough to shore up the Pound Sterling to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate ahead of the weekend.

Although sales saw a -3.4% drop on the month in December, as opposed to the forecast -2.5% decline this failed to drive the Canadian Dollar lower against its rival.

Focus instead centred on the even more disappointing nature of Januarys UK retail sales data, which plunged -8.2% on the month.

As strong levels of consumer spending had previously helped to shore up economic activity this decline weighed heavily on GBP exchange rates as worries over the health of the UK economy picked up.

A solid improvement in Februarys UK services PMI also failed to offer the GBP/CAD exchange rate any rallying point, with bets on the prospect of a negative first quarter growth rate rising.

Canadian Dollar (CAD) Looks for Fresh Boost on Average Weekly Earnings Data

With fresh Canadian data releases a little thin on the ground in the coming week, though, the Canadian Dollar may struggle to hold onto a positive footing.

The release of Decembers average weekly earnings figure on Thursday could offer CAD exchange rates a rallying point, however.

If wage growth can continue to push higher even in the face of ongoing pandemic-based disruption this could encourage greater confidence in the resilience of the Canadian economy.

A stronger level of wage growth would help to better insulate households from the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, helping to shore up economic activity in the months ahead.

However, the Canadian Dollar remains vulnerable to any deterioration in the general sense of market risk appetite.

A poor weekly performance for the global oil market could weigh heavily on CAD exchange rates, given the currencys commodity-correlation.

GBP/CAD Exchange Rate Forecast: Sterling Weakness Forecast on Rising UK Unemployment Rate

On the other hand, the mood towards the Pound may sour further in the coming week on the back of Decembers set of UK labour market data.

With forecasts pointing towards the headline unemployment rate rising from 5% to 5.1% worries over the health of the UK labour market look set to pick up once again.

Another rise in unemployment would give investors greater reason to doubt the underlying resilience of the UK economy, with joblessness appearing on course to rise further over the course of the current national lockdown.

Unless the labour market data can demonstrate signs of resilience in the face of ongoing pandemic disruption the Pound to Canadian Dollar exchange rate appears set to weaken further.
Many Californians say schools need to reopen now. But no one has had the guts to open all schools, and all grades, and actually send all kids back to class.

Thats why our current conversation about reopening public schools, after a year of COVID-19 closures, is beside the point. So-called grownups are talking about when we might reopen, or the conditions under which we might restart certain schools or certain grades. But we never really answer the question of who  amid all the fear and politics  will pry open the schoolhouse door for every California child.

It wont be the federal government. President Biden has effectively abandoned his pledge to reopen all schools in 100 days. The U.S. Department of Education has published the first volume of a handbook for reopening, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to produce confusing guidance for whoever does the reopening, but neither has the authority to call class into session.

It wont be state government. Gov. Gavin Newsoms administration loves to spin out new frameworks and matrices so that other levels of government can think about reopening. But if you really think this state will successfully execute a major logistical operation like school reopening, well ... lets just say theres an unemployment check in the mail for you.

It wont be our local governments forcing the reopening, either. Our counties are consumed by their pandemic-era public health obligations. Our cities are criticizing or even suing school districts to demand schools reopen, but they lack the power to force classes back into session. Our school districts do have the power to reopen, and some are bringing back a few early grades, but for the most part, theyre caught between ever-shifting guidance from other levels of government, union opposition and divisions among parents. Meanwhile, too many local school board members and superintendents, instead of fixing distance learning, are filling the hours with gaslighting communiques, fruitless negotiations or school-name changes.

Of course, our teachers unions, by far the most powerful political forces in this state, could force a reopening. But with their members able to work at home and still be paid, these labor groups just keep pushing back the timelines for return  until COVID-19 is entirely gone, or all living beings in the Milky Way galaxy have been vaccinated, or the Rapture. Whichever comes first.

All these realities point to the same hard fact: Californias various educational constituencies are never going to come together and reopen all schools themselves. If our state is ever going to resume universal public education, as required under its constitution, we Californians will have to outsource the task. And given the scale of our state, there is only one entity that could pull this off.

Its time to ping Amazon.

Outsourcing school reopening to Amazon isnt a radical idea. To the contrary, it perfectly fits our states COVID-19-era strategy: leave the hard work to somebody else.

Take masking. Officials at all levels have talked, incessantly, about the need for everyone to wear masks and keep our distance  but no one in power has been willing to enforce these regulations aggressively. The tricky work of compliance has been left to store employees and entrepreneurs who are trying to save their jobs and businesses, and to everyday Californians foolhardy enough to confront their maskless neighbors to slow the spread.

A similar dynamic has emerged in vaccination. With the state and counties failing to turn their months of planning into an effective system for immunizing people, Newsom outsourced the job to the not-for-profit health insurer Blue Shield of California. This was achieved through an emergency authorization, without bids, and in the full knowledge that Blue Shield is not a health provider and has no real experience in putting shots in arms. What Blue Shield does have is skill in managing data, a statewide network and a reputation for getting its way in California.

Outsourcing school reopening to Amazon follows similar logic. Its not an education business, but it is great at data and operations. Amazon has the warehouses, supplies and delivery network to get the right protective materials to the schools on time. (Maybe it could even pick up science-denying teachers from their homes and transport them to vaccination centers and then classrooms). Amazon also operates efficiently and cheaply  so a school reopening contract wouldnt break state or local budgets.

But the real reason California needs Amazon for this chore is its scary ruthlessness, its willingness to ignore criticism and rules in the service of delivering on its promises. Who will dare get in its way? Amazon owns the political class  just look at how it used donations and lobbying to win subsidies and tax breaks from state and local governments  so it doesnt have to worry about politicians challenging its school reopening operations.

Amazon, famous for crushing small businesses that get in its way, also might be our best bet to shut down scofflaw retailers and other entities that, by not complying with COVID-19 regulations, contribute to the community spread that might threaten school reopenings. And Amazon, having fought unionization of its own employees nationwide, would probably revel at the prospect of putting California teachers and their unions in their place.

Because the company is so accustomed to being loathed, Amazon  worth a cool $1.65 trillion as of Feb. 12  could be useful as a scapegoat for all of Californias anger and angst over school reopening. Instead of the state government and local school districts continuing to blast each other publicly, and instead of parents and teachers attacking each other over Zoom, we could all agree to blame Amazon. I suspect Amazon would do this if asked. Amazon recently wrote Biden to offer to leverage our operations, information technology and communications capabilities and expertise in this emergency. And given its diminished reputation, Amazon would likely seize such an opportunity to build some goodwill.

Few school leaders will admit this publicly, but they would be delighted if Amazon  or another outside entity  stepped in to handle reopening. Such an intervention might be the only way to save a California education system that is falling apart. School enrollment has seen record declines in the pandemic, and many families with school-age children are leaving the state. Even stalwart supporters of public schools are now talking up private schools or school vouchers.

In other words, California faces its own school choice: Outsource school reopening now, or watch its schools crumble as families outsource their childrens education somewhere else.

Joe Mathews writes the Connecting California column for Zocalo Public Square.
Covid-19 has emptied office buildings and business districts, and with working from home expected to be the norm after the pandemic, some want to convert them to residential use to help solve inner-city housing crises.

France has already begun to experiment with such conversions and "the significant rise in remote working encourages scaling up" such projects, French Housing Minister Emmanuelle Wargon said recently.

She wants to accelerate the transformations to respond to both the need for housing and to fight against urban sprawl.

A recent study concentrating on the Paris region, home to nearly a fifth of France's population, found that if around 40 percent of firms adopted two days of remote working per week following the pandemic, they could reduce the office space they occupy by almost 30 percent, or 3.3 million square metres, over the coming decade.

Such a scenario is a nightmare for the commercial real estate industry -- a favourite of investors as it is easier to manage, with slower turnover of clients and fewer unpaid rent bills.

But even before the pandemic more than six percent of Paris region office space was vacant, according to the study from the IEIF research institute.

'Mythical creature'

"The conversion of offices into housing is a bit of a mythical creature", said IEIF's director Christian de Karangal.

Although years of discussion have never amounted to concrete actions this time may be different, said de Karangal -- even if the extent of remote working's impact on office space occupancy is still unclear.

That is because -- in addition to public authorities encouraging such conversions -- some buildings are becoming obsolete for use as offices, and institutional investors are now interested.

But the changes are not always straightforward.

"Not all buildings can be converted," said Sebastien Lorrain, a senior director for residential, healthcare and investment properties at international commercial real estate group CBRE in France.

"Only around 20 percent of assets studied showed a real potential for conversion," he said.

One of the greatest problems is natural light, said Carlos Alvarez, a project leader at the Moatti-Riviere architectural firm, which co-won an industry prize in 2019 for transforming offices into apartments.

Commercial buildings often have much greater floor space, making it difficult to ensure all rooms have windows to let in natural light.

"Most of the time, this results in demolitions," said Alvarez.

Fantasy into reality

Another issue is buildings constructed in the 1970s -- which account for the majority for sale -- often contain asbestos, resulting in millions in additional costs to remove hazardous material.

For Norbert Fanchon, director of the public housing group Gambetta, the idea of conversions is "a fantasy as old as property developers".

He believes to jump-start such projects, the ball is in the court of local authorities, who need to deliver building permits, as well as the French state which needs to "reduce the technical and administrative constraints" that make such redevelopments particularly expensive.

There is some time to resolve the issues holding back the transformations.

"The deflationary impact on the Paris region's office park will take time" to be felt, said the IEIF.

Employers will first need to define their post-pandemic remote working policies and see how much they can reduce office space. With some commercial rental agreements lasting nine years, the effect on the market will be gradual.

"There is inertia on the markets... (but) the volumes will accelerate," said Alexandre Chirier, who heads up a conversion division at Action Logement, a public-private group that builds and operates public housing.

Created last year, it aims to invest 1.5 billion euros ($1.8 billion) over three to four years to acquire office buildings and convert them into 20,000 apartments.

Chirier said care must be taken to "build a balance where accessibility, green spaces, open spaces and the quality of accommodation make people feel good."





This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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The new top-secret Unmanned Aircraft System made by the Skunk Works of Lockheed Martin might be ready for trials soon. The U.S.-made x-craft have been unequaled by its adversaries and technically superior.

It is related to such aircraft as the SR-71 Blackbird, F-117 Nighthawk, and the U-2 Dragon Lady, all top secret in classified tech. The U.S. owns these planes, and no country has replicated them, even tech stealing China.

Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works says that that they are developing a new unmanned flight vehicle called Speed Racer, which will serve as a technology demonstrator for a proprietary, end-to-end digital engineering system called StarDrive. No further details and no pics released.  Steve Trimble (@TheDEWLine) September 16, 2020

UAS 'Speed Racer' on the horizon?

While other nations like China and Russia are relying on hypersonic weapons to stop the U.S. military, US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin will conduct tests on the new robotic aircraft next-gen, way ahead of China and Russia, reported Eurasian Times. The development of Speed Racer is direct competition to less modern drones of U.S. competitors. Advanced drones will be at the forefront of tomorrow's battlefield.

It must have a top speed of mach 5. Obviously.  New year, pneu matik (@pneumatik) September 16, 2020

The center developing the high-tech drone is the Skunk Works division, also called the Advanced Development Programs. Engineers and designers of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) will be done by the secretive division, classified as hush-hush projects.

One official of the aerospace company mentioned nothing in particular and gave few details to the press. One state said the unknown and new UAS is or might be ready for testing as of this writing.

According to the source, the top-secret unmanned aircraft system 'Speed Racer' is waiting for the engine it will use. These engines are made by Technical Directions Inc. (TDI). The engine is a small turbojet engine bought by Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, said the spokeswoman.

Also read: F-15EX offered to India by the US, Even Better than F-35s in Dogfights

Kratos confirmed this morning that it will supply the jet engine for the Skunk Works' new Speed Racer UAS. https://t.co/m0IZQXjdqQ  Steve Trimble (@TheDEWLine) October 30, 2020

StarDrive, what is it?

Sources reveal that the unmanned drone will be using a new digital engineering process called StarDrive. To shorten prototype's development with an engineering process using computers to virtually make digital twins for all stages in developing the final prototype. It is considered the start of producing aircraft in shorter intervals than before, getting actual planes in the U.S. arsenal faster.

Digital engineering is imported from the civilian aerospace sector, an innovation in the development of military products. For example, many projects like the F-22 and F-35 took a long time to get from prototypes which cost more than expected. The U.S. military can get their hands-on new weapons faster and spend less that will be a great advantage.

For example, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter project was finished in twenty years that was costly. If StarDrive were available then, the F-35 would have been cheaper on personnel and money factors. Another is development time the project will change, especially in modern warfare.

With the contractor's digital engineering process, U.S. Air Force officials say that a new drone, jet fighter, will be ready in a year or so. Increased development time will give the USAF an edge that adversaries will not like, especially China.

The top-secret unmanned aircraft system called Speed Racer from Skunk Works will have a real UAS to verify its digital counterpart as the USAF modernizes to improve a faster and cheaper way to get what it needs from Lockheed Martin.

Related article: US Air Force Secret Plane Might Be the Next 6th Generation Fighter

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For many years, refugees seek help in the United States, waiting at the border to allow them to enter the country. Now, the light had been given when the United States border officials processed the first batch of asylum-seekers from San Ysidro port of entry in Southern California.

According to CBS News, the movement is a part of the current administration to wind down the Trump policy that kept tens and thousands of people from outside the United States territory. They add that the first group of migrants who were instructed to wait in Mexico for their immigration court hearings are composed of 25 Latin-American asylum seekers.

Read also: Pope Salutes Colombia for Granting Protection to Venezuelan Migrants

How were they catered?

MSN notes that a non-profit's chief executive officer, Michael Hopkins shared with them that the Jewish Family Service situated in San Diego received the asylum applicants required to test negative for the coronavirus and transported them to a nearby hotel in the area so that they can have their quarantine.

OLT News shares that the first batch of asylum seekers includes six families and five people from Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, Guatemala, and Peru. Lawyer Taylor Levy shared with OLT News the joy saying the day has been filled with hope as the public finally saw 25 people received dignity. Levy adds that it is a relief that at least for 25 people, there will be Justice and hope.

CBS News notes that the admission of the 25 asylum seekers in the state of California marks the start of the new process that the Biden administration established will aid the non-profits, international groups, and the United Nations refugee agency. This will slowly take migrants with pending remain-in-Mexico cases to stay with family and friends in the United States.

Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP)

Former President Trump's administration enacted the Migrant Protection Protocol, which led to more than 70,000 non-Mexican asylum seekers being sent back to Mexico to further wait for their court hearings in the United States. They add that many were returned to places in Northern Mexico where violence and crimes are rampant to wait for their court hearings while residing in squalid migrant tent camps.

OLT News shares that Human rights have documented 1,500 reports of kidnapping, assault, threats, rapes, and murder against migrants. Because of this, OLT news points out that the Department of Homeland and Security stopped placing asylum seekers in the MPP shortly after President Biden's inauguration, who strongly condemned the practice during his campaign.

CBS News mentions the statement of Department of Homeland and Security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, saying that with that the day of the admission marks the first step to start safely, efficiently, and humanely processing eligible individuals from the border.

With the admission of the first batch of asylum seekers who waited in Mexico, people who have to stay in the hostile environment will gradually be lessened. Moreover, the people from the border will also hope that the process will be expedited in the reign of the new administration, putting their welfare into account.

Related article: Biden Admin to Allow 25,000 Asylum-Seekers Waiting in Mexico to Enter U.S.

WATCH: In Tijuana, Biden Administration Admits First Asylum-Seekers Sent Back To Mexico from KPBS
Iran said it wont negotiate with the US until it rejoins the nuclear deal, or broaden the accord to address its missile program and regional activities, digging in to longstanding positions as a crucial deadline nears.

Once everybody implements their parts of the obligation there will be talks, and those talks will not be about changing the terms of the agreement, regional issues or missile issues. Were not going to discuss those," Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in an interview with state-run Press TV. Any negotiations with the US would have to address the need for a guarantee that Washington wont quit the deal again, Zarif added.

Iran held fast to its red lines days before it is set to bar snap international inspections of its nuclear sites. Such a move, threatened in an effort to pressure the Biden administration to reverse bruising Trump-era sanctions, is likely to make concessions by either side more difficult.

The head of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, is currently in Tehran to discuss the matter with officials. Zarif said the restriction of nuclear inspections, meant to start from Feb. 23, will also mean the UN body will no longer have access to camera footage of its nuclear sites.

On Friday, Iran rebuffed an offer from the Biden administration to meet to discuss a diplomatic way forward."

Zarif said Iran would return to full compliance with the original terms of the deal the minute" the US officially rejoins, adding that Iran will continue to increase its stockpile of 20% enriched uranium as long as Washington isnt part of the deal.

The enhanced enrichment, undertaken in retaliation for the US withdrawal from the deal, could service Irans energy and medical programs, but could also be a step toward building a bomb.

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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1 Dead, 4 Injured in MO American Legion Shooting

By The Associated Press

KENNETT - One person died and four others were wounded in an overnight shooting at an American Legion club in southeast Missouri, police said Sunday.

KAIT-TV reported that officers found the five victims at the American Legion building in Kennett following the report of the shooting before 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

Two people were flown to a hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in critical condition. Two other victims were being treated at local hospitals.

No arrests were reported immediately Sunday morning in connection with the shooting.

The American Legion Post 66 building is located near the Delta Fairgrounds in Kennett, a city of about 10,000 people in Missouri's bootheel, roughly 100 miles north of Memphis, Tennessee. The building is available to rent, and Kennett Mayor Chancellor Wayne told the Delta Dunklin Democrat that a private party was being held there Saturday night.

Police said no additional details on the shooting were available Sunday morning. A man who answered one phone number for the American Legion post Sunday said he didn't know anything about the shooting before hanging up. There was no immediate response to a message left by The Associated Press at a second phone number for the facility.

The Missouri State Patrol and Dunklin County Sheriff's office are helping with the investigation.
Were looking at an outdoor summer," the chair of Nphets epidemiological modelling advisory group, has warned.

Philip Nolan also said that although the progress in driving Covid numbers down has stalled, our extremely efficacious vaccines offer significant hope for the future and he predicted reaching below 100 cases per day "sometime" in April.

Were looking at an outdoor summer if I can be blunt Mr Nolan said. Were looking at a summer where we socialise outdoors as best we can, we make the most of the outdoors. We continue to limit the number of social contacts that we have but not to as low a number as we have now.

He said that holidaying at home is advised again this year but added: "The vaccination programme brings enormous hope. the darkest hour is the hour before dawn. As we vaccinate the population things will get easier."

Mr Nolan said Ireland is now essentially dealing with a completely new virus, since the B117 strain gained dominance, so the Government and Nphet must once again carefully plan and monitor any easing of public health restrictions.

Every transmission is an opportunity for the virus to mutate and create a new, harder-to-treat variant, so suppressing transmission on the island as we roll out our vaccination programme is key to preventing new variants, he added.

The progress in terms of suppressing the virus has slowed but were still suppressing the virus, he told RTE Radio.

"Were at a seven-day average of about 800 cases a day. A week ago that was 930, a week before that, 1,050. The progress has slowed primarily because of the dominance of the more transmissible B117 variant."

If we continue to make progress at the rate we are, well be on track to reach below 100 cases sometime in April.

We need to keep going, remain hopeful that we can continue to suppress the virus but it is going to take time. Its the reality."

He warned people to be extremely vigilant as students tentatively return to their classrooms.

Its true that any increased activity, any reopening, carries risks," he said.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that there is not a spillover from the reopening of schools into increased social mixing of parents on the margins of that.

Its very tempting, its very possible, but we have to say to people to be very cautious not to offer the virus an opportunity to transmit while essentially youre bringing your kids to school.

"The nation must then examine what other high-return, low-risk activities and industries can return over the coming months."

He said it is inappropriate to lay out timelines or target infection rates that could indicate that certain restrictions would lift.

We simply cant know that. Were dealing essentially with a new virus, the B117. So both Nphet and government have to cautiously do things  in that context."

We are going to focus on whats important to our society, whats important to mental health.

The reality is that outdoors is safer than indoors, the reality is that some level of mixing of households is required for us all to stay sane into the summer.

Sectors like retail and construction would be logically first on the list to reopen when were at safer levels of viral prevalence, he said.
Judge Garland mirrored that sentiment in his prepared remarks, which the Justice Department released late Saturday. The department was founded in the aftermath of the Civil War, he will say, and the first attorney general led a concerted battle to protect Black voting rights from the violence of white supremacists, successfully prosecuting hundreds of cases against members of the Ku Klux Klan.

That mission remains urgent because we do not yet have equal justice, Judge Garland is expected to say. Communities of color and other minorities still face discrimination in housing, education, employment and the criminal justice system.

If confirmed as attorney general, Judge Garland will inherit a Justice Department that was deeply demoralized under President Donald J. Trump and his attorney general William P. Barr. Mr. Trump viewed the department as hostile toward him, treating it as either an enemy to be thwarted or a power to be wielded against his political enemies.

Mr. Barrs tenure was largely shaped by the perception that he advanced the presidents personal and political agenda at the expense of the departments independence, through actions such as undercutting its own inquiry into Russia and the Trump campaign. And his former deputies say that he was reluctant to take into account the recommendations of the department's career employees, particularly on issues of interest to Mr. Trump.

The Trump administration was also considered openly combative toward the departments mission to defend civil rights, as it worked to curb civil rights protections for transgender people, dismantle affirmative-action-related policies in college admissions and do away with tools that people of color have used to change rules that effectively discriminate against them in housing, education and employment.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21)  At least five people, including four minors were confirmed dead in a fire that razed the Parola Compound in Tondo, Manila late Saturday evening.

Authorities confirmed with CNN Philippines that the fatalities were identified as Jake Loyola, 37, and his children of ages three and eight. Two others, aged 10 and 12, also died in the fire.

The fire reached first alarm at 11:53 p.m Saturday. It reached second alarm at midnight on Sunday and third alarm seven minutes after.

The blaze had reached fourth alarm by 1:49 a.m. and was declared under control at 5:04 a.m. It was put out at 6:11 a.m.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident.

This story will be updated.
It sounded so ambitious at first blush: 100 million vaccination shots in 100 days.

Now, one month into his presidency, Joe Biden is on a glide path to attain that goal and pitching well beyond it to the far more ambitious and daunting mission of vaccinating all eligible adults against the coronavirus by the end of the summer.

Limited supply of the two approved COVID-19 vaccines has hampered the pace of vaccinations  and that was before extreme winter weather delayed the delivery of about 6 million doses this past week. But the United States is on the verge of a supply breakthrough as manufacturing ramps up and with the expectation of a third vaccine becoming available in the coming weeks.

That means the act of delivering injections will soon be the dominant constraint, and it's prompting the Biden administration to push to dramatically expand the universe of those who will deliver injections and where Americans will meet them to get their shots.

Its one thing to have the vaccine, and its very different to get it in someones arms, Biden said Friday as he toured Pfizers manufacturing plant in Portage, Michigan. The company is set to double its pace of vaccine deliveries in the coming weeks.

Since their approval in December, more than 75 million doses of the two-shot-regimen Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have been distributed, of which 63 million have been injected, reaching 13% of Americans. Nearly 45 million of those doses have been administered since Bidens inauguration on Jan. 20.

The pace of deliveries of those vaccines is about to take off. About 125 million doses are set for delivery in the next five weeks, with an additional 200 million expected by the end of May and a further 200 million by the end of July.

That's before the anticipated approval by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use of a third vaccine, from Johnson & Johnson. The single-dose J&J vaccine is expected to help speed the path to immunity and requires half the vaccination resources of the two-shot regimens. But there is no massive stockpile of J&J doses ready to roll out on Day One.

"Were going to be starting with only a few million in inventory, White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said this past week. Still, when combined with the anticipated increases in the other vaccines, the J&J doses could prove the pivotal advance in delivering enough shots for nearly all American adults by the end of June, at least a month earlier than currently anticipated.

The daily inoculation average climbed to 1.7 million shots per day last week, but as many as double that number of doses are soon expected to be available on average each day. The focus of Bidens team is now quickly shifting to ensuring those doses can get used, though the administration has resisted the calls of some health experts to publicly set a moonshot target for how many daily doses it hopes to deliver.

Biden first set his target of 100 million doses in 100 days on Dec. 8, days before the first vaccines received emergency use authorization. By Inauguration Day, it was clear the U.S. was on course to attain that goal.

Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University, said she would like to see the administration commit to a more ambitious 3 million shot-per-day target.

I want to see them put that stake in the ground and ask everyone to help them achieve that goal, she said.

The current pace of vaccination dipped markedly in recent days as winter weather shuttered administration sites in Texas and across the South, and icy conditions stranded supplies at shipping hubs in Louisville, Kentucky and Memphis, Tennessee.

One-third of the delayed doses have already been delivered, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease specialist, announced Sunday. The White House anticipates that remaining delayed doses will be injected by March 1 and that the daily pace of vaccinations will continue to climb.

Much of the increase, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, comes from people receiving their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. The pace of first-dose vaccinations, meanwhile, has been largely steady over the past several weeks, hovering around an average of 900,000 shots per day.

Increasing both the rate of first-dose administrations and the rate of overall vaccinations will be key to achieving herd immunity  estimated to require vaccination of about 80% of the population  in hopes of ending the pandemic and curtailing the emergence of potentially even more dangerous mutant" strains of the coronavirus.

That means keeping demand high. The administration has expressed concerns about public surveys showing that tens of millions of Americans are reluctant to get the vaccine and it is stepping up public outreach to overcome that hesitancy as the U.S. death toll nears 500,000  a terribly historic milestone in the history of this country, as Fauci put it, and were still not out of it.

Dr. Cyrus Shahpar, the White House COVID-19 data director, said in an interview that the administration is focused on going out to communities and making sure people know these vaccines are safe and how they can get them, with a goal of vaccinating nearly all Americans,.

The administration has also turned its focus toward identifying new delivery paths for the vaccines beyond those already used by states, including federally run mass vaccination sites, smaller community health centers and retail pharmacies. The White House's goal is to stand up the sites now so that they will be ready to handle the influx of vaccine in the coming weeks.

They can push a lot more volume through those channels, through those big box stores, through the community health centers, Scott Gottlieb, a former Trump administration FDA commissioner, told MSNBC on Friday. He praised the Biden administration for setting up those sites in advance.

The Pentagon, at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has started deploying thousands of active-duty troops to open mass vaccination centers across the country, with plans in place for as many as 100 sites capable of delivering 450,000 doses per day. The first of those facilities opened this past week in California, with locations in Texas and New York due to open in the coming days.

We always knew along the way we would have to provide predominantly federally supported sites, FEMA's acting administrator, Robert Fenton, said this past week, describing the initial locations as a pilot for the larger deployment. These will continue to grow as supply comes onboard.

The administration also rolled out the federal pharmacy program that had initially been announced by the Trump White House. It has delivered doses directly to chains such as CVS and Walgreens, leveraging existing distribution chains for injections like the flu vaccine.

Governors, along with the CDC, identified specific retail chains to begin administering the vaccines in their states, with an eye on reaching underserved communities and also testing the pharmacies capacity to scale up injections.

In its first four days of operation, with about 15% of pharmacies nationwide participating, the pharmacy program administered more than 700,000 of the initial 1 million doses per week allotted by the federal government. That led the White House to quickly double it to 2 million doses this coming week.

Further increases are likely, as the White House monitors the pharmacies' capacity to deliver injections. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores estimates its members alone have the capability to deliver more than 3 million doses per day.

The additional federal channels for delivering inoculations have drawn some grumbling from governors who want even more vaccines to flow through their state allocations. That figure has risen from fewer than 9 million doses per week to 13.5 million in Bidens first weeks in office.

Everyone wants more vaccines, said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Mich., I do know that the continuous increase is great news for all of us.

The more ways we can bring the opportunities online the better, she added.
In the past few years, Vietnam has achieved important milestones in the process of promoting the digital economy.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized focusing on innovation, promoting national digital transformation, and developing digital economy and digital society" in his remarks at the opening session of the 13th Party Congress.

This is one of the major orientations covering important development issues of the country in the next 10 years. The General Secretary said that it is necessary to strongly and effectively reform the growth model, restructure the economy, and accelerate industrialization and modernization on the basis of science and technology, innovation and high quality human resources.

Positive moves

The draft political report and draft economic report both set a high goal: digital economy will account for about 20% of Vietnams GDP in 2021-2025 and about 30% of GDP by 2030.

The demand to build a digital economy is emphasized in the country's strategic development direction in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic changing everyday activities.

The trend of digital transformation in the economy, in businesses and daily life has emerged in Vietnam in recent years, especially after the promulgation of the Politburo's resolution 52-NQ/TW on a number of policies on Vietnams active participation in the 4th Industrial Revolution.

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the structure of global and regional markets, encouraging enterprises to conduct more thoroughly the transition to a digital economy. The government has moved positively to digital government to be compatible with business efforts.

In June 2020, the Prime Minister approved Decision No.749/QD-TTg on "National digital transformation program to 2025, with orientation to 2030". The program points out specific objectives and solutions for each sector and each field.

In the past few years, Vietnam has achieved important milestones in the process of promoting the digital economy.

Vietnam is one of the first countries in the world to develop a 5G network. Vietnam stands out for digital advancement in the Asia-Pacific region as assessed by GSMA Intelligence.

With an average rate of 27% in the 2015-2020 period, Google, Temasek and Brain & Company ranked Vietnam second in ASEAN in terms of digital economic growth, with the digital economy estimated at around $14 billion in 2020.

General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized focusing on innovation, promoting national digital transformation, and developing digital economy and digital society". Photo: VNA

Seizing opportunities

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused an explosion in demand for Internet use from the Vietnamese people. All Internet-based industries grew strongly in 2020 compared to the previous year: e-commerce rose 46%, and online communication 18%. Investment in the Internet industry last year also exploded, with 151 transactions worth $935 million.

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Vietnam ranked 42 out of 131 countries and economies, holding the first position in the group of 29 countries with the same income level in the global innovation index.

The e-government model has developed very quickly, including services connected to the National Public Service Portal and National Single Window system. Seven out of 12 ministries have provided online public services at level 3 and level 4. More than 99% of active enterprises performed online tax declarations and tax payments.

There are also other services and pilot platforms to support businesses on digital platforms, such as online dispute resolutions.

These preliminary results are very encouraging, promising a faster and more substantial digital transformation in the country.

The Covid-19 pandemic has seriously affected the world and its consequences will last for many years. However, the pandemic has also created great opportunities for the development of the digital economy. Science and technology is developing rapidly, and the fourth industrial revolution and the digital economy have become major development trends of the era.

Vietnam will make a breakthrough if it grasps this opportunity and catches up with this trend.

Lan Anh

Digital transformation will help realize the aspiration to develop the country: expert Mai Liem Truc, former Deputy Minister of Posts and Telematics, believes that technology and digital transformation is the key to robust growth.
Peter Mandelson assured the Chinese PM that critics of Beijing's human-rights record would be 'proved wrong' during a lobbying meeting on behalf of rich clients.

The Labour peer, who has been advising party leader Sir Keir Starmer on how to boost his poll ratings, told the meeting of business leaders and Chinese officials that Premier Li Keqiang 'would not be hearing complaints from the European side today'  despite mounting international criticism of China's authoritarian rule and alleged cover-up of the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

Minutes of the February 5 meeting, which have been leaked to The Mail on Sunday, said: 'With one side [UK] missing any governmental representation, Peter Mandelson acted in that role.'

Peter Mandelson (pictured) assured the Chinese PM that critics of Beijing's human-rights record would be 'proved wrong'

The minutes said Lord Mandelson, who played senior roles in Tony Blair's administrations and was known as the 'Prince of Darkness', made opening remarks which were agreed with business participants in advance.

They included 'a reference to the changing political atmosphere, with 'a movement questioning the West's relationship with China' and China's desire to be a genuine long-run partner in the international system'.

Lord Mandelson, 67, said: 'We are confident that China can prove them wrong.'

The meeting with Mr Li and other senior members of the Chinese government was jointly convened by Lord Mandelson's lobbying company, Global Counsel, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

It included contributions from HSBC chairman Mark Tucker, Prudential chief executive Mike Wells and Rio Tinto chairman Simon Thompson.

Lord Mandelson is closely associated with the 48 Group, an organisation dedicated to promoting trade between China and the UK.

Mandelson said Premier Li Keqiang (pictured) 'would not be hearing complaints from the European side today'

A book published last year, called Hidden Hand: Exposing How The Chinese Communist Party Is Reshaping The World, described the 48 Group as a networking hub 'through which Beijing grooms Britain's elites'.

The book's authors said: 'So entrenched are the [Chinese] influence networks among British elites that Britain has passed the point of no return and any attempt to extricate itself from Beijing's orbit would probably fail.'

Under Lord Mandelson's chairmanship, the meeting skirted around international criticism of the regime and instead discussed how 'China and Europe can work together to do things more innovatively and better, using improved business models and technologies'.

A spokesman for Global Counsel said: 'You have received a partial account of Lord Mandelson's opening statement at this meeting. Lord Mandelson said, 'We are offering each other a lot already. You will not be hearing complaints from us today  instead, how we can do things innovatively and better', and 'We realise the political climate is not perfect. There is a movement questioning the West's relationship with China. They will call out China's foreign policies and adherence to international rules and norms so as to claim that China does not want to be a long-term partner with the West in the international system. We are confident that China can prove them wrong.' '

The spokesman added: 'At no point did Lord Mandelson take up a role associated with or representative of the UK Government.'

https://www.aish.com/h/purim/t/Purims-Lesson-on-How-to-Defeat-the-Enemy-Keep-Calm-and-Carry-On.html

A year ago we put on masks for Purim and haven't taken them off. Dont panic.

While Purim is normally one of the happiest days on our calendar, this year it will mark a sobering milestone. Purim will essentially mark a full year of living through a pandemic that has radically changed our lives. While we are beyond grateful for the progress with treatments and vaccinations, the return to some sense of normalcy doesnt seem imminent.

In ordinary times, when we meet someone, we shake their hand.The history of thehandshakedates back to the 5th century BCE in Greece. Shaking someones hand showed you werent approaching with a weapon.It was a gesture to communicate that you came in peace, that you posed no threat.

During this pandemic, handshaking came to symbolize a simple threat. Its now a year since we last shook hands, a year since we hugged anyone outside of our immediate family, a year of distancing from people we want to feel close to.

Who knew a year ago that when we put on a mask for Purim, we would still be wearing a mask a full year later?How can we not be anxious for this to finally end, frustrated by how long it has gone on, and concerned with how uncertain the future is?

Towards the ends of the Scroll of Esther, we are told that the days chosen to celebrate the holiday of Purim were selected because these were the days the Jewish people rested from their enemies.

Isnt that a peculiar way of choosing a holiday? Shouldnt it be designated based on when theydefeatedtheir enemy, were victorious over their enemy? Why because they found peace and rest from their enemy?

An answer lies in a closer look at how the Torah describes Amalek, the arch-enemy of the Jewish people, Hamans forefathers. Amalek wanted to eliminate the Jews entirely.The nations methodology is not limited to physically attacking, overpowering, and destroying. Amalek is also satisfied with crushing our spirit, with breaking our faith.

The Torah tells us that the attack from Amalek was unexpected.The people werent prepared.Amalek came suddenly, from behind, and startled them. Amalek thrives by confusing their enemy, by evoking a sense of panic and hysteria in their opponent.When they create a paranoia, instill a fear and worry, when they deprive the Jewish people of a sense of tranquility and serenity, they have essentially accomplished their goal; they have won.

The exile of Persia in which the Purim story takes place is characterized by chaos, craziness, frenzy, and hysteria.

The exile of Persia in which the Purim story takes place is characterized by chaos, craziness, frenzy, and hysteria.When they come to get Haman to bring him to Esthers party, the Megillah saysthey scramble to bring him,  they rush and come suddenly and hurriedly.The exile of Persia ischaracterized as confusion, panic. The power of Amalek is to take away ones peace of mind, to be a disrupter.This was Hamans goal. As the Book of Esther says, Haman had plotted to destroy the Jews, and had castpurthat is, the lotwith intent to confuse, complicate, disrupt, destroy and exterminate them.

There is an Amalek energy in each of us, a negative voice that says, Panic! Be hysterical, have no peace of mind, be anxious, worried and deprived of happiness and calmness.

We defeat the Amalek around us and the Amalek within us when we find the capacity to show faith, to stay calm, and to carry on with confidence. Says Rabbi Avraham Schorr, that is why the sages made the holiday of Purim not directly correspond with the physical defeat of Haman, but specifically when we rested, when we our serenity was restored and we found a way to be calm, to live with confidence, to have a peace of mind, to find faith, no matter what.

Panicking, becoming frantic, worrying about what is, what will be, stressing over things that we cannot control, is the influence of Amalek. Its the voice of our enemy who seeks to deprive us of happiness, to rob us of serenity.It is not who we are and who we can be. We are Jews of deep faith. We believe in taking our initiative, making our effort, and then relying on our Creator.

As challenging as these times have been and remain, we should not forfeit our lives and our happiness in the very month in which we are told to be happier than ever, to have greater confidence and trust, to believe there is something so much bigger than ourselves and therefore to find the capacity to stay calm.

In 1939, in preparation for World War II and in an effort to raise the morale of the British public, the British government printed 2.5 million copies of a poster to be hung in all the major cities in England. It displayed a simple message that still resonates 70+ years later:Keep Calmand Carry On.

There is still so much we cannot control, so many variables we cannot predict.One of the few things we can regulate is our peace of mind.

As we come up on a year of wearing a mask, let us make an extra effort to be mindful of the impact of Amalek-type thinking on our lives, and pledge no matter what, to Keep Calm and Carry On.
Italy on Sunday marked the anniversary of the country's first coronavirus case. Mourners gathered at San Biagio Church in Codogno, where a special memorial service was taking place.

It was at a hospital in Codogno, a year ago to the day, that an Italian man aged 38 was confirmed as having the virus - the first known locally-transmitted case outside Asia.

In the year since the first case was identified, Italy has lost more than 95,000 people to the virus, the second-highest death toll in Europe. More COVID-19 anniversary commemorations were scheduled across the country on Sunday.

Image: AP

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
I thought only woodland creatures hibernated for winter, but apparently petite actresses do too.

Emma Watson has gone 'dormant' according to her agent. That appears to be movie-speak for she's 'given up acting'.

I can reveal the Harry Potter star, who has been famous since she was nine, has decided to step back from the limelight to spend time with rumoured fiance Leo Robinton, who she's been dating for 18 months.

My source says: 'Emma has gone underground, she is settling down with Leo. They're laying low. Maybe she wants a family.'

Emma Watson has gone 'dormant' according to her agent. That appears to be movie-speak for she's 'given up acting'. Pictured: Watson in LA on February 4

The Harry Potter star, who has been famous since she was nine, has decided to step back from the limelight to spend time with rumoured fiance Leo Robinton, who she's been dating for 18 months

I understand that for several weeks until January, Emma, 30, and Leo  who reportedly makes a fortune selling legal cannabis in LA  secretly lived in Ibiza where she would spend mornings reading the papers over smoothies at a vegan cafe.

She is now in LA, where a picture was taken this month, but her publicist confirms her career is 'dormant' and she 'is not taking on new commitments'.

Rege-Jean is a work of art

Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page could find himself permanently ensconced in his character's stately home.

The hunk, who played the Duke of Hastings, has had his portrait painted and the artist intends to hang it at Castle Howard, where the series is shot.

Creator Michelle Pearson Cooper, wife of chocolate heir Justin Cadbury, says: 'I hope one day it will hang there, though I'd also like to keep him for myself.'

Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page could find himself permanently ensconced in his character's stately home. Pictured: The portrait

Netflix is ramping up Covid security on the next series of Bridgerton after the first was delayed by a major outbreak which struck down Polly Walker, who plays the indomitable Lady Portia Featherington.

Like many, I am waiting with bated breath to find out what became of Portia, the juiciest female character, whose husband died at the end of the last series, leaving her penniless.

So I do hope Polly has recovered and producers will be able to prevent another virus outbreak and potential delay.

My source tells me that Polly tested positive, as did some members of the crew.

I wouldn't mind if that scandal sheet authoress Lady Whistledown got struck down, though she's the competition!
Nothing is more exciting right now than the ring of the doorbell and a package of new clothes arriving.

With our High Streets shuttered, filling virtual shopping baskets is the only way to get a hit of much-needed retail therapy.

Yes, we're still buying loungewear  that trend isn't going away any time soon  but we're also starting to add other, more upbeat, pieces to our baskets.

We want to smarten up our spring WFH look, we want a raincoat for April showers, and we're starting to think about what we'll wear for all those picnics in the park, and barbecues we're hoping to enjoy this summer.

But, as the pandemic lurches on, the crisis in the fashion industry deepens. London Fashion Week, usually a key trading week, has been reduced to a digital-only affair, with eerie, audience-less catwalks streaming online.

Covid has seen high street stores shut, and it is a vital time to support the industry and British brands, including The Fold (above, brand's blouse, 205, skirt 225, and shoes, 325)

It draws to a close tomorrow, with homegrown heroes like Christopher Kane and Victoria Beckham absent from the schedule.

With High Street institutions disappearing and thousands of retail jobs being lost, there has never been a better time to support British fashion.

And as we move away from cheap fast-fashion in favour of a more considered wardrobe  where 'value' is cost-per-wear  British brands come into their own, with quality fabrics and timeless designs.

So, from heritage heroes to unsung independents, it's time to get shopping. Here's where to start...

INVESTMENT JEANS

a great, well-made pair will last years. Donna Ida (donnaida.com), founded in 2012 by Donna Ida Thornton, does fantastically flattering high-waisted jeans (from 185), and you can shop by body shape.

M.i.h Jeans (mih-jeans.com) is another female-led denim brand. Founded by Chloe Lonsdale in 2006, its M.i.h Originals collection (from 195) features five best-selling styles from high-rise flares to the straight-cut Daily Jean.

M.i.h Jeans is a female-led denim brand and its M.i.h Originals collection features five best-selling styles including high-rise flares (above, lou jeans, 225)

Welsh label Hiut Denim Co (hiutdenim.co.uk) was founded by David and Clare Hieatt. For almost 40 years their hometown, Cardigan, had a factory that made jeans for M&S  until 2002 when production moved to Morocco, the factory closed and 400 people lost their jobs.

So, in 2011, the couple launched Hiut Denim Co. Their jeans (from 155) are crafted by local women who've been making jeans all their working lives, and they offer free repairs for life.

LUXE LOUNGEWEAR

After a year of lockdowns, we know grotty leggings and a threadbare sweater don't make you feel great.

Hush (hush-uk.com) has been making stylish loungewear since 2003, when founder Mandy Watkins started the company from her kitchen table.

For joggers, slouchy jumpers, and cosy knitted hoodies (from 49) they can't be beaten  in neutrals as well as soft corals, marine blues and sea greens.

Ninety Percent (ninety percent.com) is a London-based sustainable womenswear label that shares 90 per cent of its profits with charity. Co-founders Para Hamilton and Shafiq Hassan launched in 2018, focusing on pared back, luxury basics.

Hush (hush-uk.com) has been making stylish loungewear (above, 65 hoodie) since 2003, when founder Mandy Watkins started the company from her kitchen table

Organic cotton tops (from 38) and sweatpants (from 95) come in a simple palette of navy, grey marl, off-white and blush pink.

The 'bed to street' ethos behind Les Girls Les Boys (lesgirlsles boys.com) couldn't be more fitting for these times.

Creative director Serena Rees, who co-founded lingerie label Agent Provocateur, has created a collection of unisex, mix-and-match organic cotton sweatshirts, trackpants and hoodies (from 85) in raspberry, khaki, black and grey.

STATEMENT DRESSES

For mood-enhancing, feminine dresses, you can't go wrong with Rixo (rixo.co.uk).

With vibrant hand-painted prints, the collection of flowing midi dresses (from 225) are created by design duo and best friends Orla McCloskey and Henrietta Rix, who launched the label in 2015.

Filling the gap between High Street and luxury fashion, Maidenhead-based Emily Holmes-Naden launched Spirit & Grace (spiritandgrace.co.uk) only last year. Her floaty, printed wrap dresses (145) with balloon sleeves and subtle ruffling are elegant and effortless.

For mood-enhancing dresses, you can't go wrong with Rixo. The brand's midi dresses (above, 275 dress and bag, 175) are created by design duo Orla McCloskey and Henrietta Rix

For romantic, prairie-style dresses  with lots of forgiving volume  Meadows (meadows-store.com) has long-sleeved, midi and maxi styles in 100 per cent cotton (from 170) with pretty embroidery, tiered hems and smocked cuffs, all designed by Central St Martins graduate Louise Markey.

SOFT TAILORING

The days of buttoned-up office wear are a distant memory  now we want WFH wardrobes that offer smart comfort.

ME+EM (meandem.com) have nailed it, with fluid blouses and silk shirts (from 95) and softly tailored trousers (from 59).

With Nothing Underneath (with nothingunderneath.com) reimagines a classic men's shirt for women.

Founded by former Vogue stylist Pip Durell, her signature Boyfriend shirt (85) in organic cotton or linen has an oversized cut which looks good with trousers or jeans. You can add bespoke monogramming, too.

With Nothing Underneath, founded by former Vogue stylist Pip Durell, reimagines a classic men's shirt for women (pictured, 95 linen shirt)

Striking that tricky smart-casual note, Paisie (paisie.com) has a workwear edit (from 55) of belted jersey jumpsuits, balloon-sleeved blouses and flowing wide-leg trousers.

Founded in 2021 by London-based Kate Yiu and Vicky Ng, both Central Saint Martins alumnae, they offer 20 per cent off to frontline workers.

The Fold (thefoldlondon.com) launched in 2011, creating contemporary workwear for women; after the pandemic hit, founder Polly McMaster pivoted her collection, surveying 8,000 businesswomen to find out what they want in our 'new normal'.

The site has an edit of 'Zoom-Ready Tops' (from 185) and 'elevated casuals', like four-way stretch twill trousers (175) that have the comfort of leggings but the smartness of tailoring.

ME+EM have nailed working-from-home comfort, with silk shirts and softly tailored trousers (pictured, 135 shirt, trousers, 115, and shoes, 195)

COOL COATS

A waxed jacket from Barbour (barbour.com) is the ultimate in British outerwear (from 199).

The 127-year-old brand is still in the Barbour family  now on the fifth generation  and the headquarters remain in the North East. Barbour's latest collaboration with Alexa Chung reimagines classic equestrian styles for the city.

For raincoats, 40-year-old family-run Cornish company Seasalt (seasaltcornwall.co.uk) is the ultimate brand.

Their hooded raincoats (150) go up to size 28, come with fully taped seams, poppered cuffs and a peaked detachable hood with adjusters to protect your face. Frontline workers get a discount.

A waxed jacket from Barbour, a e 127-year-old brand, is the ultimate in British outerwear (above, 249 coat)

QUALITY KNITS

Created by cousins and knitwear obsessives Anna Singh and Rachael Wood, Chinti & Parker (chintiand parker.com) does fun, playful knits in sustainably sourced cashmere and merino wool (from 195).

Think polka dots, slogans and stripes in lilacs, pinks, royal blues and mango yellow.

For modern neutrals, Navygrey (navygrey.co) produces 'good jumpers, made better', says founder Rachel Carvell-Spedding, who was inspired by an old jumper of her mother's that lasted more than 20 years.

Chinti & Parker does fun, playful knits in sustainably sourced cashmere and merino wool, completed with slogans and bright colours (above, 195 cashmere jumper)

Made from sustainable, ethically sourced wool, the sweaters , roll-necks and cardis (from 165) are keep-forever classics.

SMART BAGS

Been London (been. london) is run by an all-female team headed by former BBC journalist Genia Mineeva.

The bags are handmade in London from recycled leather off-cuts or 'fruit leathers' (made of processed apple cores or pineapple leaves).

The rectangular cross-body bags (139) fit essentials perfectly.

Orders are packed and shipped by a social enterprise that employs Londoners with learning disabilities.

Twenty per cent of e Cambridge Satchel Company's profits from its QEST collection are donated to a charity that funds apprenticeships for crafts (above, 145 bag)

If you want real leather, Weald (wealdhandmade.co.uk) creates unfussy crossbody bags (from 89), which are either press cut in Leicester or hand cut by Weald founder Sarah Barlow in Leigh-on-Sea.

The bags are stitched and finished by hand and have free repairs for life.

Julie Deane founded The Cambridge Satchel Company (cambridgesatchel.com), which makes all its bags in Leicestershire, with 20 per cent of profits from its QEST collection donated to a charity that funds apprenticeships for crafts, nurturing a new generation of talent.
The sharp decline in cases in has been dramatic and perplexed many, as it is contrary to the early modelling, which had predicted millions of deaths due to Covid-19.

September 2020 was the worst month during the pandemic, when daily caseload jumped past the 90,000-mark and hovered close to 1 lakh cases for many days, along with scores of deaths. Many believed that the pandemic will spiral out of control and unleash havoc in most urban centres, which are densely populated.

By December last year, aided by the scaled-up testing infrastructure, the decline in Covid-19 cases emerged as the new phenomenon. Theories were floated that the pandemic is beginning to retreat in a country, which was predicted to be badly hit by the virus.

For example, in Delhi, which was termed as the hotbed of coronavirus, especially following the spike in cases post Divali, the impact of the virus began to taper off, with the capital recently recording sero deaths due to Covid after a gap of 10 months.

Delhi was not isolated in experiencing a decline in cases, as a similar trend emerged almost all over the country. Beginning February, was recording on an average 10,000 cases daily. But something is very peculiar about this decline, which appears to be unsteady, as cases abruptly begin to emerge in many states.

Raman Gangakhedkar, former deputy director of ICMR and an epidemiologist, said: "So far, we are not close to herd immunity (which means 75 per cent of the population has been infected by the virus). Sero survey showed that merely 22 per cent people were infected. Therefore, a large part of the population is still vulnerable."

He added that after all the restrictions are removed, and life rolls back to normal, people will be exposed to the infection and also be vulnerable to the virus.

"People need to adopt Covid appropriate behaviour, as lockdown cannot be imposed for forever. We need to adopt a decentralised approach to open schools and colleges," said Gangakhedkar.

This emerging trend of the pandemic is getting more convoluted, with the seven-day rolling average of daily Covid cases registering a rise for four consecutive days for the first time in nearly three months.

Maharashtra, the worst hit state by the virus in the country, contributed to a chunk of the Covid-19 cases in the last one week, hinting at the re-emergence of the pandemicin the state.

The seven-day average was 11,430 last weekend which rose to 11,825 on February 18. In comparison to the September spike, the rise in cases is negligible. But most importantly, the period when Covid cases nosedived has been replaced by gradual increase in cases.

November 19 onwards, more than 40,000 cases were registered everyday, then a month later these cases were halved. On Thursday, 13,179 fresh cases were reported, which was the highest in more than two weeks.

This week, Maharashtra for the first time reported more than 5,000 cases after a gap of 75 days. Similarly, the cases are beginning to increase in Kerala, Punjab and other states too.

"In Maharashtra and Kerala, I think the people are taking too much comfort and they may have dropped their guard. Though the gradual decline is encouraging (especially in densely populated hotspots, where maybe 50 per cent have got the infection), but it does not mean the pandemic has gone away," said Rakesh Mishra, Director at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad.

Mishra added that there is a possibility that the correct situation is not being reflected. "Rapid antigen tests are not accurate, they miss up to 50 per cent, and if replaced by RT-PCR, which is more accurate, the accuracy gets increased by 20 per cent. The crowd in hospitals confirm that cases are less and there is a general decrease in positivity over the weeks. However, it does not look like that the pandemic will be over soon," he added.

The query that emerges is whether there is a possibility of a second wave of Covid-19 emerging in the summer or the monsoon season.

K. Srinath Reddy, President of the Public Health Foundation of India, a Delhi-based think-tank, said: "That will depend on three factors: How many susceptible persons are exposing themselves by not following Covid appropriate behaviour; how many persons are vaccinated by then and whether more infectious mutants of the virus, imported or home grown, have gained opportunities to spread wide and wild."

Reddy added that he hopes that the country will fare well in these to effectively contain the transmission, though the possibility of a fresh wave remains a threat.

Scientists and doctors have unequivocally emphasised on maintaining Covid appropriate behaviour and urged people not to drop their guard against the virus, as the pandemic is far from getting over.

(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.)
Featuring items from the Eirfield Art Studio Lodge in The Curragh, art from a private collector, and the contents of a Limerick home are among the lots going under the digital hammer on February 27.

Taking place online at easyliveauctions.com, the full catalogue is available to view on seaneacrettantiques.ie ahead of the February 27 auction date and bids can be made online.

According to auctioneer Sean Eacrett, it may seem easy to dismiss a vast collection of household furniture and bric-a-brac as old tat, but Eacrett would advise that the devil is in the detail - and the value is also.

A County Limerick house contents is such a case in point. For auction online with Sean Eacrett on February 27 of this month, a good portion of the 900 or so lots were turned down by several auction houses until the Laois auctioneer was approached to take a closer look.

There are at least nine or ten good quality items in this collection from Co Limerick, Sean says. Not least an early twentieth century Chinese Chippendale style mahogany display cabinet.

Sean Eacrett estimates the cabinet (pictured Lot 634) could fetch up to 5,000 in the online auction.

I think this may be a cabinet from Hicks of Dublin possibly turn of the century much sought after middle generation. It is not signed but that was common to Hicks of that time, it has all the features of the middle generation Hicks cabinets.

The highly glazed top is standing on carved tapered supports and a pergola stretcher base. Estimated c 1890 - 1910. It should adorn some stately home. (W 153 X D 48 X H 260).

A considerable collection from the Newbridge Presentation Brothers, originally of Ballyfin Demesne, will also go under the hammer on February 27.

Religion still sells, affirms Eacrett, describing lot 290 as a really good carved timber statue of Jesus with painted and gilt decoration, estimated at 200-300. (125h x 32w with accompanying timber statue of Our lady).

No monastery is complete without a refectory and there are ten to twelve any dinner services in porcelain and pottery, most complete. (Example Lot 463, 131 pieces approx.)

The February 27 online auction includes items from the Eirfield Art Studio Lodge in The Curragh on the estate of Sir Edmund and Lady Loader, along with art from a private collector.

The Laois based auctioneer says that in the housebound pandemic times there is a brisk trade in online auction bidding by retail clients who then sell on to sites such as Facebooks Marketplace. It is not only GameStop and Bitcoin that is attracting the armchair dealer.

Eacrett references the example of one retired couple with an interest in antiques having completely sold out of what they bought from him at their previous online auction.

Eacrett emphasises that if you are to try this yourself, always ask for a condition report on the item; as all auctioneers are obliged to provide one. For example, on Easylive.com auctions there is a button which says, ask a question about this item or enquire about this lot. The information will then be put up on the site for public view.

As people have a lot more time on their hands now, lot 125 from the Limerick house should be of particular interest to horologists or collectors.

A nineteenth century watchmakers cabinet with ivory knobs is on auction, filled with many intriguing watch works parts. (W 30 X 20 X H 27cms.) The estimate of 100-200 is probably good value to those with an interest.

More for the collectors in the number of cameras (Lot 126 including an antique Pentax cine camera in leather bag from Eirfield art Lodge. Est. 50 - 100.

Art dealers may be interested in the Con Campbells, from a private collector in Clare, (lots 49, 52, 108, 156, 157, 387, 453, est. 350-450, lot s109, 523, est. 400- 600). Also, a number of striking watercolours by Isobel George valued at a low 40-60 each; lots 653- 656.

Of particular interest; lot 263 a George Cole Sunset In Surrey oil on board est. 1500 - 2500.

There is also a very 'chancy' lot in the sale, says Sean referencing Lot 675. Sir Edwin Landseer, an 18th-19th Century coloured unframed engraving on paper laid on canvas Collie Dogs' after Sir Edwin Landseer, with signature in the margin E Landseer. If the provenance is correct it could be worth around 1000.

Good walnut furniture is rarity and there are some lovely examples in this auction; a Scandinavian cabinet, coffee table and veneered cocktail cabinet among the items to catch the eye.

A number of fine mahogany round supper tables (400-600 each) are quite attractive, while a good pair of 19th early 20th Century oriental urn tables with carved outline (lot 628) is estimated to fetch 400-600 each. (W 41 X H 30.5 cms.)

The collection also includes lot 576, one of a number of large wool carpets with multi borders and red and blue corners and centre motif, provenance 1900 or so. Est. 400-600.

The auction will take place from 10am on February 27 at easyliveauctions.com and the full catalogue is available to view on seaneacrettantiques.ie
WASHINGTON - The catastrophic cold snap that paralyzed the electrical grid in Texas has opened up a new front in the age-old battle between green-energy champions and their fossil-fuel rivals.

Oncor apprentice lineman Brendan Waldon repairs a utility pole in Odessa, Texas, that was damaged by the winter storm that passed through the state, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. The catastrophic cold snap that paralyzed the electrical grid in Texas has opened up a new front in the age-old battle between green energy champions and their fossil fuel rivals. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Odessa American, Eli Hartman

WASHINGTON - The catastrophic cold snap that paralyzed the electrical grid in Texas has opened up a new front in the age-old battle between green-energy champions and their fossil-fuel rivals.

One side sees the chance to build a new, fortified and more sustainable power grid. The other calls it proof positive that it's too soon to abandon oil, gas and coal.

Both, however, acknowledge a familiar dynamic that dates back to the environmental movement's earliest days: people don't think about pollution when they're just trying to survive.

"When the temperature drops below zero, nobody cares where the electricity comes from  they just need the heat to come on," Republican Texas congressman Michael Burgess told a committee hearing Thursday.

"We all agree that America deserves a cleaner future, but pursuing a path towards that future while ignoring energy reliability is the wrong approach."

As soon as the Texas crisis began generating national headlines, conservative lawmakers and commentators seized their chance to sing the praises of fossil fuels.

It didn't seem to matter that natural-gas production in Texas, which provides the bulk of the state's power, was brought to a standstill by the cold. Frozen wind turbines and solar panels  together only worth 10 per cent of the state's power supply  offered a powerful image.

"It just shows that fossil fuel is necessary," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, also a Republican, told Fox News.

In fact, the state's own energy department has acknowledged that a failure to properly winterize power systems, including natural-gas pipelines, was to blame for the collapse.

The campaign has extended well beyond Texas.

"When in doubt, burn coal," tweeted Twinkle Cavanaugh, president of Alabama's public services commission. "God put more than two centuries worth of coal in the ground for a reason."

Montana Sen. Steve Daines, a vocal champion of the Keystone XL pipeline expansion, called Texas "a perfect example of the need for reliable energy sources like natural gas and coal."

Marta Stoepker, deputy communications director for the Sierra Club's "Beyond Coal" campaign, said the rhetoric is extraordinary.

"I have never seen energy Twitter blow up the way that it did during all of this," Stoepker said in an interview.

"So long as disinformation about the truth of the failures of the grid continues, more people will be at risk to grid failure. We will see this again."

All told, more than four million people in Texas lost power after a dip in the jet stream, an atmospheric current that usually keeps Arctic air further north, brought winter storms and frigid temperatures to parts of the country woefully ill-equipped for either.

The statewide power outages were quickly followed by a new crisis: frozen pipes burst and flooded homes and crippled water treatment systems, forcing residents to melt snow and queue up in hours-long lines to secure precious clean water.

Utilities across the country imposed rolling blackouts to prevent unprecedented levels of demand for power from overwhelming their systems.

The extreme weather has killed at least 59 people across the country, some of them as a result of dangerous makeshift efforts to stay warm.

Texas leads the U.S. in the transition to renewable energy, and has done so more quickly than any other state, Burgess told Thursday's energy subcommittee meeting.

But there's a danger to moving too quickly  and the decision to cancel Keystone XL suggests President Joe Biden is doing exactly that, he said.

"As investments are made in new energy production and energy infrastructure, the reliability of those systems must always be the priority," Burgess said.

"Unfortunately, President Biden's early actions  cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline, rejoining the Paris climate agreement and prohibiting new energy production on federal lands  signal a desire to go in the opposite direction."

Democrats on the subcommittee detected a whiff of political opportunism in the wind.

More than 25,000 megawatts of power was off-line in Texas last week, most of it at gas-fired power plants, said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., a New Jersey Democrat.

"Yet some Republicans and conservative media outlets are peddling alternate realities," Pallone said.

"They are shamefully turning a crisis into an anti-renewables campaign, and they are conveniently leaving out the fact that the majority of the failures have come from fossil-fuel infrastructure."

Stoepker called it a disservice to the countless Americans who are freezing in the dark and urged lawmakers to start telling people the truth.

The fossil-fuel industry, she said, is "spending millions of dollars every year to try to confuse us about its ability to be reliable and clean  and it's clearly not doing either one of those things right now."

Biden, for his part, said Friday he would declare a major disaster in Texas and planned to visit the state as soon as practical.

But in the immediate aftermath of the crisis, even the White House had to concede that emissions concerns would be temporarily on the back burner.

The Department of Energy granted permission for Texas to temporarily ignore emissions regulations, said White House Homeland Security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall.

"So, essentially, to relax some of the standards in an emergency for pollution so that they can generate sufficient power while some of their sources are off-line or reduced."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2021.
6D: We just had an element clued by number yesterday! Am I the only one who didnt memorize the periodic table? This is hard  niobium is named for NIOBE, the daughter of King Tantalus, because of its chemical relationship to an element named tantalum, named after that king. Nothing to do with tears  unless you cried in frustration trying to figure this one out.

33D: Lots of fun animals in this grid too, including this one, which comes with a neat little geographical tie-in. MANX cats hail from the Isle of Man, in the English Channel, where their defining trait, taillessness, was noted by visitors as far back as the mid-1700s. This is certainly a trait that people have foisted on these cats by selective breeding, more evidence that the Isle of Man fosters strange behaviors.

53D: This spelling is a transliteration, KYIV; The Times adopted this style a little over a year ago, but it didnt make the crossword until today.

Todays Theme

There are five references to a game in this grid, at 20-, 38- and 55-Across, and 11- and 34-Down. Theyre all everyday terms and expressions, clued so matter-of-factly, that I suspected nothing and was caught completely unaware by the revealer at 64-Across.
UPDATE: Ronald Watkins has been found safe and is back with his family.

EARLIER: Authorities are searching for a missing 77-year-old Alzheimers patient in eastern Jefferson County.

Ronald Watkins disappeared about 5 p.m. Saturday near Hillview Lane in the Center Point area, said sheriffs Sgt. Joni Money. Deputies were called to the area about 5:45 p.m.

Star One helicopter and tracking dogs have been deployed in the search. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is also assisting.

Watkins is about 6-feet tall and weighs 170 pounds. He has brown eyes and salt and pepper colored hair. He is thought to be wearing a sky-blue jacket, navy blue pants, black shoes, glasses and possibly an orange Auburn ballcap. He is known to frequent the area in and around 22nd Avenue N.E. in Center Point

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriffs office 205-325-1450 or dial 911.
Sophia Loren has said cameramen early in her career did not know how to shoot her and complained her nose and mouth were too big.

The Oscar-winning Italian actress said her first experiences in Romes film industry were like a war, but helped develop her confidence in her own beauty.

The 86-year-old  who has starred opposite Hollywood greats including Marlon Brando, Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra  recalled breaking into the acting world during an appearance on Desert Island Discs.

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Speaking from her home in Switzerland, Loren told host Lauren Laverne: I didnt have the most normal face to be able to look good in any kind of lighting because my nose was too big, my mouth was too big, everything was too big for them.

So really they didnt want me because maybe the cameramen had another girl that he wanted to put in my place. It was terrible. It was a war.

But I understood that. I said, It is okay, it is okay. I dont have a big face where you change it with this and then you put it with something else. No, I had a little face and I liked my faced.

I liked the way I was. I liked to look at myself in the mirror when I was growing. I owned my face and I wanted to keep it.

During her appearance on the BBC Radio 4 show, Loren explained why she had turned down a marriage proposal from Grant, who she starred opposite in The Pride And The Passion in 1957.

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The actress was engaged to Italian film producer Carlo Ponti at the time, but also said she wanted to avoid becoming involved with men on set.

She said: Why? Because I was already engaged with Carlo. And also, when these kind of things happen often on a set, I think that I have always been very careful about it because a set is something, the world is something else.

You dont want to wake up and say, I made really something that I shouldnt have done. It is terrible. No no, I never went into that.

Her performance as Cesira in 1960s Two Women, directed by Vittorio De Sica, earned her the Oscar for best actress and made her the first actor or actress to win an Oscar for a foreign-language performance.

But Loren said she did not attend the US ceremony because she thought it was impossible she would win.

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Explaining her decision to stay in Italy, she said: Because the Oscar for us in Italy is far away. For an Italian film you do not feel it was possible that yes, you are going to win.

I was with friends because we were doing a little party just to be together, pretending that we were not thinking that there was in Hollywood the Oscars.

Then De Sica was there with me and the phone rang and said You won.

I almost fainted. Wonderful moment. Really this kind of prize you cannot say how you feel. It is impossible because it is unique, it is wonderful, it is great.

Among her musical choices was Lara Says Goodbye To Yuri from the film Doctor Zhivago, which was produced by her husband, who died in 2007.

This was the film that my husband Carlo was most the most proud of, she said.

He fought for this music to be in the film. He had great instinct and was a great artist. I miss him every day of my life.

She also chose a recording of The Marketplace at Limoges by Modest Mussorgsky conducted by her son Carlo Ponti Jr.

Desert Island Discs is on BBC Sounds as well as on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday at 11am.
The good news is Staten Island business owner Mike Bloomfield, CEO of Tekie Geek, authored Stay Calm: How a Crisis Can Strengthen Your Business, along with 12 inspirational Staten Island business entrepreneurs last year when the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

The great news? Stay Calm has now officially achieved Best Seller status on Amazon.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Throughout each chapter of Stay Calm readers learn not only how to survive, but how to strengthen and thrive in business, and the lessons that can  and should -- be learned during a crisis, lessons that can dramatically affect a business going forward.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic 12 successful business owners did just that  stayed calm, adapted to various tactics and came out stronger than ever.

Co-authors of the Five Star publication in addition to Bloomfield, who was responsible for bringing the authors together, are:

James Thomson of Scamardella, Gervasi, Thomson & Kasegrande, P.C., Jaclyn Tacoronte of JMT Media, Kevin P. McKernan of McKernan Law, Sam Angiuli of The Angiuli Group, LLC & Flagship Brewery, John Tapinis of John Tapinis & Associates, Stephen Molloy of Molloy Electric, Sadia Malik of Interscience Laboratory, Dominick Ciccarelli of thinkDESIGN Architecture, Lana Seidman of Help Organize My Business Inc., James Prendamano of Casandra Properties and Todd Bivona and Michael Graziuso of Gotham Trinity Productions.

Collectively, the authors noted:

When the ball dropped at midnight on Jan. 1, 2020, if you told any of us the world would be turned upside down in just a few short months by a virus, I think we all would have looked at you like you were crazy. Yet, more and more, we started hearing the whisperings of a novel coronavirus that was contained in China. Fast forward to March 20, 2020, when Governor Cuomo signed the New York State on PAUSE Executive Order, in an attempt to assure uniform safety for the state. Within this order, non-essential businesses statewide had to close all in-office personnel functions effective immediately, and all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason were temporarily banned.

It was then Bloomfield knew he wanted to gather together a group of Staten Island small business owners to create a forum, exchange ideas, and share experiences that would further develop their careers.

Proceeds from the book will be donated to The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund and the Minority Women in Business Association of Staten Island. The book is available on Amazon at amazon.com/dp/B08P5S1NCN.

COMMENTS FROM CO-AUTHORS AND FRIENDS

Bloomfield: A crisis doesnt have to mean the end. A crisis, although tough, can absolutely open up new doors and even make your business stronger if you allow yourself to adapt and pivot as needed. Throughout the years, Staten Island business owners have had their fair share of disasters, from Hurricane Sandy to the 2020 Global Pandemic. However, no matter the crisis, Staten Islanders have remained resilient and became stronger than ever before. In this book, you will read and discover the inspiring stories from our authors of their personal experience with crisis and how they broke through to the other side.

Tacoronte: As the first Native American to receive Minority & Women Business Certification eligibility (MWBE) in New York City, I was so proud to contribute to the book along with my fellow Staten Island entrepreneurs. Providing free resources like our NYC Marketing Reboot Package have helped clients and small businesses increase their businesses by 300% during the pandemic. The book has officially reached Amazon Best Selling status and professionally my NYC Reboot Package has been downloaded already over 1,000 times from our website.

Massimo DiDonna, chairman and co-founder of The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, owner Partners in Sound: I would like to thank all the authors for choosing to Carl Vincent Bini Memorial fund as being one of the charities receiving proceeds from this book. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic we have suspended all fundraising efforts and this money will go a long way to continue our mission of helping our local community in a time of need.

Kim Avilez, president Minority Women in Business Association of Staten Island: We are grateful for the support of our organization and our mission. Our desire is that all business owners read this and feel encouraged that despite their present circumstances, they can emerge from crisis better than before. Thank you to all involved for your willingness to share your stories.

Stay Calm: How a Crisis Can Strengthen Your Business, is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P5S1NCN

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, has ordered troops of Operation Lafiya Dole to recapture Marte Local Gov...

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, has ordered troops of Operation Lafiya Dole to recapture Marte Local Government of Borno State from Boko Haram insurgents in 48 hours.

Recall that the insurgents captured some communities in the state on Friday night after some hours of a gun duel with the Nigerian Army.

Some of the communities include: Kirenowa, Kirta, Wulgo, Chikingudo of Marte and Ngala local government areas in Borno State.

However, on Sunday, while addressing troops of the Nigerian Army Super camp 9, Dikwa Atahiru, Atahiru said the communities must be recaptured, adding that the troops would have all the support needed to repel the terrorists from the area.

According to him: Areas around Marte, Chikingudu, Wulgo Kirenowa and Kirta must be cleared in the next 48 hours. You should be rest assured of all support you required in this very onerous task.

I have just spoken to the Theater Commander, and the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, you must not let this nation down. Go back and do the needful and I will be right behind you, Attahiru ordered.

You are aware of the recent attack on Dikwa and Marte, you should not allow this to happen again, go after them and clear these bastards.
Venture capital has become a key component in wealth creation investment strategies as GCC investors seek alternative asset classes to further diversify their portfolios, a report said.



What began as a questionable year for Venture Capitalists, with investments in the startup and innovation ecosystem expected to significantly drop, soon became a transitional point in the Venture Capital realm with new opportunities available across various industries, said Kamco Invest, a regional non-banking financial powerhouse with one of the largest AUMs in the region, in its report on the importance of venture capital



The unexpected circumstances global economies are facing due to the pandemic led to the rise of industries that were overlooked by analysts. The cloud computing industry, for example, boomed since the onset of the pandemic witnessing a drastic increase in the demand for cloud-based technology. Performing at a level far exceeding analyst predictions, the industry is now considered a key and necessary component in streamlining the path to the new normal.



Lockdowns and social distancing accelerated the adoption of a decades worth of digital technology into one year, driving traditional businesses to shift online and digitize their operations. This shift in return has increased the demand for such solutions, increasing revenue levels of suppliers exponentially to reach record highs.



The impact triggered by the pandemic led most Venture Capital firms to halt spending and fund-raising activities. This however rapidly changed in a matter of 3 months, when they witnessed retailers achieve significant revenue growth due to strong online sales. On one hand, countless employees were losing their jobs due to cost-cutting, and on the other, small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), including mom-and-pop stores were suffering due to lockdowns and social distancing.



Retailers with strong online platforms, however, witnessed a surge in sales and higher demand for such services. Quarantine and isolation proved to have a positive effect on the technology sector, and hence Venture Capital activities witnessed a strong return in Q3-2020 with companies lined up to go public.



The transition was documented in the latest study released by Abe Othman, Chief Data Science at AngelList, revealing that Q4-2020 was the best quarter on record for early-stage startups. More than 80% of the startups that changed valuations in Q4 were marked up, according to AngelList investments into 3,449 active startups.



Large-cap technology stocks, led by Apple, Amazon and Netflix, drove major U.S. stock indexes to record highs in 2020, capitalizing on the larger shift towards digitization. The rise in e-commerce spending sent Amazon surging 76%, while Apple became the first-ever $2 trillion company. Lockdowns and social distancing spiked the number of subscribers to online streaming services, increasing Netflix shares by almost 62%.



The big four, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet and Facebook, now worth approximately $5.9 trillion in total - roughly one-fifth of the S&P 500 SPX, reported record revenue reaching $718.55 billion over three quarters.



Venture capital is currently outperforming other assets classes in the US. According to the 2019 NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments, venture capital was the highest-performing asset class for university endowments with 13.4% in 10-year average annual returns, bringing in more than U.S. equities (8.2%).



With the potential to generate attractive returns while making a significant and positive impact, venture capital has become a critical component of long-term investment strategies. Cambridge Associates considers venture capital as a key component in wealth creation investment strategies, for both financial institutions and HNWIs to sustain future generations. As such, top performing institutional investors understand the importance of venture capital and its positive impact on their portfolios. This has been a key driver in increasing venture capital allocations, reaching a mean of 15% of their portfolio.



It is important for investors to understand how the risk profile of venture capital investing has changed considering that todays market is not the same as it was 20 years ago. The industry has evolved, and fund managers have learned from their mistakes. Before the 2000 tech bubble, venture capitalists relied on capital and luck, since then, they started implementing a more rigorous risk management approach.



They focus on how to add value and scale their portfolio companies. This involves surrounding themselves with advisors and incubators, while setting aside capital for follow-on investments to increase exposure in wining portfolio companies or mitigate any potential risks. This has had the effect of reducing the impairment and capital loss ratios of the underlying companies. To further reduce the risks associated with single startups, investors are considering venture capital portfolios or funds that include several investments, allowing more opportunity for growth and diversification.  TradeArabia News Service
The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu has lauded Information Minister Designate, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah for his excellent job at handling the governments communication. He said though the nature of Mr Oppong Nkrumah's work as Information Minister was not an easy one, he has managed to streamline government's communication effectively.



He passed the comments at Parliament's Appointments Committee sitting on Thursday, February 18, 2021, when Mr Oppong Nkrumah appeared before the committee to be vetted as Minister for Information.



The nominee who is also the MP for Ofoase Ayirebi provided answers to several questions posed by members of the committee. He called for increased support for the media in the country emphasizing that the media plays a critical role in our democratic dispensation and hence must be assisted to go about their activities in a free and independent manner.



Mr Nkrumah also proposed the drafting of legislation against the advocacy of LGBT activities. He said, given the current advocacy around the legalization of homosexuality in the country, the country needs to consider passing a law that bans the promotion of the act.



In his concluding remarks, the Tamale South MP praised the Information minister-designate for  communicating well.



Generally, I will acknowledge that you are communicating well it is just that it is difficult. So I wish you well as you prepare and we will see what you are able to do he said.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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President Joe Biden has been in office for an entire month, and recent polling has shown that his job performance is viewed positively by more than 50 percent of Americans so far.

Biden earned support from Americans after one month in office

Last month, with support from over two-thirds of Americans, Biden moved to the White House. His first few days saw approval ratings as high as 63 percent, a number greater than any of former President Donald Trump's ratings during his tenure. Today, with 30 days in office, more than half of Americans continue to favor Biden, although his popularity appears to break strongly down party lines.

According to FiveThirtyEight's survey tracker, one month in, 54.4 percent of Americans approve of Biden's administration, while 38.1 percent disapprove. According to the results, after Biden's first week in office, when he had 53 percent support, the figure has remained relatively consistent, as per Newsweek via MSN.

Likewise, a recent Ipsos poll conducted on 17-18 February showed that 56 percent of Americans approved Biden's victory. The vote, though, falls mainly along party lines, with 90 percent of Democrats seeing the president positively, while so far, only 20 percent of Republicans approved the president's actions.

And in one of the best scores, the president has yet to earn, in a Morning Consult/Politico poll from February 14-15, 62 percent of registered voters approved Biden.

"It seems that Americans are looking at what's happening in the Biden White House after four years of the Trump administration, and they're saying 'that's something we can get with,'" Eugene Daniels of Politico told MSNBC about the survey. According to daily survey monitoring from Rasmussen Reports, Biden has held a stable approval rating of between 48-53 percent since he first took office.

Biden stepped forward with a series of administrative measures during his first two weeks as president to revoke orders from the Trump administration and focus on topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and social equality.

While his ratings stayed strong relative to Trump in his first month, Biden's approval over the next few months would undoubtedly depend on how he handles the coronavirus pandemic.

So far, according to a FiveThirtyEight tracker updated Friday, approximately 59 percent of Americans approve of his COVID-19 related behavior. But again, those percentages fell overwhelmingly along party lines, with 90 percent of Democrats supporting the president's efforts, while 53.6 of independents and just 24 percent of Republicans expressed approval.

Congress is currently in the process of attempting to approve Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. Without Republican approval in the coming weeks, Democratic senators suggested they are prepared to support the measure, dubbed the American Rescue Package. If enacted, the bill would provide qualifying Americans with $1,400 stimulus payments, as well as expanded unemployment benefits, business support, and food and rent relief.

Biden's 1st month was about erasing Trump's mark

According to the Washington Times, Joe Biden is a month into his administration, and there is at least a specific indication. He wouldn't want to talk about the "former guy," former President Donald Trump. But if Biden is hesitant to reveal so much about Trump's name, a lot of what he's been doing has been in sharp opposition to his predecessor's legacy.

Biden has expelled Trumpism from politics, symbolism, and style, from the Earth's climate to what is not on his desk, but he will in an opening stretch that is entirely different from the chaos and trouble of the first month of his predecessor.

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Facebook has deleted a page run by Myanmar's military a day after riot police opened fire on protesters, killing two people.

The junta's 'True News' information service was was kicked off the platform Sunday as the social media company accused it of inciting violence.

Security forces in the country have steadily increased violence against a massive and largely peaceful civil disobedience campaign.

Facebook has deleted a page run by Myanmar's military a day after riot police opened fire on protesters, killing two people

A police officer stands guard behind barricades blocked in front of Yangon City Hall near Sule pagoda in Yangon

The Nobel laureate was taken into custody along with her top political allies at the start of the month, but the new regime has insisted it took power lawfully.

It has used Facebook to claim Suu Kyi's landslide election victory last November was tainted by voter fraud and issue stark warnings to the protest movement - which is demanding that the army relinquish power.

A spokesperson for the platform said the Tatmadaw True News Information Team page was removed for 'repeated violations of our Community Standards prohibiting incitement of violence and coordinating harm'.

The social media giant has banned hundreds of army-linked pages in recent years after being criticised for its ineffective response to malicious posts in the country.

Security forces in the country have steadily increased violence against a massive and largely peaceful civil disobedience campaign

The junta's 'True News' information service was was kicked off the platform Sunday as the social media company accused it of inciting violence

Protesters have been demanding the release of deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi

Much of the content targeted the country's stateless Rohingya Muslim minority, around 750,000 of whom fled into neighbouring Bangladesh after an army crackdown in 2017.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and other top military leaders were booted from the platform a year later, following a UN investigation that recommended they face a genocide prosecution over the violence.

The platform has also banned insurgent groups battling the military on the country's frontiers and a hardline Buddhist monks' group accused of inciting violence against Muslims.

Police charge forward to disperse protesters in Mandalay, Myanmar, as crowds gathered to protest the army coup on Saturday

Demonstrators run from teargas fired by police during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay

Protesters hold out bullet cartridges and ammunition for slingshots after security forces fired on demonstrators at a rally

Much of Myanmar has been in uproar since Suu Kyi's ouster on February 1, with large street demonstrations seen in major cities and isolated villages alike.

Two people were killed on Saturday after security forces fired on a crowd in the central city of Mandalay.

The junta has also imposed nightly internet blackouts and banned social media platforms including Facebook in an effort to bring the protest campaign to heel.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 18:39:41|Editor: huaxia

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KABUL, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan intelligence personnel arrested another five members of a joint terrorist gang of Taliban-linked Haqqani network and Islamic State (IS) group in national capital Kabul, the national intelligence agency confirmed on Sunday.

"Javid, Ahmad Murid, Rohullah, Abdul Hafiz and Abdul Jabbar five members of a joint terrorist network of Haqqani and IS arrested in recent days. They have been involved in maintaining, transferring, hiding, activating and launching rockets on different parts of Kabul, including Shaheed Mazari's Grand Mosque, Hamid Karzai International Airport and the Bagram Airfield in Parwan province," the agency said in a statement.

They were held following a series of intelligence personnel special operations in Police District 17 of Kabul City, according to the statement.

On Feb. 12, the Afghan intelligence agency announced the arrest of three key members of the same group in Kabul.

The city with a nearly 5 million population has been on the scene of bomb explosions and targeted killings in recent months. Enditem
San Francisco Chronicle staff photographer Gabrielle Lurie was selected Local Photographer of the Year in the prestigious Pictures of the Year International competition, judges announced Saturday.

The contest by the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism recognized the best photojournalism, online presentation and visual editing of 2020.

The local photographer category highlights photographers documenting their own communities.

Lurie was honored for her intimate portraits of essential workers risking their lives during the coronavirus pandemic, people of color in San Franciscos Bayview neighborhood who were disproportionately affected by the coronavirus  a sobering disparity seen across the country  and portraits of Theo, a rambunctious, bespectacled 7-year old boy who lives in tents and hotels in Berkeley with his mother.



See more of Gabrielle Lurie's work here.

Through powerful images that evoked emotions from heartbreak to humor, Lurie thoughtfully captured Theos life on the streets as he watched videos on a curb while his mother begged passersby for money, poked his head out of a hammock at an encampment and shuttled his belongings on an orange bike as he and his mom moved from a tent to a local inn.

I think that homelessness is an issue that we all know about and being confronted from the perspective of a child is very surprising and heartbreaking, and also heartwarming because its not all bad, said Lurie, 34. Something I really tried to show was his childhood from all different perspectives.

Lurie said shes drawn to a range of subjects, from immigration to health care and homelessness.

I try to bring you in to walk in someones shoes, she said. I think that the easiest way to capture someones heart, is if they can relate to an image.

Nicole Fruge, director of visuals at The Chronicle, said Lurie is a driven journalist committed to documenting the Bay Areas diverse communities.

She has an uncanny ability to gain access and trust in difficult situations, Fruge said Sunday. Her portfolio reflects some of the most compelling issues and events of the past year homelessness, racial disparity in COVID-19 deaths, and the plight of essential workers. Her work demonstrates an uncommon depth and emotional intimacy that is most clearly evident in her photo essays. Im so pleased that the judges recognized her talent and even more importantly her empathetic approach to photojournalism.

Lurie is only the seventh woman to win the Local Photographer of the Year award  formerly Newspaper Photographer of the Year  in the contests 78-year history, Fruge said.

Raised in Washington, D.C, Lurie picked up a camera when she was 17. She moved to New York City, where she continued photography and studied art history at New York University. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and the Guardian.

She joined The Chronicle in 2016.

Tatiana Sanchez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tatiana.sanchez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TatianaYSanchez
Russia has confirmed the first case of bird flu strain H5N8 being passed from poultry to humans.

The cases, discovered in seven poultry plant workers based in south Russia, were reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Outbreaks of the highly contagious H5N8 strain have been reported in United Kingdom in recent months, but only in poultry.

Avian influenza strains such as H5N1, H7N9 and H9N2 have been known to spread to humans.

According to Dr Anna Popova, head of Russia's consumer health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, all workers were now feeling well.

She said that adequate measures had been swiftly taken to halt the spread of infection.

Russia reported the case to the WHO 'several days ago, just as we became absolutely certain of our results', she explained.

Dr Popova hailed 'the important scientific discovery,' adding that 'time will tell' if the virus can further mutate.

The WHO said in a statement: "Preliminary information indicates that the reported cases were workers exposed to bird flocks.

"They were asymptomatic and no onward human to human transmission was reported.

"We are in discussion with national authorities to gather more information and assess the public health impact of this event."

The large number of UK bird flu cases recorded over recent months had led Defra to roll out mandatory housing measures in December.

It is currently a legal requirement for all farmers and poultry keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors.
Supermarkets have become the go-to place to buy make-up over the past year, and for mascara, Sainsbury's is the answer.

Its Boutique range features bestsellers includes the Volumising & Defining Mascara (3), as well as the impressive new Curl & Lift Mascara.

The latter's cruelty-free formula is enriched with pro-vitamin B5 to hydrate lashes and prevent breakage.

It's definitely one to add to your make-up bag.

sainsburys.co.uk
In an effort to further boost its vaccine diplomacy, India had sent hundreds of doses of domestically produced vaccines to Serbia. On February 21, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar took to Twitter to reveal that the vaccine jabs have already arrived in the Balkan nation. Made in India vaccines now arrive in Serbia. Buttressing our bond with Belgrade, he wrote.

Alongside, he also shared pictures from a Serbian airport that showed workers unloading boxes of Indian vaccines. India has won global praise for its vaccine distribution programme to aid poor countries amidst the global pandemic. As of now, the country has gifted domestically produced vaccines- Covaxin AND Covishield- to over 20 countries, including those in the Caribbean.

Made in India vaccines now arrive in Serbia. Buttressing our bond with Belgrade.#VaccineMaitri pic.twitter.com/xVq1BtBtZI  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 21, 2021

Read: SII's Poonawalla Asks All To Be Patient For Vaccine; 'prioritising India; Balancing World'

Read: Italy Probes Vaccine Scams Even As Officials Court Offers

India garners praise

Last month, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denominated the vaccine production capacity of India as the "best asset" that the world has today while calling for India to play a major role in the global vaccination campaign. So far, India has distributed 22.9 million doses under its Vaccine Friendship programme out of which 64.7 lakh doses have been supplied as a grant.

The Narendra Modi led administration has also garnered plaudits from neighbouring nations to which it sent 55 lakh doses. "From 20th January 2021 onward, we have gifted over 55 lakh doses of coronavirus vaccines to our neighbouring countries and in the extended neighbourhood--1.5 lakh to Bhutan, 1 lakh to Maldives, Mauritius, and Bahrain, 10 lakhs to Nepal, 20 lakhs to Bangladesh, 15 lakhs to Myanmar, 50,000 to Seychelles, 5 lakh to Sri Lanka, External affairs ministry spokesperson had said.

Read: India's First COVID-19 Vaccine Recipient Is Manish Kumar, Sanitation Worker In New Delhi

Read: UN Chief Calls India's Vaccine Production Capacity 'best Asset' World Has Today

This comes as the CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII) Adar Poonawalla on February 21 made an appeal asking the world to be patient as the Indian government has asked his company to prioritise the internal vaccine needs and then balance the requirement of vaccine globally.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced at an open debate of UN Security Council the 'implementation of resolution 2532 (2020) on the cessation of hostilities' in the context of Covid-19 outbreak. Followed by this development, India earlier this week announced that it will gift 2 lakh doses of vaccines for UN peacekeepers.
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President Joe Biden claims his climate policy is based on science. Maybe so, but it is short on math and logic. Im glad the president is taking action, but unfortunately, he is attacking the production and transportation of petroleum rather than the consumption. That is dangerously backward.

Under his plan, the Department of Interior would ban fracking on federal lands, from which they claim come more than 25% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. That is grossly inaccurate. While 25% of our energy supply does come from federal lands, only a small portion of greenhouse emissions come directly from the development of fossil fuels. The bulk of the emissions come when we, the public, consume oil and gas. Stopping production on federal lands will not stop our need for manufacturing, for products made from petroleum, and for fuel for our cars, homes and businesses. As long as we consume oil and gas, wells will still be drilled somewhere. Rather than drilling those wells under strict environmental guidelines on federal lands where the jobs and taxes stay here, many of them will be drilled in foreign countries with few environmental safeguards. The products will then be shipped to our shores, increasing both the emissions and risk of spills.

Pulling the plug on the Keystone XL pipeline is another illogical move that will have the opposite effect as intended. Instead of pumping that oil through an underground pipeline in the safest and least invasive transportation process available, that oil will continue to be shipped by rail, again resulting in more emissions and an increased chance for an accident.

The state of New York provides proof that banning oil and gas development has zero effect on our consumption. In 2015, Governor Cuomo banned fracking in New York, even though the state sits over the prolific Marcellus Shale. In 2014, prior to the ban, the state used 1.35 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Five years later they still consumed 1.31 TCF, virtually unchanged, according to EIA data. Instead of allowing the development of their own gas reserves, New York continued to import from neighboring Pennsylvania. Although they exported the drilling, they also exported tens of thousands of jobs and denied landowners in New York the right to receive the lease payments and royalties their neighbors have enjoyed. What New York did not export was the emissions associated with their consumption of the fuel, which is not going away until there is a viable alternative. In this case, at least they imported from Pennsylvania, not Venezuela.

The reality is that the transition to a zero-carbon energy portfolio will take time. The math on the full-scale buildout of wind and solar doesnt work. While green and free, a total wind and solar world would occupy enormous amounts of surface lands, require massive changes to our transmission systems, and since they only generate 25% of the time, would literally require more lithium than in all the mines in China. And 20 years from now, we get to dispose of all the old batteries and solar panels and wind blades and do it all again. There is nothing free or green about it.

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The environmentalists will not like it, but if we are ever to achieve carbon neutrality, we absolutely need more nuclear energy. As opposed to wind and solar, nuclear does not have to be put in a windy, sunny place, it doesnt take up much space  think nuclear sub  and it is reliable 24/7. But with the inevitable delays from the obstructionists, increasing our nuclear capacity is going to take time and significant political will. In the meantime, just like New York, America still relies on oil and gas. Banning development and pulling the plug on pipelines wont change that.

In closing, Biden says he is heeding the science. Im glad to hear it. But could someone also please do the math?
A couple has been fined after they were caught kissing at a public park in the middle of a social distancing drive in the northern province of Hai Duong  Vietnams largest COVID-19 epicenter at present.

The Peoples Committee in Hai Tan Ward, Hai Duong City, the capital of the namesake province, confirmed on Saturday that a 19-year-old boy and his 19-year-old girlfriend were each fined VND2 million (US$86) for failure to wear face masks and leaving home without suitable reasons.

Officers in charge of COVID-19 prevention and control were patrolling an area in Hai Tan Ward at around 5:40 pm on February 17, when they spotted the couple sitting on a bench at a local park.

The two were not wearing face masks and were kissing, while an ongoing social distancing drive in Hai Duong only allows residents to go outside when necessary.

Hai Duong Province has recorded 596 local COVID-19 infections since January 27, with five major clusters in Chi Linh City, Cam Giang District, Kinh Mon Town, Nam Sach District, and Hai Duong City.

A 15-day social distancing period began in the province on February 16.

All residents are required to stay home and can only go outside to buy food, supplies, medicine, and other essential goods and services, or to seek medical examinations and treatment.

People are also allowed to leave their homes to go to work at factories, manufacturing establishments, businesses, and essential services.

Residents must wear face masks when leaving their houses and keep a two-meter distance from one another, while the gathering of more than two people outside public offices, schools, and hospitals is forbidden.

As of Sunday morning, Vietnam has documented 2,368 COVID-19 cases, with 1,627 having recovered and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

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The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on February 21 appealed to Tanzania to take robust action to combat coronavirus in the country and further urged to start reporting cases and share its data. Tanzania is one of the few countries in the world to not publish data on coronavirus cases. According to BBC, Tanzania had last published COVID data in May, when about 500 cases and 30 deaths were recorded. The following month, President John Magufuli had declared Tanzania coronavirus free.

However, now the concern is growing about the possibility of a hidden pandemic. A recent spate of deaths attributed to pneumonia has struck both members of the public and government officials. On Wednesday, the vice-president of Tanzanias semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar also died after his party said that he had contracted the deadly virus.

Amid the growing concern, the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, We extend our condolences to our Tanzanian sisters and brothers on the recent passing of a senior Tanzanian leader as well as the government's chief secretary.

READ: Tanzania's COVID-denying Leader Urges Prayer As Cases Climb

Situation remains very concerning

Tedros also went on to urge Tanzania to start reporting COVID-19 cases and share its data. He noted that it is difficult to know the extent of the spread of coronavirus in the country without its data and further added that Tanzanians travelling outside the country have tested positive for coronavirus. Tedros even said that he had urged Tanzania back in January to take measures against the pandemic and to prepare for vaccinations.

The WHO chief said, This underscores the need for Tanzania to take robust action both to safeguard their own people and protect populations in these countries and beyond.

Tedros added, This situation remains very concerning. I renew my call for Tanzania to start reporting COVID-19 cases and share data. I also call on Tanzania to implement the public health measures that we know work in breaking the chains of transmission, and to prepare for vaccination.

READ: France Prez Macron Urges European Nations To Send 13 Million COVID Vaccine Doses To Africa

It is worth noting that President Magufuli had previously played down the virus and refused to take measures to curb its spread. The health minister had also said earlier this month that Tanzania had no plans to vaccinate. He said that the country defeated COVID-19 last year and would win again this year.

However, last week, Magufuli appeared to admit that coronavirus was circulating in his country after months of denial. He even encouraged people to wear masks to avoid infection. But the president also urged people to use locally-made masks, saying without evidence that some of the imported ones were not safe.

READ: South Africa's President Fights Own Party Over Corruption

READ: Africa Reaches 100,000 Known COVID-19 Deaths As Danger Grows


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New Delhi: India recently took a batch of foreign envoys to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Of the 24 envoys, the largest group of 9 envoys were from Europe but British High Commissioner Alexander Ellis did not participate in this visit. The remaining envoys were from Finland, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

India was keen to see the British High commission join the visit. While the UK did not participate, they were aware of the visit being organized by the Indian govt. Delhi is closely working with authorities to find the best opportunity for the UK high commission to visit the union territory soon.

They made this move even after a number of voices have been keen on seeing the developments in Jammu and Kashmir. A visit by British HC could have been beneficial to determine the situation in Kashmir. In light of the recent district development council elections, 4G internet services have been resumed.

January saw a discussion on Kashmir in the British Parliament, with Minister of Asia Nigel Adams retreating the official policy, that it is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. He said,"We continue to believe that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation".

On the removal of special status, he pointed, "There have been recent elections to the District Development Council... the first to take place since the revocation of article 370" and welcomed the relaxation of restrictions.

Interestingly, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan has visited Altit fort in Hunza valley, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan occupied Kashmir in October of last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sustainable Tourism in can create jobs & support local communities; as well as preserve heritage & the environment. Baltit & Altit Forts rivals for Windsor & Edinburgh castles? Cc @pakistanjannat c pic.twitter.com/8zZgsMQC5Z  Christian Turner (@CTurnerFCDO) October 8, 2020

His key focus was boosting tourism in the area, but also, awarding Scottish scholarship to women in Gilgit

Last week's visit was the 3rd such visit organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in the last year to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The first two visits happened in January and February of 2020. The visits are aimed to showcase the ground situation after India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
SBC seminary helps Dwight McKissic after home suffers damage in Texas winter storm

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Despite his criticism of the Southern Baptist Conventions Council of Seminary Presidents statement on critical race theory, outspoken SBC Pastor Dwight McKissic was blessed by one of the council's six members after water damaged his Texas home amid wild winter weather this week.

The help came in the wake of McKissic's recent decision to end his longtime relationship with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention after leaders adopted a strongly worded, anti-CRT policy that denounces all aspects of critical race theory. The disagreement also prompted McKissic to declare that he was even willing to cut ties with the SBC as well if the denomination's leaders rescind Resolution 9 on critical race theory that messengers passed in 2019.

None of that mattered on Thursday, however, when Adam W. Greenway, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminaryrevealed on Twitter that he offered his support to McKissic after learning of his predicament.

Many families in the Metroplex and across Texas are dealing with home issues including pipes bursting and flooding their homes, rendering them uninhabitable. One of those affected is @pastordmack. Just spoke with @vmckissic1 and offered our support and our prayers. Pray for them, Greenway noted.

McKissic, who founded and leads Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, later revealed that Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary accommodated him and his family at the Riley Center. The Riley Center is a facility on the 207-acre campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary that features 55 luxury guest rooms and suites just minutes from downtown Fort Worth.

Bad news: Major water damage, house/guest house, uninhabitable. Good news: Was given keys to incredible accommodations at the Riley Center/SWBTS for as long as I need to stay, no charge! I love it when the church acts like the church & we behave as a family. Joy unspeakable! Thx, McKissic tweeted hours after Greenways announcement.

Many Texas residents were forced to flee their homes this week as millions were left without power and water for days after a historic winter storm hit the state. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo called the storm the winter version of Hurricane Harvey, which hit Texas as a Category 4 storm on Aug. 25, 2017, killing at least 68 people and causing about $125 billion in damage.

More than 4 million households in Texas were left without power this week after the Texas power grid suffered major disruptions. By Thursday evening, all but 347,000 were still without power, The New York Times reported, but water concerns remained.

A spokeswoman for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality told the publication that about 13.1 million people had been affected by disruptions of more than 800 public water systems. Many have been issued notices to boil water to make it safe to drink, while some homes have no water at all.

At McKissics Cornerstone Church, members handed out packages of bottled water to community members in need Friday despite facing challenging times of their own.

We have been blessed and honored to partner with the city of Arlington, a church official said in a video statement on Facebook, explaining how they can help people avoid having to boil water to have a drink of it.

A lot of our members have been out of power and water and just gas. Its been horrible, but were still alive, the official said. Its bad, and I know its bad because we didnt have water at my house. But let me tell you what I had to stop and think  there were some people that didnt have water for weeks. There are people who had to get water out of a lake, a pond, a river that animals were defecating in.
Louisiana LNG facilities

Two liquefied natural gas export terminals operate in Louisiana, but many others are under construction, approved or proposed.

Existing LNG export terminals

Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass LNG, 3.5 billion cubic feet of LNG per day

Sempra Energy's Cameron LNG joint venture, 2.15 billion cubic feet of LNG per day

LNG export terminals under construction

Venture Global's Calcasieu Pass LNG, 1.41 billion cubic feet of LNG per day

Tellurian's Driftwood LNG, 4 billion cubic feet of LNG per day

Approved, not yet under construction

Lake Charles LNG, 2.2 billion cubic feet of LNG per day

Magnolia LNG, 1.18 billion cubic feet of LNG per day

Sempra Energy's joint venture Cameron LNG expansion, 1.4 billion cubic feet of LNG per day

Venture Global's Plaquemine LNG, 3.4 billion cubic feet of LNG per day

Proposed LNG export terminals
Updated Feb. 22,6:39 p.m.

The United States Air Force released the name of the second pilot killed in the jet crash that happened on Feb. 19.



Scot and Audra Ames (Courtesy: Audra Ames On Facebook) Scot and Audra Ames (Courtesy: Audra Ames On Facebook)

Renshi Uesaki, 25, was a student pilot from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

He was attending undergraduate pilot training at the Columbus Air Force Base when the jet crashed.

Original article below.

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (WTVA)  The military revealed the identity of one of two pilots killed in Friday's crash of a jet from Columbus Air Force Base.

READ: American, Japanese pilots killed in Columbus AFB jet crash

The Air Force said Scot Ames, Jr., 24, was the instructor pilot in the T-38 trainer that went down near the airport in Montgomery, Alabama.

He was from Pekin, Indiana. He married his wife, Audra, in June of last year.

We still don't know the name of the Japanese air force student pilot who died in the crash.

According to the U.S. Air Force, that pilot's name "will be provided according to Japan's established process."
President Donald Trump gestures during the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Dec. 21, 2019. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images)

Nobody Can Fight Him: Trump Virtually Untouchable in the Republican Party, Newt Gingrich Says

Former President Donald Trump is virtually untouchable in the Republican Party even after leaving office last month, said former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Whats very striking is that President Trump still has such enormous reach in the party that nobody can fight him, Gingrich said on WABC 770 AM in New York on Sunday. You can complain about him. You can criticize him. But McConnell cant possibly fight Trump. He doesnt have a big enough base, he said, referring to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

Gingrich added that the spat over Trump in the GOP is also a reminder that there is an establishment insider party that sits around at cocktail parties in Washington, and then theres this huge country outside of Washington.

That country in 2015, by about 2-1, did not like the Republican leadership in the Congress. That was the forerunner of us ending up with Trump as a presidential nominee, said Gingrich. McCarthy has been much smarter as the House Republican leader to recognize his ability to get the extra seats [to win the House] rests almost entirely on working with Trump, not picking a fight with him, he said, referring to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

Gingrich was seemingly referring to critical statements made by both Trump and McConnell, the Senate GOP leader, about one another in recent days. McConnell, on the floor of the Senate and in an opinion article, panned Trumps Jan. 6 remarks and suggested that the former president could face civil or criminal prosecution, although McConnell didnt vote to convict him.

Days later, Trump issued a blistering rebuke of McConnells leadership in the Senate and suggested that the Republican Party wouldnt win with McConnell as leader and suggested Republicans break from him. McConnell, so far, has not issued a response to Trumps statement and hasnt responded to a request for comment.

Trump was impeached on Jan. 13 for alleged incitement of insurrection, as a majority of lawmakers in the lower chamber said he incited the Capitol beach on Jan. 6. He was acquitted earlier this month by the Senate.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the minority whip in the Senate, decried the various state GOPs for censuring senators who voted to convict Trump. Five of seven Republican senators who voted to convict the former president were censured by Republicans in their home states.

There was a strong case made, Thune told The Associated Press on Feb. 13. People could come to different conclusions. If were going to criticize the media and the left for cancel culture, we cant be doing that ourselves.

Polls, meanwhile, have found that among Republicans, Trump is enormously popular. About 70 percent of Republicans said they would consider joining a Trump-backed political party should he start one, according to a CBS poll released earlier this month.
Severe flooding in Indonesia's Jakarta caused by torrential rains over the weekend has killed at least five people, according to the National Board for Disaster Management. The agency said that a 67-year-old man died after being stuck inside his flooded home in the southern part of the capital. Sabdo Kurnianto, head of NBDM in Jakarta, informed that three boys died after being swept away by the floodwaters, while one girl died by drowning.

Read: Rain Sets Off Indonesia Landslide; 2 Dead, 16 Missing

According to the agency, 21 areas across the capital Jakarta have been flooded, with thousands of people taking shelter in government facilities. The monsoon flooding has damaged hundreds of properties, including homes. Indonesia's meteorological department warned that the capital could witness more intense rain over the next week and asked people to remain cautious.

Read: Strong Earthquake Shakes Western Indonesia; No Tsunami Alert

Flooding in other provinces

Last week, rains triggered a landslide on the island of Java, leaving 2 people dead and 16 others missing. A massive rescue operation was launched for people who were buried under the mud after the landslide struck nearby houses in the village of Selopuro in East Java's Nganjuk district. Severe flooding was also reported in other provinces across the country after many rivers overflowed due to continuous rain.

Read: Indonesian Government Bans Mandatory Religious Attire In Schools

Flooding in Indonesia is common during this time of the year due to the ongoing monsoon season in the region. Last year, Indonesia witnessed one of the worst floodings in its history, which left 67 people dead in the capital Jakarta and nearby cities. Last month, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island, leaving nearly 100 people dead and over 70,000 displaced.

Read: At Least Two Killed In Landslide In Indonesia's Java

(Image Credit: AP)
New Delhi: Three people were killed and two others were injured in a shooting at a gun store in Metairie in Louisiana, United States on Sunday (February 21) as per Indian time.

The police officials were dispatched to the scene at 2:50 pm local time (2:20 am IST) soon after the incident.

Three individuals were pronounced dead on the scene. The original shooter was among the dead. The two wounded were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The shootout occurred at the Jefferson Gun Outlet in Metairie, according to a statement released by Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto III.

"At around 2:50 pm [20:50 GMT] on Saturday, deputies were dispatched to a report of a shooting at Jefferson gun outlet in the 6700 block of Airline Drive. Arriving deputies located several victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Three individuals were pronounced dead on the scene, and two more were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The two transported victims are in stable condition," read the official statement.

Multiple deaths in shooting at Metairie gun rangefull release below pic.twitter.com/s57wvrEPjZ  JP Sheriff's Office (@JeffParishSO) February 20, 2021

After the shooter opened fire at the store killing two people, a few people engaged him. Two persons were injured in the exchange of fire.

"At this time, it appears a suspect shot 2 victims inside the location, then was engaged and shot outside the location by multiple other individuals. The suspect is one of the deceased on the scene," police said.

In a separate incident earlier this week, at least eight people were wounded by gunfire near a transit station in north Philadelphia.

Live TV
IT czar on Sunday said more than 90 per cent of the workforce in the technology industry of the country continue to work from home, and lauded the hybrid model of work.

"Within the first few weeks of the (COVID-19-induced) lockdown, over 90 per cent of the technology industry was working from home and even today over 90 per cent of people continue to work from home," he said.

Addressing an interactive session hosted by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Premji said the and the government have appreciated the value of a permanent hybrid model where people would work partly from office and home even after the end of the pandemic.

Stating that the hybrid model would have huge comparative advantage, he said it would drive inclusive growth, better participation from all parts of the country and greater number of women who would have flexibility to work from home.

"Technology is becoming the lifeline for us as individuals and also businesses," he said.

If there was any doubt, the year 2020 showed how fundamental technology has become.Technology played an important role in ensuring that the government's social schemes and assistance programmes reached the mass population, according to him.

Availability of digital infrastructure in tier-2 cities has helped greatly many businesses to thrive, Premji said.

He emphasised the need for people to engage in some acts of philanthropy and charity.

"The culture of philanthropy is as basic to India as India itself. Charity and philanthropy has always been a part of India's culture and tradition", he added.

Premji stepped down as Wipro chairman and managing director in 2019, handing over the company's reins to his son Rishad.

The septuagenarian currently holds the position of Wipro founder-chairman and non-executive director.

(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.)

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Britain's status as the 'sick man of Europe' led to our shocking death toll from Covid, experts have claimed.

High standards of NHS care that help many of us live longer with diabetes and survive heart attacks has meant we may have been left more exposed to the virus.

Increasing numbers of older patients living with multiple illnesses ensured many were more vulnerable than our neighbours, said one leading obesity researcher.

High standards of NHS care that help many of us live longer with diabetes and survive heart attacks has meant we may have been left more exposed to the virus (file photo)

Speaking on The Mail on Sunday's Medical Minefield podcast, Professor Naveed Sattar, a top diabetes expert at the University of Glasgow, said: 'A third of our nation are in the obese category.

'This is much higher than other parts of Europe and does contribute to the high excess [Covid] mortality that we've seen in the UK.'

Data shows being obese can raise Covid morbidity by nearly 50 per cent.

But our unhealthy lifestyles aren't solely to blame.

Instead, Prof Sattar suggested: 'We have an excellent Health Service but the consequence of this is we have more people living longer with underlying health problems than many other parts of the world.'

Last month, MP Therese Coffey was lambasted for suggesting on ITV's Good Morning Britain that the UK's Covid death toll was one of the highest in Europe because Britons were 'old and obese'.

The UK is also the most obese country in western Europe, with rates rising faster than in the United States.
New Delhi, Feb 21 : A three-day 'Incredible India Mega Homestay Development and Training Workshop' by Ministry of Tourism's India tourism Kolkata, Regional Office (East) in association with Eastern Himalayas Travel and Tour Operator Association and IIAS School of Management will be inaugurated by Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel on February 22 in Darjeeling.

The three-day workshop has been organised with an aim to enrich the hospitality skills of homestay owners to ensure a better experience for the tourists.

Since, the homestay concept is gaining popularity in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts located in northern West Bengal, the aim of the three-day workshop is to enrich the hospitality skills of homestay owners to ensure a better experience for the tourists.

IIAS School of Management will provide free training to 450 homestay owners in different spheres of hospitality. The workshop would take place between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and post the workshop, interaction between operators (nearly 40 operators) and travel agents in the form of Business-to-business (B2B) would be organised.

Homestay tourism has received the highest level of local community's involvement at one of the most favoured hill stations for domestic amd inbound tourists.
Cases of Covid-19 linked to the South Africa and Brazil mutations are falling in Britain, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said today.

Hancock said that there had been around 300 cases of the South African variant, which may undermine the vaccination programme, but that they were from over a month ago, reported news agency Reuters.

"The latest data shows that there's around a dozen new ones, so a much, much smaller number, and each time we find a new one we absolutely clamp down on it," he said.

Asked what impact the vaccine roll-out was having so far, he said there were signs that it was reducing transmission and that the numbers in hospital were falling much more sharply than they did in the first wave of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the British government says it aims to give every adult in the country a first dose of coronavirus vaccine by July 31, a month earlier than its previous target.

The goal is for everyone over 50 or with an underlying health condition to get a shot by April 15, rather than the previous target of May 1.

The makers of the two vaccines Britain is using, Pfizer and AstraZeneca, have both experienced supply problems in Europe. But UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Sunday that we now think that we have the supplies" to speed up the vaccination campaign.

More than 17.2 million people have been given the first of two doses of vaccine since the UK inoculation campaign began on December 8.

The news comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets with senior ministers Sunday to finalise a road map" out of that national lockdown that is due to be announced on Monday.

Britain has had more than 120,000 coronavirus deaths, the highest toll in Europe.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-07-10 20:48:42|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The governor of Shahr-e Qods town in the west of Tehran on Friday denied explosion reports in the region earlier on the day.

Leila Vaseqi said that social media reports about an explosion in Shahr-e Qods were "rumors," according to semi-official Fars news agency.

"Power outage (in Shahr-e Qods and Garmdareh regions near Tehran) occurred in a limited area for five or six minutes," Vaseqi said, dismissing the reports of an explosion as the cause of power outage.

On Friday morning, media circulation suggested an occurrence of blast in Shahr-e Qods and subsequent outage of electricity in the region. Enditem
Imperial Valley News Center

Mexican national faces federal charges in violent carjacking

Albuquerque, New Mexico - A federal judge Thursday ordered that Gael Antonio Rodriguez, 18, of Mexico, will remain detained pending trial for carjacking.

According to a criminal complaint, on January 16, Rodriguez allegedly approached an elderly victim in northwest Albuquerque outside her apartment complex and asked her for a cigarette. The victim responded that she had no cigarettes and Rodriguez then allegedly demanded her purse and the keys for her vehicle. When the victim resisted, Rodriguez allegedly slashed her hand with a knife, causing her to drop the keys. Rodriguez allegedly grabbed the keys and fled in the victims vehicle.

An Albuquerque Police Officer was dispatched to the scene and relayed a description of the vehicle and Rodriguez to the Rio Rancho and Corrales police departments. Police were able to locate the vehicle in Corrales. After a pursuit on foot, police subdued and arrested Rodriguez.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Rodriguez faces up to 25 years in prison.

The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Corrales Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.
Housebreakers beware - that's the stern message coming from fed-up residents of Belfast's Shankill Road who prevented two attempted burglaries in the space of 36 hours.

The first break-in was foiled early last week when locals grabbed a man who had allegedly forced his way into a pensioner couple's home in the Glencairn estate.

Hearing them shout for help, several have-a-go-heroes rushed to the front door, chased the suspect, caught him outside and pinned him to the ground until the PSNI arrived a short time later.

Just a few days later at 8am locals apprehended a male allegedly trying to force his way into houses in the Woodvale area. Again, he was detained until police arrived and made an arrest.

A PSNI spokeswoman said: "An 18-year-old man was arrested following a report of a burglary in the Forthriver area of Belfast. It's believed the male was detained by a member of the public until police arrived. He was questioned and released on bail, pending further inquiries."

Confirming police were also called to a report of an attempted burglary in the Woodvale area days later, she added: "It was reported that a male had been detained by members of the public after attempting to gain entry to a number of properties. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglaries and possession of class C drugs. He was bailed pending further inquires."

DUP councillor Brian Kingston urged people on the Shankill to be vigilant.

He said: "I've also heard reports of recent break-ins in Ballysillan, which is worrying. I'd urge people to be vigilant and to make sure the doors and windows of their homes are locked.

"It's unfortunate advice to give out, but important if people want to stay safe. I also commend the locals who stopped the burglary in Glencairn. They did a great job."

Witnesses to the apprehension of the suspected Glencairn burglar described how he terrified his pensioner victims.

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"He beat the old fella living in the house, who is well into his 70s, and he was ordering his wife to hand over money and valuables," one said.

"Thank God the neighbours heard them shout for help. Who knows what could have happened if they hadn't arrived. The burglar tried to run away, but he was caught by local people who held him down until the police arrived. He did try to get away again but calmed down when he got a slap."

A similar situation took place in the Woodvale two days later.

"We caught a foreign national trying to force people's doors. He pretended he couldn't speak English and was looking for help," said another source.

"He was held until the police came."

Official PSNI statistics show that 4,577 burglaries occurred in Northern Ireland last year, a 26% drop on the 6,255 figure recorded in 2019. The fall was largely due to the coronavirus lockdown, which meant people were at home for much longer periods.

But while burglary rates are down, conviction rates for the crime remain static. Only one in 10 are cleared, meaning housebreakers have a 90% chance of escaping prosecution.

cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 19:07:28|Editor: huaxia

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Pulses such as beans and other edible seeds of leguminous plants were sold at an open market in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, on Feb. 11, 2021. (Xinhua/Ndalimpinga Iita)

The trade of traditional food items, particularly pulses, is enabling women in Namibia to run sustainable informal ventures.

by Ndalimpinga Iita

WINDHOEK, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The trade of traditional food items, particularly pulses, is enabling women in Namibia to run sustainable informal ventures. Pulses, also known as legumes, are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for food. Dried beans, lentils and peas are the most commonly known and consumed types of pulses, according to the United Nations.

Pulses are visible at Kiito Silas' counter at an open market in Windhoek, capital of Namibia. Silas, 36, started selling pulses early this year after struggling to secure formal employment.

"I lost my job last year. I decided to try my luck selling traditional food items, and it has been an interesting journey," Silas said.

According to Silas, the various traditional food items she sells are most loved by city dwellers yearning for traditional foods they grew up eating.

"Traditional food items such as dried beans and other nutritious leguminous plant seeds sell fast. Some people buy them because of nostalgia, and others for the nutritional value. We generate a substantial amount of money," she said.

On a good day, Silas generates an average of 300 Namibian dollars (about 20 U.S. dollars) to 800 Namibian dollars.

A customer buys a pack of pulses at an open market in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, on Feb. 11, 2021. (Xinhua/Ndalimpinga Iita)

She is not the only one. For Selma Shilongo, who has been selling pulses for more than three years, managed to send her children to school with funds generated from the trade.

The trade is also growing due to its distinct continuity potential attributed to an established informal supply value chain.

"Although I do not groom or produce pulses, we have links with women based in rural Namibia who supply us with the stock. We then sell it in the city at a premium," Shilongo said.

The trade of pulses is also seen as a one-of-a-kind opportunity that lends itself to all kinds of catering and hospitality establishments. Over the years, the traders and farmers also managed to establish market networks.

"Business people also buy from us. We established partnerships with some food outlets and eateries," added Silas.

Moreover, the traders offer consumers a cultural model and recipes for healthy eating to increase their client base.

"When a client buys the product, I offer some tips on food preparation and preservation. I am adding the little value that clients come back for. That way I build clientele," Shilongo said.

Meanwhile, through conservation agriculture, subsistence farmers who supply the pulses to the city traders see their hard work contributing to improving health in Namibia.

"It's about enhancing livelihoods through small-scale farming and participating in economic development. But also ensuring people eat organic and nutritious food in pulses," said Hilde Tomas, a subsistence farmer in the northern part of Namibia.

Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, said that conservation agriculture aims to transform agricultural practices production.

"As well as enhancing sustainable use and management of agriculture, water and forestry resources, especially in the communal areas of our country," he said.

According to the United Nations, for farmers, pulses are an important crop because they can sell them, consume them, maintain household food security, and create economic stability. 
Boris Johnson wants to build a giant roundabout under the Isle of Man that connects three tunnels to Northern Ireland, sources claim, but one aide dismisses it as a 'bats***' scheme.

The latest extravagant transport idea backed by Boris Johnson could see three tunnels heading out from England and Scotland, arriving at a roundabout dubbed 'Douglas Junction', before heading across the Irish Sea.

While it is an eye-catching proposal, the idea is said to exist 'primarily in the mind of the PM,' according to one senior aide.

The idea comes amid talk of a 25-mile, 10bn, undersea tunnel dubbed 'Boris' Burrow,' that would link Stranraer in Scotland and Larne in Northern Ireland.

Three tunnels setting out from Heysham in Lancashire, Liverpool and Stranraer could join a roundabout dubbed 'Douglas Junction' at the Isle of Man, before venturing on to Larne in Northern Ireland

Studies are currently being undertaken by the chairman of Network Rail, Peter Hendy, to find out if the 25-mile tunnel would be possible.

A direct tunnel from Stranraer to Larne would have to cross Beaufort's Dyke - where 1.5million tonnes of munitions were dumped after the Second World War

Mr Hendy has already met the Prime Minster to discuss his findings and his report is expected to be released within a matter of weeks.

But The Times today reports officials at Number 10 decided the 25-mile tunnel idea may be impractical.

Instead, officials have suggested three tunnels, starting from Stranraer, Liverpool and Heysham in Lancashire, could meet at a roundabout at the Isle of Man, before a tunnel stretched on to Larne.

Critics say the 'Douglas Junction' scheme is 'bats***,' but Downing Street aides are pressing ahead with researching the plans as Boris Johnson is so fervent in his backing that the idea 'cannot die'

The roundabout could be dubbed Douglas Junction - after the island's capital.

While one source told The Times the idea was 'bats***,' another said they continue to look at the plan, as the PM backs it so fervently that it 'cannot die'.

They added: 'Just as Hitler moved around imaginary armies in the dying days of the Third Reich, so the No 10 policy unit is condemned to keep looking at this idea, which exists primarily in the mind of the PM.'

A link between Scotland and Northern Ireland was first proposed by Boris Johnson during the Tory leadership race in 2018 in the form of a bridge.

What we need to do is build a bridge between our islands, he declared, during an interview that was highly critical of Theresa Mays leadership.

Why dont we? Why dont we? There is so much more we can do, and what grieves me about the current approach to Brexit is that we are just in danger of not believing in ourselves, not believing in Britain.

Plans for 25-mile tunnel connecting Stranraer, Scotland, and Larne, Northern Ireland, is expected to get the go ahead within a matter of weeks

At the time the proposal was ridiculed by some but it appears the suggestion could become a reality.

Both he and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack are believed to be firm supporters of the plans which are said to be similar to the 23.5mile deep Channel tunnel.

Speaking the Telegraph's Chopper's Politics podcast, Mr Jack explained a tunnel was the preferred option because 'a bridge would be closed for probably 100 days a year with the weather in the Irish Sea'.

When first proposed there were also concerns about Beautfort's Dyke, a trench in the North Channel where tons of munitions were dumped after the Second World War, and whether it would be logistically plausible.

DUP MP Sammy Wilson said: 'This kind of project would at least give people in Northern Ireland the belief that the Government was prepared to put in infrastructure and spend money to make sure that we are physically connected.'

MailOnline has approached Downing Street for a comment.
Prayagraj : , Feb 21 (IANS) Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday reached Prayagraj district to support the boatmen who were allegedly harassed by the local police.

Priyanka had recently taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on 'Mauni Amavasya' and had travelled in boatman Sujit Nishad's boat who informed her of the atrocities being committed on local boatmen.

Nishad had informed Priyanka about the issues that boatmen belonging to the Nishad community were facing, including brutality against them, by police whom he alleged had destroyed their boats.

The boatman requested her assistance in raising their voices against the oppression to which she agreed, party sources said.

Sujit said several boats belonging to the Nishad community, an OBC (Other Backward Class) caste, were damaged by police and administrative officials in the Banswaar village in the trans-Yamuna area.

He said the incident took place on February 4 when some people complained that illegal mining was being done here. The police came and damaged 16 boats and 30 people were left injured in the ensuing scuffle. The police also brought a number of dogs to create fear among the people, mainly those belonging to the Nishad community.

The Uttar Pradesh government had banned the use of boats in sand mining across the state on June 24, 2019, leaving thousands of boatmen unemployed.

As soon as the news of Priyanka's visit on Sunday reached the district administration, workers were sent to the Banswaar village to repair the damaged boats.

Meanwhile, a huge crowd turned up in the village to meet Priyanka Gandhi, who patiently listened to their problems and assured them of support from the Congress.

Addressing the people in Banswaar village, the Congress leader said the Nishad community is directly related to rivers but the state government is standing with those involved in illegal mining that threatens the life of a river.

She said the Congress would legally fight for the rights of the boatmen and when the party comes to power, boatmen would be given land holdings.

Earlier, on her arrival at the Prayagraj airport, Priyanka was accorded a warm welcome by party workers. Sujit Nishad also reached there to welcome her.
The number of new coronavirus cases is in steep decline, both in the U.S. and the UK. Here at home, the number of new reported cases per day is below 100,000  down from almost three times that many early in the year. The daily number of new cases is about what it was in mid-to-late October, before the weather got cold. (All numbers cited are from Worldometer.)

Unfortunately, the number of deaths per day attributed to the virus hasnt declined as sharply. New deaths are averaging a little below 3,000, down from a peak of more than 4,000 in mid-January. The current number is comparable to that of mid-November. Deaths, of course, are a lagging indicator compared to new infections.

The picture in the UK, which got off to a fast start on vaccinations, is similar. New cases are down quite dramatically  from a peak of around 60,000 per day early in the year to less than 15,000 per day now. As in the U.S., the daily number of new cases is about at October levels.

Deaths per day attributed to the virus are also way down in the UK. In mid-January, the UK was reporting more than 1,500 deaths most days. Now, the number is around 500.

Much of the rest of Europe got off to a slow start on vaccinations and continues to lag. What do their new case and deaths per day numbers look like?

In France, the number of new cases per day is around 25,000, and has been throughout the new year. The same is true of deaths attributed to the virus. That number has held steady at around 500 all year.

The east of France has been plagued by new variants of the virus that are thought to be more contagious than the original version. However, this is also true in the UK. Yet, new cases have declined dramatically there.

In Italy there has been some decline in new cases and deaths per day since the start of the new year, but the decreases have not been sharp (from around 20,000 cases to around 15,000 and from around 500 to 400 deaths). The same is basically true of Belgium and the Netherlands. Spain, though, has seen fairly significant declines.

It looks, then, like the ability of Donald Trump and Boris Johnson to get quick approval and distribution of vaccines is making a big difference. It is saving lives. And, of course, Trump deserves credit for facilitating the development of the vaccines.

Joe Biden hopes to get credit for what may well be a major coronavirus success story in the U.S. He claims:

Just over four weeks ago, America had no real plan to vaccinate most of the country. My predecessor, as my mother would say, failed to order enough vaccines, failed to mobilize the effort to administer the shots That changed the moment we took office.

Would Bidens mother really have said that? Regardless, its a lie. As Jean at Neo points out, about one million people were being vaccinated per day when Trump left office.

It is those vaccinations that currently are preventing new infections. Most of the doses administered since Biden took office havent had time to confer a high level of immunity.

But for the Trump administrations ability to move quickly, we wouldnt be experiencing the kind of improved numbers cited above. Our rate of improvement might well be small to negligible  like Frances.
Lebialem-based separatist, Field Marshal Screenshot from amateur video

Soldiers have told the population of Lebialem Division in Cameroons restive South West Region to ready themselves for a return to normalcy.

Addressing the population at the Alou Market on Friday, February 19, 2021, soldiers called on those who fled the insecurity in the area to start preparing themselves to return home.

The security forces called on the population to ignore the bluff from separatist fighters and go about their business without fear.

The reassurance from the security forces follows the killing of three traditional rulers in Essoh-Attah by armed separatists fighting to transform Cameroons North West and South West Regions into a country called Ambazonia.

According to the people of Lebialem Division, notorious separatist fighter Oliver Lekeaka alias Field Marshal, following instructions from his elder brother, Chris Anu, killed Chiefs Fualasoeh Peter, Formin Benedict, and Simon Forzi on the night of February 13, 2021.

With threats of further attacks from separatists, the military says normalcy will be restored in the days ahead.

Its all empty talk. The reality is that when you [go about your activities] as you are doing now, nothing can happen to you. He [Oliver Lekeaka alias Field Marshal] cannot come around and do something. He cannot come and beat you in your houses. He has nothing now, a soldier told a crowd at the Alou Market.

The soldier of Cameroons army insisted that, Things will soon return to normal in Lebialem Division. In the entire Lebialem, everything will be normal again. It is just a question of time. In a little while, everything will be normal.

Soldiers tell Lebialem population to hope for better days (c) Amateur

With plans afoot to capture the separatists in Lebialem Division or cause them to surrender, security forces say Internally Displaced Persons should be preparing to come back home.

Inform all those who are in Dschang and in other places. Tell them to come back to their villages. Tell them to return to their businesses. Tell them to come back, open their shops, and resume normal activities. They should come along with all their belongings. Schools will resume everywhere in Lebialem. Start now to prepare the school fees for your children so they can come back to the village and resume school. Now is the time, not tomorrow, the head of the military squad said.

The soldier was thankful that the population had paused their buying and selling for a few minutes to listen to his message.

I just want to thank you all. Let me not take much of your time. I just want to let you know that from time to time, you will see military vehicles passing. Have no fear. We are only passing. We are here to protect you, he concluded.

On March 17, 2018, armed separatists kidnapped Professor Ivo Leke Tambo, marking the beginning of tortuous days for the people of Lebialem Division. The armed separatists commanded by Oliver Lekeaka alias Field Marshal operate under a group christened Red Dragons.

On September 26, 2019, videos and pictures of Lekeaka coming out of the sacred forest of the Essoh-Attah Palace with population bowing to him, visibly under duress, were recorded. He declared himself King of Lebialem.
In December 2019, when the federal government asked the digital industry to develop a code of practice on disinformation, the world was a very different place.

But when the Digital Industry Group (DIGI) began developing the Australian Code of Practice on Misinformation and Disinformation that were launching today, it was the start of Australias first wave of COVID-19. The unprecedented challenges of these uncertain times remained front of mind.

The big social media companies have long been grappling with doing better on stamping out misinformation. Credit:AFR

The pandemic has stress-tested this code in a way that we may not have achieved outside of a time of crisis. This past year, the digital industry ramped up their efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation, adapting policies, directing people to official information, and initiating new collaborations with researchers.

This disinformation code has been adopted by Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Tik-Tok, Twitter, Redbubble. It provides a consistent framework and transparency with such work in Australia. Not just in relation to coronavirus, but any issue where harmful misinformation or disinformation may proliferate online.


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Plant-eating dinosaurs probably arrived in the northern half of the world millions of years after meat-eating dinosaurs, a recent study found. Their late arrival was likely a result of climate changes that took place hundreds of millions of years ago.

The study used a new way to estimate the age of dinosaur remains found in Greenland. Researchers found that the plant-eating dinosaurs were about 215 million years old. The mineralized remains of bones are called fossils. Earlier, those fossils were thought to be as old as 228 million years.

The findings appeared in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. They could change how scientists think about dinosaur movements, or migrations.

The earliest dinosaurs all seemed to first develop about 230 million years ago or longer. They appeared in what is now South America. Then, the creatures moved north and spread all over the world. The new study suggests not all dinosaurs moved at the same time.

So far, scientists have not found any evidence of plant-eating dinosaurs living in the Northern Hemisphere before 215 million years ago. One of the best examples of these is the Plateosaurus, a two-legged, 7-meter-long plant-eater that weighed around 4,000 kilograms.

However, meat-eaters lived worldwide by at least 220 million years ago, said Randy Irmis of the University of Utah. Irmis was not part of the research.

Dennis Kent of Columbia University was the lead writer of the study. The plant-eaters were late comers in the Northern Hemisphere, he said. Then he asked, What took them so long?

By studying the atmosphere and the climate of the time period, Kent believes he has found an answer. During the Triassic period, 230 million years ago, carbon dioxide levels were 10 times higher than now. The Earth was hotter with no ice sheets at the poles and two areas of extreme deserts north and south of the equator, he said.

It was so dry in those areas that there were not enough plants for the plant-eaters to survive. But there were enough insects so that meat-eaters could, Kent said.

About 215 million years ago, carbon dioxide levels dropped. The drop resulted in more plant life in the deserts. The plant-eaters were then able to make the trip. Kent and other scientists said Triassic changes in carbon dioxide levels were from volcanoes and other natural forces. The changes were different from our time, when the burning of coal, oil and natural gas are considered the main causes of climate change.

Kent used changes in Earths magnetism to find the age of fossils in Greenland. Several outside experts both in dinosaurs and ancient climate said this shows that there was a time difference between the migrations of the two kinds of dinosaurs.

Irmis described Kents theory about how ancient climate affected dinosaurs as super cool because it brings it back to contemporary issues. Contemporary is a term that means happening or beginning in recent times.

Hans-Otto Portner of the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany also was not part of the study. Portner suggested that the studys findings fit with some animals behaviors today.

Paul Sereno of the University of Chicago said that the study makes sense. But, he added, it does have one possible weakness.

Just because researchers have not found evidence of fossils older than 215 million years does not mean there were no plant-eaters in the Northern Hemisphere. The fossils just may not have survived, he noted.

Im John Russell.

Seth Borenstein reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

hemisphere -- n. a half of the Earth

sheet -- n. a wide, flat surface or area of something

pole  n. either end of the imaginary line around which something (such as the earth) turns

magnetism n. the property of attracting certain metals : the attracting property of a magnet

cool adj. appealing, approved of
The example of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, the ritual being played at the Dargah for nearly 800 years. Image Source: IANS News

The example of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, the ritual being played at the Dargah for nearly 800 years. Image Source: IANS News

The example of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, the ritual being played at the Dargah for nearly 800 years. Image Source: IANS News

The example of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, the ritual being played at the Dargah for nearly 800 years. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Feb 21 : When the golden yellow colour envelopes the entire country on the occasion of Basant Panchami every year, sunflowers mesmerise people, new crops of wheat and oat spread happiness everywhere and butterflies sprinkle joy and smile, a silent tradition being followed at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Aullia Dargah in Delhi.

The Basant Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of 'Magh' month to welcome the Spring season. People also worship God Vishnu and Kaamdev on this day. But rarely anybody know that an 800 years old tradition is being followed at the popular mosque of Delhi to make happy the Sufi saint.

Nizamuddin Auliya's chief in-charge Sayed Kashif Kazmi told IANS: "We decorate the mosque with yellow marigold flowers every year on this day and wear yellow clothes along with same colour turban or strap on the head." "This tradition is being followed at the Dargah for over 800 years to mark the Sufi Spring festival. Artistes also offer 'qawwali' before the Sufi Saint to get his blessings," he said. "These 'qawwals' sing Amir Khusrau's song." There is a story behind it. Hazrah Nizamuddin had a great affection towards his nephew Hazrah Takiuddin Nuh. The sudden death of Nuh had left Hazrat Nizamuddin in trauma. He then gradually stopped meeting with people and going any where, and after sometime he had also stopped stepping out of this office.

When Hazrat Amir Khusrau got to know about this, he became upset. But one day when he going from nearby the Kalka temple, he saw some people were including women and children were going wearing yellow dresses and yellow flowers in their hands. When Khusrau asked them that what they were doing they replied they were going to make their god happy, god become happy with yellow flowers and clothes.

The idea struck in Khusrau's mind and reached before Hazrat Nizamuddin clad in yellow dress. That brought a deep smile on Hazrat Nizamuddin's face.

To keep alive this memory, this day is celebrated at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah for over 800 years.

Syed Adeeb Nizami, a caretaker of the Dargah, said: "On the day of Basant Panchami, Sufi Qawwal sing Khusrau's songs here, this is major event for us. We also should celebrate all festivals out of the religious boundaries." Another caretaker of the Dargah, Johaib Nizami told IANS that we are following this tradition for over 800 years and people from other religions as well reach here in big number to mark this day.

People offer yellow 'chadar' and flowers to Hazrat Nizamuddin on this day.
Having run the Climate Assets fund for the past 11 years, investment house Quilter Cheviot is not new to investing in environmentally-friendly companies. Indeed, it now manages sustainable investment mandates totalling 350million.

Lead fund manager of Quilters sustainable investment strategy is Claudia Quiroz who has more than 20 years experience in the sector. She also runs the 157million Climate Assets fund in conjunction with Caroline Langley.

Over the years, the fund has evolved  initially investing in companies involved in the production of natural gas before they were considered to be adding to global warming.

The funds portfolio is spread across a range of assets  not just equities  that concentrate on big green investment themes

Today, the funds portfolio is spread across a range of assets  not just equities  that concentrate on big green investment themes. These include electric cars, renewable energy and clean water.

The multi-asset approach is designed to reduce the funds volatility and deliver a smoother return for investors.

Over the past 12 months and five years, the respective fund returns are 5 per cent and 68 per cent.

When I started investing in sustainable and ethical businesses, says Quiroz, the emphasis was more on what companies to avoid  the likes of tobacco companies and arms manufacturers.'

But today, its about finding companies that provide solutions to a world that is being impacted adversely by climate change, population growth and resource scarcity.

Were searching for businesses that are able to deliver low carbon energy, clean water and recycle scarce resources.

The six-strong sustainable team at Quilter pore over about 1,000 companies that are candidates for inclusion, assisted by 22 in-house analysts. The result is a Climate Assets fund that is invested across 60 companies.

The Climate Assets fund that is invested across 60 companies

Its a global strategy, says Quiroz. From a sustainable perspective, the UK stock market has structural issues because of its reliance on oil, mining and old economy businesses. So you have to think global in terms of building a diversified portfolio. Also, climate change is a global issue that requires global action.

The portfolio has more than a quarter of its assets in North American companies  such as US company Aptiv that provides the electronic brains behind many electric cars, and water company Xylem that does everything to ensure water is delivered safely from the reservoir to the home.

It does not invest in electric car manufacturer Tesla  its shares are overpriced, according to Quiroz  but it is happy to invest in companies such as Aptiv and German giant Infineon Technologies that supply parts.

Among its key renewable energy holdings is Portuguese company EDP Renovaveis  a generator of electricity from renewable energy  and wind farm specialist Greencoat UK Wind.

Quiroz says the fund has attracted greater interest from investors over the past two years.

Sir David Attenborough has helped, she says. People increasingly want to invest in companies that are having a positive impact on the environment  and feel good about how their money is being invested.

The only company that has recently spilt out of its portfolio for unethical reasons is Irish buildings materials business Kingspan. In recent months, it has courted widespread criticism for the use of its combustible insulation boards in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower which caught fire in 2017, claiming the lives of 72 people.

We sold our position last autumn, says Quiroz. It no longer met our threshold for inclusion in the fund.

The funds income is equivalent to just below two per cent a year. The stock market identification code is B3K3HX1.
BENGALURU : The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has started an investigation to check whether Google Pay (GPay) has abused its dominance of Indias digital payments market , executives at three payment firms aware of the discussions said.

The market watchdog is holding face-to-face interviews with rival payment firms, including PhonePe and Paytm Payments Bank, as part of the probe, the executives said seeking anonymity.

Through its meetings, CCI will seek to understand whether Google is giving users the choice to pay through other payment instruments in addition to GPay. It will also try to ascertain whether Google is leveraging user data on its platform to gain unfair advantage for its own payment platform and also if it has created restrictions for other payment firms to gain unfair advantage. CCI will also check if Google is abiding by the governments zero-merchant discount rate (MDR) policy.

View Full Image Under the scanner

The executives cited above said while CCI ordered the probe on GPay last November, a formal investigation began in January with the appointment of an additional director general to the antitrust case.

CCI is still at a nascent point of the investigation and is trying to approach the matter from the perspective of app bundling with the Android OS, search manipulations where Google Pay appears on the top when a user searches for a payment use-case such as recharge on (Google search); and leveraging Google properties and data such as YouTube and Play Store to plant advertisements for its payment service, through ad personalization," said one of the three executives cited above.

The executive said that CCI is modelling its probe on the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy where possible data sharing between the Google suite of products can lead to unfair competitive advantage for its payment service.

Frances data protection authority, CNIL, fined Google $57 million in 2019 for not obtaining user consent to process data for ad personalization, citing a clear violation of GDPR norms.

Digital payments platforms in India have earlier complained about GPay being the default option for payments on Google Play Store, alleging that the US company is abusing the market dominance of its Android mobile operating system to charge an arbitrary 30% commission for in-app purchases through apps listed on its Play Store and manipulating ad keywords to push GPay.

Google denied the allegations in its response to CCI last July.

Googles 30% in-app commission is also being questioned in this particular investigation," the third executive said.

PhonePe and Paytm declined to comment. CCI and GPay didnt respond to emailed queries.

The meetings with other payment firms are expected to enhance the antitrust bodys understanding of the digital payment ecosystem, said two of three people cited above.

CCI is trying to gain knowledge about the digital payment ecosystem and how Google can give preference to its Google Pay service for payments on different platforms through any possible data-sharing patterns between its payments entity and sister platforms like Google Play, for instance, which improves payment experience and boosts downloads, leading to an unfair advantage over other apps," the second executive said.

The executive also said that sharing of data across platforms by Google could lead to faster checkouts for purchases on Googles different platforms leading to an unfair advantage".

This is the third ongoing antitrust case against Google and its subsidiaries in the country. In 2019, CCI began an investigation into Google restricting smartphone manufacturers from opting for alternative operating systems (OS) and bundling its search engine and Google apps into the mobile OS.

In October 2020, CCI was also examining a complaint that claimed Google was abusing its dominant market position in smart television operating systems.

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Cher is an iconic superstar  her career has spanned decades. She has been successful in music and on the big screen. Lets take a look at her private life and what she has to say about seeing her father for the very first time.

Cher | The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images

Chers early years

Firstly, a little background. IMDb tells us that Cher was born on Mary 20, 1946 in California. Her mother was Georgia Holt and her father was John Sarkisian. According to ABC News, Cher stated her mother nearly aborted her because she did not want to be with her husband. My mom was in the doctors office  a back-alley doctor-getting on the table. And then at the last minute she said, I cant do this. I dont care what happens, I cant do this.

Sarkisian, a truck driver, ended up deserting his family when Cher was young. Holt remarried and Cher actually did not meet her birth father until she was eleven years old. In her book, The First Time, she said her father was not a topic of conversation while growing up. Since no one ever talked about him, I figured the subject was closed, she recalled.

Believe

RELATED: Chers First Single Was a Love Song About Ringo Starr That Got Banned

Cher meets John Sarkisian

Cher continued One night, when I was eleven years old, my mother asked me out of nowhere, Would you like to meet your father? Cher responded with sure, but she also said she did not have a burning desire to meet him. Cher had dinner with her father. She described it saying, My father was Armenian. He was about two inches taller than my mother, and well built. He seemed strong. He had curly black hair and dark, slanty eyes like mine and big fluffy eyebrows. He looked a lot like me, and I thought once again Now I understand. This is where I came from. I knew then why I looked the way I looked.

Cher elaborates saying she enjoyed Sarkisian who was fun but that she was standoffish. Further, There was something that kept me from buying the whole package. I really did want to like him, but he was a stranger. He was just a man whod walked into our house with my smile.

If I Could Turn Back Time

RELATED: Why Chers Bodyguard Put Her in a Headlock

Cher connects to her Armenian heritage

Through her ethnic heritage from Sarkisian, Cher became active about Armenia later in her life. The Guardian tells us that she traveled there in 1993. The trip was a humanitarian mission. She was told of events that took place in the country by her grandmother that constituted a horror story. Cher then urged the Turkish government to acknowledge the events of over 100 years ago as a genocide.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Cher attended the Hollywood premiere of The Promise, a movie based on the Armenian genocide. More recently in 2020, shecalled on celebrities to spread awareness of conflicts taking place in Armenia. Although shemay not have been close to her father growing up, she certainly has been able to embrace her ethnic roots.
Dr Rosler said she was relieved to have received the vaccine. I think in a couple of weeks, its really going to kick in, she said. I think Im a little bit more emotional than I thought that I would be. Professor Ben Cowie, senior medical adviser for the COVID-19 vaccination program, said Victorians could have confidence in the Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs, which were safe, effective and free. He pointed to the success of Israel, which has the highest vaccination rate in the world, where more than 49 per cent of people have received at least one dose of Pfizer. Israels health ministry at the weekend said studies revealed the risk of illness from the virus had dropped 95.8 per cent among people who have had both doses of the the Pfizer vaccine. So the early evidence [from Israel ... is firstly that the actual rates of infection in those vaccinated are going down, Professor Cowie said.

It protects against infection, it certainly protects against serious infection, and furthermore were seeing the first evidence that even amongst those infected, it reduces its ability to spread to others. There are now 25 active cases of COVID-19 in Victoria, a number that is unchanged from Sundays total. More than 8000 tests were processed on Sunday. The states Health Department also confirmed that there had been no new cases in hotel quarantine over the past 24 hours. Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said two indeterminate test results were received on Sunday for hotel quarantine workers at the Novotel and Pullman hotels, but in follow-up tests the pair tested negative.

This just goes to show the risk-averse nature in which those daily test results are dealt with, he said. Dr Chris Quinn, who has been working in hotel quarantine, receives one of the first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines at Austin Health, administered by nurse Jessica Amalfi. Credit:Mark Stewart Dr Janine Trevillyan, from Austin Health, said about 30 staff would be inoculated on Monday, with plans to scale up to 350 vaccinations per day. Our vaccine arrived yesterday and I have never seen a box be greeted with such joy and reverence at a hospital before, Dr Trevillyan said. In the next couple of weeks, well be opening a much larger clinic at our repatriation hospital, and it will be able to do 10,000 doses a week.

Victorias deputy chief health officer Allen Cheng said on Monday morning he hoped the vaccine rollout would be the beginning of the end of Australias long battle with the coronavirus pandemic. Theres still a lot of work to do and it feels like its taken a long time to get to this starting line but I think it really gives us hope that you know this is starting to not be so much of an issue that it has been last year, Professor Cheng told ABCs Radio National. Loading Professor Cheng said health authorities were hoping to deploy around 50,000 doses of the vaccine in the first month of the rollout in Victoria.

That will cover the vast majority of phase 1A and that includes some paramedics and hospital staff as well as some of the vaccination clinic staff. Professor Cheng said that new variants of COVID-19, such as the South African and Brazilian variants, appear to be more resistant to the AstraZeneca vaccine, which most Australians will receive, and that represented some concern for authorities. It looks like there may be some protection but it may not be quite to the same degree [as the other strains], Professor Cheng said. The Victorian government on Sunday announced a $143 million recovery package aimed at helping businesses affected by last weeks circuit-breaker lockdown.
Modi also advised extending help to the private sector as a key move to seek foreign investment and emphasised on strengthening MSMEs and start-ups.  PTI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke of the "untapped potential" of the farm sector while marking out areas for improvement to push the country out of the economic slump. Addressing the sixth governing council meeting of NitiAayog, he said, "Even today, despite being called an agricultural country, we bring 65,000-70,000 crores of edible oil from outside. The country, he added, should stop this. "The money can go to our farmers' account. Our farmers are entitled to this money, but for this we have to make our plans that way," the Prime Minister added.

Interestingly, the meeting which was held amid the ongoing farmers' protest, did not deliberate on the controversial farm laws, sources informed this newspaper.

Agriculture minister Narendra Tomar had been asked by the Prime Minister to attend the meeting, as agriculture was among the main subjects of the meeting.

"Even during Covid-19, India saw a rise in exports in the agriculture sector. We have a lot of untapped potential in this sector. Wastage of our products should be as less as possible and we must thus concentrate on storage and processing," he said.

Mr Modi also advised extending help to the private sector as a key move to seek foreign investment and emphasised on strengthening MSMEs and start-ups.

With the prime focus on developing agricultural best practices, strengthening local manufacturing in states and improving health care facilities, the meeting witnessed suggestions by several chief ministers on improving logistical support and reducing input costs to enable increased manufacturing in states.

The meeting which was held virtually was not attended by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh (who was indisposed), Telangana chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani (who has tested positive to Corona virus).
GOVERNMENT received a total of $7.37 billion from oil, gas and quarrying/mining companies in fiscal 2018, with the largest payment of $2 billion coming from majority State-owned National Gas Company (NGC).

However, for the period 2019 to 2020, unaudited figures indicate a declining trend in revenue.
Stunning new images of deep canyons and spidery frost deposits on Mars, plus new gassy discoveries, are rocking the science world in a month already full of red planet news as a total of three new Mars spacecraft headed for the red planet -- China's first rover, a new NASA rover and an orbiter from the UAE. and the NASA Perseverance rover. All these scientific expeditions aim to further our knowledge and understanding of Mars. See what the Red Planet surface looks like in photos:
New Delhi, Feb 21 : Three men have been arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in connection with the murder of Youth Congress leader, Gurlal Singh Bhalwan in Punjab's Faridkot.

Bhalwan was shot dead on February 18 while he was about to get into his car after coming out from a friend's shop at Faridkot's Jubilee Chowk.

The bike borne attackers fled the spot after pumping several bullets in him. Bhalwan was taken to the Faridkot Medical College, where he was declared brought dead.

He was the president of the Faridkot District Youth Congress and also a Zila Parishad member from Ounjab's Golewala.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Oath Keepers, a militia group that stormed the U.S. Capitol, last month, has members in Ohio. So do many of the other anti-government groups that have pushed into the national consciousness in the last year.

Ohio has the second largest number of anti-government groups in America, with 31, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. The center counted 566 extreme antigovernment groups, including 169 militias, active last year. Ohio had 31 groups (including 17 militias), following California, with 51. It was one of 11 states home to the Proud Boys and Patriot Prayer, and one of 14 states home to the Boogaloo Bois and Peoples Rights groups.

Last year, Ohio had 688 instances of political violence and demonstrations, ranking 10th in the United States, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project.

The militias have grown more active during the coronavirus pandemic, as members demonstrated at statehouses, were accused of plotting to kidnap the Michigan governor and of course, storming the Capitol.

Yet members of some Ohio militias say they watched in horror with the rest of the country as the mob roamed the government halls. They say their beliefs dont align with the attempted coup.

So how concerned should we be about the private organizations that call themselves militia?

Its not like a militia is going to kick in your door and shoot your dog, said Hampton Stall, a senior researcher at Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, a nonprofit group that tracks political violence and protest internationally.

Stall doesnt believe domestic militia groups have reached the threat level of terrorist movements like Isis or Al-Qaeda, but rather, predicts that militias may become more target-selective, focusing on members of government, anti-gun efforts and Muslims.

Theyll say, Oh, we dont agree with the storming [of the Capitol}, were peaceful, were here to protect everybody, he said. Then theyll go home and send death threats to Muslims in the community.

An October 2020 report by the Armed Conflict project followed the activities of 80 American militias and found that the groups had morphed from anti-federal government to mostly supporting Trump, with the intention of preserving and promoting a limited and warped understanding of U.S. history and culture.

A December report gauged the likelihood of right-wing mobilization leading to violence, finding that militias create a greater chance of violence at demonstrations.

The biggest stories of 2020  the Black Lives Matter movement and COVID-19 restrictions -- galvanized white nationalism and anti-government sentiments under a pro-Trump banner, said Lawrence Rosenthal, founder and head of the Berkeley Center for Right-Wing Studies.

The rate of militia involvement in demonstrations increased after the presidential election, according to the Armed Conflict.

Although many U.S. militias can be described as latent in that they threaten more violence than they commit, several recently organized militias are associated with a right-wing ideology of extreme violence toward communities opposed to their rhetoric and demands for dominance and control, the report said.

The Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol should have been expected, said Rosenthal, comparing the assault to Mussolinis 1922 March on Rome, when the soon-to-be Italian dictator flooded the streets with thousands of his Blackshirt militia to force the king and Parliament into offering him control of the government.

The Southern Poverty Law Center is bracing for worse.

Said President and CEO Margaret Huang in a press release: The antigovernment threat is likely to grow even worse in the months ahead, with the real possibility of new acts of domestic terrorism in response to Donald Trumps impeachment trial, new health and safety measures to combat COVID-19, and more.

See more cleveland.com stories on militias here.
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Six persons were feared dead after a military aircraft crashed in Abuja on Sunday, officials said.

The aircraft, King Air 350, crashed after reporting engine failure enroute Minna, Hadi Sirika, Nigerias aviation minister, tweeted Sunday afternoon.

He said the crash appears to be fatal, and said the aircraft crashed short of the Abuja airport runway.

A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any, Mr Sirika tweeted.

A spokesperson for Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, told PREMIUM TIMES that six persons were on board the aircraft.

He said the accident was fatal.

Editors Note: Our earlier report mistated the site of the accident. The crash occured in Abuja, not Niger State.

A new poll Sunday shows 46 per cent of Donald Trump's voters would ditch the Republican Party if he formed his own political party  as some GOP lawmakers continue to break with the former president.

The Suffolk University/USA TODAY survey shows 27 per cent of respondents  those who voted for Trump in 2020  would stick with the GOP even if Trump created his own party, while another 27 per cent say they are unsure what they would do.

Rumors emerged shortly after Trump left office on January 20 that he was considering creating his own party separate from the GOP focusing on an 'America first' agenda. His team quickly snuffed out those whispers, however, as the Senate impeachment trial loomed and there were fears Republican senators could turn against him.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said Sunday that Trump 'should not define our [GOP's] future' and said if the former president did run for the White House again in 2024, he would not support him.

'No, I wouldn't. It's time,' Hutchinson told CNN's 'State of the Union' in regards to the GOP looking forward.

A new poll released Sunday shows 46 per cent of Trump voters would ditch the Republican Party if the former president created his own political party

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (right) told CNN hat Trump 'should not define the future' of the GOP, and said if the former president ran again in 2024 he would not support him

'He's got a good family. I have worked with Ivanka and others, and they love America,' the Republican governor continued. 'But I would not support him for reelection in 2024. He's going to have a voice, but  as former presidents do  but there's many voices in the party.'

'He should not define our future,' Hutchinson said. 'We have got to define it for ourself.'

The governor also warned: 'He will only define our party if we let him define our party.'

Of the 1,000 Trump supporters polled February 15-19, one in five said the party should ditch Trump and realign themselves more with establishment Republicans, while half say the party should enhance their loyalty to the former president.

'We feel like Republicans don't fight enough for us, and we all see Donald Trump fighting for us as hard as he can, every single day,' a 27-year-old Republican from Milwaukee, Brandon Keidl,from Milwaukee, said in an interview after his poll. 'But then you have establishment Republicans who just agree with establishment Democrats and everything, and they don't ever push back.'

The poll had a margin of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Fifty-four per cent of those polled say that they feel more loyalty to Trump than to the Republican Party.

Another indication of the GOP leaning more into the Trumpism of the Party is this year's Conservative Political Action Conference.

Half of the 1,000 Trump supporters surveyed say the party should become more loyal to Trump

The annual meeting of conservatives will start Thursday and end Friday in Orlando, Florida. Trump will make remarks at the conference on the final day as the keynote speaker  his first public appearance since leaving Washington on January 20.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, on the other hand, declined an invite to speak at the conference this year.

'I think it's fine for CPAC to invite former President Trump to speak, but how about the other voices, Senator Cassidy from Louisiana, those that have different points of view, still arch-conservatives, but a different voice for the future of our party?' Hutchinson lamented. 'And so that's what we have got to embrace.'

'He has a loud megaphone,' he said of Trump, 'but we have to have many different voices. And, in my view, we can't let him define us for the future, because that would just further divide our country. And it would hurt our Republican Party.'
Peru's Ministry of Health on Friday received a donation of 60 mechanical ventilators and 40 multi-parameter monitors from the United Kingdom. This equipment will be destined for different hospitals in the country where critically and moderately affected COVID-19 patients are treated.Peru's new Minister of Health Oscar Ugarte thanked the UK.

"We are grateful for the economic value of this donation, but we are even more grateful for the value it has in saving lives", said Ugarte.

The President of Peru's Council of Ministers Violeta Bermudez in turn expressed her gratitude.

"This equipment will be put into operation immediately, so that our frontline doctors, so that our frontline health workers, can count on this very valuable resource", she said.

The value of the UK donation exceeds 700,000 US dollars

Peru is currently going through a second wave of the virus that has caused the collapse of the healthcare system around the entire Andean nation.

More than 1.2 million people have been infected and 44,489 have died to date, most of them underprivileged people and also first-responders on the frontline, including 310 doctors, 125 nurses and more than 500 policemen.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A structure fire caused by improper heating has displaced five people in Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids Fire Department personnel at 4:49 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, were dispatched to a reported fire at a three-story, multi-family residence in the 900 block of Pastiche SE. Initial reports indicated occupants were trapped, with the fire on the third floor.

Fire crews rescued one person before transitioning into a fire attack.

Crews ended up clearing the scene at 6:30 p.m., said Lt. William Smith.

We did have one resident checked out for smoke inhalation, but she did not require to be transported to the hospital, Smith said. The resident told me her heat was out and she was using her electronic range for alternative heating, which we do not recommend ever. Its very dangerous to do that. That is the cause of this fire  improper heating.

No other residents were injured, though the blaze has left five people displaced. The American Red Cross responded to the scene and is assisting the residents with temporary shelter, the lieutenant said.

Not only had (the resident) employed improper use of an appliance for heating, but she also took down her smoke alarms, Smith continued. There were no smoke alarms sounding in her residence. She had also gone back in to rescue her cats, which we do not recommend. If you get out, stay out.

Smith said the woman did manage to save her three cats.

In all, damage to contents is estimated to be $5,000, with damage to the structure valued at about the same, Smith said.

Read more:

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Many readers would be familiar with the Bethany Hamilton story. The young Hawaiian surfer who lost her left arm in a shark attack in 2003 when she only thirteen. There was an initial short film, Heart of a Soul Surfer (2007), and two major films made since.

Soul Surfer

The first being the aptly entitled: Soul Surfer (2011) based on the 2004 autobiography: Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board

The film has an impressive cast, starring AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany, Academy Award winner Helen Hunt as Cheri Hamilton (mother) and Dennis Quaid as Tom Hamilton (father). Carrie Underwood features in her first film role as the youth minister/pastor Sarah Hill (a way to introduce the going on mission context and to ensure she does some singing too). Kevin Sorbo, now a well-established actor in faith films (it has been a while since Hercules), plays Holt, the father of Bethanys close friend Alana Blanchard.

As well as an encouraging story, this is a helpful film for those wanting to understand the dynamics and ethos of the beach surfing culture. Even though I grew up near one of the worlds most renowned beaches (Crescent Head, NSW) I viewed the beach as more of an intellectual concept than the base for a whole lifestyle, so it helped me to realise the power of the water and the waves.

The movie had mixed reviews from critics, and it has many reviews because of the Hollywood actors. Some critics simply found it too boring and the faith elements a bit twee. I think critics failed to realise this was a fairly simple story and the faith of the family, a normal American experience.

The shark attack was not the menacing hunting of jaws, but a quick attack; one minute happily in the water and the next, nearly bleeding to death as friends try to get you ashore. The story is then about how a young girl coped with the change through her faith and the support of her family, friends, and church.

While there at times, limitations with the dialogue and some acting, taken as a whole, it is a warm Christian Hollywood-type film that commends itself to a wide audience. A strength is in the filming itself. There are some spectacular surfing and water scenes as well as wonderful depictions of the natural beauty of Hawaii (and Tahiti).

It has a very fast-paced editing style for the action scenes that younger people will particularly appreciate. Some of the surfing scenes will prompt memories for people familiar with the classic surfing films of the 1970s and 1980s.



As I have said, in many ways, this is a simple story, but a good story that highlights the importance of family support and love and surely in this time of broken relationships and fractured families, a much more important focus than whether it was riveting enough to earn any Academy Award nominations.

Unstoppable (2018)

This is an official documentary, usually released now as Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable. (Available on Premieres at MoviesChangePeople). This more extensive documentary provides the story of her life, from early days with junior surfing, and the move to professional surfing, her marriage, and children and ultimately how she coped with all the changes and challenges from such a public media profile.

I found this documentary fascinating in terms of American culture as it vividly illustrated the context of Christian celebrity. While I was aware of the Bethany Hamilton story, I had no idea that Bethany Hamilton was such a significant celebrity style figure, though I was aware of the Christian surfing sub-culture in Australia that developed through ministries such as Christian Surfers.

Her media profile has helped to raise Christian surfing to a significant platform in the USA. Bethany now has a very prominent role as a Christian speaker and role model, particularly for young Christian women. Bethany is quite familiar with Australian surfing having competed in several international events.

So many opportunities have come about because of that one terrible event in her life. An important part of the documentary considers the way Bethanys faith has helped her understand this, and now with the support of her husband, use her talents to reach out and support people who have had similar traumatic events, and pointing them to the hope one can have in Jesus Christ.

It is a wonderful testimony and encouraged me to pray for Christians who are in the media spotlight like Bethany. In this celebrity age and culture, it can be a trap to believe all the publicity about oneself. May God give us all humility to continue to walk closely with our God.

A concluding quote from Bethany:

Surfing isnt the most important thing in life. Love is. Ive had the chance to embrace more people with one arm than I ever could with two.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 23:02:11|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Arab League (AL) expressed extreme concern over the escalation of violence in the Somali capital of Mogadishu amid disputes related to holding national elections, the Cairo-based pan-Arab body said in a statement on Sunday.

The AL stressed its commitment to support all efforts aimed at finding "a consensual solution to the situation that enhances the security and stability of the country and meets the aspirations of the Somali people," said the statement.

On Friday, sporadic gunfire and rockets erupted in the streets of Mogadishu as security forces clashed with opposition supporters protesting against delayed national elections.

The pan-Arab body urged all Somali parties to fully denounce violence and "to immediately engage in a comprehensive dialogue to reach an inclusive agreement on the means of holding the elections." Enditem
The alarming extent of the low uptake of the Covid vaccine among ethnic minorities in Britains second city can be revealed today.

More than one third of residents of Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent in Birmingham most at risk of dying if they catch the virus  those over 70 and the extremely vulnerable  have not yet had their first dose of the jab, according to a study by Birmingham City Council.

The figures are even worse for Birminghams black population: 47 per cent of black African and 41 per cent of black Caribbean people in the top priority vaccine groups have yet to be inoculated.

In stark contrast, just 9 per cent of the most vulnerable who identify as white British or mixed British in the city have not received their first shot.

More than one third of residents of Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent in Birmingham (pictured) most at risk of dying if they catch the virus  those over 70 and the extremely vulnerable  have not yet had their first dose of the jab

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the worrying gulf in vaccination rates in Birmingham is mirrored in other areas with large ethnic minority populations and is threatening to derail attempts to ease lockdown restrictions.

An analysis of NHS data by this newspaper reveals that 22 per cent of Englands white population had received their first dose of vaccine by last weekend, compared to 16 per cent of the Asian population and 11.5 per cent of the black population.

Health officials fear Covid would once again rip through inner cities if restrictions are eased while large numbers of vulnerable people remain unprotected. Death rates during the pandemic have already been highest among black and Asian ethnic groups.

Conspiracy theories and misplaced safety fears fuelled by fake news and a mistrust of the Government are among the reasons for vaccine hesitancy.

Sparkbrook pharmacist Mahammed Maqsood said hed been urging locals to get their jabs. His assistant, Tahmina Khatun (left), said some were clearly worried about conspiracy theories circulating online

In an emotional appeal, Birminghams Lord Mayor Mohammed Azim last night urged residents to ignore the vaccine myths and misinformation peddled on social media. The vaccine is perfectly safe, he said. My wife has had both. I have had my first and am looking forward to the second soon.

The Birmingham Council report, based on vaccination rates up to last Tuesday, reveals how deprived wards with large ethnic minority communities are dramatically lagging behind areas with predominantly white populations.

In Sparkbrook, an area with a large South Asian population and home to the citys Balti Triangle of restaurants, 43 per cent of those aged 70 or over have not been vaccinated.

Barely ten miles away in the Sutton Mere area of Sutton Coldfield, a predominately white and affluent suburb, just 5.5 per cent of those aged 80 and over and 7.5 per cent of those aged between 70 and 79 have not yet been inoculated.

Outside Sparkbrooks community centre on Stratford Road yesterday a group of young mothers told the MoS they will not have the jab and repeated a string of myths and misconceptions about the vaccine.

Dr Nishant Joshi and his wife Dr Meenal Viz are posting TikTok videos to counter Covid myths and boost vaccine uptake, with daughter Radhika, aged seven months

There is evidence that pork gelatine has been added to the vaccination and my uncle has said he will not be having it because of the alcohol content, Elhim Hussein, 26, said.

Manja Bashal, 23, said she would only consider being vaccinated if community leaders said it was necessary: Having the jab when we have no idea about whether it will reduce our immunity is not an option for me.

Meanwhile, taxi driver Amir Zehn, 43, said: I would need to be assured that there was no risk to my long term health before I even considered it. And I know my parents and extended family feel the same.

Doctor couples video channel to dispel myths A married couple who are both NHS medics have launched their own video channel to combat Covid vaccine disinformation. Dr Nishant Joshi, 32, and his wife Dr Meenal Viz, 34, hope to dispel myths about the jab and boost take-up rates in their hometown of Luton, which has a large population of Asian descent. Latest figures show 128,255 white British people in the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes area have received their first dose of the vaccine, compared to just 3,596 of those of Pakistani descent and 1,265 of those with Bangladeshi origins. In one video, Dr Viz tells how she is breastfeeding her baby after receiving the vaccine, adding: I decided this was the best option for me and my family. In another post, recorded just hours after receiving her first jab, she says: Its completely painless, completely quick and I encourage everyone to come and get this vaccine. Tell your family and friends to get it because it will protect us all and help us bring an end to this pandemic. As well as their own channel on the TikTok app, the couple are also posting videos as part of a United Nations initiative Team Halo, which sees doctors and scientists around the world using social media to push pro-vaccine messages. Dr Joshi, a GP, said: The UN have identified that a lot of disinformation and propaganda starts from Generation Z as a joke on TikTok and then gets taken a bit too far and gets co-opted  thats what were trying to stop. Advertisement

Its not that we are not educated because we watch the news like everyone else but I dont think there is enough information about the vaccine to let people make decisions based on clinical facts.

Sparkbrook pharmacist Mahammed Maqsood said hed been urging locals to get their jabs. His assistant, Tahmina Khatun, said some were clearly worried about conspiracy theories circulating online.

I have heard women asking if the vaccine makes you infertile or are they trying to kill us, she said. Some of this is about ignorance or not knowing how to find out more.

There was, however, no such hesitancy in leafy Mere Green. You are definitely pushing an open door in this area in terms of getting people to have the vaccine, Meirion Jenkins, 61, a Conservative councillor said.

There are similar stark differences in the vaccine take-up rate elsewhere in the city, according to the councils report.

In Handsworth, an inner city area where 60 per cent of the population is Asian and almost 20 per cent of the population is black, 30 per cent of those over 70 or who are extremely clinically vulnerable have not been inoculated.

Yet in nearby Oscott  just four miles away where the population is 84 per cent white  only 14 per cent of those in the most vulnerable groups have not received their first jab.

Dr Nasir Awan, an academic and Vice President of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce whose brother died of Covid-19 last year, said much more needs to be done to reassure ethnic communities that the vaccines are safe.

People are afraid and its not just the older generation, he said. As community leaders we are doing everything we can to reassure people that the kind of fake news they are reading about the vaccines is untrue.

Maxie Hayles, a veteran campaigner for racial equality, said concerns about the vaccine in the black community are partly linked to historic cases of medical research abuse in the USA.

Public health officials there oversaw a 40-year programme to observe the effects of untreated syphilis on black men in the so-called Tuskegee Experiment, which ended in 1972.

I have heard black people say if the vaccine is any good, why is it being offered to us? he told the MoS.

Kirk Dawes, 63, a former detective with West Midlands Police who ran a pioneering unit to combat gun crime in Birmingham, has lost five members of his extended family to Covid.

I can understand why some black people are sceptical because some older generations have been utilised in experiments in America. But a lot of this is born out of ignorance and a lack of trust in politicians.

Ian Ward, the Labour leader of Birmingham Council, said the local authority would use the new data to work with residents, NHS partners, community leaders and the Government to address the issue of vaccine uptake.

Facebook and WhatsApp are used to spread disinformation More than 1,000 vaccine sceptics have come forward for their jabs after being persuaded by a small group of students. Campaigner Noreen Khan has trained 20 young people in Bradford, West Yorkshire, to act as Covid advocates to tackle conspiracy theories and reassure people that vaccines are safe. The advocates have been winning around family members and friends as well as taking part in online video calls with community groups to spread a pro-vaccine message. Ms Khan, 37, told The Mail on Sunday: If someone were to come up to them and say is it true about the 5G mast? Is it going to change your DNA? they can dispel that myth there and then with science and facts in an authentic way but in a simple form also. Sana Mahmood, 20, a law student at the University of Leeds will take the vaccine. She said: There is not enough information out there in the language that these communities understand' She estimated the students have won around 1,200 people so far. Alarming figures last month revealed 23 per cent of people aged 80 and over of Pakistani descent in Bradford refused the jab. The figure was 15 per cent for its Bangladeshi community, but just 3 per cent for those who are white British. One of Ms Khans advocates, Hamza Chaudhury, 20, from Keighley, said misinformation had been swirling around minority communities in Bradford, including false claims the vaccines had not been tested or were rolled out too fast. Facebook and WhatsApp are the biggest platforms that this disinformation has been seen on, Mr Chaudhury, who is studying law at Leicester University said. There were also claims the vaccine had not been tested on Asians. He highlighted how many of those from older generations do not watch BBC or ITV and instead opt for Asian digital channels streamed directly from Pakistan. This means they are missing out on pro-vaccine public health messages. Those channels are aware Pakistanis in Britain are watching, but have not really been promoting the message that the vaccine is Halal and safe. They could do more, he said. Sana Mahmood, 20, a law student at the University of Leeds said: There is not enough information out there in the language that these communities understand. There already is a crisis of trust between ethnic minorities and the Government and Covid has exacerbated that mistrust. Advertisement

NHS unveils blueprint to tackle Covid vaccine hesitancy among BAME Brits: Faith leaders will work with doctors to organise virtual events to reassure concerned residents about jab safety

By Luke Andrews Health Reporter for MailOnline

The NHS has unveiled a 'blueprint' to improve coronavirus vaccine uptake among ethnic minority groups.

Local faith and community leaders will team up with doctors to host online virtual events where they will answer questions and address concerns people have about the jabs.

They will also distribute leaflets in 20 different languages  including Arabic, Punjabi and Hindi  to reach those who do not speak English fluently or can't be targeted through traditional methods.

Number 10's Counter Disinformation Unit will ramp up its efforts and work with social media companies to tackle anti-vaxx misinformation online. Bogus claims that the jabs contain animal products or interfere with fertility have been widely distributed on platforms including WhatsApp, YouTube and Facebook.

BAME people who have already received their first dose could also be recruited to give testimonies and encourage friends and family to get the vaccine.

Figures have shown that a significant number health and social care workers from black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) backgrounds have been reluctant to get the jab.

Research this week suggested white NHS staff are almost twice as likely as black medics to get the Covid vaccine.

A lack of trust in Government is thought to be one of the main reasons behind their hesitancy, numerous surveys have suggested. Minorities face a higher risk of having a severe bout of Covid or dying, several studies have shown.

The NHS has launched a programme to encourage everyone from BAME groups to get the vaccine. Pictured is grand mufti Zubair Butt getting his first dose at Whetley Medical Centre in Bradford

Dr Nikki Kanani said the plan will fight the 'dual epidemics' of coronavirus and misinformation. She has appeared at Downing street press conferences throughout the pandemic

WHAT IS THE 'NHS BLUEPRINT'? The NHS 'blueprint' for fighting the dual epidemics of Covid and disinformation includes the following: Healthcare workers sent into communities to talk directly to those with concerns over jabs;

Faith and community leaders to hold virtual events with NHS staff on the jabs to counter mis-information;

Leaflets to be distributed in 20 languages;

Social media companies and the Counter Disinformation Unit to root out and remove anti-vaccine content online. Advertisement

The 'blueprint' to tackle the 'dual epidemics' of the virus and disinformation against vaccines was unveiled by primary care leader Dr Nikki Kanani, who has appeared at Downing Street press briefings throughout the pandemic.

'We must keep spreading the word to those next in line that this vaccine is safe and effective for all, regardless of ethnicity, race, religion or background,' she said.

'We are tailoring information we share to specific communities, including through translations into 20 languages, and were reminding people that no foetal or animal products are used in the vaccine.

'And over the coming months I want to harness the full force and power of personal, trusted relationships, by supporting people who have already been vaccinated to encourage their friends and family to do likewise.

'And my colleagues and I will continue to rebut fake health advice, like the inaccurate claim that vaccine has an impact on fertility, or that you have to prove your address to get your dose.

'As well as tackling hesitancy head-on, we are working with social media firms and the Counter Disinformation Unit to report inaccurate and harmful content and stop the flow of misleading content at source.'

Dr Kanani also works as a GP in south west London.

The NHS has also been setting up vaccination centres in mosques, churches, temples and community centres to encourage everyone to get the jab.

Boris Johnson has also joined the campaign after visiting a vaccination centre in a Muslim community building in Yorkshire.

It comes after a study on vaccine uptake among NHS staff at University of Leicester NHS trust showed white employees were almost twice as likely to get the vaccine as black members of staff.

The figures prompted experts to warn that jab hesitancy among health workers could undermine the national roll-out.

It comes after a study found black staff were almost half as likely to get the jab as their white employees at University of Leicester Hospitals NHS trust

It also showed doctors - which have the highest proportion of BAME staff at the trust - were least likely to get the jab after being offered an appointment. Experts immediately called on ministers to identify the reasons for the 'huge disparities'

Only 64 per cent of staff at the trust had taken up the offer to get their first dose by February 3, a study showed.

While uptake was 71 per cent in white medics, the highest of any group, it plunged to half this level in black staff. This was despite research showing BAME groups are at higher risk of serious illness and death if they catch the virus.

It was also lower among South Asians, where only 60 per cent had received their first dose.

Doctors at the trust  the only occupation with a majority of BAME employees  were also least likely to get the jab, after only 57 per cent turned up to appointments.

And under-30s were less likely to get the jab than their older colleagues, which experts feared could be down to perceptions they are not at high risk from the virus.

Professor Kamlesh Khunti, a SAGE member who led the study, urged ministers to identify the reasons for the 'huge disparities' between groups.

'As well as all the other public health interventions, such as social distancing, hand hygiene, face coverings, and test and trace, vaccination is crucial if were going to get out of this pandemic,' he said.

'And this risk is not only to themselves and their families but to patients as well. Its crucial we get uptake in healthcare workers as high as possible.'
State border closures and interstate quarantine regimes could be things of the past within weeks as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout begins to protect the countrys most vulnerable.

As aged care resident Jane Malysiak, 84, became the first person in Australia to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, the Prime Minister  who also got his COVID-19 shot at Castle Hill on Sunday  expressed hope that the rollout would help remove the need for repeated state border closures in response to outbreaks.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Jane Malysiak, the first person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Australia. Credit:Edwina Pickles

Queenslands Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the rollout of the vaccine would massively change the way that state managed lockdowns and border closures.

Dr Young said once all people within phase 1a had received vaccines, which is expected to take four to six weeks in Queensland, the need for border closures would be dramatically reduced.
New Delhi, Feb 21 : Known for being a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian cultures, Singapore offers a wide-ranging food scene that is one of the most vibrant in Southeast Asia.

The culinary offerings in Singapore from Michelin starred fine dining to accessible and award-winning hawker food, makes it a must-go destination for foodies. Singapore's hawker culture was recently inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, reflecting the country's living heritage and multiculturalism.

Bringing the unique food culture of the country to India, a modern Singapore restaurant Mai Bao has been launched in Delhi that offers street food flavours of Singapore.

Avantika Sinha Bahl, founder of Mai Bao, who already owns a Japanese restaurant in the Capital, thought of opening a Singaporean restaurant while on her trip to the country. Almost two years of research has gone into creating this concept and to curate a menu, which could perfectly represent the street food of Singapore in a completely new and fresh manner, she said.

"I continued on a path to discover new concepts and cuisines. On a trip to Singapore (one of my favourite food destinations in the world), I realised my potential. Street foods of Singapore (hawker centres specially) are famous around the world. I wondered why no one had brought this concept to India. I started curating the idea of bringing Singaporean street food in a modern way to India," she told IANSlife.

She added: "I think the cuisine will be very palatable to Indians. It's extremely flavourful, filled with robust flavours and spices. Singapore is a favourite travel destination for Indians. Hence, a lot of people are familiar with a lot of the dishes on our menu." Speaking about the similarities between the street food of Singapore and Indian street food, Bahl points out that both the cuisines have so much depth of flavour and the ingredients that go into each dish are celebrated to the best of their capacity.

"In terms of ingredients, things like ginger, chilli and use of various spices are similar in both." Last year has been both tumultuous for the food industry. While in the beginning many businesses were sceptical about going back to normal, today the scenario seems to be slowly changing.

Bahl reveals that the restaurant was supposed to be open in 2020 but due to the pandemic, it got delayed. "We opened at this time since we could see that customers are starting to step out now and it's our job as restaurateurs to gain customer confidence. With each passing week, things are getting better!" H.E. Simon Wong, High Commissioner of Singapore, who inaugurated the restaurant, said: "Since coming here in August, I have always wanted to have a Singaporean restaurant in Delhi because this segment of food and restaurant business is kept untouched for years. With Mai Bao's launch, this is going to be a start point of many good things to come. Mai Bao is going to be a true leader and I am very happy and grateful to Avantika to make us a part of this ceremony." He stated: "There is a couplet in our language -- Mai Bao and Tai Pao. Mai Bao means my dumpling which you savour at the restaurant and Tai Pao is that you like it so much that you take away. So after you come here to Mai Bao, you have to Tai Pao." Mai Bao has also associated with Singapore Tourism Board as a travel tourism organization to showcase their support for the launch of the outlet.

Commenting about the association, G B Srithar, Regional Director (India, Middle East, South Asia), Singapore Tourism Board said, "Singaporean and Indian consumers share a common passion for food and culinary experiences. The STB has promoted Singapore cuisine in India over the past few years through various initiatives, as part of our efforts to reach to the Foodie passion tribe audience. At a time when Singapore Hawker culture has been added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and Indian travellers are unable to enjoy the variety of dining experiences in our city, the opening of Mai Bao will allow Delhiites to savour Singapore's food delights like Nasi Lemak, Singapore Chilli Crab, Laksa and Satay. When the time is right, we look forward to welcoming Indian visitors to Singapore to experience the diverse culinary offerings." (Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in)
The state government faces renewed calls to release a secret list of buildings with dangerous flammable cladding after publicly identifying dozens of affected properties across Melbourne with hoarding bearing the Cladding Safety Victoria logo.

The risk of arson and terrorism has been cited by the government as its reason for withholding a list of hundreds of buildings with flammable cladding.

A building on Weston Street, Brunswick East. The Cladding Safety Victoria logo has been used at sites where affected properties are being rectified. Credit:Chris Hopkins

But protective hoarding on scaffolding at most of the project sites receiving publicly funded repairs has featured the large Cladding Safety Victoria logo, prompting the state opposition to dismiss the arson risk as spin and engineers to call for greater transparency.

After inquiries from The Age late last week, the Cladding Safety Victoria signs were taken down. Many of the signs had been displayed on properties for several weeks.
There are many ways to make money in the 4.0 industrial era with the support of high technologies.

The 4.0 industrial revolution means the digitization of traditional manufacturing and production methods

At the Hoa Phat Hai Duong Steel Complex, the technological solution of recalling heat from the coking process and blast furnaces producing gas can help save VND800 billion a year.

The complex plans to set up more items in 2021 to make the best use of the heat and gas produced during the steel refining process, raising the total electricity generation capacity to 110 MW, which allows 100 percent electricity support for production.

The yearly savings on fuel thanks to the heat and emission recovery solution at Hoa Phats steel complexes are estimated at VND4 trillion from 2021.

Setting up a xproduction headquarters in Dung Quat Export Processing Zone in Quang Ngai province, Hoa Phat Group has turned a project abandoned by foreign investor for decades into a leading steel manufacturing complex in Vietnam.

At the Dung Quat Steel Complex, two buildings are used for the automatic steel analysis center and the physico-mechanical property testing center, valued at over VND100 billion.

This is the most modern sampling system in the world today with the entire process of taking, processing, analyzing samples and giving results implemented automatically. It takes no more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds to get test results for steel samples.

If a country has not developed OT, it cannot create a lot of opportunities and large environments to put IT into application. Thus, both OT and IT need to be developed in the context of the 4.0 revolution, especially in developing countries where OT is still not diverse as it is in developed countries.

The Da Nhim  Ham Thuan  Da Mi Hydropower JSC (DHD) is running four hydropower plants (Da Nhim, Song Pha, Ham Thuan and Da Mi), located in the provinces of Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan. The head office of the company is located in Lam Dong province.

In 2012, the company decided to build an OCC (operations control center) which runs power plants from a distance. With OCC, it needs just 2-3 workers for each duty shift instead of tens of workers as previously applied.

OCC is a system that connects information systems, serving as a digital thread that connects separate data. It is used as an integration center with many functions to manage all the plants belonging to DHD.

A representative of EVNGenco1 said DHD is considering applying AI and Data Mining algorithms with the forecasting and warning capability based on the big data that OCC has.

At Ban Ve Hydropower Plant, the application of 4.0 technologies is believed to be the shortest way to make a breakthrough and improve production capacity.

The plant is implementing a lot of projects using high technologies, including an online electricity generation unit monitoring system; an alerting system which gives data about accidents with messages; and a bar code-based material and equipment management system. It is also utilizing AI and Big Data to build a system to forecast the water flow to hydropower reservoirs.

Use high tech or lag behind

According to the Ministry of Investment and Trade (MOIT), the 4.0 industrial revolution means the digitization of traditional manufacturing and production methods.

In the past, only some stages of the production process were automated with IT application. But now, automation is carried out in a much larger scale than what was seen in 1970s, the early days of the third industrial revolution.

The 2019 Vietnam Industry White Book summarizes the global trends on digital transformation. Total digital transformation takes place when everything is connected with the Internet thanks to the combination of operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT), creating a virtual space that is a copy of the real world, and a completely new model of production and consumption.

If a country has not developed OT, it cannot create a lot of opportunities and large environments to put IT into application. Thus, both OT and IT need to be developed in the context of the 4.0 revolution, especially in developing countries where OT is still not diverse as it is in developed countries.

Vietnamese enterprises for many decades have been described as using outdated technologies. The remarks have been repeated through years in government agency reports.

However, enterprises in recent years have been more aware of the importance of high technology use in production. If they continue to apply old technologies, the plan of entering the world market will be just a dream. Only when using high technology will Vietnams products have the opportunity to "compete equally" in quality with foreign products.

Ha Duy

National programme to boost development of high technology Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has signed a decision on the national programme on high technology development to 2030, which aims to develop and master 20 prioritised technologies in different fields.
She has been living the American Dream since moving to California with her family in 2014.

And Patsy Palmer was spotted spending some quality time with her son Bertie, 10, as they grabbed lunch together in Malibu on Saturday.

The soap star, 48, dressed down for the occasion, in a Pink Floyd crew neck sweatshirt paired with blue joggers as she arrived at the Malibu Cross Creek mall.

Outing: Patsy Palmer kept thing casual as she treated her son Bertie, 10, to lunch in Malibu on Saturday

The auburn-haired beauty, best known for her role as Bianca Jackson in EastEnders, kept it casual as she wore her hair swept back into a messy bun.

She made sure her outing was Covid safe as she donned a white face mask and held a spare in her hand.

The actress opted for comfort, wearing grey trainers and let her natural beauty shine through as she went makeup-free.

Casual: The soap star, 48, dressed down for the occasion, in a Pink Floyd crew neck sweatshirt paired with blue joggers as she arrived at the Malibu Cross Creek mall

Patsy moved to the US over six years ago and made a home for herself in the Californian city with husband Richard Merkell and her three youngest offspring Fenton, 20, Emilia, 19, and Bertie, ten.

The soap star also has son Charley, 29, from a past romance with boxer Alfie Rothwell.

The former EastEnders star took to Instagram last weekend to share an adorable Valentine's day tribute to her husband of 20 years.

Swept back: The auburn-haired beauty wore her hair swept back in a messy bun and made sure her outing was Covid safe as she donned a white face mask and held a spare in her hand

Patsy posted an artsy black-and-white photograph of herself and her husband, 56, relaxing against a wall with their two dogs.

She wrote a heartfelt caption, saying: 'We have been dating for 22 years today. In between dating we got married & had kids & dogs & a cat.

'We have listened to endless music, danced to millions of songs, laughed at stupid jokes, argued about stupid things but we are always together.

'We are best friends & lovers and parents to our wonderful children. So grateful for you @richardmerkell. Happy Valentines Day to everyone that believes in LOVE '

Romantic: The former EastEnders star took to Instagram last weekend to share an adorable Valentine's day tribute to her husband of 20 years, Richard Merkell

Patsy joined the cast of the BBC soap at the age of 21 in 1993, and last appeared in her role as Bianca Jackson in 2019.

Yet recently, Patsy appears to have swapped acting for a new passion, as she launched her new wellness page on Instagram, Good and Proper, last year.

The TV star who appears to have taken inspiration from lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow, has been encouraging her followers to 'take time out' and practice 'mindfulness' on her new page.

Other advice from the TV personality offered on the page also includes drinking water, listening to music and ensuring they eat healthy food.

Stunning: Patsy joined the cast of the BBC soap at the age of 21 in 1993, and last appeared in her role as Bianca Jackson in 2019.

On Twitter, Patsy posted: 'I've just launched a new page on Instagram to support my new journey.. join me @goodandproperhair.

'Stay well... keep trying to take some time to be still and breathe. Close your eyes and image... the rest is up to you.'

In her latest 'note to self', Patsy posted: 'When I focus on the good, the good increases.'

Healthy living: Patsy appears to have swapped acting for a new passion, as she launched her new wellness page on Instagram, Good and Proper

New venture: Other advice from the TV personality offered on the page also includes drinking water, listening to music and ensuring they eat healthy food

Another post said: 'I give myself the love I dream of and therefore I attract it.'

While an appearance on EastEnders is currently off the cards during her stay in America, Patsy admitted she was considering a return to the show before the global coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking via video call with former co-star Sid Owens on a recent episode of Loose Women, the TV star said: 'I haven't watched EastEnders so I don't know how they are doing it now.

'I mean, I was there just before lockdown and I had to leave. There was a little bit I was going to do but I didn't end up doing it and I don't know how they're doing it now because I haven't seen it.'

During her rise to fame, the Bethnal Green native experimented with drugs and alcohol, but later overcame her substance abuse with therapy.

On her recovery, Patsy reflected to The Sun: 'It feels so foreign now, Im so far removed from it...'I couldnt even do yoga when I was in my 20s because I couldnt sit still. Right now is the happiest Ive ever been. Im always in the now and its the only place I want to be.'
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Two former students who filed a lawsuit in 2019 accusing the actor and filmmaker James Franco of subjecting them to sexually exploitative auditions and film shoots at an acting and film school that he founded have agreed to drop their claims against him as part of a settlement reached earlier this month.

A joint status report that was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Feb. 11 said that the two women who brought the suit, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal, had agreed to drop their individual claims against Mr. Franco. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Details of the Feb. 11 filing were reported Saturday by The Associated Press. On Sunday, lawyers for the plaintiffs confirmed the settlement, which they said would be formalized in a court filing at a later date. They did not provide further details.

Ms. Tither-Kaplan and Ms. Gaal said in a 2019 filing that Mr. Franco had intimidated them into performing gratuitous sex scenes while denying them the protections of nudity riders when they were students in a master class on sex scenes at his school, Studio 4, which operated from 2014 to 2017 and had branches in Los Angeles and New York.
The government is urging the public to disregard all myths concerning COVID-19 vaccines and avail themselves for vaccination when it starts within three weeks.



The Minister designate for Health, Mr Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, who made the call on behalf of the government, said vaccination had been proven to be the most single method of breaking transmission when used to complement other safety protocols.



At a public engagement on COVID-19 vaccination rollout plan in Accra yesterday, Mr Agyemang-Manu reiterated that the vaccines selected had been established to be safe and effective.



The government has settled on two vaccines, the Covishield (AstraZeneca vaccine by Serum Institute of India) and Russia's Sputnik V.



The minister designate for Health appealed to the media to help educate the public on the untruths, demystify and counter the anti-vaccine campaign messages making the rounds, a position which was supported by the Minister of Information designate, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.



FDA certifies



The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), at the same event, said it had authenticated the two vaccines for use, as they were also globally approved vaccines proven to be effective and safe for use locally.



It used an Emergency Use Authorisation Path for the authentication process.



That approach, the FDA explained, was used to ensure needed medical products were made available in a timely manner.



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The authority gave an assurance that due diligence had been done in the authorisation process and ensured that no safety and efficacy standards were bypassed or compromised, except that the process was expedited for the public good.



Robust system



Mr Agyemang-Manu said the country had an existing robust vaccination system that would be used to conduct the COVID-19 vaccination across the country.



He said after recording its first two cases on March 12, last year, a number of response measures were put in place and the situation was contained.



This helped to reduce our numbers but unfortunately we are experiencing a second wave and there is nothing more we can do than to introduce complementary and more effective ways of preventing the spread further, Mr Agyemang-Manu said.



He said over time, the vaccines had proved globally to be the single most effective preventive measure against COVID-19 as of now.



The Minister designate for Health, however, added that vaccination would have its maximum impact if used as a complement with hand and respiratory hygiene protocols.



Therefore, the government had in place advanced processes to get the entire population vaccinated, he stated.



That was hinged on a national COVID-19 deployment plan on which the public would be engaged as well as on the importance of taking the vaccine.



Why vaccination



The Director-General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said the use of vaccines was a major complementary measure for breaking the COVID-19 transmission due to lack of optimum adherence to the preventive protocol.



He said because people had let down their guard on the preventive protocols, the gains made during the first wave of the outbreak were fast eroding.



Due to non-adherence to the protocol, national burden, which was far below 8,000 and reduced to as low as 80 cases, had now risen to 8,000 in the second wave, Dr Kuma-Aboagye said.



Deployment plan



Providing highlights of the national COVID-19 National Vaccine Deployment Plan (NVDP) for COVID-19, the Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) of the Ghana GHS, Dr Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, reiterated that distribution strategies would be based on segmentation of the population based on vulnerabilities.



He said the beneficiaries under the first phase included health workers, people with known underlying health conditions and security personnel, Dr Amponsa-Achiano said.



The second phase will cover other essential service providers, people above 60 years, second cycle and tertiary students, all teachers, members of the three arms of government and the media.



Phase three will involve other members of the population, except children under 16 and pregnant women.



He indicated that the programme would be expanded to include children under 16 and pregnant women over time.

Source: Graphiconline.com









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Tom Roeder is the Gazette's City Editor. In Colorado Springs since 2003, Tom has covered the military at home and overseas and has cover statehouses in Denver and Olympia, Wash. His main job, though, is being dad to two great kids.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked workers to strengthen and expand the party with the motto of 'nation first' and said its mission is to work for the country.

Modi was addressing the first meeting of the BJP's new set of office-bearers, during which the party also passed a resolution thanking him for reforms in the agriculture sector and for his able leadership in effective handling of the COVID-19 situation.

Prime Minister Modi at the meeting said the party's mission is to work for the country and its development, general secretary Bhupender Yadav said at a press conference.

He also asked workers to strengthen and expand the organisation with the motto of "nation first", Yadav said.

During the meeting, which was chaired by BJP chief J P Nadda, Prime Minister Modi told party leaders to take the benefits of the new farm laws to the people.

The meeting was inaugurated by Modi and it started by paying tributes to those who lost their lives due to the coronavirus.

The political resolution was passed thanking the prime minister for the reforms in the agriculture sector and his able leadership in effective handling of the pandemic, BJP vice president Raman Singh said.

He said the resolution also highlights the Garib Kalyan Yojana during the pandemic, comprehensive budget and diligent handling of the situation on the Line of Actual Control with China.

Earlier, BJP general secretary Arun Singh had informed that during the course of the meet, discussions will be held on farm laws, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and upcoming state polls.

The meeting, which was also being attended by BJP state unit presidents, assumes significance as it came amid fierce protests by a section of farmers in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh against the three new farm laws.

The farmer union leaders have been stepping up their attack on the Modi government over the issue.

The BJP is also readying for the assembly polls in five states, including West Bengal, which is being eyed by the saffron party as its next big prize in its bid to expand its footprint across the country.

These official-bearers were appointed last year after Nadda took over as party president, and no physical meeting could be held so far due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Company waives fees on transactions from the UK to Bangladesh to mark celebrations

WorldRemit, a leading cross-border digital payments service is celebrating International Mother Language Day by waiving fees on transactions from the UK to Bangladesh from 21st to 24th February 2021. Mother Language Day is celebrated on 21st February every year to promote and preserve the use of all languages and is a public holiday in Bangladesh.

Customers can access zero-fee money transfers from the UK to Bangladesh through the WorldRemit app or website between 21st to 24th February 2021 using code "IMLD2021". Terms and Conditions apply. Since 6th February 2021, WorldRemit has been showcasing a different language each day on social media leading up to today's celebration.

Although it has been a United Nations initiative since 2002, the original idea to mark the day came from Bangladeshi migrants living in Canada who successfully petitioned the then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, to take action to save languages from extinction. The theme for this year's International Mother Language Day is, "Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society".

"Languages are bridges to different cultures and form a huge part of our identity as individuals. Over 60 nationalities are represented at WorldRemit and more than 75 languages are spoken by our employees. We greatly value multilingualism and emphasise respect and tolerance for all cultures. Not only are we an international company, we are a business founded by a migrant. We would not be celebrating International Mother Language Day today had it not been for the migrants who campaigned for this or the Secretary-General who supported their cause, who was a migrant himself. Waiving fees from the UK, where we have our headquarters, to Bangladesh at this historic time is our small way of honouring the sacrifices made in order to preserve language and culture", said Cyril Ghanem, Head of Europe and Strategic Partnerships at WorldRemit.

According to the United Nations, approximately 6,000 languages spoken across the world are at risk of extinction with a language disappearing every fortnight. As well as promoting intercultural dialogue and respect, languages are proven to also play important roles in the sustainable development of communities and the preservation of cultural heritage.

To find out more about International Mother Language day visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day

For more information visit: www.worldremit.com

WorldRemit

WorldRemit is a leading digital cross-border payments business. We disrupted an industry previously dominated by offline legacy players by taking international money transfers online making them safer, faster and lower-cost. We currently send from more than 50 countries to 130+ receive countries, operate in over 5,000 money transfer corridors worldwide and employ over 1,100 people worldwide.

On the sending side WorldRemit is 100% digital (cashless), increasing convenience and enhancing security. For those receiving money, the company offers a wide range of options including bank deposit, cash collection, mobile airtime top-up and mobile money.

Backed by Accel, TCV and Leapfrog WorldRemit's headquarters are in London, United Kingdom with regional offices in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Africa, Somaliland, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Belgium.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210220005032/en/

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when government is unable to push a positive narrative, it can result in dire consequences for the society. The Buhari administration has many good stories to tell. But it is hampered by its own negative narrative. Luckily, it still has at least two years to solve The Buhari Problem. It is its duty to do so, in order to guarantee a worthy legacy.

As to be expected of men in the public domain, President Muhammadu Buhari has many admirers and inveterate critics. While some of his admirers are in the terrain of idolatry, some of his critics can justifiably be described as implacable haters and enemies. I think the only person in public life in Nigeria who generated such extreme emotions was the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Nigerians who are not just his political opponents but who hate him are not difficult to recognise. Nothing he does can ever be good. And President Buhari certainly has busloads of haters. When he was ill in 2018, not a few Nigerians wished him dead. I personally encountered some of these Nigerians. I couldnt understand how you could wish your neighbour, let alone your president, such evil. And some of them claim they are Christians! Even describing themselves as men of God.

It was a reflection of our sorry state of being. A spiritual and moral decay.

Of course, there were other citizens who prayed for his recovery. Some of those who didnt want him to recover have since died. A proof that no man can play the role of God.

There are equally millions of Nigerians who can never see anything wrong with the president. Everything he does is fine. In fact, he is the best gift to the country since the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914. Even when he makes vexatious decisions and inaugurates nepotism as a cardinal instrument of state policy, they hail him. When he refuses to lift his finger or raise his voice at critical moments in the nations life, they still believe in him. Their sycophancy knows no end. Any criticism of the president is taken as a personal insult.

It is perfectly in order for a president of any country, and especially a country as diverse as Nigeria, to arouse extreme emotions on both sides of the political divide. While his supporters idolise him, his opponents have utmost contempt for him. It all comes with the presidential territory. Men in power know that the kitchen is always hot. They try to manage the situation as much as they can.

If you defeat an incumbent in an election  on the basis of a multitude of reasons  you are guaranteed a truck-load of enemies. You can rest assured that they will make your life as miserable as possible. Not for them to give you the benefit of the doubt. As far as they are concerned, you have failed, even before you take on the reins of power.

Then, President Goodluck Jonathan was beloved for a multitude of reasons. For some, it was purely transactional; his stay in power ensured that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful held on to the nations purse. And from there, they fed fat. There were also those who were simply happy that a minority from the Niger Delta was finally leading the country. His competence or otherwise was immaterial. Losing the presidential election in 2015 was for them a monumental tragedy. To forgive the man who defeated him is beyond them.

Before Jonathan exited Aso Rock, the bowler hat and the Niger Delta dress code were quite fashionable in corridors of power and the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. Many of those wearing those dresses were just happy that our man dey there. It was a psychological compensation for the many years in the political wilderness. The bitterness towards Buhari and all that he stood for by many of them is quite understandable, if not justified. Afterall, Jonathan was expected to win. It is against the narrative in Third World countries for an incumbent to lose an election. It was surely the handiwork of people who did not mean well. A conspiracy of the ruling clique that did not want an outsider  this time a helpless son of the Niger Delta  to join their ranks. This explanation plainly forgot to recognise the fact that for an incumbent to lose an election in a developing country is a clear manifestation of how incompetent that regime is. If you cannot manage your own political survival, what else can you manage?

It took President Buhari almost a hundred years to change the armed services chiefs. For a long time, it was clear that the guys had done their best, had finished their tenures and deserved their good rest. The war against the Boko Haram insurgency wasnt going well.

But there were also those who vowed to see nothing good in the new administration. That the new president came with the mantra of fighting corruption was bad news. How can you come and fight corruption when that is the mainstay of our political life? Please look for something else to do.

It is true that governments, by their very nature, begin to lose support of the people as they continue in power. A lot of their supporters had expected magic from them as soon as they were sworn in. And since governance is different from the campaign hustings, they begin to realise that it is a different ball game. To worsen matters, many of the politicians had made unrealistic promises to ensure that they won the elections. Some of them have been overwhelmed by the enormity of the problems confronting them as they ascended to power. Others are manifestly incompetent. The leaders of such governments are more interested in the trappings of power than the nitty gritty of governance. Soon enough, their lack of capacity begins to show.

Having contested for the presidency of the Nigeria three times before he finally won in 2015, many of Buharis supporters had assumed that he was prepared for the job. To think otherwise would have been uncharitable. In addition to the sheer ambition to govern, Buhari did not lack experience. He was once a head of state, a military governor and federal minister. It was ostensibly an impressive resume.

But it soon became clear that there is a big difference between an impressive resume and competence. The first intimation that the country was in for what it didnt bargain for came early in the Buhari administration. When it took six months to appoint a cabinet after the administration was inaugurated in 2015, the impression was created that time constraint was not a problem and that the country could afford the luxury to stroll in the park. The emergency needs of Nigeria that many of us saw were apparently not visible to those in government. And that was where the rain began to beat us in this dispensation.

President Buharis ill health definitely impacted negatively on the performance of his government in the first term. But that was not actually a problem in comparison to the own-goals that the government has scored against itself. A minister resigns or dies in office and it takes the government a million years to replace that person. This is in a country where there are millions of qualified persons to fill such vacancies. The case of Ms. Amina Mohammed who resigned as Minister of Environment to take up an appointment at the United Nations readily comes to mind. The president took all the time in the world to fill that vacancy. The same story played out when the Minister of State for Labour, Mr. James Ocholi, died in an accident on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, along with some of his family member. It took almost a year to replace him. No serious government is run like that.

It took President Buhari almost a hundred years to change the armed services chiefs. For a long time, it was clear that the guys had done their best, had finished their tenures and deserved their good rest. The war against the Boko Haram insurgency wasnt going well. Changing the leadership of the armed forces wasnt exactly the magical wand that would restore normalcy to that troubled part of the country. But there was a near consensus that new team leads were needed. But the president saw things differently. Not even the National Assembly could persuade him otherwise.

All governments are bound to face challenges. It goes with the territory. It is how they manage those problems that will determine whether they succeed or fail. On coming to power, the Buhari administration identified some of the key problems facing the country: the Boko Haram challenge, the wobbly economy and corruption. It was therefore expected in many quarters that there would be a concerted effort to tackle these problems. Almost seven years after, it will be difficult to give the government a pass mark on any of these.

The economy if far from buoyant. Oil still remains the mainstay of the economy. There has been little or no diversification of our revenue base. We still import so much food into a country blessed with vast arable land. The value of the national currency is at best a scandal. Trying to save from the little earnings people make is now a joke. That is for those who have a little left to save. Most working Nigerians earn salaries that cannot sustain them for two weeks in a month. As a result, people have resorted to begging and other ingenious ways to stay afloat. The rate of unemployment, especially among our youths, is frightening. Everywhere you look, you see the danger signs. The army of the unemployed and unemployable is bound to consume us all, if care is not taken.

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Related to the economy is the huge infrastructure deficit confronting Nigeria. You cannot but be appalled by how far we lag behind other civilised climes. We are unable to maintain roads and bridges that were built over 40 years ago. Our electricity system is a disgrace. Public schools, especially tertiary institutions, are less than salutary. Hospitals are worse than the consulting clinics that General Sani Abacha categorised them as when the military overthrew the Shagari administration at the end of 1983.

Add nepotism as an instrument of state policy being vigorously pursued by the Buhari administration, you will not but come to the conclusion that the government is its own worst enemy. The arrogance and insensitivity with which some government appointments are made beggars belief.

To be fair, the rot started long ago, before the advent of the Buhari administration. But it is the duty of the government of the day to fix the problems confronting it. Not many of us can go back to our alma maters and be proud of what we will encounter today. And I cringe when I see or read administration officials celebrating some minute achievements in this regard. Nigeria is far from where it should be. The time to crow has not come.

Alhaji Lateef Jakande died last week and his monumental achievements as governor of Lagos State for four years and three months were celebrated all over the media space. That was a government that vacated the scene almost 40 years ago. It tells us how much we have regressed as a people.

Apart from the economy and the attendant infrastructural deficit, another major albatross round the neck of the Buhari government is its disdain for listening to the yearnings of the people. A few examples will suffice. One is the menace of the Fulani herdsmen. While the psychology of the average Fulani herdsman is difficult for some of us to understand (placing more premium on the lives of cattle rather than human beings), it is the duty of government to safeguard all lives and property in its domain. It is a constitutional responsibility. And the government swore to uphold the constitution. For too long the Buhari administration, through acts of commission and omission, had given the herdsmen a licence to wreak havoc in different parts of Nigeria. Hundreds of people have been needlessly killed and property destroyed. The body language of this government has not been reassuring. The wanton destruction of lives and property by these marauders is now threatening the survival and unity of this country.

Inflammatory comments by Miyetti Allah and people like the Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, have not helped matters. Tolerating and encouraging impunity and criminality cannot help any of us. The imperative of peaceful co-habitation cannot be overemphasised. And the unity of this country should not be taken for granted. Those in government must recognise that that there is nothing sacrosanct about the indivisibility of Nigeria. The days when the military regime pontificated on the unity of this country cannot be negotiated is long past.

Another own-goal by the Buhari administration is its utter disdain for the yearnings for a true federalism. It is like those in power are very satisfied with the state of Nigeria and do not think there can be better ways to move the country forward. Even the report panel headed by Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State to examine this crucial issue has been completely ignored. More than two years after they turned in their report, the Buhari administration has not lifted a finger to implement any part of it. Meanwhile, almost every section of the country is seething with rage and discontent. The panel was set up by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)

The foregoing have exacerbated the ethno-religious tension in the country. Minor disagreements in markets are daily growing into major conflagrations. Anarchists and other trouble-makers are fomenting mayhem in different parts of the country under the guise of defending their religious beliefs. In all these, the government and its security agencies have responded abysmally.

Add nepotism as an instrument of state policy being vigorously pursued by the Buhari administration, you will not but come to the conclusion that the government is its own worst enemy. The arrogance and insensitivity with which some government appointments are made beggars belief.

In the age of the internet of things, in which everybody is a reporter and a commentator and expert in what they know little or nothing about, the Buhari government has been unable to adequately confront this latest challenge of the modern era. Most countries in the world are suffering a similar fate. But when government is unable to push a positive narrative, it can result in dire consequences for the society. The Buhari administration has many good stories to tell. But it is hampered by its own negative narrative. Luckily, it still has at least two years to solve The Buhari Problem. It is its duty to do so, in order to guarantee a worthy legacy.

Fred Ohwahwa, a former editor of The Guardian on Sunday, is a public policy analyst.
The announcement follows the US decision last month to declare a temporary freeze on some arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Lockheed Martin is involved in a project to install a $15 billion missile defense system in Saudi Arabia, part of a $110 billion arms package

SAMI, which is owned by the Saudi state's Public Investment Fund (PIF), will own 51 percent of the venture

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has signed an agreement to set up a joint venture with U.S. firm Lockheed Martin

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has signed an agreement to set up a joint venture with US firm Lockheed Martin to enhance the kingdom's defense and manufacturing capabilities, the state-owned Saudi company said on Sunday.

SAMI, which is owned by the Saudi state's Public Investment Fund (PIF), will own 51 percent of the venture.

'The new agreement will develop localized capabilities by transferring technology and knowledge, and by training a Saudi workforce in manufacturing products for, and providing services to, the Saudi armed forces,' the statement said.

The announcement follows the US decision last month to declare a temporary freeze on some arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has signed an agreement to set up a joisnt venture with U.S. firm Lockheed Martin to enhance the kingdom's defense and manufacturing capabilities

Lockheed Martin is involved in a project to install a $15 billion missile defense system in Saudi Arabia, part of a $110 billion arms package

Saudi is one of the world's largest buyers of foreign arms.

SAMI was formed in 2017 to develop local defense manufacturing, help cut spending on imports and create more local jobs. The country's economic plan, Vision 2030, aims to localize 50 percent of government military spending by 2030.

Lockheed Martin is currently involved in a project to install a $15 billion missile defense system in Saudi Arabia, part of a $110 billion arms package the administration of former President Donald Trump said it negotiated with the kingdom in 2017.

SAMI was formed in 2017 to develop local defense manufacturing, help cut spending on imports and create more local jobs

On Saturday, Saudi Arabia announced plans to pump $20 billion into producing more of its own weapons and military systems over the next decade.

The country wants to spend at least half of its military budget locally by 2030, the head of the kingdom's military industry regulator said on Saturday.

'We will be investing in excess of $10bn in the military industry in Saudi Arabia over the next decade and equal amounts on research and development,' the governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, told a defence conference in Abu Dhabi.

He also said the kingdom plans to increase military research and development spending from 0.2 percent to around four percent of armaments expenditure by 2030.

The announcement follows the US decision last month to declare a temporary freeze on some arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

President Joe Biden announced at the end of January that he would pause the implementation of recent Trump-era weapons deals, including the sale of munitions to Saudi Arabia and F-35 fighter jets to the UAE.

Reviews of this sort are typical for a new administration, but Donald Trump's administration was doing deals down to the wire, including one for 50 stealthy F-35 jets made by Lockheed Martin as a side deal to the Abraham accords inked only moments before Biden was sworn into office.

The F-35 jets are a major component of a $23 billion sale of high-tech armaments from General Atomics, Lockheed and Raytheon Technologies Corp to the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia signed a deal for 7,500 precision-guided bombs with Raytheon,

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at his first State Department briefing, expressed support for the Abraham Accords granting recognition to Israel from several countries.

'As we've said, we very much support the Abraham accords,' he said. 'We think that Israel normalizing relations with its neighbors and other countries in the region is a very positive development and so we applaud them. And we hope that there may be an opportunity to build on them in the months and years ahead,' he said.

But he said he wanted a 'full understanding' of any commitments that may have been made, when asked about F-35 jet sales to the United Arab Emirates and arms to Saudi Arabia.

On a post-earnings conference call with investors last month, Raytheon's management said 'with the change in administration, it becomes less likely that we're going to be able to get a license' for a direct commercial sale of offensive weapons worth about $500 million to a Middle East customer. Raytheon did not give the name of the customer.

'The UAE will work closely with the Biden administration on a comprehensive approach to Middle East peace and stability,' the UAE ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al Otaiba, said in a statement posted on the Embassy Twitter account.

'The F-35 package is much more then selling military hardware to a partner, Like the US, it allows the UAE to maintain a strong deterrent to aggression.

'In parallel with new dialogue and security cooperation, it helps to reassure regional partners' Al Otaiba said.

On hold: 50 F-35s like these had been sold to the United Arab Emirates but that deal will now be reviewed

On Friday, it was also announced that the Biden administration would be releasing an intelligence report that concludes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Washington Post reported Thursday that an unclassified report produced by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence will be made public as early as next week.

'I dont have an update on the timing,' press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday when asked about the coming release.

Khashoggi was writing columns critical of the Saudi government for the paper before he was drugged and dismembered after being lured to the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, to pick up the paperwork required for his marriage to a Turkish citizen.

President Joe Biden's administration is expected to release an unclassified report as early as next week that concludes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (left) ordered the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi (right)

The Biden administration has already indicated the president will snub 'MBS,' as the crown prince is called, and instead engage with his father, the 85-year-old Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin did speak with Crown Prince Mohammed, who as the Saudi Defence Minister is Austin's counterpart, Saudi state media said Friday.

Biden is returning to 'counterpart to counterpart' engagement,' the administration said, despite MBS being considered the country's de facto leader.

The president also announced earlier this month that he will end support for Saudi Arabia's controversial war in Yemen.

President Barack Obama began support for Saudi Arabia and President Donald Trump ramped it up, but Biden announced during his visit to the State Department that it's ending.

'We're also stepping up our diplomacy to end the war in Yemen, a war which has created a humanitarian and strategic catastrophe,' Biden said.
New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took stock of worsening floods, which have killed 84 people so far. The Prime Minister will take an aerial survey and is likely to meet flood victims.



He also chaired a series of high-level meetings to review the flood situation, and the relief operations in the North Eastern States, particularly in the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur, the PMO said.



Chief Ministers and senior officials from these states were present at the meetings.



LIVE UPDATES:

#2:00 PM: Guwahati: PM Modi held meeting with Manipur CM N Biren Singh over flood situation in the state

#11:50 AM: PM Modi chairing a high level meeting in Guwahati to review the flood situation & the relief operations in the North Eastern States



Guwahati: PM Modi arrives at Assam administrative staff college, he will hold a flood review meeting with officials and ministers pic.twitter.com/8cLgm2CEHX  ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Guwahati; will take stock of flood affected areas in Assam pic.twitter.com/qMLVYms61a  ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017

PM Modi leaves for Assam, will take stock of flood affected areas in the state pic.twitter.com/rVihbnve0h  ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017

On Monday, PM Modi announced Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the floods in Assam. He also announced Rs 50,000 each for those seriously injured in the floods in the state, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said.



Tomorrow, PM @narendramodi will be in Assam, where he will review the situation arising due to floods and the relief work, the PMO tweeted on Monday.



Earlier, the prime minister announced Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the floods in Rajasthan as well.



He also sanctioned Rs 50,000 each for those seriously injured in the floods in Rajasthan.

Suggested read | Gujarat floods: Death toll rises to 218, relief operation intensifies

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Last month, after more than 10 years in hiding, Lisa Miller surrendered herself to American authorities at the U. S. Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua. Miller, now in custody at the federal detention center in Miami, faces kidnapping and conspiracy charges. Shell likely be found guilty but, in reality, shes a victim of bad ideas.

Shes a mom, attempting to protect her daughter from her own bad choices and our societys attempt to redefine marriage, parenting, and the family.

The legal case is as complicated as the story behind it. In 2000, Miller and her partner, Janet Jenkins, lived in Virginia. They traveled from Virginia to Vermont to take advantage of Vermonts civil union law. Two years later, Miller bore a child, Isabella, conceived through artificial insemination, and then Miller and Jenkins actually moved to Vermont. In 2003, Miller and Jenkins separated. Miller then moved back to Virginia with her daughter, who was only 17-months-old.

In 2004, Miller and Jenkins asked the Vermont Family Court to legally dissolve their civil union. The court agreed and awarded Miller primary custody. However, in an unprecedented move, the court awarded visitation rights to Jenkins.

To that point, though she had agreed to pay child support, Jenkins had no legally recognized parental relationship with Isabella. She had only lived with Isabella during the first year of the childs life, but the court treated Jenkins as if she were a biological or adoptive parent. Its difficult to imagine a court doing this, for example, in the case of an unrelated live-in boyfriend.

Later that year, a Virginia court ruled that Miller was Isabellas sole legal parent. However, Jenkins appealed, arguing that the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act required Virginia to honor the Vermont courts ruling. Also at play was the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, a federal statute designed to prevent states from being forced to recognize the civil unions of other states. Despite all this, in the end, the Virginia Supreme Court sided with Jenkins.

By this time, Miller had become a Christian. Not wanting her daughter exposed to the lesbian lifestyle of her former partner, Miller defied the order of the Vermont court and denied Jenkins visitation. In response, Vermont awarded Jenkins primary custody of Isabella.

In 2009, Miller fled the United States with Isabella who was, by then, 7 years old. With the help of a Mennonite pastor, they first crossed the border into Canada and then made their way to Nicaragua, where they have lived since fleeing the U.S. Now that Isabella is 18 years old, the courts custody order no longer applies.

The parental kidnapping charges, on the other hand, do still apply to Miller. Before turning herself in, her final appeal was to the Trump administration for a pardon, which the President did not grant. As she must have known in surrendering herself to the U.S. embassy, mercy from the state of Vermont is highly unlikely.

In a very real sense, this is a story about consequences. Miller is still dealing with the consequences of entering a relationship that was, by definition, sterile and then demanding a child. Shes also facing the cost of repenting and following Christ, something our Lord tells us to count before following Him. Shes facing the consequences of her commitment to protect her daughter from the damage of her previous lifestyle.

Out of legal options, she chose to disobey the state as long as necessary in order to protect her daughter, but shes also accepting the consequences of her disobedience. For Christians in the days ahead, Millers story, especially her choices and their consequences, offer incredibly important lessons.

At the same time, Miller is facing consequences of a culture, especially as reflected in decisions made by our courts and the legislature, legalizing same-sex unions and sacrificing the well-being of children on the altars of adult desires.

No real thought was given to the impact these irregular unions would have on children, never mind what could happen to kids after these unions dissolve. Custody fights are always nasty, even when there is a biological connection. Only when same-sex unions are involved do we pretend as if a biological connection is irrelevant.

As I often say, ideas have consequences, and bad ideas have victims. Its hard to think of a better example than the tragic case of Lisa and Isabella Miller.

Please pray for the Millers, mother and daughter.

Originally published at BreakPoint
Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities

Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation

India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days

Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border

Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO

Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader

Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory

Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason

Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era

Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled

Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street

Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document

Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list

Bright Armenia faction of parliament: No corridor through the country should be provided to Azerbaijan

Analyst: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan gave self-confessed testimony

Armenia national security finds about 1 kg of opium, detains Iran citizen driver and 2 others

182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex

34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Updated voters list is posted on Armenia central election commission website

Armenia authorities provide considerable amount of subsidies ahead of snap parliamentary elections

World oil prices on the rise

MP explains his not being on Bright Armenia Party electoral list

UK new flagship set to be named after the late Prince Philip

US man who said he shot neighbor over loud music found guilty of attempted murder

Lamborghini company to be sold for $11.5bn?

China spacecraft docks with future space station

Lawyer: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan grossly abuses administrative resources during Lori Province visit

UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia

Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus

Police find  5 million in cash in London apartment

French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges

Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge

Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed

Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it

Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines

No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh

Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects

Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet

Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later

Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians

Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US

Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province

Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria

Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates

European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia

UK PM gets married in London

Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die

EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia

2 people die in Armenia road accident

Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released

61 quakes recorded in Congo per day

Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy

Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack

Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia

Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs?

Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war

4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack

Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities

Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader

Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country

Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia

US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs

Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners

Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions

Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US

Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions

Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes

Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus

Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function

Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him

We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel

Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment

Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops

There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission

Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two

Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh

Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions

Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter

Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval

"Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced

42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship

US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities

China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says

15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia

Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision

Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh

California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system?

Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II

EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation

ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason

Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia

Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest

"Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan

Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator'

Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh
It has been reported that stickers are put on the doors or entrances of those who have paid, thereby marking out those who have not. (Photo: PTI)

It is good that the Ram Temple at Ayodhya is being built largely through public donations. This was the model for the reconstruction of the Somnath temple in 1951. The initiative to rebuild it was taken by Sardar Patel; Gandhiji approved of it, but asked that the funds for this purpose be raised through voluntary donations, rather than an outgo from the government exchequer. This advice was followed, and K.M. Munshi, a minister in Nehrus cabinet, spearheaded the raising of funds and the rebuilding of the temple.

The same model is reportedly being followed for the Ram temple. The cadres of the RSS, the BJP and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, are in the forefront for raising funds from the public. Many ordinary Hindus are more than willing to make contributions. Many non-Hindus may also be willing to contribute. So long as this entire exercise is carried out voluntarily, on the bedrock of genuine public support, it should pose no problem.

But there are disturbing stories doing the rounds of coercive methods being employed. It has been reported that bands of bhakts are combing residential areas and housing societies asking people to donate, and judging them by their response and the quantum they give. It has been reported that stickers are put on the doors or entrances of those who have paid, thereby marking out those who have not. In a close-knit residential habitat, this identifies people who are not adequately Hindu, or sufficiently demonstrative about their devotion to Lord Ram. Such people then face social ostracisation, and are portrayed as betrayers of the faith.

If these stories are true, it is a matter of deep concern. The noble cause of building the temple cannot be sullied by mob intimidation bordering on extortion. Most Hindus hold Shri Ram in great reverence, and may wish to donate; but those that do not want to hand over cash to people they dont know, or are unsure about their credentials, or unconvinced about the accountability of the money they give, are entirely free not to donate, and cannot and should not be penalised for it. The use of stickers or crosses to identify those who do not comply has very ominous implications.

Besides, Hinduism by definition is a religion of choice. Even in temples, there is no compulsion to put money in the donation box, however prominently it may be placed. Many Hindus worship Rama; for others, the subject of devotion is Shiva; and, for still others it is Devi. At one level, of course, all Hindu gods stand for that one divinity which is omnipresent and indivisible.

This is the Nirguna  attribute-less  Brahman. But Hinduism consciously derogates this pervasive cosmic consciousness to the Saguna or attribute-full level, to enable devotees to worship a more accessible god. At the saguna plane, each Hindu is free to choose more than one god, or elevate any one of them to primary status. For instance, in West Bengal, a great many people are devotees of Durga. Is there anything wrong if a Hindu in Kolkata chooses to donate a part of his meagre disposable income for Durga Puja rather than a temple for Rama?

Moreover, what kind of precedent does such an exercise set? Today, the aim is to raise money for the Ram temple. Tomorrow, if the same cohort comes around to ask for money to celebrate the birth of Rama, Ram Navami, who will stop them? If at Dussehra, the same gang fans out to raise money for a yatra or a function, how can ordinary Hindus, afraid of being marked out for not being sufficiently devotional, resist their demands? Even powerful politicians have spoken out openly against the manner in which money is being asked or. Fear and unlawful pressure cannot be a basis for religious or spiritual pursuits.

The real danger is that Shri Rama, the compassionate (deen dayala) merciful (kripalu), and the epitome of rectitude (maryada purushottam), is being used as a means to make Hinduism a prescriptive religion. Such a development is mutilating to the cerebral essence of Hinduism. The tragedy is that those who assume to dictate to other Hindus on how they should behave in order to be good Hindus, dont know the fundamentals of Hinduism in the first place. More often than not, their evangelical illiteracy is orthodox, upper-caste, patriarchal and ritualistic. Little would they know that Hinduism allows for Hindus to be atheistic, pantheist, monist, polytheist, agnostic, animist, or any combination of the above; and, at the level of philosophy, Hinduism is more than happy with those who see God everywhere or nowhere and do not even wish to visit a temple.

Shri Ramas aura should not be sullied by the taint of money and politics. It would have been much better if the government had issued explicit instructions that donations for the Ram temple, by those who wish to make them, would only be valid by online transfer, with an electronic receipt. It would have been good, too, if the government had set up a more transparent mechanism for donors to know how their hard-earned money  in times when petrol and diesel prices are skyrocketing  has been utilised for the construction of the temple. Herds of people of a particular political orientation, roaming the streets and neighbourhoods demanding money with little accountability, is not something that Shri Rama would have wanted for his temple.
London: Mathias Cormann will this week learn whether he is one of two candidates left in the race for an influential global leadership position as US officials are urged to throw their support behind the former finance minister.

Australian government figures are increasingly confident the ex-senator is well placed to become the next secretary-general of the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) but say the White House will be an important factor in the decision.

Mathias Cormann, Australias longest-serving finance minister, wants to become the next secretary-general of the Paris-based OECD. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Daniel Runde, the senior vice-president of Washingtons influential Centre for Strategic and International Studies, told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that America should back Cormanns campaign.

Runde said the US and Morrison government shared similar views on taxes, trade and the economy, and suggested clear-eyed members of the Biden administration might show solidarity with Australia amid its tussle with China.
Heading into the 2020 general election, nine S.C. counties had a process in place to verify the voter signature on absentee ballots  each a little different; the other counties either had no standard process or else did nothing to verify signatures. Likewise, election officials in some counties contacted voters to give them the opportunity to fix problems that would have caused their absentee ballots to be rejected; others didnt. And those were just the irregularities that were highlighted in lawsuits.

The problem wasnt that one way was right and the others were wrong; it was that there was no uniformity  meaning votes that would have been counted in one county were being thrown out in another.

The bigger problem: This wasnt unique to the 2020 election. Its baked into our system, the inevitable result of a state law that allows 46 autonomous county election commissions to decide for themselves how to implement laws that spell out the what without always explaining the how. Although the State Election Commission is empowered to ensure local compliance with its policies, that only works when it has applicable policies, and the process for enforcement is not straightforward.

H.3444 aims to change that, by empowering the State Election Commission to supervise and standardize the performance, conduct, and practices of county election commissions, to ensure that votes are counted the same way in Greenville County as theyre counted in Charleston County and the same way in Charleston County as Aiken County.

Its a long-overdue change.

It might make sense to allow every county election commission to interpret and enforce state election laws as it sees fit if only county council, sheriff, school board and other single-county elections were affected. But people in every county cast votes for president, governor and U.S. Senate. People in multiple counties vote in each race for U.S. House and solicitor and most legislative seats. Having different interpretations of what state law requires and allows  not to mention having vastly different degrees of competence among the commissions  makes absolutely no sense.

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Of course, if it doesnt make sense to let each county decide how votes are cast and counted, it also doesnt make sense to let the legislators from each county hand-pick their county election commissioners. Or to make county councils pay for the election commission offices over which they have no control. What would make sense is to get rid of the politically appointed county election commissions altogether and let the State Election Commission hire state employees  paid for by the state  to staff the county election offices.

If lawmakers arent willing to go that far right now, they need to make that their next step in professionalizing and standardizing our elections  and make sure that next step comes soon.

What they dont need to do is inject themselves into the workings of the State Election Commission, as House Speaker Jay Lucas' bill also does. Under current law, the governor appoints the five members of the commission, but H.3444 would add four more commissioners, appointed by legislative leaders. That should be a non-starter.

The problem with this proposal isnt  as Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee bizarrely complained on Tuesday  that the bill allows the governor to appoint as many as four commissioners from his party; he can do that under current law. The legislation approved by the committee actually increases minority-party representation on the commission, by requiring that the Legislatures appointments be split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats  changing the current 4-1 Republican edge to a 6-3 edge.

The problem is that allowing legislators to appoint election commissioners violates a central tenet of our system of representative democracy: dividing power among three branches of government, so they can then check and balance each other. The job of the Legislature is to write the laws. The job of the executive branch of government  headed by the governor  is to execute those laws.

If the Legislature doesnt like how the laws are being implemented, it has the power and duty to change the laws. It has no business changing the individuals who are carrying out those laws.
Ministers admit to state offences in forest clearances By Kasun Warakapitiya View(s): View(s):

Presidents policy being twisted to raze woodland

This is wrong. Something must be done  Defence Secretary

Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne has backed environmentalists claims that forest destruction has increased, pledging to throw resources into stopping culprits, pointing the finger at representatives of his own government.

Environmentalists bluntly blame the government for endorsing forest clearances, citing intrusions even into elephant corridors.

Regional politicians have grabbed land, given land to private companies and have nearly cleared 200 biodiversity-rich areas, activist Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thera told the Sunday Times.

Ven Thera said land cleared included the Dahaiiyagala elephant corridor, Rambakan Oya forest, Somawathiya National Park, Jalagalum Nimnaya, Nilgala, Elephant Management Reserve in Hambantota and forest near Sigiriya.

Defence Secretary Gunaratne said he would order the air force to make reconnaissance flights over forests to check if land is being cleared and use army and police resources to bring those responsible to account.

He expressed frustration with irregularities in the issuing of permits for forest clearances.

When police or armed forces raid areas that are illegally cleared, most of the people who are involved in the clearances possess licences. We dont know how they are given licences but it seems that some state officials are involved, he said.

Many state bodies have given illegal forest clearing permits. This is wrong. Something must be done, he said, adding that the permits made it difficult for the forestry and wildlife protection departments to act against intrusions.

He said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had been alerted to the situation at the Defence Council.

Environmentalists say President Rajapaksas own programmes are being used to subvert conservation guidelines, and Environmental Minister Mahinda Amaraweera acknowledged this.

Environmental groups say regional politicians and state officials carefully plot to urge villagers to ask for more land for cultivation from the President when he visits villages under the Gama Samaga Pilisandarak (friendly talks with villagers) programme.

Such scheming allows approval to be given to clear land, and this land is given over to private companies, all under the Presidents patronage, Sajeewa Chamikara of the Movement for Land and Agriculture Reform (MONLAR) said.

We are aware that some state officials are also involved in it this forest clearing racket, Minister Amaraweera affirmed. They are the ones who trick the villagers into requesting more land and they clear forests in the guise of an order of the president, he said.

As Environment Minister, I told police about these incidents and asked the air force to fly drones and take action against forest clearing, Mr. Amaraweera said.

Mr. Chamikara condemned the government for decisions that, he said, showed no concern for the environment. One action involved the provision of 7,000 acres at Demaliyawandama in the Monaragala District for a privately-owned sugar factory.

He detailed others. The most recent forest clearing took place at the Rambaken Oya Galwalayaya reserve, Mr. Chamikara said. First, the government cleared 5,426 acres and divided it to 15 sections in order to be given to 12 companies. When environmentalists protested a cabinet decision was made to provide 2,750 acres to private companies.

He said the lands given to companies were grasslands but when the companies began clearing the land they had also razed forested patches. Most cleared areas remained bare.

Mr. Chamikara also pointed out that another 8,500 acres were being cleared in the Kanda Kadu area in Polonnaruwa. This area is at the heart of the elephant home range and contains elephant feeding grounds, he said.

Only 3 per cent of forests in Sri Lanka are virgin forests and they play a critical role in producing and conserving the countrys water supply, the President of Sri Lanka Nature Conservationists, Samantha Gunasekara, said, condemning the clearing of forests for cultivation and development projects. These forests have taken millions of years to evolve, and the unique orchids and fauna and fungi that grow within them help to create mist and slow the drying out of natural waterways and waterfalls, he said.

The government is laying down pipelines under the theme Samata watura (water for all) but if we destroy the forests that generate and preserve water sources there will be no water to send through those pipelines, he pointed out.

If the land clearings happen at this rate soon the country could be forced to import drinking water.

Environmentalist Supun Lahiru Prakash of the Biodiversity Conservation and Research Circle said forest cover influenced water supply and climate changes, and when forest cover was stripped from the land, wildlife suffered.

Elephants and other animals are affected with lack of water and loss of edible shrubs. Then these animals raid farmland and destroy crops or reach human settlements in search of water, he said.

When that happenes the government has to spend heavily on elephant fences and other ineffective methods to resolve the human-animal conflict, as well as on compensation payments for crop damage and human fatalities, Mr. Prakash said, urging the government to choose instead to spend on preventing forest clearances.

A study by Mr. Prakash and conservationists A.W. Wijeratne and Prithiviraj Fernando clearly points out that human-elephant conflict had increased in intensity and geographical extent as a consequence of changed management actions and development activity.

Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) Director General Chandana Suriyabandara said officers were vigilant in protecting animals within the gazetted wildlife parks, sanctuaries and reserves but were unable to interfere in activities of bodies controlling the Mahaweli scheme and forest department land.

Environmentalists say the wildlife department is too passive in saying it cannot interfere, pointing out that the animals and plants affected by clearances are protected by the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, which the DWC must uphold.

Biodiversity expert Dr. Suranjan Fernando said the government should think strategically about development that would use less land as this was a small country.

Man, beast and plant life have to share the land. Therefore the government needs to think of ways to use less lands to create more income, he said.

Dr. Fernando said there should be a greater focus on exports of value-added endemic products such as cinnamon.

He said the government should commercially cultivate certain endemic plants and that mechanisms should be put in place to collect resources from natural habitats without harming them.

Court of Appeal takes up Veddah Chiefs petition; respondents absent The Veddah Chiefs petition seeking environmental justice for his community was taken up before the Court of Appeal bench headed by its president Justice Arjuna Obeysekara on Friday. The petition filed together with the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) seeks an interim order to examine the validity of approvals granted to the Mahaweli Authority to carry out development projects to grow maize for animal feed in forest lands. The petition also seeks an order to halt the clearance of what the Veddah Chief identifies as his communitys traditional habitat at Pollebadda in the Rambakan Oya region. The petitioners claim that the areas to be cleared for the project have been inhabited by the indigenous people for many years. Appearing on behalf of Veddah Chief Uruwarige Wannila Aththo, Senior counsel Ravindranath Dabare told court that the counsel representing the state parties had not appeared for the case on Friday as they had not been notified. Justice Obeysekara then ordered the registrar to send notices to the respondents and postponed the case for March 05. The respondents include the Central Environmental Authority, the Mahaweli Development Authority, the Department of Forests, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation and a private plantation company.
MILWAUKEE  Like so many great scientific discoveries, Tom Brock started the research that would go on to revolutionize the field of biology  and pave the road to the development of the gold-standard COVID-19 tests used to fight a pandemic  with a question.

In 1964, the microbiologist was driving out West when he stopped to visit Yellowstone National Park. It was the first time he saw the park's picturesque hot springs.

"I got to the thermal area and I saw all these colors of what were obviously microbes," said Brock, then a professor at Indiana University. "No one seemed to know much about them."

As the water in the hot springs flowed out from the pools, it was cooling, creating a range of temperatures and environments for bacteria to grow. But in the hottest parts of the springs, where temperatures ranged from 70 Celsius to above 100 Celsius  the boiling point of water  the springs were clear, thought to be uninhabitable.

Brock wanted to know more about the bacteria and to see if any were living in the hottest waters.

The next summer, he returned to Yellowstone with a student research team and a grant from the National Science Foundation to research life at high temperatures. It was the start of what would become a decade of work studying the park's microscopic creatures.

Brock was performing what's called basic research. He did not know for sure where the work would lead him or how his findings might be used in the future. The goal was as vague as it was grand: to advance scientific understanding about the organisms living in one of Earth's most extreme environments.

In doing so, he changed the world.

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana features picturesque geysers, hot springs and wildlife.

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In 1966, Brock and an undergraduate student, Hudson Freeze, discovered a new bacteria that thrived in waters above 70 Celsius. Brock named it Thermus aquaticus.

The discovery of this hardy bacteria revolutionized the fields of biology and medicine.

Story continues

"A lot of people thought (the research) was kind of a specialized sort of thing," said Brock, now an emeritus professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "Working on organisms in Yellowstone in the summer sounded kind of like a 'vacation study.'"

What no one could have known then was that inside that bacteria was the key ingredient for the gold-standard diagnostic tests that would be deployed nationwide by the tens of millions nearly 50 year later, on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.

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The key to the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR

As the news of the discovery spread, biochemists across the country started to research Thermus aquaticus' inner workings, Brock wrote in a 1997 article for the Genetics Society of America.

Brock and Freeze soon realized that the bacteria's enzymes  proteins that carry out chemical reactions inside of a cell  kept working in temperatures that were even higher than the boiling point of water. Enzymes from other organisms can't tolerate such heat; they lose their structure and stop working, like an egg that changes its form when placed in a hot frying pan.

One of Thermus aquaticus' enzymes is today the key ingredient in the polymerase chain reaction  PCR  which laboratories around the world are using to detect the virus that causes COVID-19.

PCR, a technique developed by biochemist Kary Mullis in the 1980s, is a staple procedure used to diagnose diseases. PCR also plays a role in helping scientists detect DNA left at crime scenes, sequence genomes and track mutations like those in SARS-CoV-2, and determine a person's ancestry or a dog's breed.

Microbiologist Tom Brock collects one of his first samples from the Yellowstone River in 1964. A pioneer in his field, Brock's discovery of bacteria that can live in extremely high temperatures led to major advancements in biology and medicine, including the technology that is used in COVID-19 PCR tests.

PCR can make millions and billions of copies of segments of DNA, amplifying even the smallest traces of genetic material from any germ, animal or person scientists might be searching for. The process requires heating up a sample to very high temperatures and then cooling it back down, multiple times.

The enzyme from Thermus aquaticus, called Taq polymerase, copies the DNA to make more of it. Because it can withstand the heating process, labs are able to run the tests much more quickly than they would without it, because other enzymes would be destroyed every time the sample was heated up.

While there are other diagnostic tests available for COVID-19, scientists call PCR tests the gold standard because they are very accurate, sensitive and relatively fast. Even if there is only a small amount of the virus in a patient's sample, PCR will probably find it.

Tom Brock, emeritus professor of bacteriology at UW-Madison, is pictured in 2017 during the 14th Annual Research in the Rotunda, an event that showcases the work of UW undergraduates at the Capitol Rotunda in Madison, Wisconsin.

Before PCR became widely used in the '90s, scientists would have to try to grow viruses in the lab in order to diagnose diseases, a dangerous process that takes days to weeks, said Al Bateman, director of the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene's communicable disease division.

So fundamental is Taq polymerase that one of the COVID-19 tests used by the state lab is named after it: TaqPath.

"All of the gold-standard diagnostic PCR tests: for COVID-19, for flu, for (tuberculosis)  we run a lot of PCRs here," Bateman said. "None of that would exist."

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The power of basic research

Brock was 10 years old when he got his first chemistry set. His dad set up a little lab for him in the basement of their Cleveland home. He was interested in nature early, exploring the old abandoned farm near their home as a child.

When he was 15, his father died, leaving Brock to pick up odd jobs for 25 cents an hour to help support his family. He graduated from high school in the midst of World War II, and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

After the war, he enrolled at Ohio State University in 1946, where he studied as a beneficiary of the GI Bill. He ultimately earned his masters and doctorate at Ohio State, and made his way to Indiana University as a professor in 1960. He moved to UW-Madison in 1971 and became chairman of the department of bacteriology in 1979.

The discovery of Thermus aquaticus is far from where Brock's research ended.

During a decade of research on hot springs and geysers at Yellowstone, Brock authored some 100 papers based on his work.

Over his career, he's written some 250 papers and 20 books, and accumulated multiple awards.

Now 94, Brock is retired from UW-Madison but still lives about a mile from the university. He has shifted his focus to conservation, managing Pleasant Valley Conservancy in Wisconsin with his wife, Kathie.

Brock himself has held up his career, and particularly the discovery of Thermus aquaticus, as a testament to the power of basic research.

"You know, you never know what's going to happen," Brock said of such scientific inquiries.

Tom Brock collects a sample from a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park in 1995. A pioneer in his field, Brock's discovery of bacteria that can live in extremely high temperatures led to major advancements in biology and medicine, including the technology that is used in COVID-19 PCR tests.

He remembers there was public criticism of the NSF's support of his work back then, "It sounded not very important, just a tourist attraction," he said.

But Brock's work at Yellowstone led to even more scientists studying "extremophiles," microorganisms that live in extreme environments, a specialty that has unlocked theories about the origins of life on Earth and about the possibility of life existing on other planets.

"I think Tom had a catalytic effect on studies of extremophiles in general," said Michael Cox, a professor of biochemistry at UW-Madison. "He helped get the world of biology interested in these unusual lifestyles of bacteria and all kinds of things have popped out of it."

The expansive reach of this single discovery is also an example of the way in which science builds on itself, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. It takes years of research, by countless curious scientists, to move society's knowledge base forward.

"I think it was the most amazing and gratifying thing I've seen in all my scientific career," Freeze, now the director of the human genetics program at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in La Jolla, California, said of the discovery's impact.

"I know a number of people, friends of mine, who have said, 'You ever want to check on the value of basic science? This is the best example, where you're looking at something that had no application and in the right setting, with the right magic potions, you change the world,' " Freeze said.

In reflecting on the fruits of Brock's curiosity, Bateman recalled a quote from another groundbreaking scientist: Louis Pasteur. "Chance favors only the prepared mind."

It's a sentiment Brock echoed when asked if he had any advice to give to the scientists of the future.

"Study hard and keep an open mind," he said.

Follow reporter Devi Shastri on Twitter at @DeviShastri.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: COVID PCR tests made possible by Yellowstone finding Thermus aquaticus
The disengagement process by India and China in eastern Ladakh is 'complete' after nine rounds of diplomatic and military level talks between the two neighbours, Defence Minister said here on Sunday as he hit out at Congress for 'doubting' Indian soldiers' bravery.

The country will not allow any "unilateral action" on its border and will pay any cost to thwart such attempts, he told the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha's state conference here.

"After nine rounds of military and diplomatic dialogue, the disengagement process is complete. But unfortunately the Congress is doubting Indian army's bravery.... isn't it insulting to the soldiers who do the supreme sacrifice," he said.

Twenty Indian army personnel were killed in the Galwan clash with the Chinese troops last year during the face-off.

The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has never compromised with country's unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty" and it shall never do so, he asserted.

(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.)
Emily Maitlis gets on famously with BBC colleagues, but she took things to the extreme when she wore their faces across her chest last week.

Normally a sharp power dresser, she wore a 35 hoodie featuring a cartoon of her and BBC Americast colleagues Jon Sopel and Anthony Zurcher.

Americast is a BBC Sounds podcast about US politics that's a hit with younger audiences, and the cartoon was made by Dr Lucia Perez Diaz, an Americast super-fan and boffin with a flair for illustration, who sells them on her website, The Flat Type.

Emily Maitlis gets on famously with BBC colleagues, but she took things to the extreme when she wore their faces across her chest last week

Normally a sharp power dresser, she wore a 35 hoodie featuring a cartoon of her and BBC Americast colleagues Jon Sopel and Anthony Zurcher

When she heard Emily had bought one, she tweeted a video for Sopel and Zurcher, telling them: 'I woke up to see Emily Maitlis has a sweatshirt with a cartoon I made, which is crazy! Jon, Anthony... come on  it's the uniform. Get yours!'

Anthony was thrilled, too. He said: 'The knowledge that Emily could be jogging with a picture of me in a cowboy hat on her sweatshirt  it's made all these years of work worthwhile.'

CATCH OF THE WEEK: Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis

Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis has caught my attention... and Covid-19! But don't worry, actor Daniel Day-Lewis's 25-year-old lookalike son is fine  and taking hot tubs to help his recovery.

'I was weakened and felt incredibly lethargic,' says the model, musician and actor. 'Just getting out of bed was a challenge. I've started to get my strength and fitness back.'

Gabriel, whose mother is French actress Isabelle Adjani, has inherited brooding eyes and chiselled cheekbones from his father  and it seems his fondness for tattoos.

Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis has caught my attention... and Covid-19! But don't worry, actor Daniel Day-Lewis's 25-year-old lookalike son is fine  and taking hot tubs to help his recovery

Lily's lady in waiting

Who would have thought that Lily Allen marrying a US TV star in Vegas would have any bearing on a forthcoming wedding hosted by the Earl of Plymouth at his family estate 5,000 miles away in Ludlow?

In a sign of the times for modern aristocracy, the Earl's daughter India Windsor-Clive's recent engagement was partly dependent on the popstar's visit to the famous Little White Chapel with a Hollywood actor.

It seems Lily's ex-husband Sam Cooper, 42, had been meaning to propose to India for ages but  rightly or wrongly  apparently held the opinion it would cause too much trouble with his feisty ex-wife.

It was only once she was settled with a new husband, David Harbour, of Stranger Things fame, that Sam thought it was a good time remarry himself.

Luckily India, 32, was happy to wait. My aristo source, who snootily describes Lily as 'that ghastly popstar' says: 'The Earl has long considered him as a son-in-law anyway.'
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

German Health Minister Jens Spahn urged caution on Sunday in the face of rising coronavirus infection numbers, just as schools across the country prepare to reopen.

"The virus isn't making it easy for us," Spahn told German broadcaster ARD.

"We're seeing that the numbers are climbing again. That's annoying, and it brings back some uncertainty. That's why caution, testing and vaccinating must continue to guide our path."

Germany has been in a partial lockdown since November and had succeeded in bringing down the infection rate in recent weeks.

But the numbers then began to plateau and even slightly increase in recent days, a trend blamed on the rapid spread of the more contagious British variant of the virus.

Experts are warning that Germany could be at the start of a third coronavirus wave, even as the country's 16 states begin to relax some of their curbs.

From Monday, schools and daycare centres are set to reopen in 10 German regions.

Many schools plan to limit class sizes alongside other precautions such as mask-wearing and airing out rooms, but critics have questioned whether the timing is right for the reopenings.

Spahn said a balance has to be struck between protecting Germans from the risks posed by new, more infectious virus strains and the necessity for children to have some kind of "normal daily life".

The impact of school reopenings would be closely watched before deciding the next steps in the pandemic, he added.

"Once schools and daycares reopen, millions more people will be out and about. We need to see what difference that makes concerning the mutations," Spahn said.

"We can't make any false promises" about further relaxations, he added.

Spahn and Germany's 16 regional health ministers will on Monday discuss moving teachers and child carers higher up the vaccine priority list.

If approved, they would move from group 3 to group 2, making them next in line once Germany has vaccinated most of its elderly people living in care homes.

Germany added another 7,676 coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to more than 2.3 million.

More than 67,000 people have died from the virus, according to the Robert Koch Institute for disease control.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/21/2021



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[ Spoiler Warning: This report contains spoilers revealing if Hazel and Tarik are still together or if the couple broken up.]

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So are Tarik and Hazel still together now or did the couple break up?

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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Tarik Myers and Hazel Cagalitan have been shown trying to navigate their relationship while in coronavirus lockdown on Season 8 of the series, so did Tarik and Hazel's romance last and are they still together now and married -- or do spoilers reveal the couple has broken up?Tarik was a 43-year-old realtor and single father from Virginia Beach, VA, when he first saw Hazel, a single mother from Quezon City, Philippines who is now 28-years-old, on an Asian dating website.After three months of dating virtually and over the phone, Tarik traveled over 9,000 miles and 36 hours to meet Hazel in-person in the Philippines on : Before the 90 Days' second season.Tarik took a lot of heat from family and friends, especially his brother Dean, for pursuing a relationship with a woman overseas. Tarik's loved ones worried he was being scammed and Hazel was just after a Green Card, especially because she lived in the poorest of conditions.Tarik had his own doubts about the relationship given Hazel was quiet around him and not very affectionate, but Tarik still decided to propose marriage at the end of his trip and then file for the K-1 visa upon his return to America.Tarik and Hazel were still engaged six months after : Before the 90 Days' second-season finale aired on TLC in October 2018.Tarik later returned to the Philippines several more times to visit Hazel, and in the meantime, he was waiting for Hazel's K-1 visa to be approved.Hazel even agreed to sign a prenuptial agreement for Tarik to prove that she was with him for love.At the time 's eighth season filmed, Tarik and Hazel had been together for two years and Hazel finally got approved for a K-1 visa.Hazel was going to meet Tarik's seven-year-old daughter Auri for the first time. Tarik apparently has majority custody of Auri, who stays with her father five out of seven days a week and lives with her mother on the weekends.Tarik shared how Auri has high-functioning autism and everything in his life revolves around her. Tarik hoped Hazel would love Auri and that they'd get along wonderfully.Hazel also has an eight-year-old son Harrey, and Hazel was having a tough time leaving him behind. Tarik and Hazel therefore planned to bring Harrey to the United States "eventually" in order to give the boy more opportunities in life.Tarik admitted he was "surprised" when he learned Hazel is bisexual, and he told her that Virginia Beach is "full of smoking hot women."Hazel apparently wanted to have a girlfriend on the side, and Tarik therefore wondered how that was going to work and whether Hazel was really in their relationship for him or just permanent residency in the United States."We're not even married yet -- and what you're thinking about is the girlfriend we need to find?" Tarik explained in a confessional."We've had some trust and jealousy issues in the past, so it does make me nervous. But she wants to go full steam ahead on this thing, so I hope we're really ready for it."But the couple experienced a bump in the road when they tried to introduce a woman named Minty from Thailand into their relationship.Tarik began dating the girl when he and Hazel were briefly broken up and was "falling in like" with her, and when he and Hazel got back together, Hazel decided to partake in the romance.But the love triangle only lasted for two days, with Tarik telling the cameras, "Day 3, Hazel just put an end to it. Hazel felt like Minty was more into me than she was into Hazel.""Hazel could see I was just fascinated by Minty. It was refreshing to me to be able to speak in Thai and talk about all the stuff I experienced in Thailand, but there was this jealousy that came over Hazel immediately and it ended right there. Hazel told me to never contact Minty ever again."However, Tarik confessed he had texted Minty again a couple of weeks back. Tarik said he just wanted to check on Minty and make sure she was okay amid the coronavirus pandemic, and he insisted that he was going to tell Hazel but was a little afraid to do so.Tarik then picked Hazel up at the airport and the pair had a sweet reunion."This is the turning point in my life. It's like everything before her and then everything after her," Tarik said.On the drive to Tarik's home, Hazel was shocked by all of the big houses in America and how clean everything looked. Tarik's home was huge compared to Hazel's place in the Philippines considering Hazel lived in poverty, and Hazel said she felt overwhelmed.One day after Hazel's arrival, Tarik was ready to pick a venue for their wedding, but Hazel wanted their pace to slow down since she had a lot to adjust to.Hazel said her parents wanted her to get married in their church and religion is important to her, but Tarik tried to talk her into marrying at Edgar Cayce's A.R.E., a cultural and spiritual center that apparently means a lot to him.The center was named after a famous psychic, but Hazel thought the place was weird and said she didn't want to get married there. Hazel, however, told her fiance that she'd think about it and they could compromise and make a decision together about their future.During Hazel's second day in America, she was shown unpacking her belongings and feeling a little bit overwhelmed.Tarik told Hazel that his daughter Auri always slept with him because she was scared of being alone in her room. Auri had been sleeping with him for seven years, and he said Hazel would have to be okay with that because the arrangement wasn't going to change.Hazel, however, worried Auri's constant presence would ruin their romance and intimacy, and she knew they'd need privacy as a couple.Knowing how close Tarik and Auri were, Hazel feared she wouldn't fit into their relationship.But when Hazel and Auri first met, Hazel picked Auri up and hugged her, and it was an incredibly sweet moment. Tarik said he couldn't have asked for more, and Auri even put her head on Hazel's shoulders.Tarik and Hazel hoped to bring Hazel's son over to the United States in about a year or so. She was used to seeing her son once a week given the boy lives with his father and stepmother.Hazel later told the cameras she had found something on Tarik's phone that worried her -- a message to her ex, Minty.Hazel told Tarik that she had discovered a message to Minty on his phone, and Tarik replied, "I mean, I was going to tell you. It's just this virus thing happened... It hit right in the city where she is, so I just wanted to text her and go, 'Yo, are you good?!'"Hazel asked why Tarik hadn't been honest with her right away, and he acknowledged that she was right.Tarik said he didn't have a problem with Hazel looking through his phone but it was concerning that she maybe didn't trust him fully and felt the need to check his messages to begin with.Hazel felt the virus was just an excuse to get in touch with Minty, but Tarik promised he wouldn't contact their ex again."It worries me if I can trust him," Hazel lamented.Production then shut down for two weeks due to coronavirus, and Tarik and Hazel tried to make the best out of quarantining together.Hazel said she was no longer angry at Tarik for texting their ex Minty because he promised he wouldn't do it again. Hazel therefore determined they were ready to find her a girlfriend, and so Tarik made Hazel a dating profile on a website.Tarik and Hazel looked through women's profiles together, and Tarik just hoped Hazel still considered marrying him the No. 1 priority.Tarik said he wanted Hazel to feel like herself and live the life she wanted to."I want a sister, a best friend and a lover," Hazel shared.Hazel told the cameras that she wanted to find a sexy, brown American woman to date, but Tarik wanted to set some rules first so no jealousy would ensue. Tarik just asked Hazel to hide her relationship with a woman from his daughter Auri, which Hazel understood."I really hope we can find a perfect girl that we both agree on. Having a girlfriend is always what I wanted, but my relationship with Tarik is more important. So I just hope it feels different from the last time with Minty," Hazel explained.The couple then looked at women together and Tarik joked, "Come to mama and come to papa!"With 24 days in lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic and 41 days left to wed, the pair was stuck in the house with Tarik's daughter Auri and Hazel said it was sad that she couldn't leave the house and explore.Hazel missed her son Harrey and told him via FaceTime that she'd come to get him eventually, although it "may take a long time."Tarik and Hazel are still a couple and their relationship appears to be thriving.In late February, Tarik posted a video of Hazel posing as computer-generated snowflakes fell around her face."I remember when you said you'd always wanted to see and play in the snow. I said I had to walk to school calf high in it in Ohio. So I'm very happy without snow but not without you," Tarik captioned the video, before promoting her new lipstick. #Tarzel #allnatural."Tarik posted a video of Hazel driving a lawn mower in mid-February and captioned it, "Hazel doesn't just sit around searching profiles all day. She also nearly crashes the riding mower into the fence lol. Maybe I'm a bad driving instructor."He added the hashtags "Tarzel," "girlpower" and "ilovevirginiabeach."On January 31, Tarik shared a video of Hazel and himself driving in the car, and about a week earlier, he posted a photo of Hazel in glasses and added a funny caption with it."Me : I clearly text Minty to see if she was ok bc there was a big Covid outbreak in her city. Hazel : I put my glasses on to clearly see if this was BS. #Tarzel #90dayfiance #90daybaresall #90dayfiancepillowtalk #beforethe90days #rayban #allnatural," Tarik wrote.On January 16, Tarik posted a photo of Hazel standing in the sunlight with her eyes closed, and he captioned the image, "You are an original. You are misunderstood. You are ridiculed and hated on by many close to you. But you are still perfect."He continued, "I am an original. Misunderstood. Ridiculed and hated on by many close to me. We soak up the sun different. #Tarzel #90dayfiance #90dayfiancebaresall #90dayfiancepillowtalk #beforethe90days #nomakeup #nofilterneeded."A few days earlier, Tarik uploaded a photo of Hazel and his daughter flashing peace signs, showing they're still together as a family.Tarik also apparently rang in the New Year of 2021 with Hazel by his side.Tarik posted several photos of Hazel standing in front of a sunset, including two pictures of Hazel standing out of the sunroof of a car."Ok. So the house may have been a LITTLE messy," Tarik captioned the slideshow, referring to Hazel's first impression of his home in America."I'll make it up to you with a beautiful sunset. 2020 GO THE F AWAY ALREADY! BYE FELICIA! Everyone have a SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2021 #Tarzel #90dayfiance ##90daybaresall #90dayfiancepillowtalk #beforethe90days."On December 18, Tarik posted two selfies with Hazel in which she looked stunning in a burgundy dress and matching lip. In one of the pictures, she was kissing Tarik on the cheek."Hawt Sauws. Hella Hawt Sauws. #Tarzel Watch #90dayfiance Sunday at 8pm EST on @tlc #90daybaresall #90dayfiancepillowtalk #90dayfiancebeforethe90days," Tarik wrote alongside the images.One day earlier, Hazel posted a similar photo and captioned it, "Haters don't hate hate, haters hate LOVE.' #Tarzel #90dayfiance."Tarik reposted Hazel's quote on his own page saying he agreed with her, and then Hazel commented with multiple kiss-blowing emoticons.Tarik also posted a video of Hazel on October 25, 2020.In the video, Hazel told her fans, "I'm here to send good tidings and well wishes to your family and friends... I'm here for y'all! Have a good one!"Tarik captioned the Instagram post, "My beautiful Hazel is on Cameo now. Book her for all occasions. She is Hazel Cagalitan on Cameo. Thanks. #beforethe90days #90dayfiance."On August 28, 2020, Tarik posted a selfie of the couple, revealing they had watched Black Panther three times in one week together because Hazel loved it so much. He said it was "the first move we ever watched together."Tarik posted a photo of Hazel and her father on June 21 and gushed about how he raised 14 children in poor conditions."I thought I knew the difficulties of fatherhood until I met this man. He raised 14 children in conditions most of us only see on TV. Never once shirked his responsibility. The definition of a real man. Salamat Pa. Happy Father's Day," Tarik wrote.Tarik also wished Hazel a happy Mother's Day in May."When life dealt you crap, you turned it into fertilizer. I was proud of you before the cameras rolled. And I'll be proud of you... Well anyway. I'm your defense mechanism against anyone. And I mean anyone. Happy Mother's Day Zellybean," Tarik wrote alongside a photo of Hazel and her son.Back in October 2019, Tarik gushed about Hazel on Instagram."I had so many rules that you became the exception to. So many standards that you exceeded. Also, I'm forever grateful to you for pulling those knives out of my back that a smiling faced Judas shoved in. You are goals. #TarZel #90dayfiance #90dayfiancepillowtalk," he wrote.And in August, 2019, Tarik called his girl "an implausible, irreplaceable gift from God."In Summer 2019, Hazel gushed about Tarik and wrote, "Sometimes I still pinch myself to make sure Im not dreaming. Sometimes I still cant believe that youre real and that ur mine.""I never thought that some1 as amazing as u would fall in love with someone as silly as me," she continued."But Im so glad that u did because my life has been nothing but wonderful. Thank u 4 coming into my life and for letting me show u how much u mean to me. #TarZel #ILoveYouHoney."Tarik and Hazel's posts about one another date all the way back to Fall 2018.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
A Saturday-night shooting left a woman injured in eastern Birmingham.

Sgt. Rod Mauldin said officers responded to the 7500 block of Second Avenue North. The woman was found wounded and transported to UAB Hospital with serious injuries, according to police and fire officials.

No additional information was released. Mauldin said no suspects are in custody.

The investigation is ongoing.
Research is mixed on the value of plasma from patients who have survived the coronavirus, experts say. The once often used treatment is now a rare choice for doctors, and then only under certain conditions.

The data is still mixed that the convalescent plasma really does anything critical, said Bruce Liang, dean of the UConn School of Medicine.

The idea is sound, according to Richard Martinello. Yale-New Haven Hospital, where Martinello is director of infection prevention, had like most other hospitals used blood - more accurately a part of the blood called sera - from recovered coronavirus patients to treat new patients.

When somebody gets infected by COVID, their body has an immune response. And, as part of that immune response, their body develops antibodies against the virus itself, Martinello said. Those individuals who were sick, after they recover from their illness, they donate blood, the sera is removed from the blood.

The sera, Martinello explained, is the watery protein part that's left over after the cells are removed. Its mostly water, but it contains proteins including antibodies.

The amount of antibodies against COVID are measured, so there's a general sense of how much anti-COVID antibodies are present within there, he said. And then it's simply given to people.

There have been several studies that show mixed results from the use of so-called convalescent plasma, most notably one conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic.

UConn, in collaboration with Jackson Labs, conducted its own study, looking at the antibodies present in health care workers who had contracted COVID but did not need to be hospitalized, other patients who were sick enough to be in the hospital and patients who had donated plasma after recovery.

Among other findings, that study concluded that the efficacy of convalescent plasma as a treatment for COVID-19 is questionable at best.

Those patients who had recovered, their so-called convalescent plasma, the antibodies were low, Liang said. The convalescent plasma has a mixed picture. Some people got help with it, some people did not. Some of them will get well anyway, without the plasma. So you don't know how much benefit it was actually conferring.

At the start of the pandemic, treatment options were few. The coronavirus was a new and unknown pathogen, and doctors were using whatever they could to treat patients.

The thought was, especially when there were very limited treatments against COVID, that this would be a reasonable approach, especially with no other alternatives available, Martinello said. Because there's no very clear, impactful benefit, it remains something that is really just being offered, across Yale-New Haven health, we're just offering it as a part of research now.

Doctors at UConn Health are still using plasma from recovered patients to treat COVID, but only under very specific circumstances, as Lisa Chirch, an attending physician in infectious diseases explained.

We are using it for select patients on a case-by-case basis, she said.

What theyve found, according to her colleague, Mauricio Montezuma, also an attending physician in infectious diseases at UConn Health, is that what matters most is the timing.

The study from Mayo showed that patients that had received convalescent plasma early on in the disease course, and also that patients that were not on mechanical ventilation, had improved survival versus those that received a plasma later on or were on mechanical ventilation, he said.

A COVID-19 infection is often characterized by two phases. There is the illness from the disease itself, and there is the damage from the bodys own immune response, often called a cytokine storm.

So it makes sense that early on where you had an active viral replication is where antibodies, which is what we are giving to the patient when we give them convalescent plasma, that those will be more active at the beginning of the disease course, he said. So we are still using plasma in those patients that are not extremely sick that are not in the ICU, and those that are not on mechanical ventilation.

Chirch also noted that, unlike traditional medications, physicians dont necessarily know the level of antibodies, called a titre, in any plasma sample.

All plasma is not created equal, she said. We just don't know and know, when we want to give it, what exactly we're getting.

But that doesnt mean plasma wont be useful going forward. As new coronavirus variants emerge that may or may not be effectively prevented by vaccinations or treated by conventional medications, plasma that contains antibodies from recovered patients may be a tool to which doctors will return.

Newer treatments, like the use of monoclonal antibodies which are more tailored to the specific variant, might not be as effective as the virus continues to mutate. Convalescent plasma, for all its issues, is a broader spectrum treatment, Montezuma said.

All these mutations, there is no way that that one monoclonal is going to be always effective, he said. This is just going to keep evolving.
Women in Saudi Arabia can trade their abayas for military uniforms on Sunday as the kingdom opens up the armed forces to female recruits.

Saudi Arabian women can be recruited as soldiers, lance corporals, corporals, sergeants, and staff sergeants, according to Arab News. Some additional criteria have been added for female applicants.

This move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at increasing the rights of women in the kingdom. The plan was first announced in 2019.

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2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning --

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We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover.

We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come.
Ten days after suffering an accident while riding a bicycle in Lugano, Switzerland, Fernando Alonso got back on the proverbial horse, as though nothing had happened.

The Spaniard is continuing his preparations for his Formula 1 return and the incident only saw him out of action for a number of days' rest after surgery.

Alonso shared an insight into his training on social media, alongside a caption reading "let's continue".

One of his pictures showed him on a static bicycle as he's yet to return to the roads, while the other showed him sweating and working on his balance in the gym.

The Asturian has made it clear that his participation in the first test, in Bahrain between March 12 and 14, is not at risk.
The pews were empty and the service brief.

Only a few had gathered to pay their last respects to John Shepherd Herbst, a 71-year-old veteran of the Vietnam War who died on Jan. 4.

He'd been alone, not just in the hospital room, where he was on a ventilator for two weeks battling coronavirus and renal failure, but in the world.

Family records online showed his father, H.T "Tom" Herbst, had owned Federal Security Alarm Systems in downtown Toledo, and prior to that was vice president of Ohio Clay Co. in Cleveland, where he grew up. He also had three sisters and a brother, some of whom appeared to be half siblings, but all were either deceased or estranged.

The only friends he claimed were his two cats, Mollie and Minnie, and a neighbor he talked to occasionally named Steve.

His memory could have slipped away as quietly as he lived. No one close to him was present to weep over his ashes as he was interred on Feb. 12 in the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Michigan, roughly 100 miles north of the border. The void was made even more evident by the assemblage of mourners  relative strangers, to him and to each other.

There were the Navy guard members who placed the plastic box containing his ashes in the center of an otherwise barren altar, and who held open before it an American flag during Taps.

There was the cemetery representative who saluted his fellow military brethren, and cleared the area for the next service.

Jeff Buehrer, co-owner of American Cremation Events, stood at the back. He'd driven Mr. Herbst's cremains up from Toledo.

And then there was Erin O'Connell, a 47-year-old woman with salt and pepper hair and the kind of big heart that seemingly defied the capacity of her thin body. With her were her husband and son.

It was she who gathered them all to pay final respects to a man she'd only spoken to on the phone and whom she could hardly claim to know. It's why no one spoke during the service outside of the traditional presentation of the burial flag, which went to Mrs. O'Connell by default. None there knew Mr. Herbst enough to regale stories of his life or speak to his character.

In all the service lasted less than five minutes  perhaps a kindness considering the spitting snow swirling through the outdoor pavilion, making it feel colder than 18 degrees.

But it happened, something to recognize that John Herbst had lived, had fought for his country, and, though he may not have known it in the end, he was not alone or forgotten.

"Finally," Mrs. O'Connell exhaled after the service. "But we couldn't do that for him when he was alive, we couldn't tell him that we recognize him as a person  you're here, we see you, you matter, you're OK, we're going to take care of you."

She wonders how many other veterans are living and dying in Toledo, waiting to be paid the same respect.

"At least in his death I could remember him," she said.

Chance

It was by chance that Mrs. O'Connell came to know Mr. Herbst at all.

She was part of a volunteer group on Facebook and was asked to look in on his cats while he was hospitalized for a fall back in May, and then sent to a nursing home for recovery. She took on the responsibilities of a caregiver, expecting them to be temporary.

She cleaned his apartment at Executive Towers on Collingwood Boulevard and helped keep his bills paid, in preparation for a return he never made. She fed and socialized his cats, which she ultimately surrendered back to Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter, where he'd got them. She dropped off personal effects and sugar-free candy to make him feel more at home. And she allowed herself to be an emergency contact, of sorts, when he needed help  he never called just to chat.

But when he contracted coronavirus and died, she inadvertently found herself the de facto next of kin. Suddenly people were relying on her to be the signing informant on his death certificate and asking her how he'd want to be buried or if she wanted to store his ashes at her home until the funeral.

She barely knew him, but she knew he deserved more than to be "another statistic, just another old person quietly added to the massive total of Americans lost to COVID-19," as she wrote in his obituary. That too fell to Mrs. O'Connell, who pieced it together using Ancestry.com and paid for it out of her own pocket.

She learned that, prior to entering her life, Mr. Herbst had lived largely unseen and in squalor, especially after in-person health and safety checks were suspended during the pandemic. Visitor restrictions even prohibited her from ever checking in on him.

Lonely, but not alone

Unfortunately it's not uncommon for veterans to find themselves alone at the end of their life, said Jason Brown, deputy director of the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission

Some may have outlived everyone in their close circle, or they may be estranged. Others just don't have anyone able or willing to take on the responsibility of putting a life to rest.

In those cases, it falls on Mr. Brown's agency and partnering funeral homes to ensure every person who has served their country, or their spouse, finds a final resting place. They help finance and plan about 30 cremations or burials a year, he said, at least a sixth of them involving a person who is companionless.

Partner agencies like American Cremation Events help. They arranged for Mr. Herbst's cremation and secured his burial in the national cemetery. Sometimes, the owners said, they're standing at funerals alone, the last witness to a life.

"Everybody thinks they have family but a lot of people don't have family. You'd be surprised," Mr. Buehrer said.

It's a sad reality, but the number of people standing at a person's grave does not define their worth, the agencies agreed.

"At the end of the day, I didn't know John, but he served," Mr. Brown said. "We're all veterans here, so we take it personally."

Outside of Mr. Herbst's military record, which showed he'd served as a Navy aircraft mechanic from 1967 to 1971 and had earned a National Defense Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation, not much else is known about him.

His former employer at Welch Publishing, where he'd worked for at least a decade before diabetes forced him to retire, said he really only ever talked about his cats, though he mentioned having a brother in Hawaii once.

Still he was a "gentle guy, really just a good guy," owner Chet Welch said.

Tim Barker, the director of social services at Toledo Healthcare, didn't learn much more in the months he spent with Mr. Herbst at the facility.

"I found him to be a nice guy," Mr. Barker said. "From what I gather, he was a very pet-friendly guy, loved his cats...he was reserved, really didn't share a lot."

What remains

What Mrs. O'Connell knew of him she'd mainly learned from the few belongings she packed up from his apartment, which remain in boxes in her garage.

He had no photos of family or friends, not even of himself. The only photos she ever saw of him were his driver's license and a senior photo she found in an online 1967 yearbook from Rocky River High School in Cleveland, where he graduated.

Instead he filled his walls with pictures of Martin Luther King, Jr., former President Barack Obama, military flags, and a framed copy of Time magazine with Greta Thunberg on the cover.

Was he an activist? Mrs. O'Connell wondered.

He kept sketchbooks of cartoon animals or dinosaurlike characters, each signed with his initials  JSH  which he flanked with little red hearts. The same characters were painted on rocks displayed throughout his apartment.

It's unknown if any of the designs were ever published, but was he an illustrator, she thought?

On his death certificate it labeled him divorced.

Could he be a father?

"I don't know that I can really answer who John Herbst is. I don't know," Mrs. O'Connell said. "Whether he lived his life and had arguments with people, I don't know about any of that, but everybody deserves the dignity of a proper burial."

The only things she may ever really know about the relative stranger who has become a fixture in her life is that he loved cats, serendipitously shared her birthday  Sept. 17  and was a veteran.

But it's enough, she said, thinking of the Abraham Lincoln quote she'd had printed on birdseed packets made up in his honor. It read, "Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause."

"It was talking about John and a little bit about me, about how we came to know each other and how we can all help each other," Mrs. O'Connell said of her choice.

Even strangers.

"And see what happened," she said. "People are going to know about his story."

This article is written by Kaitlin Durbin from The Blade and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
India-UK bilateral relations will touch a new high in the post-COVID world, as India is likely to be a priority country for the UK, leading to an enhanced economic partnership, according to a report.

According to the Britain Meets India report, developed by CII and Grant Thornton Bharat, FDI inflow from the UK to India for a particular year increased from USD 898 million in 2015-16 to USD 1,422 million in 2019-20.

Sandeep Chakravorty, Joint Secretary (Western Europe), Ministry of External Affairs, said, Besides a free trade agreement, mobility and an interim trade deal, we are working on a 10-year 360 degree roadmap to strengthen our relationship with the UK. Going forward, we see investments in India's clean energy sector coming from the UK.

Pallavi Joshi Bakhru, Partner and India-UK Corridor Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP said, Our research identified 572 UK companies in India with a combined turnover of around INR 3,390 billion, tax payment of around INR 173 billion and employing 416,121 people directly. This reflects the important contribution made by the UK companies to the Indian economy as a key ally in India's growth story.

The list of 'fastest growing UK companies in India' includes Dyson Technology, Aviva Life Insurance, Diageo Business Services, RMD Kwikform and FMC Technologies, among others, says the report.

The list of 'top 20 UK companies by revenue' includes Vedanta, Vodafone, Hindustan Unilever, United Spirits India, etc. Also, G4S Group, Vedanta Resources and HSBC Holdings feature in 'top UK employers in India'.

Among the states, Maharashtra tops as the leading investment destination for UK companies followed by Haryana, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka. Moreover, industrial and business services are top sectors being eyed by UK firms.

Gaitri Issar Kumar, High Commissioner of India to UK, said, The governments of both India and the UK are committed to an enhanced trade partnership. We are developing a roadmap to a free trade agreement with an ambitious target of 100 billion pounds by 2030.

Alex Ellis CMG, High Commissioner of UK to India, noted, Both India and the UK must think about coming together to create a global impact. Both the economies will have to create a lot of jobs in the next decade and build back in a more sustainable way.

For the purposes of this report, CII and GT Bharat identified 572 companies incorporated in India that are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly from the UK.

Additional benchmarks were an annual turnover of more than Rs 500 million, y-o-y revenue growth of at least 10 per cent and a minimum two-year track record of filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in India.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The COVID-19 virus has infected over 100 million people and caused over two million deaths globally. Nigeria has recorded over 150,000 infections and 1,831 deaths as of February 21.

Scientists have successfully developed vaccines proven to be effective against the virus. Some countries have also began the vaccination of their citizens against the deadly virus.

Amidst the pandemic, there is also a setback in the fight against Ebola as more countries are reporting new cases.

Nigeria, however, said it has put several measures in place to prevent and mitigate the impact of a potential Ebola outbreak in the country.

Here is a round-up of some of the health stories which made headlines last week.

18 more people die from COVID-19 in Nigeria

A total of 1,831 deaths have now been recorded from COVID-19 in Nigeria after 18 more people died on Saturday, health authorities said.

The 18 deaths on Saturday indicated a significant increase from the eight fatalities recorded on Friday.

Nigeria also reported 645 new infections on Saturday, increasing the total number of known cases in the country to 151,553.

COVID-19: Nigeria to vaccinate 109 million citizens in two years  Official

The Nigerian government has disclosed plans to vaccinate approximately 109 million people against COVID-19 over a period of two years.

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, while speaking at Mondays weekly briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, said only those eligible will be vaccinated.

He said the federal government plans to vaccinate all eligible population from 18 years and above, including pregnant women.

COVID-19: How five hardest-hit African countries are coping

On February 14, 2020, Egypt became the first African country to record a COVID-19 case. The virus has since spread to the other 53 countries in the continent.

In many African countries, borders were closed, confirmed cases quarantined, and curfews imposed early, which helped countries to slow down the spread of the virus.

One year after the pandemic broke in the region, Africa is the least affected region so far, accounting for less than 5 per cent of global COVID-19 cases and 4 per cent of global deaths, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

NCDC Issues Public Health Advisory on Ebola Disease

Following the declaration of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Guinea and Democratic Republic of Congo, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said that it has initiated a number of response activities, including a public health advisory.

The NCDC said in a statement that it has an existing multi-sectoral National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases Working Group (EVHDWG).

This group coordinates preparedness efforts for EVD and other emerging viral haemorrhagic diseases.

Nigeria needs N3 trillion annually for health insurance of citizens  Official

Nigeria needs to set about N3 trillion aside annually to provide adequate health insurance to its total population of about 200 million, an official has said.

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According to the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Mohammed Sambo, with sufficient funds in the health insurance pool, the scheme will expand its benefits package to include medical conditions such as cancer, which are currently excluded.

Mr Sambo said this during a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, a statement by the schemes spokesperson, Emmanuel Ononokpono, highlighted.

USAID empowers Nigerias TB control programme to diagnose, treat suspected patients

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided critical commodities to Nigerias National Tuberculosis (TB) and Leprosy Control Programme for the testing and diagnosis of more than 10,000 patients suspected of having the disease.

United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, Public Affairs Section, in a statement, said the donation of 86,500 GeneXpert Ultra cartridges will help Nigerian health workers to optimize the use of molecular diagnosis tools that can detect both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant forms of TB, and improve detection of TB in people living with Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

COVID-19: Nigeria records 29 cases of variant found in UK  NCDC

Nigeria has now confirmed 29 cases of the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant within its borders, an official said Monday.

The B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant was first detected in the United Kingdom and has since spread to other parts of the world.

The Director-General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Iheakwazu, while speaking at the Monday briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, said the new variant has spread across six states in Nigeria.

NCDC: 25% of Nigerians exposed to COVID without their knowledge

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says about 25 per cent of Nigerians have been exposed to COVID-19 without them knowing it.

Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General of the NCDC, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting updates on the pandemic at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.

Nigeria to receive additional 1.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines  Minister

Nigeria has been allocated an additional 1.4 million doses of the approved Oxford- AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, health minister Osagie Ehanire said on Monday.

Nigeria is expected to receive an initial 16 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines through the Vaccines Global Assess Facility, COVAX, by the end of February.

Mental Illness: Expert wants ban on chaining of patients

A Neurological Surgeon and CEO of Brain and Spine Surgery Limited, Biodun Ogungbo, has called on the federal government to ban chaining of mentally ill patients.

He also urged the government to urgently investigate chaining in state-owned rehabilitation centres, psychiatric hospitals, and faith-based as well as traditional healing centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
President Joe Biden visited 'close friend' Bob Dole and said the former Republican Senator is 'doing well' as he battles cancer on Saturday.

The 97-year-old Dole announced he had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer on Thursday and was visited by the president at his long-time residence in the Watergate complex on Saturday afternoon.

Dole, who served in the Senate with Biden for more than two decades, was described by the White House as a 'close friend' of the president.

'Hes doing well,' Biden said of Dole as he left Holy Trinity Catholic Church later Saturday evening.

President Joe Biden gestures as he walks to a motorcade vehicle after attending Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Saturday

President Joe Biden's motorcade departs the Watergate complex after Biden made a stop to visit with former Sen. Bob Dole, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, in Washington

Biden arrives for Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on February 20 after visiting Bob Dole

President Joe Biden departs after attending Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington

US Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole, right, speaks to reporters on July 26, 1995 as then-Senator Joe Biden looks on

Dole said this week he plans to begin undergoing treatment on Monday.

'While I certainly have some hurdles ahead, I also know that I join millions of Americans who face significant health challenges of their own,' he said in a statement announcing his diagnosis.

Dole, who lives in Foggy Bottom with his wife Elizabeth, is a World War II veteran and 1996 Republican presidential nominee.

He suffered serious wounds in Italy during the war that left him with a long hospitalization and a number of awards. including two Purple Hearts. for his military service.

Dole, a native of Russell, Kansas, represented his state in the U.S. Senate from 1969 to 1996, rising to the rank of Senate Majority leader.

Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, right, speaks after being presented with the McGovern-Dole Leadership Award by former Vice President Joe Biden, let, in 2013

Bob Dole, left, and former Vice President Joe Biden, second left, during the ceremony to dedicate a plaque honoring Bob Dole at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall

But he is likely to be best known both for his presidential campaign in 1996 when he tried to stop Democratic President Bill Clinton from serving a second term.

Dole, known for his quick, searing wit and legislative skills, had unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination in 1980 and 1988, and he was President Gerald Fords vice presidential running mate in 1976, when Ford lost to Democrat Jimmy Carter.

But Clinton won 379 electoral votes to Dole's 159. Ross Perot, who ran against Clinton and President George H.W. Bush in 1992, was also on the ballot, earning about 8 per cent of the popular vote.

Dole was also the Republicans' vice presidential nominee in 1976, but Democrat Jimmy Carter won that election over President Gerald Ford, as the Republicans were punished at the ballot box over Watergate.

Dole resigned from the Senate in 1996 to focus on his presidential run, but remained politically involved, and campaigned for recognition for the service of the greatest generation.

He co-chaired the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors during President George W. Bush's administration, taking care of veterans from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Dole was a veteran himself and was injured by German gunfire in Italy in April 1945. He spent months recovering.

He raised funds for the National World War II Memorial, which was constructed on the National Mall.

The former senator was also briefly the spokesman for Viagra.

Dole received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1997 from his former political rival, Clinton.

In 2018, he was bestowed the Congressional Gold Medal as well by then President Donald Trump.

Dole was the only ex-GOP nominee to endorse Trump before he won the 2016 election.

Dole traveled to Cleveland to attend the 2016 Republican National Convention, where Trump was nominated by the party.

After leaving, Congress Dole had become a registered lobbyist and lobbied Trump on behalf of Taiwan.

During the 2016 transition, President-elect Trump spoke with Taiwan's president - a departure from past U.S. leaders, as China has pressured the U.S. to not recognize Taiwan's government.

Dole had been working behind-the-scenes for months to make the call happen.

Dole continued to be supportive of Trump through his one term.

Bob Dole smiles as he gets a kiss from his wife Elizabeth Dole as he is honored with a Congressional Gold Medal

In February, he called Trump's State of the Union address a 'home run.'

In October, he legitimized the president's claims that the Commission on Presidential Debates was biased against Trump.

Dole said the commission was 'supposedly bipartisan' with an equal number of Republicans and Democrats serving on it.

'I know all of the Republicans and most are friends of mine. I am concerned that none of them support President Trump,' Dole tweeted. 'A biased Debate Commission is unfair.'

In December, however, Dole did say the election was over, though noted Trump may never concede.

'It's a pretty bitter pill for Trump, but its a fact he lost. Itll take him a while to accept that,' the 97-year-old said.

Over the past few years, Dole has had health problems and is wheelchair bound, cutting down on the number of public appearances he's made.

He did, however, appear when the casket of the late President George H.W. Bush was lying in state at the U.S. Capitol in December 2018.

With assistance, Dole briefly rose and saluted Bush.

Dole has been married to Elizabeth Dole since 1975, who served in the Nixon, Reagan and Bush 41 administrations and who represented North Carolina in the U.S. Senate from 2003 to 2009.

Since retiring from the Senate she launched the Elizabath Dole Foundation, which assists caregivers of wounded veterans.
A coalition comprising 43 frontline civil society organisations and Femi Falanas law firm have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign or be removed from office by the National Assembly if he cannot address the persistent insecurity in the country.

This is one of the five-point demand of the coalition in a statement on Sunday declaring that Mr Buhari has failed in his primary responsibility of ensuring the security and welfare of Nigerians.

President Buhari and his government have failed in their primary duty under Section 14 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution which is ensuring the security and welfare of the Nigerian people, their joint statement read in part.

The coalition demanded among others that the President provide political and moral leadership for the security crisis and ensure governmental actions are humane in tandem with Section 17 (2) ( C ) of the Constitution.

They also charged him to end impunity, abuse of power and sectionalism through his appointments by balancing the need for competence with the federal character principle.

According to them, through the balancing, it will be demonstrated that every part of Nigeria matters as sectional appointments appear to fuel sectional violence.

They also tasked the President to take responsibility and end the persecution of the media and free speech both of which are foundations of a democratic state.

The groups also demanded that he mobilise rich Nigerian assets to address the insecurity situation across the country and seek international cooperation to ramp up security assets.

Where the President fails to fulfill his constitutional duties as stated above, we demand he steps aside or the National Assembly initiates impeachment proceedings against him on grounds of gross misconduct as provided for in Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the statement added.

Some of the coalition members are: Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Socio-Economic Right and Accountability Project (SERAP), Zero-Corruption Coalition (ZCC), and African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL).

They also include: BudgiT Foundation, State of the Union (SOTU), Action International Nigeria, Femi Falana Chamber, HEDA Resource Centre, Open Bar Initiative, Resource Centre, Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP), Global Rights, Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement (YIAGA), Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Women In Nigeria, African Centre for Leadership, and Strategy & Development (Centre LSD).

READ STATEMENT IN FULL:

NATIONAL SECURITY: BUHARI HAS SO FAR, FAILED.

Introduction

Nigeria is in dire straits. All over the country, Nigerian citizens, including children, are killed daily by terrorists and criminals as well as in extra-judicial killings by state actors with the government doing little or nothing about it. The government, through the Minister of Defence, has instead callously abdicated its responsibility and called Nigerian citizens cowards and urged Nigerians to defend themselves.

Kidnapping for ransom has assumed an industrial and deadly scale never witnessed on the African continent. Our children are no longer safe in schools and Nigerian citizens and communities are now pauperised by terrorists who extort huge ransoms while murdering their hostages. We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, what has now become the governments standard state policy of using taxpayers money to pay terrorists thereby funding and encouraging terrorism and criminality.

President Buhari and his government have failed in their primary duty under Section 14 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution which is ensuring the security and welfare of the Nigerian people. Instead, under their watch, Nigeria is now a catalogue of bloodletting with:

 The unending war in the North East with our troops often bearing the brunt of this governments security failures;

 Gross injustices by President Buharis government against the Nigerian people such that peaceful protesters are threatened and attacked by the governments security agents while terrorists carrying out mass murder, rape, maiming and kidnapping of Nigerians including women and children are feted, molly coddled, granted amnesty and paid by the government. This is tantamount to funding and supporting terrorists, encouraging murder and the decimation of the Nigerias gallant troops and amounts to treason against the Nigerian State and people;

ADVERTISEMENT

 Terrorist herder attacks on unarmed farming communities and reprisal attacks in the face of government inaction and failure to bring the terrorist herdsmen and their funders to justice;

 Large scale terrorist attacks in the North West irresponsibly tagged by the government as banditry in a bid to downplay their criminality;

 Industrial scale kidnappings all across the country;

 Extrajudicial killings by State Security agents in various forms

 Terrorist herder attacks on unarmed farming communities and reprisal attacks in the face of government inaction and failure to bring the terrorist herdsmen and their funders to justice;

 Large scale terrorist attacks in the North West irresponsibly tagged by the government as banditry in a bid to downplay their criminality;

 Industrial scale kidnappings all across the country;

 Extrajudicial killings by State Security agents in various forms

Our Demands

This government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, has failed to protect Nigerians as is their primary duty under Section 14 (2)b of the 1999 Constitution and we hold President Buhari solely responsible as the buck stops at his desk. As Civil Society organisations, we call on the President to take immediate steps to :

1. Provide political and moral leadership for the security crisis and ensure governmental actions are humane in tandem with Section 17 (2) ( C ) of the Constitution;

2. End impunity for abuse of power and sectionalism through his appointments by balancing the need for competence with the federal character principle. In this way, he will demonstrate that every part of Nigeria matters as sectional appointments appear to fuel sectional violence;

3. Take responsibility and end the persecution of the media and free speech both of which are foundations of a democratic state.

4. Mobilize our rich Nigerian assets to address the insecurity situation across the country and seek international cooperation to ramp up security assets.

5. Where the President fails to fulfill his constitutional duties as stated above, we demand he steps aside or the National Assembly initiates impeachment proceedings against him on grounds of gross misconduct as provided for in Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Conclusion

We remain hopeful as citizens of Nigeria and call on all Nigerians to keep hope alive as we bond together and build a nation where true peace and justice reign.

Signed:

1. Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)

2. Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)

3. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)

4. Media Rights Agenda (MRA)

5. Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)

6. Socio-Economic Right and Accountability Project (SERAP)

7. Zero-Corruption Coalition (ZCC)

8. Partners on Electoral Reform

9. African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)

10. National Procurement Watch Platform

11. Praxis Center

12. Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civil Education (CHRICED)

13. Social Action

14. Community Action for Popular Participation

15. Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)

16. Global Rights

17. Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE)

18. Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement (YIAGA)

19. Tax Justice and Governance Platform

20. Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria

21. Women In Nigeria

22. African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)

23. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre(RULAAC)

24. Women Advocate Research And Documentation Centre

25. Community Life Project

26. Nigerian Feminist Forum

27. Alliances for Africa

28. Spaces for Change

29. Nigerian Women Trust Fund

30. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa

31. BudgiT Foundation

32. State of the Union (SOTU)

33. Action International Nigeria

34. Femi Falana Chamber

35. HEDA Resource Centre

36. Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution

37. Organization Community Civic Engagement(OCCEN)

38. Say NO CampaignNigeria

39. Women In Media

40. Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)

41. Sesor Empowerment Foundation

42. House of Justice

43. Molluma Medico-Legal Center

44. Open Bar Initiative
Beijing: China has approved clinical trials for 16 indigenous COVID-19 vaccines, of which six are in the third stage, according to a state-run media report.

The latest vaccines for clinical trials are based on recombinant protein, adenovirus vector, nucleic acid and attenuated influenza-viruses technologies, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday, citing data from the National Medical Products Administration.

Six of the vaccines are in the third stage of the trials, which is one of the last phases, it said.

China has already given conditional approval to two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines made by state-owned developers -- Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech.

The coronavirus has claimed 4,833 lives, along with 100,727 confirmed cases in China, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

As of February 9, China has given 40.52 million COVID-19 jabs to key groups, Xinhua reported, quoting a National Health Commission official.

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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The Telegraph

Ministers have failed to take advantage of the UK's freedom from EU regulations since Brexit, despite the Prime Ministers pledge to take back control of red tape, a new think tank report has said. A new report from the Institute for Government (IfG) argues that Whitehall departments are too "siloed" from each other, preventing ministers from changing laws to reflect Britain's departure from the EU. The think tank points to Mr Johnsons declaration on Christmas Eve last year that the UK had taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation in a way which is complete and unfettered. But despite that promise, most EU legislation is still on the UK statute books, after being copied over into domestic law during the Brexit process. Experts say a "bonfire" of regulations in the coming years is unlikely because of costs associated with changing them in UK law. The report's authors said the Government had approached regulatory divergence from Europe "like a game of Space Invaders  played blindfolded," risking costs to British businesses and unintended consequences. They called for Downing Street to issue clear guidance to government departments on how they should approach the freedom to set out new regulations, and reform the processes for approving them. They also point out that, over time, the UK will diverge from the EU in its regulations as European standards change and are not automatically in line with Britains. The UK should develop a system to keep track of regulatory developments in the EU that will affect Britain to avoid any unintended consequences from that process, they argue. Joe Marshall, a researcher at the IfG, said: "Gaining the ability to do things differently from the EU was a key aim of Brexit  and there are clear benefits to be won. But the governments siloed approach to regulatory reform risks ad hoc changes and unintended consequences that threaten businesses with new costs and could destabilise the union. Jill Rutter, another author, said: The government must ensure it invests the time and effort needed to make the necessary trade-offs involved and avoid unintended consequences.
Chile has launched an arbitration process against U.S.-based miner Albemarle, the world's largest lithium producer, for allegedly underpaying royalties on its sales, the head of the state development office told a local newspaper on Sunday.

Pablo Terrazas, head of Corfo which handles the lithium contracts, told daily El Mercurio that the office had filed the request on Friday with the International Chamber of Commerce, demanding around $15 million extra in payments for 2020.

Albemarle has major lithium projects in Chile's huge Atacama salt flats, which hold one of the world's largest deposits of lithium, an ultra-light metal needed for batteries powering the shift towards electric vehicles.

Albemarle did not immediately respond to a written request for comment on Sunday.

Terrazas said that the method of calculating the commission Albemarle paid to Chile was incorrectly used last year, which meant it had paid around $44 million, short of what he said should have been around $60 million.

"We have no doubt that we are going to recover the $15 million that have been missed in 2020 and we hope that the company will reconsider," he said, adding that in previous years the agreement had been handled in good faith.

In November, Corfo had advised legislators that it was preparing litigation against Albemarle.

In 2018, Corfo and Albemarle faced a similar conflict, though eventually reached an agreement without formally reaching arbitration.
According to data Ahram Online obtained in late December from the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, 33 percent of the documented cases of coronavirus among doctors in 2020 were in the 25-30 age group, with the majority -- 66 percent -- recorded among males.

The figures could be higher," Nagwa El-Shafei, the undersecretary of the Medical Syndicate, told Ahram Online, adding that according to the estimates of the syndicate, the medical sector, including nurses, pharmacists, and administrators had not less than 10,000 coronavirus cases in 2020.

The syndicate noted that the figures represented only the documented cases reported by its members in Cairo and its branches in the governorates that received financial aid and pensions.

Even Egypts Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation reported that the registered numbers of coronavirus cases in Egypt are less than the actual numbers. The two bodies cited the reasons for the discrepancy in numbers that included the fact that many people depend on inhouse treatment and do not go to isolation hospitals except in critical cases.

Despite asserting that Egypt has the lowest coronavirus infection and death rates in relation to its population size, Minister of Health Hala Zayed said in a press conference in January that Egypts coronavirus cases are one-tenth of the countrys actual cases. This was the case all over the world, not only in Egypt, she added.

By the end of January, Egypt had documented 165,418 coronavirus cases, including 129,293 recoveries and 547 fatalities.

Documented cases of coronavirus among doctors

According to data released by the Medical Syndicate, the 25-30 age group tops the infection cases because young doctors stand in the front line of dealing with patients in hospitals.

In May 2020, the Egyptian Medical Syndicate got into a direct confrontation with the Ministry of Health over several issues, starting with the coronavirus protection protocols for medical teams.

The syndicate criticised the coronavirus protection protocols for medical teams adopted then by the health ministry that depended only on rapid tests and not the PCR tests. The syndicate considered the rapid tests less accurate despite their speed and depended on more PCR tests to ensure the safety of the medical teams.

The Ministry of Health did not only expand in PCR tests but also in coronavirus isolation hospitals across the country, and the following two months witnessed the peak in coronavirus cases in Egypt.

According to the Ministry of Health in December 2020, 55 percent of the documented cases in Egypt were in the age groups above 50, while 25 percent of the total infected cases were in the 15-35 age group.

The syndicate revealed that 66 percent of the documented infections were among male doctors, numbering 4,021.

Cairo was listed first among other governorates when it comes to the number of coronavirus cases among doctors, according to the figures provided by the syndicate in 2020, with 1,582 cases out of 6,064 recorded cases, or 26 percent of the total cases.

Following Cairo was Giza with 475 cases, Assiut 409, and Gharbiya 360.

Port Said, which recorded 17 infections among doctors, witnessed the first death of a practicing doctor in the country by the coronavirus in March 2020.

Port Said was followed by South Sinai, 12 infections, and North Sinai, five.

It is no surprise that Cairo tops the governorates and North Sinai comes in last. The two governorates, after all, recorded the highest and lowest infections, respectively, among the general public, according to the health ministry data in late December 2020.

According to the data of the Medical Syndicate and its branches nationwide, 93 percent of the infections, or 5,643 cases, was among practicing doctors, the rest, 421 cases, among doctors on pension.

General practice doctors topped the coronavirus infections with 46 percent, or 2,767 cases (1,062 among women and 1,704 among men) out of 6,064 cases.

These were followed by paediatricians with 443 cases, internal medicine doctors 370 cases, obstetrics and gynaecology doctors 350 cases, general surgery 250 cases, cardiology and angiology 154 cases, orthopedics 142 cases, and chest diseases and tuberculosis, 137 cases.

Fatalities among members of the Medical Syndicate

On 30 March 2020, the Egyptian Medical Syndicate announced the death of 57-year-old doctor Ahmed Al-Lawah due to coronavirus complications in Port Said. The pathologist contracted the virus in Port Said from a foreign coronavirus patient who went to his clinic for tests.

Then there was an avalanche of deaths among Egypt's medical teams who sacrificed their lives to treat coronavirus patients. The Medical Syndicate's Facebook page became a collection of obituaries with the names and faces of deceased doctors from all specialisations, ages, and governorates.

In late December, the syndicate reported 125 fatalities, but its most recent data showed deaths among doctors have surpassed 280. Factoring in the doctors on pension, the figure rises to 377 fatalities on 18 February.

The figures do not include the doctors or medical workers who passed away due to coronavirus complications while working abroad.

According to the data sheet received by Ahram Online, the 61-70 age group had the highest rate of fatalities, making up 35 percent of the total fatalities documented among doctors by the Medical Syndicate.

According to the Egyptian health ministrys official figures in December 2020, some 33-35 percent of the fatalities occurred among the age group above 50.

Fatalities among general practitioners were the highest, 26 cases, followed by general surgery 17, internal medicine 17, and paediatrics, 13.

Out of the 125 fatalities initially recorded among doctors, 117 were men.

According to the geographical distribution, Cairo may top the governorates but 52 cases had unspecified locations, meaning their governorates of birth and work are different.

In the past month, the Egyptian Ministry of Health started the first stage of vaccination using Chinas Sinopharm targeting the medical staff. The vaccination is not mandatory.

The total number of medical workers targeted for vaccination in chest and fever hospitals is 207,000, including doctors, nurses, administrators, and workers.

The vaccination aims to provide protection for Egypts first line of defence against the coronavirus pandemic.

Short link:



People

Manchin's opposition could sink OMB nominee

Tanden addresses a rally outside the White House on July 17, 2018. (Image credit: Phil Pasquini/Shutterstock.com)

President Joe Biden looked like he was set to run the table on his cabinet picks after a slow start to the confirmation process, but that record is in jeopardy after Fridays statement from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) announcing his opposition to the nomination of Neera Tanden to serve as director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Tanden's selection was controversial because of her history of digital combat on Twitter when she served as president of the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank in Washington, D.C. Tanden targeted powerful lawmakers and random policy wonks with pointed posts, often sent in the early morning hours.

Many of Tanden's tweets targeting lawmakers, including Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), now the minority leader, have been deleted, but the content and tone of her posting was a major topic at her confirmation hearings before the Senate Budget Committee and the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.

"Senator, I must have meant them, but I really regret them," Tanden told Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) of her mean tweets at a Feb. 10 Budget Committee hearing.

For Manchin, a Democrat from a state that voted for Trump by a margin of almost 40 percentage points in November, the record of incivility to fellow lawmakers was too much to swallow, according to his statement.

"I have carefully reviewed Neera Tanden's public statements and tweets that were personally directed towards my colleagues on both sides of the aisle from Senator Sanders to Senator McConnell and others," Manchin said in a statement released on Friday. "For this reason, I cannot support her nomination. As I have said before, we must take meaningful steps to end the political division and dysfunction that pervades our politics. At a time of grave crisis, it is more important than ever that we chart a new bipartisan course that helps address the many serious challenges facing our nation."

Initially, Tanden's nomination drew fire from the left wing of the Democratic party, because of her frequent policy battles with Sanders and his supporters.

"There were vicious attacks against progressives, people who I have worked with [and] me personally," Sanders said in his questioning of Tanden at the Budget Committee hearing.

Despite this history of mean tweets, Sanders appeared poised to support Tanden's nomination. However, even before Manchin's announcement, it looked as if the vote would be far closer than most of Biden's other successful cabinet nominations. Defense Secretary James Lloyd Austin was confirmed on a vote of 93-2; Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough won approval on a 79-7 vote; Treasury Secretary Janet Yellin was approved on an 84-15 vote. The closest vote so far was the approval of Alejandro Majorkas to lead the Department of Homeland Security by a vote of 56-43.

With Manchin as a no vote, Tanden will need the approval of every Senate Democrat plus at least one Republican vote to win on a tiebreaker, assuming the nomination goes forward.

On Friday, Biden told the White House Press pool that he wasn't going to pull the Tanden nomination.

"I think we are going to find the votes and get her confirmed," Biden said according to a pool report.

"Neera Tanden is an accomplished policy expert who would be an excellent Budget Director and we look forward to the committee votes next week and to continuing to work toward her confirmation through engagement with both parties." Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said in a statement issued after Manchin announced his intention to vote no.

There's already speculation about possible candidates to replace Tanden should she withdraw or lose her nomination vote. The potential snag comes at a tough moment for OMB, which is more behind than usual in the creation of the Biden administration's first budget proposal because agency officials under President Donald Trump declined to meet with or cooperate with transition staff.

The OMB director also plays a key role in steering the president's management agenda and overseeing multiple interagency councils, as well as the management of federal CIO and the heads of federal acquisition policy and regulatory policy.
A Union City landlord was arrested after authorities say he unlawfully evicted a tenant earlier this month and removed all of her belongings while she was out of the country.

Ron Bello, president of the real estate management company that owns a multi-family home at 508 Bergenline Ave., was charged with burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and unlawful eviction, Union City spokeswoman Erin Knoedler said.

No one deserves to be evicted without proper notice, have a building owner or landlord enter their apartment without their knowledge and have all of their possessions removed, said Mayor Brian P. Stack, who filed an order to show cause  a demand of a judge for a party to justify their actions against Bello on behalf of tenant Milka Camposano.

It is unfair and unacceptable, and a clear message must be sent to all owners and landlords that it will not be tolerated.

The eviction also violated the executive order signed by Gov. Phil Murphy that has created a moratorium on evictions during the coronavirus pandemic. The suspension will last for two months after Murphy declares an end to the COVID-19 health crisis.

On Feb. 3, a friend of Camposano, who knew she was overseas, reported a possible burglary in Camposanos apartment.

Union City police investigated and found Camposanos furniture and black garbage bags containing her belongings behind the building, Knoedler said. The investigation also led to charges against Bello, Knoedler said.

Camposano was not given a proper eviction notice, but was informed of her illegal eviction and removal of her belongings while on her way back from her trip, Knoedler added. Multiple items of monetary and sentimental value were returned to the tenant.

On Feb. 4, Hudson County Superior Court Judge Judge Marybeth Rogers ruled in favor of the tenant and ordered that Bello return her to her apartment immediately. Camposano didnt return to her home until Feb. 8, however, because the heat and electricity in her apartment was not turned back on, Knoedler said.

A trial date on the issues of the eviction and damages for the removal of Camposanos property is pending Knoedler said.

The building owners actions are inexcusable and unjust and I am confident that we will prevail in this matter, Stack said.
In Symphonie Fantastique, a work devised and composed by Little Eggs Collective, the famous piece and its troubling origins are dissected movement by movement. It also queers the story: Berlioz becomes a figure representing toxic entitlement of all genders (played with coiled violence, careful insecurity, and admirable displays of ego by L.J. Wilson). They move through the music and deep into their own inner torment  and their torment of others. As the work continues, it shows how great art may have ugly origins and invites us to grapple with this duality.

Composer Hector Berlioz created Symphonie Fantastique, a hugely influential program symphony from the early Romantic period, to tell the story of his obsessive love for actor Harriet Smithson. They had never met. He wrote her dozens of letters (all unanswered). He rented a new apartment by hers so he could see inside her home. They eventually met and married, but (as you can imagine) it wasnt a healthy union.

Musical director Oliver Shermacher keeps the symphony in the throats of the cast; they weave together snippets, test the melody, and use it to examine the push-pull between creator and creative, powerful and powerless. Director Matthew Lee and the ensemble work with clarity as their goal; this near-wordless musical piece has strongly shaped scenes and well-defined imagery to ensure that nothing is lost. References are updated and queered  the ball of the second movement becomes a drug-fuelled rave; the pastoral movement includes French-speaking glittered cowboys and singing sheep; the Berlioz figure still descends into a kind of deadly madness, though not without first wreaking havoc on objects of love and passion.

Its a beautiful, gestural and exploratory work that resists easy visuals and simplified signifiers. Benjamin Brockmans minimal set and heart-thudding lighting plot pair well with the music, pulsing and weaving, creating new shapes. Aleisa Jelbarts costumes elevate Grace Stamnas movement work; glittered gloves and accents play with the lights and help to suggest that full-body sensation of falling into music  or falling into your feelings.

L.J. Wilson and Annie Stafford. Credit:Patrick Boland

The piece succeeds in large part because it understands itself, and because it understands how to draw us into its world. It runs for 45 minutes and doesnt indulge in repetition or dilution. The exceptional ensemble, alongside Wilson, build a world flecked with horror and humour, grounding sophisticated and haunting vocals with a clear sense of intention. It is a pleasure to watch.
1. The documentary Framing Britney Spears is available to watch on demand on NOW TV.

QUESTIONS:

Simon Cowell predicted the U.S. pop star would be a flop because of her:

A. Name

B. Face

C. Voice

D. Feet

2. Which of the following did Spears once date:

A. A dentist from Salford

B. A paparazzo from Birmingham

C. A barber from Hull

D. A roofer from Nottingham

3. TRUE OR FALSE: Britain's Navy used Spears's music to scare off Somali pirates.

Think you know everything about... Britney Spears? Take our quiz to find out. Pictured: Risque: Spears performing at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards

4. Which of these did Spears achieve most recently?

A. Most followed person on Twitter

B. Named world's most powerful celebrity

C. Most Googled person in the world

D. Voted world's sexiest woman

5. Spears once provoked controversy posing with a:

A. Cabbage Patch Kid

B. Buzz Lightyear

C. Peppa Pig

D. Teletubby

6. TRUE OR FALSE: Spears's fragrances once controlled a third of the celebrity perfume market.

ANSWERS

1) A. Name

Cowell wanted the song Baby One More Time for his boyband Five. When the Swedish songwriter, Max Martin, turned him down and said it was going to Spears, Cowell replied: 'You're mad. No one can be successful with a name like that.'

2) B. A paparazzo from Birmingham

In 2007 and 2008, Spears dated Adnan Ghalib  who had been a member of the paparazzi pack following her every move. He once managed a strip bar in California.

3) True

In 2013, it emerged Spears's hits Oops! I Did It Again and Baby One More Time were being used to scare off pirates on Africa's east coast. Merchant naval officer Rachel Owens said: 'These guys can't stand western music. As soon as the pirates get a blast of Britney, they move on as quickly as they can.'

4) A. Most followed person on Twitter

Spears was overtaken as the most followed person on Twitter by Lady Gaga in 2010. She was the most Googled person in 2008, named the world's sexiest woman by FHM magazine in 2004 and named the world's most powerful celebrity by Forbes magazine in 2002.

5) D. Teletubby

In 1999, 17-year-old Spears posed for the cover of Rolling Stone magazine lying on a bed wearing a bra and clutching a Tinky Winky doll. The American Family Association called for 'God-loving Americans to boycott stores selling Britney's albums'.

6) True

In 2013, Spears's scents made up a third of the celebrity perfume markets, earning her around 36 million a year.

By Etan Smallman
Trump to Speak About GOPs Future in CPAC Speech: Senior Adviser

Former President Donald Trump will talk about the future of the Republican Party and lessons learned in the 2020 election campaign during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Trump senior adviser Jason Miller has said.

The former president, who will be making his first public appearance since leaving office, is scheduled to speak on the last day of the conference on Feb. 28, CPAC spokesman Ian Walters told The Epoch Times on Feb. 20.

Miller told Newsmax on Feb. 20 that Trump intends to share his views on growing GOP support for his America First agenda, as well as about what the Republican Party could do to yield wins in the 2022 and 2024 elections.

I think what youre going to hear President Trump talk about next Sunday on the 28th is the future of the Republican Party and the number of lessons that we learned in 2020, where we saw President Trump bring in a record amount of African American voters, Latino American voters on the GOP side, bigger numbers than weve seen in modern Republican presidential history, Miller said. We have to keep these voters engaged in the party.

Trump is a frequent guest at the conference, hosted by the American Conservative Union, that attracts hundreds of conservatives each year. This years event, which will run between Feb. 25 and 28, will be held in Orlando, Florida.

Other confirmed speakers at the event include South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Secretary of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, and former acting national security adviser Richard Grenell.

In 2020, Trump spoke out against the rising influence of socialism, which was the conferences theme that year. The former president warned about the agenda of far-left radicals and its effect on the United States if left unchecked.

Far-left radicals have become increasingly desperate and increasingly dangerous in their quest to transform America into a country you would not recognizea country in which they control every aspect of American life, Trump said at the time.

Just as socialist and communist movements have done all over the world, theyre cracking down on all dissent and demanding absolute conformity. They want total control.

He said that if socialist policies are left to flourish, they would turn America very quickly into a large-scale Venezuela.

Current and former Trump advisers have said the former president intends to spend time and money to help Republicans flip the House of Representatives and the Senate in 2022.

The GOP is currently assessing its path forward post-Trump presidency.

While some Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), have called for the party to move beyond Trump, others argue that embracing the former president and his policies such as his America First agenda is the way forward.

Trump issued a statement earlier this week critical of McConnells leadership and arguing that the Republican Party wont be successful in the future with McConnell at the helm.

He will never do what needs to be done, or what is right for our Country. Where necessary and appropriate, I will back primary rivals who espouse Making America Great Again and our policy of America First. We want brilliant, strong, thoughtful, and compassionate leadership, Trump said.

Then came the Georgia disaster, where we should have won both U.S. Senate seats, but McConnell matched the Democrat offer of $2,000 stimulus checks with $600. How does that work? Trump said. It became the Democrats principal advertisement, and a big winner for them it was.

Trump added that the GOP under McConnells leadership will never do what needs to be done in order to secure a free and fair electoral system in the future.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, has granted his support to the upcoming edition of Jewellery Arabia, the Middle Easts premier jewellery and watch exhibition, which will take place at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in November.

Bringing together over 550 jewellery and watch brands from 35 countries, the prestigious exhibition will be held from November 23 to 27.

It will display a huge range of classic and contemporary designs, collectors timepieces, precious gems, clocks, fine writing instruments, luxury accessories and more, said a statement.

Jewellery Arabia stands as a pillar of the Bahrain event calendar thanks to its positive impact of more than $19 million on business tourism, hospitality, F&B and, of course, the jewellery sector.

Michael Champion, Regional Executive Vice President MEA at Informa Markets, welcomed the news and said: We are grateful for HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Ministers support for Jewellery Arabia; the regions largest jewellery show provides a unique experience for jewellery lovers looking for dazzling pieces and we are confident that thanks to the rigorous health and safety measures we are putting in place for this years event, our visitors will enjoy a safe and wonderful shopping experience.

The latest edition of Jewellery Arabia that took place in 2019 saw a record $36 million worth of jewellery sales, 12% up from 2018. Shoppers from over 60 countries visited renowned exhibiting brands including Al Sarraj, Al Zain, Boucheron, Etho Maria, Heinz Mayer, Ferrari Firenze, Bhaskar Devji, Kooheji Jewellery, Mattar Jewellers and many more, all set to return in 2021. Some record-breaking transactions were also concluded, such as Schreiner Fine Jewellerys rare pink diamond ring purchased for $90 million, the largest single-item sale in the history of the brand.

With 90% of the space already sold 9 months ahead of the event including large pavilions for Bahrain Jewellery Centre and Asia Jewellers, Jewellery Arabia 2021 is set to be a memorable edition. With the aim of continuously improving the experience for exhibitors and visitors alike, Jewellery Arabia is setting up a host of new features at the show, including a brand new look and feel inspired by Parisian streets as well as increased F&B options, the statement said.  TradeArabia News Service
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  She had everything planned. It would be the perfect wedding, big and old-school, just as they wanted.

She had the dress. He had the zoot suit.

Deborah Ortiz and Rudy Lucero would marry at the University of New Mexico duck pond, surrounded by their five children serving as bridesmaids and groomsmen, their seven grandchildren and 325 close friends and family. A procession of classic cars, each adorned with flowers Ortiz made out of tissue, would escort the wedding party to a grand reception.

And then the honeymoon in Hawaii. And then the rest of their lives.

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They had the perfect date  June 6, 2020, for the numerical symmetry of 6/6/2020.

As you might have guessed by now, the pandemic didnt care about the symmetry, didnt care about the planning, didnt care that Ortiz now had a thousand tissue flowers stuffed in her dining room, didnt care about their perfect, big, old school wedding.

COVID-19 ruined their plans. And then it nearly ruined their lives.

They have been together for 15 years, a long engagement, you might say.

People asked us all the time when were we going to get married, why werent we married, Ortiz said. And Rudy would tell them there were only so many times he could take being rejected.

But she had never rejected him. He had never asked.

I figured it was just an easy way to throw it on me because he wasnt ready yet, she said. As for me, I thought we were good just the way we were.

And so it went until March 29, 2019, when they celebrated Ortizs 50th birthday. There in front of about 175 family and friends and fellow members of the Drifters Car Club, Lucero apparently let go of his fear of rejection and proposed.

She said yes.

After their wedding last year was canceled, they looked to a new date in the hopes that by then the virus would be vanquished, normal life would return and the perfect wedding could happen. They chose April, 3, 2021  or 4/3/21.

We call it the final countdown, she said.

But then came COVID-19 on New Years Day. Both of them lost their sense of smell and taste and energy. She had a bad cough. He slept a lot. When his oxygen saturation level dropped significantly five days later, he was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

For weeks, his health fluctuated in the COVID-19 unit at Lovelace Medical Center while she recovered at home, their only communication through FaceTime and Zoom. At times, doctors discussed the possibility of intubating Lucero, but each time he rallied.

On Feb. 6, a Saturday, he had a request.

Lets get married, he said. Lets not wait.

But how? They had no marriage license and no one to marry them.

Love, as they say, always finds a way. And that way sometimes involves family.

And Ortiz has a lot of family.

Her cousin Rachel Perry works for Metro Court Judge Frank Sedillo and enlisted him to perform the ceremony.

The Bernalillo County Clerks Office was closed on the weekends, so a marriage license couldnt be obtained there. But Rose Ortiz, Deborahs mom, contacted another Ortiz cousin, Ruidoso Village Manager Tim Dodge, who knew Guadalupe County Clerk Robert Serrano III from his days as Santa Rosa city manager and asked for a favor.

Serrano not only opened the clerks office and issued the marriage license but had his father-in-law, Glen Gonzales, make the 117-mile trip from Santa Rosa to Albuquerque to deliver the license.

Cousins Ernestine Ortiz and Matthew Cordova, both nurses at Lovelace, agreed to serve as witnesses in Luceros hospital room while Ortizs daughter, Alexandria Maes, and Luceros brother (and best man), Ogee Lucero, stood as witnesses for her.

In a matter of hours, she had everything planned.

On Feb. 7, a sunny Super Bowl Sunday, Deborah Ortiz became Mrs. Deborah Lucero as about 100 family and friends donned their masks and social distanced and classic cars rolled along in the Lovelace parking lot in what Judge Sedillo called the largest Zoom wedding he has ever presided over.

It was perfect.

She was even allowed to spend a few hours with her groom in his hospital room afterward. It wasnt Hawaii, but it was the first time she had gotten to see him in the flesh since he was whisked away in an ambulance.

He is still in the hospital, his oxygen levels and his strength still too unstable to be discharged. But the newlyweds remain hopeful that hell be home soon.

There will be time someday for Hawaii, the wedding gown and the zoot suits, the flower-bedecked classic cars, the vows repeated at the duck pond, the friends and the family, especially the family.

For now they are grateful for the wedding bands on their fingers, the virtual hugs and kisses on FaceTime, the love that finally came along, big and old school and perfect enough.

UpFront is a front-page news and opinion column. Reach Joline at 730-2793, jkrueger@abqjournal.com, Facebook or @jolinegkg on Twitter.

Kim Kardashian West will reportedly be documenting her $2.1 billion divorce from Kanye West on television.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star, 40, - who filed for divorce after seven-years of marriage on Friday - has had the past few months of her life filmed for the final season of the E! show, with marital woes being caught on camera.

Now that the family has signed new lucrative deals with Hulu and Star and they have a new unscripted show set to debut in 2021, it has also been reported that the program will also highlight the split.

Inside look: Kim Kardashian's divorce from Kanye West will reportedly be documented on both the final season of the hit E! show and the family's upcoming 2021 reality show with Hulu and Star

A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper that Kim's split will be documented on the final E! series and is likely to be a topic of discussion on their new show.

It has also been said that Kanye is 'very unlikely' to be featured in any parts of it.

Though it was previously reported that Kim was 'sad but relieved,' after filing for divorce, an insider said she feels 'confident in her decision.'

'Kim is definitely sad but she feels confident in her decision to divorce him, because she knows it's what's best for herself and her family. She's already felt like she's been divorced for months now. It's been a long time coming and she feels relieved to be able to finally move on.'

Time apart: 'Kim expressed to [the kids] that she loves their Dad but they need to be apart. They don't fully understand what's going on and are already used to the situation,' a source told The Sunday Mirror

Her main concerns being the well-being of their four children - North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, 21 months - an insider said that she is 'worried about her privacy and kids.'

The source also added that eldest daughter North has 'some understanding of what's going on,' noting that the kids have 'mostly seen them apart so it isn't super surprising.'

'Kim expressed to [the kids] that she loves their Dad but they need to be apart. They don't fully understand what's going on and are already used to the situation.'

Ultimately she made the decision to proceed legally because she was 'tired of waiting.'

Tired of waiting: The pair had been having issues since 2018 and everything came to a head over the summer between his sharing of personal information about their marriage and kids during his presidential bid and his Twitter outburst where he accused her of cheating on him

'She tried to give it a chance. She wanted to do this last year. She gave it plenty of time but it's just time to move on. There were no affairs. No one did anything bad. They grew apart.'

The pair have been living separately for months with reports saying the turning point in their relationship came in 2018 when he said in a TMZ interview that 'slavery was a choice.'

She was reportedly left 'mortified' by his statements and they had to work very hard to surpass the issues that came with his outbursts.

A full breaking point came over the summer when he aired personal details about their relationship during his presidential bid before lashing out on Twitter, accusing her of trying to 'lock [him] up with a doctor' and insinuating he cheated on her, while mentioning divorce.

Splitting assets: According to Forbes , who has estimated around $70M in shared assets between them, the pair will divide things up based on the terms of their prenups; pictured 2019

Finally taking steps to work towards it she met with her now divorce attorney Laura Wasser in July for the first time.

The divorce has come together 'quickly,' and they are working on dividing their shared assets fairly though both did sign prenups which will help protect their combined $2.1B in assets.

According to Forbes, who has estimated around $70M in shared assets, the pair will divide things up based on the terms of their prenups.

That sum accounts for their shared homes, art, vehicles and jewelry - among other things - but each of them own and operate their own companies including KKW Beauty, Skims and Yeezy.

Additionally the divorce has outlined joint physical and legal custody of the kids.
New Delhi, Feb 21 : A day before his visit to poll-bound Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said it is always special to be in the Northeastern state.

"It is always special to be in Assam. Tomorrow, 22nd February, I will once again have the opportunity to interact with the people of Assam at a public meeting in Dhemaji. At the programme, various development works will be launched," tweeted Modi.

During his visit to Assam on Monday, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation some oil and gas sector projects, engineering colleges aimed at opening avenues of opportunity for the local youth, in line with the government's vision to drive eastern India's socio-economic growth.

The Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation important projects of the oil and gas sector at an event organised in Silapathar at 11.30 a.m., besides inaugurating the Dhemaji Engineering College and laying the foundation stone for Sualkuchi Engineering College.

In Assam, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the INDMAX Unit at Indian Oil's Bongaigaon Refinery, Oil India Limited's Secondary Tank Farm at Madhuban, Dibrugarh, and a gas compressor station at Hebeda Village in Tinsukia.

The INDMAX unit leverages the technology developed indigenously by the Indian Oil R&D to produce a higher LPG and high-octane gasoline yield from heavy feedstocks. The unit will increase the refinery's crude processing capacity from 2.35 MMTPA (million metric tonnes per annum) to 2.7 MMTPA. Its commissioning will also significantly enhance LPG production from 50 TMT (thousand metric tonnes) to 257 TMT and petrol production from 210 TMT to 533 TMT.

Oil India Limited's Secondary Tank Farm has been built for safe storage of about 40,000 kilo litres of crude oil, and the separation of formation water from wet crude oil. The Rs 490 crore project will also have a dehydration unit with an operating capacity of 10,000 kilo litres per day.

The gas compressor station at Makum, Tinsukia, will increase the nation's crude oil production capacity by nearly 16,500 MT per annum. Built at a cost of Rs 132 crore, the station comprises three low-pressure booster compressors and three high-pressure lifter compressors.

The Dhemaji Engineering College has been built on 276 bighas of land at a cost of about Rs 45 crore. It is the seventh government engineering college in the state which will offer B. Tech courses in civil, mechanical and computer science streams. The Sualkuchi Engineering College will be built on 116 bighas of land at a cost of about Rs 55 crore.
Kasaragod, Feb 21 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate 'Vijaya Yatra,' led by Kerala BJP President K Surendran here on Sunday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the concluding day of the Vijaya Yatra in Thiruvananthapuram on March 7.

Talking to newspersons here, K Surendran said the Yatra will highlight various issues including, a corruption-free Kerala, anti-appeasement politics and comprehensive development of Kerala.

On Metroman E Sreedharans decision to join BJP, he said several popular faces would declare their allegiance to BJP during the Yatra.

E Sreedharan is also an able person to become the Chief Minister of Kerala, he added.

About the Yatra, he said as many as 14 Maha rallies and 80 public meetings would be organised as part of the Yatra, which is part of party's Assembly election campaign in Kerala.

UNI DS JAL 1438
J. J. Abrams will return to writing shows he created with his next series Subject To Change for HBO Max.

The new science fiction series was announced Friday as part of the massive $500 million deal Abrams, 54, signed with HBO Max's parent company WarnerMedia back in 2019.

The new series continues the Rise Of Skywalker director's return to writing and creating television shows after a decade of more hands-off work.

Coming soon: J. J. Abrams, 54, will create and write the new series Subject To Change for HBO Max, WarnerMedia announced Friday; seen in 2019 in NYC

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the new series will focus on 'a desperate college student who signs up for a clinical trial that begins a wild, harrowing, mind- and reality-bending adventure.'

Abrams is set to pen the pilot episode and executive produce it.

Jennifer Yale, best known for her work on Legion and Outlander, will executive produce the series with Abrams while working as the showrunner.

'It's been incredible fun weaving this rather insane yarn with Jenn, and I am grateful to her and everyone at HBO Max for the opportunity to bring this story to life,' Abrams wrote in a statement shared on Friday.

Thrilling: According to The Hollywood Reporter , the new series will focus on 'a desperate college student who signs up for a clinical trial that begins a wild, harrowing, mind- and reality-bending adventure'

The boss: Jennifer Yale, best known for her work on Legion and Outlander, will executive produce the series with Abrams while working as the showrunner; seen in 2019 in NYC

'I have felt so privileged to work with J.J. and Bad Robot on expanding J.J.'s exhilarating story to create a twisty, thought-provoking thriller where almost anything is possible and yet everything is planned,' Yale concurred. 'Now partnering with HBO Max to make it a reality is a dream.'

Subject To Change will be produced under Abrams' Bad Robot banner, and the company's head of television Ben Stephenson will executive produce with Abrams and Yale, while Rachel Rusch Rich will serve as a co-executive producer.

Abrams seems to have gotten back into the writing game after only executive producing shows for the past decade.

At HBO Max's sister network HBO he'll also be creating and writing the science fictionfantasy series Demimonde.

According to THR, it's about a scientist, her husband and their daughter 'who all get into a terrible car crash. After the mother winds up in a coma, her daughter begins digging through her experiments in the basement and winds up being transported to another world amid a battle against a monstrous, oppressive force. Her father then follows her into this new world.'

Back at it: 'It's been incredible fun weaving this rather insane yarn with Jenn, and I am grateful to her and everyone at HBO Max for the opportunity to bring this story to life,' Abrams said in a statement; seen in 2019 in Tokyo

Abrams has a bevy of other shows in the works for HBO Max, the main streaming service for Warner Bros.

He's cowriting the 1970s-set crime series Duster based on an original idea with LaToya Morgan.

The series is about a getaway driver for an organized crime syndicate who sinks ever deeper into their world.

The Star Wars and Star Trek director will try his hand at another classic property with a spin-off of The Shining called Overlook, which will be an omnibus series about the fictional haunted hotel.

He'll also venture into DC Comics territory with a Justice League Dark series.

The suspected boss of a gang has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates on drugs and guns charges three years after leaving Britain for Dubai.

Leon Cullen, 33, was arrested in Dubai in January and brought back to the UK by National Extradition Unit officers on Friday.

Yesterday he appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court in connection with a number of offences including conspiracies to supply firearms, ammunition and class A drugs.

Cullen, from Warrington, has been remanded in custody until his next appearance at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 22 March.

Leon Cullen was extradited to the UK from the UAE as he's suspected of being the head of a crime group supplying firearms and drugs

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Burton, from Cheshire Constabulary, said: 'We would like to take this opportunity to thank the UAE authorities, and all those involved, for their hard work and commitment to bring Cullen back to the UK.'

Deputy Director Tom Dowdall, head of NCA International, said: 'Leon Cullen believed he could evade capture by fleeing to Dubai.

'However, working with our partners in the UK and the United Arab Emirates, we were able to locate and apprehend him so he could be returned to the UK.

'This type of global law enforcement cooperation has never been more important to tackling serious and organised crime affecting the UK and I would like to thank the UAE authorities for all their work which led to Cullen's arrest and extradition.

'Our network of international liaison officers operate across the world and we will continue to work with our policing partners to pursue wanted individuals and ensure nowhere is a safe haven.'

Cullen was arrested as a result of a joint operation carried out by Cheshire Polices Serious and Organised Crime Unit, the National Crime Agency, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), Interpol and police authorities in the UAE, assisted by the CPS to secure his successful extradition to the UK.
Many Canadians believed that it was just rewards and that his case formed a cautionary tale to others who flagrantly break the rules, putting lives and livelihoods at risk. Some even think more formal shaming should happen in Canada, with governments not just fining culprits for breaking coronavirus regulations but broadcasting their names.

Others have argued Mr. Cronk is a victim of a worsening civic problem in the country  public shaming of people testing positive  that is not just unfair but ineffective and that makes the coronavirus harder to quash.

It might feel like a release for the community, but it does very little to prevent virus transmission, said Robert Huish, an associate professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax, who is conducting a study on the coronavirus and stigma. In the process, we are causing people harm.

Canadians might be known internationally as nice, apologetic and fair-minded. But, a year after the pandemic arrived, some Canadians worry it has exposed a very different national persona: judgmental, suspicious and vengeful. Covid-shaming has become fervent in parts of the country, with locals calling for the heads of not just politicians and doctors breaking the rules but their own family members and neighbors.

Its not getting Covid  its breaking the rules that worries us, said Randy Boyagoda, a novelist and English professor at the University of Toronto, noting that a Canadian foundational motto is peace, order and good government.


Anyone who cares about sustainable journalism might be glad that Facebook called Rupert Murdoch's bluff last week.

Maybe it will result in us moving beyond pitiable hopes of state subsidies and taxes on other industries to prop up outdated business models.

Maybe we can finally begin to move beyond straw men in California.

If you missed it, the Australian government, under pressure from Murdoch, drafted a law that would tax Facebook, Google, Twitter and other "digital platforms" for users posting a link to a news story.

In other words, if I post a link to this article on Twitter or Facebook, Twitter or Facebook would have to pay INM (if we were Australian).

It's a pretty daft idea that has long been rejected in other parts of the world, including Europe, which is no friend to US tech giants. But it's a seductive sinecure to a corporate media industry that keeps telling itself that it has been unfairly supplanted by the internet.

And Australia is vulnerable to an unusually powerful press baron lobby.

This lobby is powerful enough that Google effectively caved in last week. It had to. For its search engine, trying to filter out links to newspaper stories whenever someone searched would have been almost impossible. It would have broken its system.

But Facebook had no such quandary. News links are posted voluntarily by people on its app and site. So it just used its technology to detect Australian news media stories and disable the links, saying they couldn't be posted.

So with news content no longer 'profited from' by Facebook any more, the problem is solved, right?

Wrong. Far from being happy that news links are no longer being used on Facebook, media companies and politicians are now outraged that those news links have disappeared from the site.

"This is completely irresponsible from Facebook," said the Australian shadow health minister, Mark Butler.

"We're in the middle of a pandemic. Australians need to hear from credible voices in the vaccine roll-out."

Er, yes.

Most initial outrage has focused on the news companies' link redaction which also clumsily blocked some other information sources, such as government departments, charities and health agencies. (Facebook says it's fixing those errors.)

But the real furore is down to having been exposed for holding a slightly ludicrous position - that we, the media, demand that you, Facebook, keep your users posting links to our news stories en masse. But we also demand that you pay us when your users do this.

Let's be honest: this is a straight tax from one sector to another. The Australian government, cheered on by desperate media executives, is saying that a handful of tech companies are making too much money. Instead of taxing those companies - say, on digital ad revenue - for the general good, or for a journalism fund, they're legislating for a direct handover of cash to a handful of large corporate media firms, mostly owned by the same tiny bunch of people. Small media firms or independent journalism won't benefit, as there's a minimum revenue threshold for media companies to qualify for the payments.

So it's arguably as much about shareholder interest and political clout as it is journalism.

What happens next?

Neither side has an incentive to give in.

Australia will feel that it has the wind behind its back, having gotten Google to do a deal. It has lots of solidarity in other countries' media companies, too, which will result in plenty of sympathetic press and reason to think that it's on a worthy mission.

But Facebook seems similarly set against reversing course. How could it? If it concedes on paying Australian newspapers a fee when links to stories are posted, why wouldn't other countries' media lobbies jump in on that too?

There are some potentially dark consequences to all of this for Australians. With no links from established news organisations allowed, there is the risk of far iffier 'news' sources seeing an opportunity. We know that Facebook can be a petri dish for conspiracy theories and half-baked hearsay. No matter how cynical you are about the 'mainstream media', it does often provide a wall of protection against nonsense.

But there may also be a silver lining. The Australian imbroglio may force us all to update our narratives about news habits and business models.

For news companies, it may remind us of a basic tenet that many successful media firms realised years ago - you cannot base a long-term business model on Facebook or Google. Yes, they provide valuable traffic that results in some advertising money (which is one reason that Australian media firms will be screaming about Facebook's blockage). But Facebook can change its algorithms overnight, wiping out half your business. The company has done this at least once before. Besides, if your ultimate goal is ads, you're onto a loser from the start - just ask The Guardian or the Mail. Media companies will never be as good as Facebook or Google (or countless other digital platform specialists) at reaching precise demographics online. The harder you chase those higher traffic numbers, the more you're sucked down into a pseudo-journalism clickbait rabbithole.

Instead, why not charge for journalism?

If it doesn't sell, don't you have deeper challenges than social media platforms not paying you for links that their users post?

The future of news is not an Australian law that taxes newspaper story links on search engines or social media sites. It's quality content that stands on its own and that people are willing to pay for.
The Serum Institute of India (SII) has been asked to prioritise the Covid-19 vaccine needs of India even as the country, CEO of SII Adar Poonawalla said on Sunday.

"Dear countries & governments, as you await Covishield supplies, I humbly request you to please be patient, Serum Institute of India has been directed to prioritise the huge needs of India and along with that balance the needs of the rest of the world. We are trying our best," Poonawalla wrote on Twitter.

Dear countries & governments, as you await #COVISHIELD supplies, I humbly request you to please be patient, @SerumInstIndia has been directed to prioritise the huge needs of India and along with that balance the needs of the rest of the world. We are trying our best.  Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) February 21, 2021

The statement comes in the backdrop of India having gifted or sold more than 17 million doses to other countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The nation had in January ramped up vaccine manufacture to supply to as many as 60 nations in the coming months.

Vaccines as gifts

Twenty-five nations across the world have already received Made in India vaccines and Forty-nine more countries will be supplied in the coming days, ranging from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar last week at the United Nations Security Council open debate on Implementation of Resolution 2532

The country on Wednesday handed over 1,00,000 additional doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the Maldives. In January, Maldives was the first country to receive Covid-19 vaccines from India when India gifted 1,00,000 doses.

In addition to this, S Jaishankar had last week offered a Covid-19 vaccine to all UN peacekeepers - nearly 95,000 troops in 12 missions around the world.

"Keeping in mind the UN peacekeepers who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 2,00,000 doses for them. Our contribution has also supported SAARC Covid-19 Emergency Fund," he said.

Jaishankar had also called for cooperation within the framework of COVAX, which is trying to secure adequate vaccine doses for the poorest nations.

Stop 'Vaccine nationalism'; indeed, actively encourage internationalism, he stressed. "Hoarding superfluous doses will defeat our efforts towards attaining collective health security," the minister said.

India has approved two vaccines - Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech and Covishield from Oxford/AstraZeneca stable being manufactured by the SII - for emergency use in the country.

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Tweeq, a Saudi fintech which aims to provide a feature-rich spending account for individuals and SMEs, has signed exclusive partnership agreements with Mastercard and Paymentology, a leading cloud-based issuer payment processor.



The partnerships will ensure a first-class customer experience through the provision of innovative digital payment solutions including a spending account and contactless cards and will enable a range of seamless payment experiences.



The initiative will provide individuals and small businesses based in Saudi Arabia with a seamless money management experience, enabling consumers to send and receive money, pay bills, shop online, make card purchases, set financial goals and withdraw cash at their fingertips.



Tweeq CEO Saeed Al-Bahairi said: We are pleased to enter into partnerships with Mastercard and Paymentology to provide an unparalleled customer experience. Through the partnerships our app-based accounts will enable our clients to connect and manage their money better, through a range of innovative financial digital solutions, in line with the digital transformation goals of Vision 2030.



Khalid Elgibali, Division President, Mena, Mastercard said: Through its partnership with Mastercard, Tweeq will be able to offer the best smart money solutions in the Kingdom. The unique digital experience will offer low-cost and fast turnaround times.



It will provide a seamless, smart money management platform aimed at the financial needs of a predominately young population who run their lives on their smartphones and want payment solutions at their fingertips. The long-term plan is to launch Tweeq initially in Saudi Arabia and expand it throughout the Middle East and Africa.



Paymentology Founder and CEO Shane O'Hara said: The Paymentology platform is rapidly gaining global recognition as the leading, cloud-native processor on the market. The Paymentology full life-cycle card processing environment enables Tweeq to provide a best-of-breed digital wallet experience. The platforms proven banking grade scalability will allow Tweeq to rapidly expand its offering beyond Saudi Arabia and into other regions. We are delighted to be a part of the Tweeq journey.



Tweeq provides a spending account for individuals and SMEs. It uses an innovative and intuitive application which enables customers to select the mechanisms that best suit their needs in order to manage their money, make transfers, shop, pay bills and withdraw cash in a seamless and safe way. In line with Vision 2030 and Financial Sector Development Program it also promotes financial planning, enabling customers to set financial goals and track their plans.  TradeArabia News Service
Her journey begins with a 2.4 kilometre hike and then rows 328 yards across fast current before driving 90 minutes to care home

The mother-of-one faces tough commute to get to the elderly care home residents on the mainland - no matter the weather

Vanessa Rochester, 32, and her family are the sole occupants of Scottish island

Meet the dedicated NHS carer whose remote island home means she has perhaps the UK's toughest commute - including a moonlit hike, a treacherous row and sometimes even a rock climb.

Vanessa Rochester, 32, and her family are the sole occupants of an otherwise uninhabited Scottish island cut off from the mainland by a raging tidal channel.

But that doesn't stop the mother-of-one from doing what it takes to get to the elderly care home residents she looks after on the mainland - no matter the weather.

After kissing husband Jeff, 48, and their one-year-old Duke goodnight, her journey to work starts with a 30 minute 2.4 kilometre hike across the private island.

At the waters edge she clambers into their 8-foot plastic boat, and rows across the fast and often dangerous current, her path lit just by the moon and stars.

The 328 yard crossing can take five minutes on a calm day - and five times as long during a storm - before she reaches her car on the other side and starts a 90 minute drive.

Meet the dedicated NHS carer Vanessa Rochester whose remote island home means she has perhaps the UK's toughest commute - including a moonlit hike, a treacherous row and sometimes even a rock climb.

After kissing husband Jeff, 48, and their one-year-old Duke goodnight, her journey to work starts with a 30 minute 2.4 kilometre hike across the private island

At the waters edge she clambers into their 8-foot plastic boat, and rows across the fast and often dangerous current, her path lit just by the moon and stars

The 328 yard crossing can take five minutes on a calm day - and five times as long during a storm - before she reaches her car on the other side and starts a 90 minute drive

Her worst commute to date saw her blown so dramatically off course she ended up back on her island, and had to abandon her boat and scramble up a cliff and through a bog to safety.

Jeff, caretaker of their west coast island, had to strap Duke on his back and head out with a torch to perform the role of a lighthouse, so she could work out her location.

But she still made it to work - taking their leaking back-up boat which is just about usable 'if you row quick enough'.

And despite the arduous and often dangerous commute, Vanessa said it's worth it for a job she loves.

Vanessa's worst commute to date saw her blown so dramatically off course she ended up back on her island, and had to abandon her boat and scramble up a cliff and through a bog to safety

Vanessa Rochester, 32, and her family are the sole occupants of an otherwise uninhabited Scottish island cut off from the mainland by a raging tidal channel. Pictured: Vanessa rows across the current to her car

After she reaches her car on the other side, she drives for 90 minutes to reach her work

The dedicated care worker said: 'I just really enjoy my job.

'I love working with elderly people and it's a really good team that I work with, plus it means I get to see other people, which otherwise doesn't happen much.

'When we first talked about moving here I wasn't really sure, but after I visited I eased into life here really quickly.

'It was a lovely sunny day at the end of Spring and everything was bursting with life.

'The waters were green and the sun was out so it was just magical. It doesn't look like that at the moment though!'

The 300 acre peninsula the family live on is 328 yards off of Eilean Shona, a large tidal island owned by Vanessa Branson, Richard Branson's sister.

They moved into the island's 17th century caretakers' waterfront cottage in July 2016.

The 300 acre peninsula the family live on is 328 yards off of Eilean Shona, a large tidal island owned by Vanessa Branson, Richard Branson's sister. They moved into the island's 17th century caretakers' waterfront cottage in July 2016. Pictured: Vanessa (left) with her husband Jeff, 48, (right) and their one-year-old son Duke

Jeff manages the island for the family who own it as a retreat - fixing fences, felling trees, and anything else that needs doing.

Jeff said: 'I've always wanted to live on a Scottish island because my parents used to caretake one many years ago and I used to visit them there.

'It was a fantastic place, but I would never thought it would happen and would just be one of those dreams!'

Vanessa is a care worker at a home for the elderly in Lochaber, where she started working just a few months after they moved to the island.

She does a mix of day shifts - which see her get up at 5.45am - and night stints too.

Her commute is a three hour round trip, involving navigating the tiny rowboat from the island onto the mainland regardless of rain or strong currents.

The only way off the island is to row when the tide is in, and due to Vanessa's working hours, it often means she must navigate their plastic row boat through dangerous conditions.

Her commute is a three hour round trip, involving navigating the tiny rowboat from the island onto the mainland regardless of rain or strong currents

The only way off the island is to row when the tide is in, and due to Vanessa's working hours, it often means she must navigate their plastic row boat through dangerous conditions.

The social care worker said: 'My work is very important to me especially in these time so if I bowed to the weather I would never get to work.'

The boat is fully exposed with no protection from the elements, so Vanessa frequently puts on four layers of clothing with wellies, a hat and gloves.

After reaching the other side, Vanessa drives for well over an hour to get to work and then gets changed in her car.

On January 13, Vanessa experienced her worst voyage to date.

'Usually I can be guided by the moonlight but last night there wasn't any, it was pitch black with a strong prevailing wind and very strong currents,' she said.

The social care worker said: 'My work is very important to me especially in these time so if I bowed to the weather I would never get to work'

Whilst the dedicated NHS worker only has to cross 300m of water, when the conditions aren't right she 'truly is running a gauntlet'

Whilst the dedicated NHS worker only has to cross 300m of water, when the conditions aren't right she 'truly is running a gauntlet!'

She said: 'I was roughly halfway across the channel when my oar slipped from the rowlock and in stopping to amend it I was taken by the current and spun round many times.

'By the time I gathered myself I had drifted way off course and found it very difficult to recover.

'Eventually I made it to land, tied the boat to a tree and I had not one clue where I was- all I could do was try to make my way along the rugged coastline back to my original landing point. '

Vanessa found herself trapped by the cliffs, so instead scrambled up the bank through heather and bog, but started to get worried.

Jeff (left) manages the island for the family who own it as a retreat - fixing fences, felling trees, and anything else that needs doing. Pictured: Vanessa (right) with Duke (middle) and Jeff (left)

She said: 'Unbelievably, my phone picked up signal and I FaceTimed Jeff who was just putting our son Duke to bed.

'I had no idea where I was!

'Jeff slung Duke up on his back and headed to the North Channel where we agreed he would shine a torch across the water to enable me to find my bearing - this point is 30 minutes walk from our house!

'Finally I spotted a beam of light across the channel, turns out I was still on the island, but had drifted way off course and then walked in the opposite direction.'

It took Vanessa half an hour to scramble towards Jeff and Duke's torchlight, and whilst Jeff insisted they all go home, the determined carer would not relent.

She said: 'I couldn't let my team or residents down by not coming in for my shift.

'I had no idea where the good boat was, having tied it to a tree, but we have a back up wooden boat called the 'Lego boat', that leaks but if you row quick enough you can get across!

'From there I had another half mile walk to my car, followed by an hour's drive and 12 and a half hour night shift. What a night!'

Vanessa has to battle dangerous conditions from October to March when going to work.

Vanessa has to battle dangerous conditions from October to March when going to work

She walks a dirt track through a woodland with protected Scotch pine and oak trees to get to the crossing point on the south of the island

She walks a dirt track through a woodland with protected Scotch pine and oak trees to get to the crossing point on the south of the island.

Venturing off that track would only be for experienced hikers as the treacherous cliffs and rocky hills make for a tough terrain.

It can get as cold as minus seven degrees Celsius, and whilst snow is rare on the island, the ice has been known to catch people out!

'My brother got stuck her for a whole week once because he couldn't get his car up the track, which is really steep, through a couple of inches of snow!' said Vanessa.

The channel she must cross can fill up with water within seconds, reaching depths of six yards, so Vanessa has to be on the ball.

The boat is fully exposed with no protection from the elements, so Vanessa frequently puts on four layers of clothing with wellies, a hat and gloves

She takes her time before her long commute to get ready and prepared

She said 'I have to do some maths sometimes, as how you get across depends on the winds, so I have to use it to help me figure out the best path, but I can only do it in daylight!'

They haven't had many visitors since the pandemic began, but before that the family would have visitors regularly during the summer.

Many of Jeff's friends are 'big, burly men' but none of them could manage to row across the causeway without losing control!

'Vanessa or myself have to bring them across, they get pretty embarrassed by it!' he said.

Jeff's work often sees him up at first light and working until its dark, but he maintains he is a 'land animal and tries to stay away from boats'.

The family venture to the mainland once a month for supplies, and treat themselves to a lunch in civilisation.

'We dread it as it's a full day, from first thing in the morning to drive there and then getting it all back either in the truck or loading up the row boat if the tide is in!' Jeff said.

The family may be the sole human residents of the island, but they are joined by their six dogs, ducks, ferret and hawk Hilda.

Hilda flies freely around the island, but comes back to the house for her breakfast every morning.

The couple grow their own carrots and potatoes, and enjoy life of the grid, but Vanessa did admit 'sometimes I really, really really want a takeaway!'

The couple grow their own carrots and potatoes, and enjoy life of the grid, but Vanessa did admit 'sometimes I really, really really want a takeaway!'

There was always a possibility that toddler Duke would be born on the island, but after a routine check-up Vanessa was advised to stay at hospital

When they have good enough signal, sometimes the family can watch Netflix, but otherwise in her downtime Vanessa enjoys the simple pleasures of reading and knitting!

'Between the animals and running the house and Jeff's work outside and with Duke, there's no question about occupying yourself!' she said.

But Jeff responded: 'I actually write songs and short stories- I spend the long winter nights penning tales of fairy gangs and their rise and fall... Solitude gets to you after a while!'

There was always a possibility that toddler Duke would be born on the island, but after a routine check-up Vanessa was advised to stay at hospital.

Duke was born on May 20 2019 and, at less than two years old, is well adapted to island life, helping to collect duck eggs and even cut the Christmas tree down.

Jeff said: 'He's a bit of a Mowgli as he knows no other way! He's not got a TV in front of him all day and is always out walking with Vanessa.'

The islanders are very self-sufficient, eating their own duck eggs and freshly caught mackerel, sea trout and lobsters.

Jeff said: 'If we had to be 100 per cent sufficient we could do it, the shops are just a little bit too easy to get to!'
International

Egypt, Spain hold joint naval exercise in Red Sea

CAIRO, FEB 21 (IANS) | Publish Date: 2/21/2021 12:58:29 PM IST

Egyptian and Spanish naval forces held joint military drills in the Red Sea, Egypts armed forces said in a statement on Saturday.

The joint exercise is the second in recent days, after the two navies held similar drills on February 14 also in the Red Sea, the Xinhua news reported.

The training involved various activities, including carrying out sailing formations, surveillance of suspected ships, night transportation, helicopter landing on helidecks of marine units and more, according to the statement.

The Egyptian military highlighted the importance of the joint drills in consolidating Egyptian-Spanish bilateral relations and enhancing the horizons of military cooperation between the two countries, which contributes effectively to maintaining maritime security and stability in the region.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 01:04:30|Editor: huaxia

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BAGHDAD, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported on Saturday 3,273 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total nationwide infections to 664,750.

It also reported 13 new deaths, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 13,245, while the total recoveries in Iraq climbed by 1,978 to 616,507.

A total of 6,512,743 tests have been carried out across the country since the outbreak of the disease in February 2020, with 41,897 done during the day.

A separate statement by the ministry said that infection with the coronavirus has been increasing sharply recently due to the new strain of the virus, which is characterized by faster transmission.

"There are severe cases of the new strain of coronavirus that were recently detected among children and youths, so it is time for the entire society to take all measures to reduce infections among the citizens," the statement said.

The statement also warned that "the rapid rise in infections in the coming days threatens our health institutions to the risk of losing control of the pandemic."

It confirmed that the only way currently to avoid this danger is to adhere to all health-protective measures and decisions issued by the Higher Committee for Health and National Safety, especially in wearing masks, physical distancing, continuously disinfecting hands, and avoiding human gatherings, in addition, to avoid closed and narrow places.

On Feb. 13, the Iraqi health authorities decided to impose a partial curfew for four days and a full curfew for three days every week during the period from Feb. 18 to March 8.

The Iraqi National Board for Selection of Drugs has approved the emergency use of China's Sinopharm and Britain's AstraZeneca vaccines to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

From March 7 to April 26 in 2020, a Chinese team of seven medical experts spent 50 days in Iraq to help fight the disease, during which they helped build a PCR lab and install an advanced CT scanner in Baghdad.

China has also sent batches of medical aid to Iraq. Enditem
Coral within the family Acropora are fast growers and thus important for reef growth, island formation, and coastal protection but, due to global environmental pressures, are in decline

A species within this family has three different color morphs - brown, yellow-green, and purple, which appear to respond differently to high temperatures

Researchers looked at the different proteins expressed by the different color morphs, to see whether these were related to their resilience to a changing environment

The green variant was found to maintain high levels of green fluorescent proteins during summer heatwaves and was less likely to bleach than the other two morphs

This suggest that resistance to thermal stress is influenced by a coral's underlying genetics, which, coincidentally, also lead to the different color morphs

Anyone who visits the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Southeast Asia's coral triangle, or the reefs of Central America, will surely speak of how stunning and vibrant these environments are. Indeed, coral reefs are believed to house more biodiversity than any other ecosystem on the planet, with the coral providing protection and shelter for hundreds of species of fish and crustaceans.

But these ecosystems are under threat. Global pressures, such as rising ocean temperatures, are causing coral to turn ghostly white, a phenomenon called bleaching, and die. One family of coral - Acropora - seems to be particularly susceptible and its numbers are expected to decline in the future. This is especially concerning as these corals are fast growers and thus structurally important for the reefs. Researchers took a close look at Acropora tenuis, a species within this family, which is known to have three color morphs - brown, purple, and yellow-green. Their new study, published in G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, indicates that these color morphs speak of the coral's resilience to high temperatures, and found the underlying genetic factors that seem to be responsible for this.

"Coral reefs are very beautiful and have a whole variety of different colors," said Professor Noriyuki Satoh, who leads the Marine Genomics Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST). "When we started looking at the different color morphs of A. tenuis we noticed that some morphs bleach more readily and die more frequently than others. During the summer of 2017, we saw that many of the brown and purple morphs bleached, with the brown morph dying at a higher rate, but the yellow-green morph seemed to show resilience to the summer temperatures."

The Unit worked with several individuals from the Okinawan community, including Koji Kinjo from Sea Seed, who directs a private aquarium where the different color morphs have been grown for around 20 years. This aquarium was instrumental for the researchers to observe the coral over the last two decades and to determine how resilient this species is to climate change, and the underlying causes.

In 2020, Professor Satoh and his collaborators decoded the genome of A. tenuis, which provided them with the toolkit for this research, allowing them to look at the genetic foundations that cause the different morphs.

"At first, we thought the difference in resilience might be linked to the corals housing different kinds of symbiotic algae, which photosynthesize for the coral and thus provide the coral with energy. Previous research has shown that some symbiotic algae are more resilient to climate change than others. But when we looked at the three-color morphs, we found that they all housed very similar algae," explained Professor Satoh.

With this in mind, the research group instead focused the expression levels of the proteins that are thought responsible for the coral's color. There are four different groups of these proteins - green fluorescent proteins (GFP), red fluorescent proteins (RFP), cyan fluorescent proteins (CFP), and non-fluorescent blue/purple chromoproteins (ChrP). The researchers looked at the gene expression levels of five types of GFP, three types of RFP, two types of CFP and seven types of ChrP in several coral in each morph.

As can be expected, they found that the green morph expressed high quantities of FGPs, but the researchers found that two of the five were expressed at particularly high levels. More surprising was that these two proteins were expressed at even higher levels during summer, which indicates that they help the coral to withstand warmer temperatures. Specifically, these proteins seemed to protect the symbiotic algae, which meant that this color morph experienced very little bleaching.

In contrast, the corals with the brown color morph, which express much lower quantities of these two proteins, bleached by around 50% over July and August 2017.

The purple morph was different again. It expressed very little of any of the fluorescent proteins, but much higher levels of Chrp. The corals with this color morph bleached at levels in between that seen in corals with the brown morph and that seen in corals with the green morph.

"Coral reefs are so important for biodiversity," concluded Professor Satoh. "Finding out more about them will help us to conserve them. Right now, we cannot help so much about the coral reef situation but gathering this fundamental knowledge, understanding how corals work, is very important for long-term conservation."

This research has showcased that the color morphology of coral is very much involved in its response to high temperatures. The underlying reasons behind this, such as exactly how the green fluorescent protein protects the symbiosis, will no doubt be the topic of research in the future.

###

Professor Satoh and his Unit worked with people from Umino-Tane Co. LTD, IDEA Consultants, Inc., and Okinawa Environmental Research Co., Ltd., as well as researchers from the University of Tokyo. In addition, OIST's DNA Sequencing Section and Imaging Section were also involved in this project.
Louth Senator Erin McGreehan has called for information on the return to full capacity of special needs schools

Senator McGreehan, speaking in the Seanad, said: Parents are seeing their children's development regress.

"The ability of these children to behave socially has been affected and they are struggling to cope.

"The stories I have heard are devastating.

We were all very glad to hear the announcement that special needs classes and schools would be reopening and I wholeheartedly commend the Minister of State's incredibly hard work and dedication on this matter.

"However, the phased method, with one day on and one day off and two days in school one week and three the following week, is not sustainable for many students.

"It is causing havoc for some children.

Senator McGreehan added: A parent is facing the issue of her child being totally confused and upset by the starting and stopping.

"Another parent has found her son very upset on his days off and feels that online learning is making him worse.

A child with special needs has been put on medication to help with anxiety levels and behaviour because of the lockdowns and not being able to go to school.

"Since returning to school this year, his medication had to be increased as returning to school one day a week was completely out of his routine.

Another parent is dealing with a child who is very settled on the days he is in school but very disruptive on days off.

"I have also heard from parents of children attending special needs classes in schools that are being asked to do a phased reopening.

In response to Senator McGreehan, Minister of State, Josepha Madigan stated: The Department has reaffirmed its view that schools in and of themselves are low-risk environments.

"We also know this from NPHET's advice, from Dr. Abigail Collins and Dr. Kevin Kelleher and, indeed, from Dr. Philip Nolan, who has always maintained that schools are safe environments.

I am struck by what the Senator said about anxiety and behaviour, and the fact that some children have had to increase their medication, which is not what anybody wants.

"She spoke of families being at their wits' end and being devastated.

"I am equally devastated that we cannot do this.

"If I had a magic wand I would have all children back in school from today or tomorrow but that is simply not possible.

"We are dealing with many constituent parts.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 15:40:32|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- By removing all its national-level poverty-stricken counties from the list, China has made a major victory in fighting poverty. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), nearly 100 million rural residents bid farewell to absolute poverty since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. This selection of before-and-after photos might shed light upon what improvements have taken place in the lives of people, especially those from ethnic minorities.





TOP LEFT (File photo taken by Shen Qiao): A farmer gets water from an artificial water storage pool in Cele County of Hotan Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the 1990s.



BOTTOM LEFT (Photo taken by Zhao Ge): Abdukerem Turdi, a villager from an officially registered poor household, shows home access to tap water in Qushou Village of Moyu County, Hotan Prefecture in Xinjiang, Nov. 21, 2019.



RIGHT (Photo taken by Zhao Ge): A local villager collects tap water diverted from an improved water conservancy project in Jambaz Township of Jiashi County in Xinjiang on June 8, 2020. (Xinhua)

TOP: Photo taken on June 15, 2013 shows the Loess Plateau in Zhang Junming's hometown Hongbaiyang Township in Pengyang County, Guyuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region;



BOTTOM: Photo taken on June 22, 2015 shows a government-backed poverty-relief relocation site, where Zhang's family lives, in Yinchuan, Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

TOP: Ada Niuri (1st L) poses with his family members at their old residence in Abuluoha Village, Butuo County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 12, 2006.



BOTTOM: Ada Niuri (1st L), 38, poses for a group photo with his family members on Dec. 25, 2020.



Driven by nationwide anti-poverty efforts, great changes have taken place in Abuluoha, a leprosarium-turned mountain village inhabited by people of the Yi ethnic group. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

TOP: Photo taken in 2016 shows villager Wang Minghua posing with his old house in Baorui Village, Qiongzhong County, south China's Hainan Province.



BOTTOM: Photo taken on Dec. 17, 2020 by Zhang Liyun shows villager Wang Minghua (C) and his family members posing with their new home in Baorui Village. (Xinhua)

TOP: Li Guozhi poses in front of his old residence in Xiaoluoma, a poverty-stricken village in Nuoshuihe Township, Tongjiang County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 22, 2016. On the wall behind him, Li wrote down a motto in his fight against poverty: "Better strive than suffer".



BOTTOM: Li Guozhi poses in front of his new home at a relocation site in Xiaoluoma Village, April 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Kun)

LEFT: This file photo taken at a certain time before 1949 shows a Dulong resident climbing a cliff-side ladder in Dulongjiang Township of Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan Province.



RIGHT: Photo taken by Hu Chao shows Dulong villager Li Yongming accompanying his grandmother Dang Na as they climb up cement steps to reap fodder grass from the mountains in Dulongjiang Township, Oct. 31, 2020. (Xinhua)

LEFT: Undated file photo shows a Dulong man, using a pair of machetes, giving haircut to a fellow villager in Dulongjiang Township of Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan Province.



RIGHT: Photo taken by Hu Chao shows Dulong villager Ken Yinglin (front) getting a haircut at a barber shop in Kongdang Village of Dulongjiang Township, Oct. 31, 2020. (Xinhua)

TOP: Photo taken on July 21, 2017 with a drone shows old village houses in Pingliu Village of Baise, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

BOTTOM: Photo taken on Dec. 3, 2019 shows a poverty-relief resettlement site for villagers from Pingliu Village. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

Combo photo shows Yunyang County, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality in 2000 (TOP, file photo provided by Chongqing Three Gorges Migrants Memorial) and on Aug. 4, 2020 (BOTTOM, photo taken by Huang Wei), respectively. (Xinhua)

TOP: Photo taken on Oct. 11, 2017 shows villager Yu Wanhe making a fire in his former residence in Jianliang Village of Du'an Yao Autonomous County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

BOTTOM: Photo taken on Aug. 19, 2020 shows Yu cooking a dish in the kitchen of his new house inside a poverty-relief resettlement site, in Sanzhiyang Town of Du'an County. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

TOP (undated file photo): Villagers read amid farm fields in Jiajiazhuang Village, Fenyang, north China's Shanxi Province;

BOTTOM (photo taken by Cao Yang): A view of a bookstore in Jiajiazhuang Village on July 16, 2020. (Xinhua)

TOP (undated file photo): The construction site for the Shenhai wetland park in Dongshentou Village of Shuocheng District, Shuozhou, north China's Shanxi Province;

BOTTOM (photo taken by Cao Yang): An aerial view of the wetland park after its construction on July 7, 2020. Dongshentou Village used to rely solely on agriculture to support its economy. The Shenhai wetland park is one of the local efforts to develop tourism and relieve poverty. (Xinhua)




The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has launched an online portal to allow individuals to apply online for trade-related technical assistance and training activities.



The courses are designed to help government officials and others, such as parliamentarians, strengthen their understanding of trade-related issues.



The new online tool is available via the WTO's Technical Assistance Management System, which contains information on the targeted audience for each activity and the eligible candidates.



Deputy Director-General Yonov Frederick Agah, who oversees development matters in the WTO, said: "The WTO Secretariat is continuing its efforts to modernize the design and enhance the flexibility of the Technical Assistance Management System. This new portal will allow trade officials to apply directly for the WTO's technical assistance and training activities, which will help them acquire the essential skills and knowledge to effectively participate in international trade."



The new interface will be a useful tool to ease future participants' access to the WTO's planned activities, thus contributing to enhancing the effectiveness of the system. Technical assistance activities are essential to help us build the necessary expertise to carry out our functions at the highest standards," said Armando Enrique Pelaez (Cuba), who participated in the Young Professionals Programme in 2020.  TradeArabia News Service


GARDAI are investigating separate thefts from vehicles which were parked outside two different churches in Limerick.

In one incident, a thief broke into a white Renault Master van which was parked outside Our Lady of the Sorrows Church in Broadford village at 3.30pm on February 10.

"A laptop and a number of electrical appliances were stolen. Gardai at Dromcollogher station are seeking witnesses to come forward," said Garda John Finnerty.

In a second incident on the same day, a Silver Nissan Qashqai was targeted outside St Marys Church on Athlunkard Street in the city.

"At precisely 8.40am a thief broke the rear drivers door mirror and stole a bag of groceries which had been left in the back

seat of the car. We dont have a description of the thief and we dont know where he went with the groceries." said Garda Finnerty

If you happened to be out walking around the vicinity of St Marys Church and seen a man running with a bag of groceries , then we would like to hear from you," he added.

Gardai at Mayorstone are investigating that incident.
Texas rolled into full-blown recovery mode Sunday after a winter storm that at its powerful peak left more than 4 million in the dark and almost half the state's 29 million people under boil-water advisories.

More than 70 deaths have been linked to the intense cold and damaging storms that swept through a wide swath of the nation last week, what AccuWeather described as "one of the stormiest weather patterns in decades." About half the reported fatalities occurred in Texas, but there were deaths reported in several other states, from Oregon to Tennessee.

A warming trend brought welcome relief. In Tennessee, where Memphis was walloped with 10 inches of snow, temperatures soared into the high 50s on Sunday. In battered Texas, Houston's temperature climbed into the 70s, and Austin was almost there.

Texas, where many power plants and water facilities were ill-equipped to handle the wintry onslaught, took the brunt of the damage. And state leaders took the brunt of the blame for failing to ensure that the power system could handle the strain. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said her home was without power for three nights.

Its worth asking the question: Who set up this system and who perpetuated it knowing that the right regulation was not in place? said Hidalgo, a Democrat. Those questions are going to have to be asked, and I hope that changes will come. The community deserves answers.

Winter storm moves into Northeast: Texans will see better weather

About 20,000 Texas homes and businesses remained without power Sunday afternoon, according to poweroutage.us, a utility tracking website. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner called the power crash "foreseeable and preventable."

Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, had harsh words for grid operators and managers of iced-locked wind turbines but has been less critical of oil and gas industry corporations that dominate Texas industry and support his political campaigns.

Story continues

Power plants struggled to operate in the extreme cold, and some natural gas wellheads froze. The governor called on Texas lawmakers to require that power plants be winterized. Saturday, he promised to "work collaboratively" with lawmakers from both parties to get a handle on energy prices.

We have a responsibility to protect Texans from spikes in their energy bills that are a result of the severe winter weather and power outages," Abbott said.

Water systems also struggled. Almost 1,500 public water systems in Texas reported disrupted operations, said Toby Baker, executive director of the state Commission on Environmental Quality.

In Austin, temperatures remained below freezing for almost a week. Austin Water said Sunday that storage in reservoirs had climbed to 72 million gallons, but at least 100 million gallons were needed to help build water pressure systemwide.

"We urge customers with water service to limit water use to essential needs and follow mandatory water restrictions," Austin Water tweeted. "Violations of these restrictions should be reported to Austin 3-1-1."

In San Antonio, authorities said Sunday that water had been restored to 98% of the city.

A thin silver lining for residents of Austin and San Antonio: Lick Honest Ice Creams planned an ice cream giveaway Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. at its Austin and San Antonio shops.

"It's been a week for the history books, y'all, and we hope we can make yours a little bit better," the company posted on Facebook. "We've missed scooping for you and can't wait to see you again!"

Help was coming from all over. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., volunteered at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday and announced her fundraising effort for the storm recovery effort in the state had surpassed $5 million on Sunday.

Thats the New York spirit, thats the Texas spirit, thats the American spirit," Ocasio-Cortez said.

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More than 27,000 homes and businesses in West Virginia and another 25,000 in Kentucky were without power Sunday. That number was about 20,000 in Mississippi, where a high temperature in Jackson of 61 degrees was forecast Sunday.

"Crews continue to work around the clock," Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves tweeted. "Weather continues to improve with high temps well above freezing in most places."

As power is restored across the state, Entergy Mississippi President and CEO Haley Fisackerly cautioned customers to slowly phase in use to avoid overloading the system. He suggested turning off major appliances before the power is turned back on.

"I know when those lights come back on, you're going to be ready to clean up that house and wash those dishes in your dishwasher or wash your clothes," he said. "Do that in stages, (or it) could create problems back on the grid."

You need a break: Lick Honest Ice Creams serves free ice cream Sunday

Most of Jackson, a city of about 160,000, lacked running water, and officials blamed city water mains that are more than 100 years old and not built for freezing weather.

The city provided water for flushing toilets and drinking, but residents had to pick it up, leaving the elderly and those living on icy roads vulnerable.

In Tennessee, Memphis remained under a boil advisory Sunday after officials said they were concerned that low water pressure caused by problems at aging pumping stations and a rash of water main ruptures could lead to contamination.

National Weather Service meteorologist Josh Barnwell said Nashville's shaded streets remained icy and treacherous over the weekend. A high of 50 degrees Sunday was likely to help.

"If this was all snow, it might melt faster," Barnwell said. "It's going to take a little bit."

Contributing: Addie Broyles, Austin 360; Rachel Wegner, The (Nashville) Tennessean; Mississippi Clarion Ledger staff; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winter storm, Texas: Warmer temperatures, price gouging
In response to Montclair parent: Lets get kids back in the classroom, the recent op-ed by Dr. Lauren Brucia, I would like add my own thoughts resulting from almost 40 years of teaching in elementary schools.

I taught in the inner-city in a major New Jersey district, and the newest building I was assigned to was at least 40 years old. It showed all of those years through breakdown after breakdown in windows, heating and almost every system that provided air transfer. In addition, the classrooms were always overcrowded.

As a pediatrician, Brucia must know that children living in cities have less opportunity that many suburban children enjoy. Montclair, site of recent clashes over reopening dates between the administration and the teachers union, is not Newark or Jersey City, but it is a densely populated area. This could result in COVID-19 infection rates greater than in less populated areas if buildings are reopened without proper safeguards

There is no contract that requires teachers to lay down their very lives in order to satisfy a parents work schedule. We really dont know what the actual result will be if we open schools now. I believe the opinion of the most experienced teachers is that, without question, someone will contract this virus, bring it into the classroom  and you can guess the result.

The Montclair Education Association needs to be on board with any decision to open schools. If theyre not, no school should open and likely wont.

James K. Aumack, Cape May

Tale was tall about Texas blackouts

In response to Stephen Flatows recent letter, Texas power woes could happen here, the writer seems to get his information only from conservative media outlets.

The main reason that Texas wind turbines, as well as its fossil-fuel electricity generating plants, failed in the extreme cold weather was that states failure to insulate and winterize the equipment. Note that such facilities in other parts of the country are able to operate in extreme cold weather.

In addition, if the writer wants a new nuclear plant to be built in New Jersey, he should recommend his own town of Long Branch as the site.

Richard OReilly, North Brunswick

Dont make excuses for Springsteen

It was amazing to me to see columns, op-eds and letters in the Star-Ledger stating that Bruce Springsteen was set up for his driving-while-intoxicated arrest in Sandy Hook.

When I last checked, drinking tequila in restricted sections of the Gateway National Recreation Area was against the law. When Springsteen was offered a drink, all he had to say was, No.

Why is it, when a popular celebrity is caught breaking the law, their minions rush to their defense?

Maybe Springsteen should have stayed in the Midwest, riding around in his Jeep and telling everyone how to reunite our country.

Don Montefusco, Maplewood

Abortion violates basic human right

Katharine Kahns recent letter, Pass abortion-law expansion now, seemed very reasonable and professionally prepared, perhaps a bit too much like something Planned Parenthood would distribute.

The letter stressed abortion rights, and urged passage of thew Reproductive Freedom Act by the state Legislature, in the event that the U.S. Supreme Courts Roe v. Wade decision is overturned.

The reason we are still embattled over abortion  to use Kahns words  is that it violates a very fundamental human right. It is argued that the being in the womb is not a person until the state grants that status at birth but science shows us that the being is human nonetheless. I will continue to fight for that human life and the guaranteed right to life.

Gov. Phil Murphy and many other politicians will be held accountable if they ram through this ruthless proposed law.

Bill Dowling, Woodbridge

Thank you for your (COVID-19) service

Dealing with the COVID-19 virus threat and trying to get the vaccine has been extremely difficult and frustrating for most of us. Trying to register on any of the vaccine websites has been near impossible, and it seems like we are all competing against each other to get appointments. If you have been attempting to get a vaccine appointment, you know what I mean.

The one positive thing we encountered in our journey to finally get vaccinated was our interaction with the men and women of the New Jersey National Guard who staffed the Meadowlands Vaccination mega-site.

They were pleasant, caring, helpful and professional. We were extremely proud of their unselfish service.

Carl F. Young, Clark

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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.
Kolkata: West Bengal's young Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pamela Goswami, who was arrested for possession of cocaine, has been sent to the police remand till February 25 by the NDPS court on Saturday. During the hearing, Goswami called it a conspiracy and said she was being falsely implicated.

During the hearing in NDPS court, Pamela Goswami demanded the arrest of another party leader Rakesh Singh. She called for a CID investigation in this matter. 'Rakesh Singh sent a man to put pouches (cocaine)," she alleged.

He said that this is a conspiracy which was being hatched against me for a long time. There may also be a conspiracy of the New Alipore Police Station. Pamela said that the Detective Department (DD) or the Crime Investigation Department (CID) should look into the matter.

Goswami, the state secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), was arrested along with a friend, Prabir Kumar Dey, and her personal security guard from south Kolkata's New Alipore area on Friday after nearly 90 gm of cocaine valuing lakhs of rupees was allegedly found from her handbag and car, according to police.
Seoul, Feb 21 : South Korea will begin administering Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines to medical staff on February 27, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on Sunday.

The vaccines are expected to arrive in the country later this week, Yonhap news agency reported.

"On February 26, 117,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines will arrive in the country and the vaccines will be administered to medical staff treating coronavirus patients starting on February 27," Chung said during a meeting on the Covid-19 response held at the government complex in Seoul.

The country will begin the Covid-19 inoculation programme with AstraZeneca's vaccines on Friday, with first jabs to be administered to staff members and patients under the age of 65 at nursing hospitals and facilities.

"As the government has taken responsibility in verifying their safety and efficacy, we ask that you trust them and fully participate in receiving inoculation of the vaccines," he said.

On Sunday, the country reported 416 more Covid-19 cases, including 391 local infections, raising the total caseload to 86,992.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
India said Sunday that its troops, along with their Chinese counterparts, had completed a pullback from a disputed part of their Himalayan border after months of heightened tensions.

The nuclear-armed neighbours fought a border war in 1962 and have long accused each other of seeking to cross their frontier -- which has never been properly agreed -- in India's Ladakh region, just opposite Tibet.

The latest flare-up turned deadly in mid-June last year when 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a border battle in the strategically important Galwan river valley in Ladakh. Beijing on Friday said four of its soldiers had died in the clash, its first confirmation of Chinese fatalities.

After nine rounds of high-level military talks which have been held since the June clash, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said last week that both sides agreed to disengage from the Pangong Lake area.

India's defence ministry said in a joint statement with Beijing that during the 10th round of talks on Saturday, "the two sides positively appraised the smooth completion of disengagement of frontline troops in the Pangong Lake area".

The statement said it was a "significant step forward" that provided a good starting point for the resolution of other disputes in the western sector of the contested border.

"The two sides agreed to... continue their communication and dialogue, stabilise and control the situation on the ground (and) push for a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues," the statement added.

India and China share a 3,500-kilometre (2,200-mile) border, with disputes at other points in Ladakh, including at Aksai Chin, a strategic corridor linking Tibet to western China next to the Galwan valley, and at Naku La pass further east, which connects Sikkim state with Tibet.

grk/mtp
Despite a sense of urgency to return students to the classroom, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set a high bar for how to do it safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new CDC guidelines come as parents and educators in many Michigan communities are engaged in intense debate over reopening schools. The federal agency says schools can open safely if they put layered mitigation measures in place and offers a road map based on the surrounding communitys rate of COVID-19 transmission.

The CDC guidance  which is not a mandate  call for hybrid learning models in the majority of counties across Michigan and closing down secondary schools in counties with the highest community transmission.

Even if COVID-19 rates are high in a county, as in some parts of Michigan, elementary schools can partially open for in-person instruction in a hybrid model safely, the public health agency said.

Officials say middle and high school students can attend class in-person safety in areas with low transmission rates or even at the highest levels, if schools implement weekly testing of students and staff to spot asymptomatic infections. Without that commitment, schools are advised to close and shift to virtual learning when transmission levels are highest.

The CDC recommends using two metrics to determine risk of transmission for in-person learning: the seven-day positivity rate and number of new cases per 100,000 people. In Michigan, despite low positivity rates, the majority of counties still fall short when looking at the number of cases.

Statewide, the seven-day average positivity rate for Feb. 6  12 was 3.7%, and the number of cases per 100,000 people was 66.

The Feb. 12 guidance includes four color-coded zones reflecting risk of infection with recommendations for how schools should reopen  in-person, virtual, a hybrid, or reduced attendance  and mitigation steps.

The majority of Michigan school districts have returned to some form of in-person learning. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer strongly encouraged schools in January to offer an option for face-to-face instruction by March 1.

Related: Certain Michigan schools have found a winning formula for vaccinating teachers

In Grand Rapids, students returned to the classroom in a hybrid mode in January after months of being online-only.

Spokesperson John Helmholdt said the transition to hybrid learning at Grand Rapids Public Schools was smooth, successful and safe. He said the decision to go hybrid was made using guidance from state and local health officials but now the district must reevaluate its back-to-school plan under the CDC guidelines.

Now that we have a national standard for K-12 education, how is the state and county health officials interpreting this? What will be their guidance? Helmholdt asked.

Advice on how to safely return to school has changed over the course of the pandemic as health officials have learned more about the transmission of COVID-19.

It has been shifting from day one, and as a school district we have done our best to continue to see that county and state direction, Helmholdt said. We are looking to our health officials to give us guidance on how we should function in the midst of the pandemic.

K-12 schools should be last to close when restrictions are imposed by governments and should be reopened ahead of nonessential activities and businesses, the CDC said.

According to the guidelines, here are the thresholds for community transition and the associated color zone, based on the total of new cases per 100,000 over the past seven days:

Red  More than 100 cases

Orange  50 to 99 cases

Yellow  10 to 49 cases

Blue  0 to 9 cases

Cant see the map? Click here

For county schools in the red zone, or highest level of transmission, virtual school is recommended for secondary students unless mitigation strategies exist. Elementary students can continue in a hybrid model.

The orange zone, or substantial transmission, means elementary and secondary students should learn in a hybrid system.

The blue and yellow zones, those with the lowest levels of infection, can operate with full in-person learning.

For all levels of transmission safety precautions are recommended, including masking, social distancing, hand-washing, ventilation and building cleaning, contact tracing and other mitigation strategies.

In Kent County, the seven-day average positivity rate for the second week in February was 4.3%, which is in the blue zone. The county reported 89 positive cases per 100,000 people, which is considered an orange zone. Using both metrics, students of all ages are recommended to have in-person school in a hybrid mode.

The Grand Rapids School District is surveying parents on their learning preference for next school year and working on plans for in-person and virtual options, Helmholdt said.

We recognize that were not going to be out of the woods here come the start of school this fall, he said.

Only four counties were in the lowest zone for both case counts and positivity rates during the second week of February: Schoolcraft, Chippewa, Leelanau, and Mackinac counties.

Among all counties, 44 are in the orange zone for case counts, according to the CDC guidelines. There are 11 counties in the red zone for case counts and three counties in the red for positivity rate.

Cant see the map? Click here

Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo school districts are among districts that remain completely virtual. Both districts could offer some form of in-person learning based on the new guidelines.

Kalamazoo currently plans to keep all students learning in virtual mode through the end of the semester.

In Kalamazoo County, the seven-day average positivity rate for the second week in February was 3.6%, which is in the blue zone. The county reported 51 positive cases per 100,000 people, which falls into the orange zone. Using both metrics, students of all ages are recommended to have in-person school in a hybrid mode.

KPS declined an interview to discuss the CDC guidelines and didnt provide a reason. However, district spokesperson Susan Coney said Superintendent Rita Raichoudhuri will provide more information to the community at the next school board meeting on Feb. 25.

Raichoudhuri said during her Feb. 11 announcement about third trimester plans that experts have said schools are not super spreaders for the vaccine and being away from school has a negative impact on students mental health.

The declining cases of COVID-19 in Kalamazoo also pointed toward the return to in-person learning, she said. But the presence of virus variants and the lack of vaccination supply for teachers moved the needle toward remaining virtual.

The new guidelines from the CDC say vaccinating all teachers is not necessary for a safe return to school.

The Ann Arbor Board of Education could vote on modifying the districts return to school plan at its Feb. 24 meeting. Superintendent Jeanice Swift will present a plan to allow instruction to remain virtual for the remainder of the academic year, with the exception of serving those with the greatest needs who would return to school by March 22.

The Washtenaw Superintendents Association recently issued a statement urging local, state and federal officials to increase vaccination supply for educators in the county.

If getting more students back to school is a priority, then vaccinating teachers must also be a priority,' according to the statement.

In Washtenaw County the second week of February, there were 139 cases per 100,000 people, which is considered in the red zone.

Unless caseloads drop more significantly in Michigan, most schools cant open five days a week and still be in harmony with CDC guidelines.

Also on MLive:

Mental health struggles are surging in Michigan families during the pandemic. Here are their stories.

The pandemics psychological toll on our children

Vaccination frustration: Washtenaw County has states lowest percentage of vaccinated teachers
Incompetent social workers exposed a little girl to danger from her murderous father with cannibal fantasies, a High Court judge has revealed.

Their bungling meant the foster home of the child, now aged three, could have been discovered by the father.

He had previously threatened that 'if he could not have the baby, then nobody else would'.

Incompetent social workers exposed a little girl to danger from her murderous father with cannibal fantasies, a High Court judge has revealed (Stock image)

But despite three years of mistakes, a list of 16 major failures and the risk to the public from the psychotic parent, the full facts are not being revealed.

Mrs Justice Roberts has decided that the names of the staff and the county council which employed them should stay secret.

The cover-up means the authority's incompetence and threat of revenge attacks by the father will be kept hidden from residents.

The judge said the man was psychotic, unstable, violent and had served long prison terms.

She also recorded an extraordinary list of those he posed a threat to, including his own parents, the general public, children, wildlife and people from different cultures or religions.

Mrs Justice Roberts added: 'His thought processes... have extended from the maiming of small animals to cannibalism.'

She said the man had 'significant' computer skills, was 'proficient' at hacking firewalls and had said that 'he would have the means to find the girl wherever she was placed'.

Her decision is the second within months in which a judge has used family court rules to protect a failed council and social workers from public exposure.

Such scandals are increasingly kept secret under new rules which say that naming the town or county where a child lives might lead to their identity becoming known.

Last year a High Court judge ruled that a council which allowed a paedophile access to vulnerable children should not be named.

Mr Justice Hayden later lifted the ban and the council was identified as Haringey, the north London borough involved in the 2007 Baby P child death scandal.

In the latest case, the danger from the father was disclosed in a High Court hearing in which Mrs Justice Roberts ruled the girl should be adopted by her foster parents.

They have cared for her since she was aged three months.

The biological mother and father are thought to be in an unnamed European country with a son born 13 months after their daughter. Mrs Justice Roberts said steps are being taken to 'recover' the boy.

She decided against the girl being adopted by relatives of her grandmother in the United States as she has known only her foster carers for most of her life.

The judge blamed the council for a 'dispiriting catalogue of failures' and listed 16 'issues' involving its social workers and lawyers.
Georgia opposition supporters were arrested in Tbilisi on Friday following skirmishes with police.

According to the Interior Ministry, 20 demonstrators were arrested when they tried to set up protest tents in front of the parliament to demand to snap parliamentary elections.

Later on Friday, police arrested another five demonstrators including members of political council of the opposition Lelo party.

Tensions have heated up in Georgia following the court decision on Wednesday to arrest Nika Melia, the chairman of the United National Movement opposition party.

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia announced his resignation on Thursday following a court ruling that ordered the arrest of the man who leads the ex-Soviet nation's top opposition party.

Gakharia said in a statement he was stepping down because of disagreements within his own team over the decision to arrest Melia.

A political crisis unfolded in Georgia after a parliamentary election in October, the results of which gave Georgia's ruling party the Georgian Dream a victory with 48% of the votes.

The biggest opposition alliance, led by the United National Movement, placed second with 27%.

The opposition has refused to recognise the results of the vote as valid and demanded a rerun.

Thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets in protest for days after the election.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla said on Sunday, February 21, that the vaccine producer has been asked to prioritise Covishield, the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine produced by SII, for Indians along with balancing the needs of the rest of the world. Taking to Twitter, Poonawalla appealed to countries and governments to be patient and assured that the coronavirus vaccine will be available to the rest of the world who are purchasing the AstraZeneca-Oxford doses from India.

"Dear countries & governments, as you await #COVISHIELD supplies, I humbly request you to please be patient, @SerumInstIndia has been directed to prioritise the huge needs of India and along with that balance the needs of the rest of the world. We are trying our best," Poonawalla said in a tweet.





Dear countries & governments, as you await #COVISHIELD supplies, I humbly request you to please be patient, @SerumInstIndia has been directed to prioritise the huge needs of India and along with that balance the needs of the rest of the world. We are trying our best. a Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) February 21, 2021

Last week, the United Nations hailed India for gifting two lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses to UN peacekeepers. A total of 121 nations are contributing uniformed personnel to the UN peacekeeping missions. India is traditionally among the largest troop-contributing countries to peacekeeping missions.

According to the Union Health Ministry, India is supplying COVID-19 vaccines to 40 countries. Between mid-January and the second week of February, India exported more than 1.6 crore doses to around 20 countries. Around 62.7 lakh doses or 37 per cent of the exports to friendly countries were gifts.

Health ministry data shows India will earn revenue of around 63 per cent from the shipment of COVID-19 vaccines, sent to countries like UAE, South Africa, Brazil, Egypt, Morocco, Bangladesh, Algeria and Kuwait. These countries together received more than one crore doses between January 25 and February 2.

Bangladesh purchased the most number of vaccines (around 50 lakh), followed by Brazil and Morocco (20 lakh each), South Africa (10 lakh doses), Kuwait and UAE (2 lakh each), and Egypt and Algeria (50,000 each).

Bangladesh also received the highest number of vaccines as gift from India with 20 lakh doses, followed by Myanmar with 15 lakh, Nepal with 10 lakh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan with 5 lakh each, Bhutan with 1.5 lakh, Maldives, Mauritius, Bahrain, Oman and Barbados with 1 lakh each, Dominica with 70,000 and Seychelles with 50,000 doses.Also read: India-China border row: What happened during 16-hour long military-level talks? Read here

Also read: Rebooting Economy 69: What do workers gain from growth and profits?
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Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Its nearly two months since turbulence erupted around China Huarong Asset Management Co.At the end of March, its 4% perpetual dollar bond was trading at 102 cents on the dollar as investors figured the January execution of former chairman Lai Xiaomin for bribery put a line under past wayward behavior. But the failure of the company to release 2020 results by a March 31 deadline, and a subsequent report by mainland media Caixin that the firm will restructure, sparked weeks of turmoil. The same bond is now at 57 cents.The heart of the matter is whether the central government will rescue a state-owned company thats integral to the smooth running of the financial system. While there are signs Beijing wants to ensure China Huarong can repay its debts on time, uncertainty prevails.Heres a look at the key events for China Huarong:May 28The company has wired funds to repay $978 million of notes maturing within the following week, according to Bloomberg News, the biggest bond payment since the 2020 results delay.May 27Liang Qiang, who currently heads another bad-debt manager, is on track to become president of China Huarong, reports Bloomberg News.May 24China Huarong dollar bonds climb after the managing editor of Caixin Media wrote in an opinion piece that the asset manager is nowhere near defaulting on its more than $20 billion of offshore notes.May 21Some of China Huarongs thinly traded onshore bonds slump after having held up better than the companys dollar-denominated notes, signaling broadening concern about the firms financial health.May 18China Huarong has transferred funds to repay a $300 million note maturing May 20, Bloomberg News reports, the first dollar bond to come due since the delayed 2020 results. Prices for the firms dollar bonds slump earlier in the day after the New York Times reports China is planning an overhaul that would inflict significant losses on both domestic and foreign China Huarong bondholders.May 17The company has reached funding agreements with state-owned banks to ensure it can repay debt through at least the end of August, by which time China Huarong aims to have completed its 2020 financial statements, according to a Bloomberg News report. That as at least two of its onshore bonds see big price declines in recent days, worrying some investors.May 13The firm says its prepared to make future bond payments and has seen no change in the level of government support, seeking to ease investor concerns after a local media report that regulators balked at China Hurarongs restructuring plan.May 6The company says it transferred funds to pay five offshore bond coupons due the following day, its latest move to meet debt obligations amid persistent doubts about its financial health.April 30China Huarong breaks its silence, with an executive telling media it is prepared to make its bond payments and state backing remains intact. The official also says the weeks rating downgrades have no factual basis and are too pessimistic.April 29Moodys Investor Service downgrades China Huarong by one notch to Baa1, adding the firm remains on watch for further downgrade. The cut reflects the companys weakened funding ability due to market volatility and increased uncertainty over its future, according to the statement.April 27China Huarong units repay bonds maturing that day. The S$600 million ($450 million) bond was repaid with funds provided by Chinas biggest state-owned bank, according to a Bloomberg News report.April 26Fitch Ratings downgrades China Huarong by three notches to BBB while dropping the companys perpetual bonds into junk territory. The lack of transparency over government support for the firm may hamper its ability to refinance debt in offshore markets, Fitch said.April 25China Huarong says it wont meet an April 30 deadline to file its 2020 report with Hong Kongs stock exchange because auditors needed more time to finalize a transaction the company first flagged on April 1. Securities and asset-management units said in the days before that they wouldnt release 2020 results by months end.April 22The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission asks lenders to extend China Huarongs upcoming loans by at least six months, according to REDD, citing two bankers from large Chinese commercial lenders.April 21China is considering a plan that would see its central bank assume more than 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) of China Huarong assets to help clean up the firms balance sheet, according to a Bloomberg News report. Peer China Cinda Asset Management Co. was said to be planning the sale of perpetual bonds in the second quarter.April 20China Huarongs key offshore financing unit says it returned to profitability in the first quarter and laid a solid foundation for transformation. Reorg Research reports that regulators are considering options including a debt restructuring of the unit, China Huarong International Holdings Ltd.April 19Huarong Securities Co. says it wired funds to repay a 2.5 billion yuan local note.April 16The CBIRC says China Huarongs operations are normal and that the firm has ample liquidity. These are the first official comments about the companys troubles. Reuters reports Chinese banks have been asked not to withhold loans to Huarong.April 13Fitch and Moodys both put the company on watch for downgrade. The finance ministry, which owns a majority of Huarong, is considering the transfer of its stake to a unit of the countrys sovereign wealth fund, Bloomberg News reports. Chinese officials signal they want failing local government financing vehicles to restructure or go bust if debts cant be repaid.April 9China Huarong says it has been making debt payments on time and its operations are normal. Bloomberg News reports the company intends to keep Huarong International as part of a potential overhaul that would avoid the need of a debt restructuring or government recapitalization. S&P Global Ratings puts China Huarongs credit ratings on watch for possible downgrade.April 8China Huarong is preparing to offload non-core and loss-making units as part of a broad plan to revive profitability that would avoid the need for a debt restructuring or government recapitalization, Bloomberg News reports.April 6Selling gains steam in China Huarongs dollar bonds, following a holiday in China. Huarong Securities says there has been no major change to its operations, in response to a price plunge for its 3 billion yuan local bond.April 1China Huarong announces a delay in releasing 2020 results, saying its auditor is unable to finalize a transaction. Stock trading is suspended and spreads jump on the firms dollar bonds while China Huarong tells investors its business is running as usual. Caixin reports the company submitted restructuring and other major reform plans to government officials and shareholders.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Randeep Guleria on Saturday said India's fight against faces its latest challenge in the wake of new strains emerging across the country.

The new variant, he told a news channel, can even cause re-infections in people who have developed anti-bodies to the virus.

While terming herd immunity for as a "myth" in India, Guleria said at least 80 per cent people need to have antibodies for the whole of the population to be protected.

Two leading experts recently contended that a new mutant strain was reportedly detected in Amravati, Yavatmal, and Akola, all in the Vidarbha region in the eastern part of the state.

They are Maharashtra Covid Task Force Member Dr Shashank Joshi and Director of Medical Education & Research Dr T.P. Lahane, both renowned medicos.

Lahane said that new (mutant) strains were seen in samples examined from these three districts but made it clear that more tests are required to check the potential infection hazards of the new coronavirus variant.

Joshi said that while the government is fully seized of it and probing it in detail, said some regions in the state are showing large cluster infections and lower death rate.

Besides Maharashtra, four more states -- Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Punjab -- have been witnessing a spike in numbers.

"India needs to go back to aggressive measures of testing, contact tracing and isolating infections," Guleria told NDTV.

While speaking at an event, Guleria said the vaccine is the only weapon available to gain immunity and help reduce mortality rate due to the infectious disease.

The government's vaccination plan depends on creating herd immunity by immunising a critical mass of people. In the first phase of vaccination, the government plans to immunise 3 crore health workers and frontline workers. After it will be the turn of 27 crore people who are above the age of 50 years or have co-morbidities.

"Vaccinating health care workers and front line workers is probably the easy part as far as Phase 1 is concerned as you know who needs to be vaccinated. The number is not that large.

"Once you start the process to vaccinate 27 crore individuals, in that scenario we must have a robust programme in place where you have the list of people to be vaccinated," Guleria said.

He further said: "We need to develop a mechanism where public and private sector actually start rolling out the vaccine at a large scale."

Guleria noted that there is an urgency to roll out the vaccine to a large number of people as there were dosages available due to some level of hesitancy in the healthcare and frontline workers.

"I personally feel we have a window of opportunity available now because our cases are down, but this window can change anytime as we have seen in various parts of the world, specially with new variants coming up from different countries.

"So we should not lose this moment and try to vaccinate a large number of our citizens which will be able to provide some level of protection as far as COVID-19 is concerned," he said.

When asked if the COVID-19 vaccines in India be effective against the new strain, Dr Guleria said the vaccines will be effective, but their efficacy might be less. For example, people might not be able to avoid getting the disease, but they will have a mild version of it.

Regular surveillance data is the key to knowing if vaccines need to be modified to fight the new variant strains. In the coming months, there could be changes made to the vaccines.

India reported 14,264 new cases in the last 24 hours on Sunday with the overall tally mounted to 1,09,91,651, health officials said on Sunday, indicating increase in the cases for fifth straight day.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that there were 90 more Covid-19 fatalities, taking the overall toll to 1,56,302.

In the past one month, the country has been recording less than 15,000 new infections daily with the toll not going over the 200-mark.

However, in the past few days the coronavirus cases in various parts of the country suddenly showed a spike.

On Saturday, 13,993 cases were reported, on February 19, the count of new cases was 13,193, on February 18 it was 12,881, on February 17 it was 11,610, on February 16 the number was 9,121 and February 15 had 11,649 cases.

Earlier, the health ministry officials said that the average daily new infections for the last 15 days were oscillating between 9,000 to 12,000 while the deaths were between 78 to 120.

On February 9, India had reported 9,110 new cases, the lowest this year so far. Last year, the lowest 9,633 cases were recorded on June 3.

As per the Ministry's data, there are 1,45,634 active cases at present after 11,667 patients were discharged in a day. Till now, 1,06,89,715 persons have been discharged so far.

The recovery rate has remained to 97.27 per cent, while the fatality rate is down to 1.42 per cent.

The ministry also informed that 6,70,050 samples were tested on Saturday. The cumulative tests done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) so far stands at 21,09,31,530.

Meanwhile, 1,10,85,173 doses of corona vaccine have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval for 'Covishield' and 'Covaxin'.
5.05pm Update: One person has died following a car and motorcycle crash in Arataki.

Police were alerted to the crash at the intersection of Exeter St and Eversham Rd at around 2.18pm.

"The motorcyclist was transported to hospital where they sadly later died," says a Police spokesperson.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

3pm Update: Emergency services are responding to a crash involving a car and a motorcyle at the intersection of Exeter St and Eversham Rd in Arataki.

The crash occurred about 2.15pm.

"It appears one person has been injured," says a Police spokesperson.

St Johns Ambulance service has taken the motorcyclist to Tauranga Hospital.

"The Serious Crash Unit has been notified."

Earlier, 2.30pm: A caller to SunLive reports that there has been a vehicle crash in Arataki.

"Just letting you know that it is best to stay away from Gloucester Street and Eversham Road at the moment, because there's been a crash between a motorcycle and a car," says the SunLive reader.

Emergency services are at the scene.

It is unknown at this stage whether there have been any injuries.



SunLive will update this once more information becomes available.

At the scene? Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz

ECU Honors College student Nainika Nandigama helps second grader Jaleyah Stocks create an art project at the ECU Community School on Feb. 8. | Photos: Cliff Hollis

ECU Honors College student Victoria Chan shows an example of turning a 2D line into a 3D object to second grade students at the ECU Community School on Feb. 8.

This post appears here courtesy of ECU News Services . The author of this post is Kristen Martin Community is integral to East Carolina University Honors College students. This applies not only to their classmates but also to the larger Greenville community.After a successful book fundraiser in the fall, honors students wanted to build a partnership with the ECU Community School . Students from the Honors College Student Council and EC Scholars Roundtable met with Tracy Cole, the ECU Community School principal, to determine how they could best volunteer their time to meet the needs of the school.said Victoria Chan, a senior EC Scholar double majoring in public health and psychology.The students were excited to implement ideas such as art sessions. Chan, a self-taught artist, worked with fellow honors student Nainika Nandigama to create sessions that were age-appropriate and fun for the students. Their first sessions focused on different types of lines and how to create 2D and 3D lines. Kindergartners completed a "Crazy Hair Day" activity where they created colorful hair with different lines, while first grade students created 3D paper sculptures with strips of paper.Chan said.The Community School students enjoyed the art sessions, according to Cole. Through the session, they were attentive and focused  afterwards, they spoke about how much they enjoyed them and asked repeatedly when Chan and Nandigama would return.Cole said.Honors students supplied all of the art materials and made sure to keep their visits as safe and COVID-19 conscious as possible by wearing face masks, washing hands before and after the sessions, and providing individual kits for each student.Being able to provide an artistic outlet for young children is important to Chan. Her parents emphasized the importance of art and music throughout her childhood and it has inspired her personal, professional and academic growth over the years.she said.Nandigama agreed with Chan and emphasized art's importance.Nandigama said.Honors College students will continue their partnership with the Community School throughout the semester. In March, they will help ready the garden for planting, and they are raising money through a virtual 5K to fill the school's pantry.said Dr. Diane Majewski, Honors College director of programming and special projects.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/21/2021



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[ Spoilers Warning: This report includes spoilers that reveal if Rebecca and Zied are still together or if the couple has broken up.]

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So are Rebecca and Zied still together now or did the couple split up?

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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.

star Rebecca Parrott has been shown jealous of the attention Zied Hakimi is receiving on Season 8, so did the couple's relationship fall apart? Did Zied and Rebecca get married and are they still together, or do the latest spoilers reveal they have split?Rebecca was a 47-year-old private investigator when she fell hard and fast for Zied, a then-26 year old from Tunisia whom she had met online.Zied and Rebecca, who has three kids and was previously married three times, first starred on Season 3 of : Before the 90 Days.Rebecca confessed her first two marriages were with "average, run-of-the-mill American men" and her third marriage turned out to be a disaster because the Moroccan man -- whom she had brought to America on a spousal visa -- became too jealous and controlling once he arrived in the United States.Rebecca was certain, however, her romance with Zied would be different and last forever.Rebecca therefore traveled over 15 hours to Tunisia with the goal of getting engaged to Zied, but her third divorce had yet to be finalized. (Rebecca hadn't filed the paperwork although both she and her ex signed the papers).Rebecca and Zied's time together was pretty great overall, but Rebecca had to learn that Zied wasn't using her for money, and Zied had to come to grips with the fact Rebecca was still technically married and once had a relationship with a woman.Zied's family would never approve of Rebecca's same-sex relationship, but Zied said he still loved Rebecca more than anything and wanted to be with her forever.As a result, Zied proposed marriage to Rebecca during a romantic picnic in the Sahara Desert.Rebecca thought the marriage proposal was "perfect," and then she returned to America and filed for the K-1 visa.Rebecca pointed out there were no red flags with Zied, who also insisted he wanted to work in the United States and was already making his own money.On the premiere of 's eighth season, Rebecca was working hard to make and save money by managing a local fast-food restaurant, but she was still waiting for the K-1 visa to be approved.Zied had to prove in his final interview that he was in his relationship with Rebecca for the right reasons."It was a very difficult decision for me to take the risk and do this again, and if it turns out that I'm wrong about Zied, I don't know if I'll ever trust my judgment again or be able to be in a relationship again," Rebecca shared.It then became time for Zied's K-1 visa interview, but first, Rebecca went shopping for a game system so Zied could play video games while she's at work in America.After Zied's K-1 visa interview, Zied FaceTimed with Rebecca and revealed his passport had been taken away and no one told him whether he had been approved for the visa. Zied said he was asked many questions and told to return for his passport about a week later.Rebecca was in shock and didn't know what this meant, but in the end, Zied's K-1 visa was approved -- and Rebecca was absolutely ecstatic.This moment was the culmination of two years of paperwork and phone calls and being patient. Rebecca said it finally felt real that she and Zied were going to become a family and would be able to see each other every single day.Rebecca wondered how Zied would mesh with her family and friends, but the next step was moving into a new place so Zied would have a home once he arrived in the United States.Zied was then shown buying Rebecca a nice bracelet. He had saved money that would apparently last him in America for a few months and wanted to show Rebecca how much he loved her.Zied's parents hoped for a better life for Zied, but they were upset Rebecca is not Arabic and doesn't share their religious views.Zied's father asked Zied to stay connected with him and try his best to succeed and be happy, but the whole family was sad about being split up.Rebecca was then shown moving into a new apartment -- with seemingly only a bed and some dishes -- and she worried Zied wouldn't be happy once he found out she had previously lived in the same apartment building with her Moroccan ex-husband.Rebecca said she couldn't wait to cook for Zied and make him happy.Zied had a tough time saying goodbye to his family at the airport because he said they mean the world to him, and he admitted he was "so nervous" about starting a new life in America -- although it would probably be a better life.It had been a little over a year since Rebecca was able to kiss or touch Zied, and she was shown getting ready to pick Zied up at the airport in the United States.Tiffany had never met Zied in person, so she wanted to take the same car as Rebecca and Zied to and from the airport, which rubbed Rebecca the wrong way because she was getting the feeling Tiffany and Micah wanted to act as chaperones.Tiffany and Micah said they wanted to get to know Zied better and try to find out his true intentions. But this isn't the type of energy Rebecca wanted in the car since she had been waiting for this day to see Zied for 13 months.Rebecca wanted her reunion with Zied to go perfectly, and when Zied finally arrived, the couple hugged tight and she said he smelled and looked so good. Zied told Rebecca that he missed her so much and was so happy to be with her again."We've been through this before, where she's met foreign men who are half her age pretty much, and it just always goes bad," Tiffany complained. "It's like she's a love-sick teenager. But we still don't know his intentions."Tiffany and Micah then asked Zied what he planned to do for work in the United States, which rubbed Rebecca the wrong way since it was only Zied's first day in America.Zied said he couldn't work for six months after getting married but he definitely planned to get a job. Rebecca said Zied is certified in plumbing repair but would be open to pretty much anything, and Rebecca asked her daughter to just trust her.Once Zied saw the apartment in which he'd be living, he thought it was nice but noticed there was no furniture yet. He seemed very quiet around his fiancee."Zied doesn't really seem like himself right now, maybe it was leaving his family and friends or maybe it was the third degree he got from Tiffany and Micah," Rebecca explained in a confessional.Rebecca acknowledged that Zied didn't seem happy, but he insisted that he was just tired and needed to shower and get some rest. She could tell Zied was off and hoped he wasn't second-guessing his decision.During Zied's first morning in America, he said he was so happy to be with her. Rebecca wished she didn't have to go to work, but she had to make money to support him during his stay in America.Zied could feel the distance from his family and said it made him feel very sad, but he could tell Rebecca was doing everything possible to make him feel comfortable, including shopping for groceries.Zied also gave Rebecca the bracelet he had purchased for her in Tunisia."Zied is absolutely the most romantic, thoughtful and caring man I've ever been in a relationship with. He surprises me constantly!" Rebecca gushed.Zied already wanted to visit his family soon, but Rebecca said he'd probably have to wait a year due to his paperwork. Zied was clearly struggling to adjust to life in the United States without his loved ones."I want to feel like Zied is ready to be my husband and build a life here with me. As homesick as he is, if Zied isn't happy here, I don't know if this marriage will even happen," Rebecca shared.Rebecca's good friend Melanie then showed up at the apartment to meet Zied in person. Melanie had once done a background check on Zied, so Zied was feeling uneasy about the meeting.Melanie said she was prepared to "ask the hard questions," including what Zied did while Rebecca worked all day. Melanie said Zied could work in many different businesses nearby rather than sit at home all day, but Rebecca said he couldn't work until they filed for him to be a legal immigrant.Melanie admitted there were similarities between Zied and Rebecca's ex who had crushed her heart, but Rebecca snapped that Zied is a different man and their relationship was totally different."Didn't you and your ex live right down the hall?" Melanie asked Rebecca."What?!" Zied asked in surprise.Rebecca apologized to Zied and insisted their situation was different from what she had with her ex."The same home. I hate this," Zied admitted. "She is my fiancee now. Of course that makes me jealous -- any man in the world [would be]. But I don't like to see Rebecca upset [and cry]."Zied therefore comforted Rebecca, and Melanie insisted that she just wanted to see her friend happy and in a good place after she had gone through a brutal divorce.Zied said he was tired of people talking about Rebecca's ex and comparing him to the ex. Zied told Melanie that he didn't care about Rebecca's Moroccan ex and the fact Rebecca had stayed with him in the same apartment building.Rebecca asked Melanie to trust her, saying that Zied is a wonderful man.Rebecca said Melanie was borderline disrespectful to Zied but she was just thankful Zied had handled the situation so well.Rebecca insisted she didn't have anything to prove to anyone except for her fiance, but Melanie -- a private investigator -- said she was going to continue looking for red flags and would need the full 90 days to come to a conclusion about Zied's intentions.Rebecca said if her family and friends continued to treat Zied like her Moroccan ex, it would surely change their relationship dynamic at some point.In the first few days of Zied's time in the U.S., Rebecca was trying to make Zied laugh and show him a good time.Zied and Rebecca then went out to dinner with Tiffany, Tiffany's friend Hannah, and Tiffany's fiance Micah, who still wasn't sure if Zied was "playing" them.Zied revealed the biggest difference for him in America was that people aren't allowed to kiss in public in Tunisia and would go to jail for a public display of affection.Rebecca said she felt a bit uncomfortable Hannah, "a young and hot blonde" was at the dinner table and seemed so interested in Zied. Hannah even offered to help Zied move his things with her truck, which rubbed Rebecca the wrong way.Rebecca explained Zied's culture wouldn't allow a pretty, young single woman to be at his apartment, but Tiffany believed Hannah was just trying to be genuinely helpful and Rebecca was showing she was jealous and insecure.Rebecca warned Zied that women in America are not the same as the women in Tunisia.In the trailer for what's to come on Season 8 of , Zied tells Rebecca he's not going to stay with her if she doesn't agree to marry him in the United States before Ramadan."Zied seems dead set about getting married as quickly as possible," Rebecca tells the camera, "and it's making me question his motives."Rebecca and her ex-husband from Morocco finalized their divorce on July 9, 2019, according to divorce documents obtained by In Touch Weekly.According to Rebecca, Zied's visa was approved less than four months after they applied for it, which was a short period of time considering they both anticipated it could take anywhere from six months to a year.Rebecca told Us Weekly in a late December interview the K-1 visa process "wasn't too bad" after all."We were very fortunate at that time... He got here and within two days, COVID hit and everything was locked down. So we just [got him to America] under the wire," Rebecca said.Rebecca and Zied reportedly obtained their marriage license on April 14, 2020.Rebecca and Zied exchanged vows and got married in Lumpkin County, GA, on April 19, 2020, according to a representative from the Probate Court in Cherokee County, In Touch reported.Zied is therefore now a married man seemingly living with Rebecca in Canton, GA.Although Zied wouldn't confirm whether he was in the United States this past summer, it was apparent he and Rebecca were still going strong in June.On June 10, Rebecca posted a photo of Zied on Instagram and added the following hashtags to her post: "sexy" and "mine."And on July 16, Rebecca shared a picture of Zied lying in bed on a pink pillow."#sexyaf #mine #rebeccaandzied #90dayfiance @tlc_90day_zied I love you more than all the sand in the Sahara," Rebecca wrote with many heart and kissing emojis.Rebecca later gushed about Zied in mid-August by posting a photo of the couple on Instagram with "I love you forever" written across the image."I love you so much @tlc_90day_zied. Thank you for making every day of my life since April 24, 2018, happy and so full of hope for the future," Rebecca captioned her post."I'm so thankful I found you. You are the extraordinary, crazy kind of love that only happens once in a lifetime. I'll spend the rest of my life making you happy. Wallah #90dayfiance #rebeccaandzied #mylove."Zied also spilled a spoiler on October 15 that he and Rebecca were still happy and in love.Zied posted a photo of Rebecca kissing him on the cheek when they were both wearing winter hats."I love you so much my love @tlc_90day_rebecca #tlc #90dayfiance #rebeccaandzied," he wrote alongside the picture with numerous heart-eyes emoticons.Rebecca then replied in the comments section, "Babyyy I love you more. Mahboulla bik habibii."Zied and Rebecca's main Instagram photos also feature one another.But Rebecca admitted Zied didn't adjust well to life in America at first."He's never been married before. He's never been in a long-term relationship before. He's never been to another country before... He basically said, 'This is not what I thought it was going to be,' and he was very unhappy," Rebecca shared with Us in her December interview."He missed his family and it was really hard. It was a struggle."Rebecca also said "a rather large argument" made matters worse when Zied and Rebecca were trying to adjust to life together in America shortly after Zied's arrival."I know if I were going to Tunisia and I was going to live there, I would have something in my head of what [to expect]," Rebecca said."I don't know what it would be, but I guarantee you sitting in quarantine wouldn't have crossed my mind. That's not something that's in your toolbox to consider."Rebecca noted Zied just sat around and couldn't drive or go anywhere, and she admitted life didn't get any easier in subsequent months after Zied's big move."If I were in any -- literally almost any -- other field of work, this would have been a blessing in disguise," Rebecca told Us, referencing how she manages a fast-food restaurant."Can you imagine [if] I would have gotten the stimulus checks and probably gotten unemployment to stay home? We would have thought it was written just for us. We would have gotten to stay together, like, 'This is amazing!' Or we would have killed each other, I don't know."Rebecca continued, "But you know, because of my job, it was just the worst possible scenario. So it wasn't the best... It was really bad."Rebecca had been hoping to travel with Zied -- including stops in Miami and New York -- before the coronavirus pandemic, and so she said life recently has been "a bit of a letdown."More recently, Zied dropped huge hints he is still living in the United States, presumably with Rebecca, in January 2021 Instagram posts.Zied posted a slideshow of images with his family at the airport in early January and captioned them, "I want to say to my mother, father, sister, family and friends @ssen10 @khalilaymen3 and the other goodbye. I promise to come back to see you soon .. I love you all very much .. #90dayfiance #rebeccaandzied #tlc."Saying he'll "come back" to see his family in Tunisia "soon" indicates he still resides in America.On January 13, 2021, Rebecca wished Zied a happy birthday on Instagram by posting a photo of the two of them."Happy Birthday @tlc_90day_zied I hope you have a wonderful day full of all the blessings you deserve," Rebecca wrote, along with a heart. "#rebeccaandzied #90dayfiance #happybirthday #tlc."On January 18, Rebecca posted an entire slideshow featuring sweet and affectionate photos of Zied and herself, with many of them apparently having been taken in the United States.Zied also took to Instagram in late January with a seemingly-recent picture of Rebecca and himself wearing cowboy hats.And in February, Rebecca posted on Instagram suggesting she and Zied remain a team against haters and skeptics."I'm so fortunate that [Zied] has been so patient with all the comparisons to you-know-[who] from everyone around me. To everyone who has been telling me I should've stuck up for him, I actually did, it just wasn't shown," Rebecca captioned a video of her friend Melanie calling Rebecca out for having lived in the same apartment complex with her ex-husband."And that's okay. I appreciate the many messages I have received since last night. Also please remember I had a tough time meeting his friends and family as well. Everything will work itself out, one way or another.""Ultimately, we knew our relationship would face a lot of tests," she continued."It's how we handle these tests that will determine if we make it or not. But I really wish it were easier for Zied. No matter what, he does not deserve to be compared to anyone else. We really appreciate everyone's support. Thank you."In fact, Rebecca revealed on 90 Day Bares All she is no longer friends with Melanie and will never forgive her for telling Zied about the apartment building.In mid-February, Rebecca posted a photo of herself wearing an apron that reads, "I [love] you like Zied [love]s Rebecca.""Y'all when I saw this, I literally got tears in my eyes!! One of my wonderful followers on Facebook sent this to me. She had this made as a Valentine's Day gift," Rebecca gushed in the caption."Tame Nunes Tess, you made my day! I hope your hubby loves it! Happy Valentine's Day to you both #valentines #love #90dayfiance #rebeccaandzied #90dayfiancefansarethebest."Around that same time, Zied posted a video montage featuring Rebecca and himself for Rebecca's birthday. He wished Rebecca a "happy birthday" and clearly appears to still be smitten with her.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!


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A 14-month-old boy is fighting for life after being hit by a neighbour's ute outside his house.

The the child was hit on a suburban street in Maddington, in Perth's southeast, about 10.30am on Saturday.

The toddler was rushed by family to Armidale Hospital before being transferred to Perth Children's hospital in a critical condition.

The incident happened on a suburban street in Maddington, in Perth's southeast, at about 10.30am on Saturday

The boy is believed to have been hit by this ute outside his home in Perth

Later that night his condition was downgraded to serious but stable.

'It's extremely tragic and we're all deeply distressed. We're deeply distressed. We feel deeply for the family,' a neighbour told 7NEWS.

'We feel deeply for the family and we'd like them to know that the whole street's behind them,' another nearby resident told Nine News.

The West Australian Police cordoned off the street to gather evidence and speak to witnesses.

It's understood a woman is helping the police with their inquiries. No charges have been laid yet.
Dr. Anthony Fauci has warned Americans could be wearing masks into 2022 as he said the harsh winter storms experienced across the country this week delayed the distribution of six million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The White House chief medical adviser told NBC Sunday: 'The number was 6 million doses got delayed.'

But the nation's top infectious disease expert said Sunday it was only a 'temporary setback', adding: 'We can play pretty good catch-up. We've gotten two million out, and we project that by the middle of the week, we will have caught up.'

Bad weather in the south and north east earlier this week snarled vaccine deliveries and forced the cancellation of countless shots around the country. The CDC admitted 'widespread delays in Covid-19 vaccine shipments and deliveries'.

Across a large swath of the nation, including Texas, Georgia and Alabama, the snowy, slippery weather either led to the closing of vaccination sites outright or held up the necessary shipments, with delays expected to continue for days.

President Joe Biden is trying to accelerate the campaign to vaccinate most American adults as local governments clamor for more doses to prevent the highly contagious illness that has claimed nearly 500,000 lives in the United States.

Asked if Americans should expect to still be wearing masks into next year, Fauci told CNN: 'I think it is possible that that's the case,' adding that it depended on the level of the virus in communities and potential virus variants.

'Obviously, I think we are going to have a significant degree of normality beyond the terrible burden that all of us have been through over the last year,' Fauci said.

He told Fox News the US will have 600 million coronavirus vaccine doses by July. 'By July we will have enough, we will have the 600 million doses that we contracted for,' he added.

The US has administered 57 million doses of the COVID shot; 41 million people have had their first vaccine, 16 million are fully vaccinated.

The sudden halt to the vaccination drive comes as daily figures for Saturday show the number of people in hospital with the coronavirus continuing to fall with 58,000 recorded. It is the lowest number in more than three-and-a-half months.

There were 2,074 daily deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. The levels are now similar to those that were seen before the virus surges of last spring and summer.

While daily infection rates are coming down dramatically, thousands of Americans still die every day from the virus, and less than 15% of the U.S. population has been vaccinated against it

Dr. Anthony Fauci has said the harsh winter storms experienced across the country this week delayed the distribution of six million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine

The US has administered 57 million doses of the COVID shot; 41 million people have had their first vaccine, 16 million are fully vaccinated

The icy blast across much of the U.S. this week injected more confusion and frustration into the nation's COVID-19 vaccination drive.

In Texas, health officials said that more than 100,000 first doses and 300,000 second doses that were supposed to be delivered this week were still waiting to be shipped to the state.

The missed doses are expected to arrive during the first half of next week.

In Houston, some vaccination sites reopened at the end of this week. A new mass FEMA vaccination site at NRG Park in the city promises to vaccinate 42,000 people a week.

Across a large swath of the nation, including Texas, Georgia and Alabama, the snowy, slippery weather either led to the closing of vaccination sites outright or held up the necessary shipments, with delays expected to continue for days

People with appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine wait outside the Westchester County Center in White Plains, N.Y. Wednesday. New York City was on Saturday approaching a dramatic slowdown in its vaccination rollout with just 1,000 doses on hand after snowstorms caused shipments of vaccine to be delayed.

New York City was on Saturday approaching a dramatic slowdown in its vaccination rollout with just 1,000 doses on hand after snowstorms caused shipments of vaccine to be delayed.

'Delayed shipments have put our entire vaccination effort at a standstill. As of this morning, New York City has fewer than 1,000 first doses remaining on-hand,' Avery Cohen, a spokeswoman for Mayor Bill de Blasio, wrote on Twitter.

It has led to local officials pleading with vaccination sites to extend their operating hours and cram in additional appointments.

When it comes to the vaccine effort, on Friday, New York City mayor Bill De Blasio explained that New York City had to delay the scheduling of up to 35,000 appointments for people's first dose because of the shortage.

Those whose appointments were not cancelled over the weekend have still been able to receive their shots.

New York State is also scheduling appointments for new mass vaccination sites that opened in Brooklyn and Queens on Wednesday in a partnership with FEMA according to the New York Times.

State officials said that they had received 40 percent of their vaccine allocation for the week, and that they expected the remainder would be distributed on Sunday.

The main reason for the slowdown came after the bad weather halted two key vaccine shipping hubs: the FedEx center in Memphis and a similar site ran by UPS in Louisville, Kentucky through which the batches pass through.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency noted that 2,000 other vaccine sites have been in areas that have suffered power outages.

One public health expert said the delays were unacceptable.

'Having vaccine centers take snow days is just going to back things up more than they already are,' said Dr. Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. 'The virus doesn't take snow days.'

Adalja said people in charge of vaccination efforts must find ways to be more resilient to weather, 'just like mailmen can deliver the mail through sleet or snow.' He suggested clinics use better contingency plans. The goal, he said, must be 'a continuous assembly line of vaccines going into people's arms.'

The sudden halt to the vaccination drive comes as daily figures for Saturday show the number of people in hospital with the coronavirus continuing to fall with 58,000 recorded. It is the lowest number in more than three-and-a-half months

There were 2,074 daily deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. The levels are now similar to those that were seen before the virus surges of last spring and summer

Jo Dohogne of Bartlett, Tennessee, said she scheduled two appointments this week to receive her second dose of the Moderna vaccine, but both were canceled because of poor weather.

Dohogne, 75, who has multiple sclerosis, said she felt left in the lurch as the six-week mark for her second dose approached following her first vaccination on Jan. 14.

'I'm just stressed  it's just like this is taking up my entire life,' Dohogne said.

In Washington, White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said that in places where vaccination venues have been closed, like Texas, the government is encouraging sites to increase their hours once they are open.

'We want to make sure that as we've lost some time in some states for people to get needles in arms, that our partners do all they can to make up that lost ground,' he said.

In southern Nevada, officials reported that the winter storms had delayed a shipment of Moderna vaccines scheduled to be administered as second doses this week.

The U.S. is vaccinating an average of 1.7 million Americans per day against COVID-19, up from under 1 million a month ago. New figures from the White House show a steady increase in the pace of vaccinations over President Joe Biden's first month in office.

After the first Covid-19 death was announced in the US in February 2020 it took about three months to pass the 100,000 mark, during a first wave that hit New York particularly hard.

But as the outbreak grew in the United States the pace of deaths increased, with the toll jumping from 400,000 in just over a month amid a spike fueled in part by holiday gatherings.

'It's terrible. It is historic. We haven't seen anything even close to this for well over a hundred years, since the 1918 pandemic of influenza,' Anthony Fauci, chief medical advisor to US President Joe Biden, said on NBC's 'Meet The Press.'

'It's something that is stunning when you look at the numbers, almost unbelievable, but it's true,' he added, as the toll on the Johns Hopkins University tracking website stood at 497,600.
A survey conducted by community social media platform LocalCircles has revealed that 51 per cent of the respondents are cutting down their expenses or dipping into their savings to cope with increasing petrol and diesel prices. Among them, 21 per cent are even reducing their spending on essentials like tomato, potato, onions, rice, wheat and pulses. Majority of the respondents want COVID related cess on fuel to be withdrawn, and state taxes on petrol and diesel cut. The survey received more than 22,000 responses from citizens located in over 291 districts of the country.

To the question on how people are coping with the rising petrol and diesel prices, 3 per cent said they have some extra savings because of lower discretionary spending in the last 12 months, while 1 per cent had "some reserve funds due to extra earnings in the last 12 months". While 14 per cent of respondent said they are "using savings to pay for it", 16 per cent said they are "cutting discretionary spending". Another 21 per cent said they are "cutting spending on essentials and it is painful".

Asked about the actions central and state governments need to take, 79 per cent of the respondents wanted the state governments to reduce the tax on fuel. Among the respondents, 32 per cent preferred "an absolute value of VAT instead of a percentage of base price", while 47 per cent wanted reduction in VAT rates. Only 8 per cent voted for "nothing, the current VAT model is fine". On the Central government's May 2020 decision to increase excise duty on petrol by Rs 10 per litre and diesel by Rs 13 per litre in the form of excise duty and road infrastructure cess to shore up falling revenues, 59 per cent preferred full reversal of duties. Another 30 wanted atleast 50 per cent of the amount reversed. There were also 11 per cent citizens who said that it "should not be reversed at all".

Of the respondents, 68 per cent were men while 32 per cent respondents were women. While 44 per cent respondents were from tier 1 cities, 29 per cent were from tier 2 cities. The rest were from tier 3, 4 cities and rural districts.

LocalCircles study was meant to understand how people of India are coping with the skyrocketing price rise of petrol and diesel in the last 12 months and what should be done by the government, both centre and state, to provide immediate relief to citizens.
Pontiff visits Edith Bruck at her home in Rome.

Pope Francis paid a visit to the Rome home of Edith Bruck, a Holocaust survivor and writer aged almost 90, on the afternoon of 20 February.

Bruck, who has spent most of her adult life in Italy, was born into a poor Jewish family in rural Hungary in 1931.

At the age of 12 she and her family were deported to Auschwitz, and then to other extermination camps: Dachau, Christianstadt, Bergen-Belsen.

In 1945 she was freed by the Allies along with one sister and one brother. Her parents and another brother did not survive the concentration camps.

"I have come here to thank you for your testimony and to pay homage to the people martyred by the insanity of Nazi populism," Pope Francis told her.

Pope Francis with Edith Bruck in Rome

The Vatican said the private visit saw the pontiff and Bruck retrace the moments of light in the hell of the camps along with the importance of memory and the role of the elderly, as well as the fears and hopes of current times.

Pope Francis decided to visit Bruck, who settled in Rome in 1954, after reading her moving testimony in a recent interview with Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano.

Bruck has dedicated her life to bearing witness to what she saw, reports Vatican News, after being asked to do so by two strangers at Bergen-Belsen.

"Tell the story. They will not believe you. But if you survive, tell the story, for us too."
No leadership change, BS Yediyurappa will complete term as CM: Karnataka BJP chief

Time for introspection: Shiv Sena on 7 years of Modi govt

PM Modi inaugurates a meeting of BJP national office bearers at NDMC convention centre

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated a meeting of the BJP national office bearers at the NDMC convention centre. The meeting will be chaired by party president JP Nadda.

PM will also address the BJP national office bearers.

Ahead of today's meeting, BJP president JP Nadda chaired meetings of the party's national general secretaries and also general secretaries (organisation) of states.

The meeting, which will also be attended by state unit presidents, assumes significance as it comes amid fierce protests by a section of farmers in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh against the three new farm laws.

Jo Whiley has said it couldnt be crueller that her sister, who has learning difficulties and diabetes, was offered the vaccine after she was already fighting for her life with Covid.

The broadcaster, 55, said it has been the worst week of our lives after her sister, Frances, 53, had become very ill since testing positive following an outbreak at her care home in Northamptonshire, and it has been difficult to treat her because of her complex needs.

Whiley has previously questioned why she was offered the vaccine before her sister, who has the rare Cri du Chat genetic syndrome.

She told BBCs The Andrew Marr Show: I have no idea why I was offered the vaccine and my sister wasnt; it felt like the cruellest twist in the world because Ive been asking for her, wanting for her to have her vaccine for a year, to be honest with you, to be protected.

Then, for me to suddenly get a call to say that Ive got the vaccine, it just felt hideously unfair and she was actually called in for her vaccine last night, my mum got a message to say that she could get vaccinated, but its too late, shes fighting for her life in hospital.

It couldnt be crueller.

She added: Its been the worst week of our lives, without a shadow of a doubt.

Jo Whiley: "It's been the worst week of our lives"



She tells #Marr it's the "cruellest twist in the world" that she was offered a Covid vaccine before her disabled sister, who is in hospital with coronavirus "fighting for her life"https://t.co/0GHNAEnDdq pic.twitter.com/js2IlDPp5Q  BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) February 21, 2021

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Twenty-four hours ago we were talking palliative care and yesterday she rallied round and we are seeing her oxygen levels rise, so at the moment we have got hope.

Twenty-four hours ago we didnt have any hope at all, so she is an amazing fighter, she always has been a great fighter and Im just hoping that her spirit gets her through.

Whiley told Marr it has been absolutely awful and her parents have not slept for days, but fortunately have been allowed to be with Frances in hospital.

She said: The idea of Frances having to do this on her own is unthinkable and also actually people couldnt cope with Frances.

When she was admitted to hospital she was so terrified that she actually rampaged through the hospital and people couldnt contain her and security guards had to be involved, they had to restrain her.

The fact that my mum was there and was able to talk her down and to be there with her and to try and give her oxygen was crucial.

Whiley said it is particularly difficult to treat people with complex needs because they often do not understand what is going on and cannot communicate.

She said Frances was so frightened that she would not allow medical staff to give her oxygen, adding: That is why her oxygen levels plummeted, that is why she ended up fighting for her life, because you couldnt do the most basic simple thing that you would do to try and get somebody through Covid, and we were at our wits end.

#Marr asks Health Secretary Matt Hancock why Jo Whiley was offered a Covid vaccine before her sister, who has a genetic illness and learning disabilitieshttps://t.co/7MmEcui7Xd pic.twitter.com/GsSQCZASxg  BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) February 21, 2021

She continued: The medical professionals, who were doing an amazing job, just arent equipped because its all so new, they dont know how people with a learning disability are going to react in this situation, which is why it makes such sense to just get them vaccinated as quickly as you possibly can.

Take away that problem, take away the burden on the NHS, just stop these people coming into hospital, who are absolutely petrified, quite often they cant communicate.

They are terrified, they dont know what is going on, they have no comprehension of what Covid is and what is happening to them, and they are there bewildered in a hospital.

Just dont put them through that, stop everybody having to go through that whole experience, just keep them safe and protect these people because they are so precious, they are so vulnerable, and we should have looked after them a long time ago.

We should have been doing more for these people who have no way of helping themselves, they are just wholly reliant on us.

Asked about Whileys situation on the show, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: My heart goes out to Jo and to her sister and her whole family.

He added it was such a difficult situation.

Thank you @jowhiley for speaking so passionately about your sister Francesas experience.



All people with a #LearningDisability must be prioritised for the vaccine now.



We hope Frances makes a full recovery soon.https://t.co/rMwNtQ1CUs  Mencap (@mencap_charity) February 21, 2021

Edel Harris, chief executive of the learning disability charity Mencap, said: People with a learning disability are six times more likely to die from Covid-19 than the rest of the population, yet those with a mild or moderate learning disability arent prioritised at all.

We urge the Government to include everyone with a learning disability in group 6 urgently  it is not too late.

Its unacceptable that, within a group of people hit so hard by the pandemic, and who even before Covid died on average over 20 years younger than the general population, many are left feeling scared and wondering why they have been left out.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and Government must act now to help save the lives of some of societys most vulnerable people by urgently prioritising all people with a learning disability for the vaccine.
Lord Bilimoria is president of the CBI and the founder of Cobra Beer

Sixteen million people in the UK will have now received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. Thats an astonishing achievement from a standing start and gives real hope that the worst of this pandemic will begin to recede.

The prospect of protection for our elderly and most vulnerable is something we can all be thankful for and the Government, alongside our tireless army of vaccinators and health workers, deserve immense credit.

While the health impact of the vaccine is clear, it also cant come quickly enough for the many firms and jobs still under severe pressure. Vast swathes of the UK economy have been laid low, with some sectors particularly hard-hit.

While the vaccine offers huge hope, it isnt the whole picture when it comes to getting the economy firing again.

Workplace testing will need to become commonplace. It will be a key part of our armoury for the economic restart  and the Prime Minister can show a real statement of intent on this when he publishes his roadmap out of lockdown tomorrow.

By putting workplace testing regimes in place now, more firms can hit the ground running when its safe to reopen. Regular testing using rapid lateral flow devices, particularly those workplaces where staff are in closer proximity - can help protect staff, catch asymptomatic cases quicker and give consumers confidence.

We have been hampered throughout the crisis by not knowing enough about who is carrying the virus when showing no symptoms.

Knowledge is power  the more we learn through greater workplace testing means normality sooner rather than later; safer returns to offices, pubs and warehouses; our city centres humming once again, attending live events and yes, even rebooting those holiday plans.

It will be a combination of effective vaccines and more testing that will lead us away from rising infections and damaging lockdowns. Thats why building an effective workplace testing infrastructure  and culture  will be critical to managing Covid-19 in the future.

'Workplace testing will need to become commonplace' says Lord Bilimoria

For some companies, regular lateral flow testing has already been an effective first line of defence to identify asymptomatic cases  later confirmed by PCR tests. Those staff members have then safely self-isolated, preventing further spread among the work force.

From experience, I know the benefits of workplace testing. At Molson Coors, Joint Venture partners of Cobra Beer, regular lateral flow testing has been in place at two sites.

Let me be clear: our people and their safety comes first, and those that can work from home have been doing so since March. But for those that cant, lateral flow tests have been crucial in keeping operations going.

However, recent CBI research has shown that Molson Coors is in the minority, with 87 per cent of firms not undertaking workplace testing. Not everyone will be able to do it. But for those firms thinking about it, I say if you can, you should.

Many businesses cited a lack of expertise and unclear guidance or operational, logistical and regulatory complexity for not testing. We desperately need the take-up of numbers to increase, and those barriers to be overcome, to get the best possible start on economic recovery.

There is clearly an opportunity for business and government to work together, as they have done so impressively throughout the pandemic. Key to that is improving guidance and sharing best practice.

The Government has offered a helping hand to businesses of more than 50 employees to be part of a testing programme, while local authorities are tasked with reaching smaller businesses.

That is currently due to finish at the end of March when much of the economy will still be facing restrictions and before workplace testing has really taken off. Government support will have to continue beyond that point and for some months to come.

The Covid-19 crisis has been long and taken too many lives and livelihoods. From vaccines to workplace testing, we must use every tool at our disposal to protect lives, jobs and livelihoods from further risk. With support from government, business must once more step into the breach.

Lord Bilimoria is president of the CBI and the founder of Cobra Beer.
BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City announced today that it received the distinguished 2021 Best of Home Care Leader in Excellence Award from Home Care Pulse, the leading firm in quality assurance for home care. The Leader in Excellence Award is the highest recognition awarded by Home Care Pulse and is given to select home care businesses that consistently rank among the highest in 10 or more quality metrics. As a Leader in Excellence, BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City is now ranked among the top 10% of home care providers participating in the nationwide Home Care Pulse Satisfaction Management Program.

This accomplishment and consistency demonstrates BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City's long-term dedication to excellent care and quality improvement. To qualify for the award, 10% of BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City's clients and caregivers were interviewed each month by Home Care Pulse. Over a 12-month period, BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City received high client and caregiver satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/caregiver compatibility, etc. Using feedback from clients and employees, as well as quality benchmarks from Home Care Pulse, the BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City management team set goals to reach the highest level of excellence possible.

"We are very proud of our team and for this award. It demonstrates our dedication to providing a higher standard of in-home care," says Tammara Brown, Owner.

The Best of Home Care  Leader in Excellence Award highlights the nation's top-performing home care businesses. Home Care Pulse believes that by honoring these providers, families looking for in-home care for a loved one will be able to recognize and choose a trusted home care provider.

"We want to congratulate BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City on receiving both the Best of Home Care  Provider of Choice Award and the Best of Home Care  Employer of Choice Award," says Erik Madsen, CEO of Home Care Pulse. "Since these awards are based on real, unfiltered feedback from clients and caregivers, BrightStar Care has proven their dedication to providing a great work environment and solid training to employees while maintaining their focus on client and caregiver satisfaction. We are pleased to recognize their dedication to quality professionalism and expertise in-home care."

About BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City:

BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City provides hourly to 24/7 home health care and medical staffing services.

BrightStar Care's Professional Care Team, led by a Registered Nurse Director of Nursing, delivers expert, compassionate, and personal home care, including COVID-19 care, employee screening, and testing for businesses and clients. Our professional care experts are ready to serve 24/7. RN oversight ensures the right care from the right people. We proudly provide home health care and support for seniors to children, including 24-hour skilled nursing and support in senior independent and assisted living communities. We proudly serve Mountainside, Sandy Draper, Midvale, Salt Lake City, Park City, South Salt Lake, Mill Creek, Holladay, Ogden, Orem/Provo, and Murray areas in UT.

To find out more about BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City's commitment to excellence, please call 801-559-3999 or visit http://www.brightstarcare.com/

For more information on how BrightStar Care supports seniors and families, and to learn more about our local team of caregivers, skilled healthcare professionals, and home health care support for Salt Lake City area families and businesses, please visits

About Home Care Pulse:

Home Care Pulse is the home care industry's leading firm in satisfaction research and quality assurance. On behalf of home care businesses across North America, Home Care Pulse gathers unbiased satisfaction ratings from clients and caregivers and detailed feedback to ensure the best in-home care possible can be provided. Powerful online reports allow businesses to identify needs and take action to reduce dissatisfaction, reduce caregiver turnover, and address client needs. For more information, please call Home Care Pulse at (877) 307-8573 or visit homecarepulse.com.
It wasnt COVID-19 that worried Bruno Reis most when he moved from Miami to Creekside Forest Elementary in Tomball ISD at the end of fourth grade.

In his old school, he said, kids would misbehave and distract entire classes. Teachers would be totally lax, authoritarian or, in the case of his Spanish teacher, would pass out worksheets but do little else.

The teacher would always give us work but never really teach us anything, Bruno said. But then I came here, and then all the teachers connected with us.

Tomball ISD was named the best district in the Houston region and fifth best in Texas by Children at Risks annual school rankings. It knocked Katy ISD from the top local spot after four years. Creekside Forest Elementary was ranked as the second best elementary school in the region, just behind Houston ISDs T.H. Rogers School.

Tomball has been considered among the top local districts for years, said Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of the Children at Risk nonprofit. What put them over the edge this year, Sanborn said, was the rankings new component focusing on the outcomes of lower income students of color. While Tomball serves a smaller percentage of students of color than the region as a whole  with 31 percent of its students identifying as Latino and about 5 percent as Black  Sanborn said the data shows the district has put in extra effort to make sure those students achieve.

What we found is that Tomball does an extraordinary job with these students, and they needed to be recognized, Sanborn said, noting Katy ISDs lower-income students of color also achieved at higher levels. You could make an argument that Katy and Tomball have a little luxury to put forward that effort with relatively fewer students in that category. But we see many others across the state that rest on their laurels and dont put forth that extra effort.

At the helm is Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora, who is currently the only Hispanic superintendent in the predominantly Hispanic Houston region. Shortly after she rose from the districts associate superintendent of curriculum to its leader, she and the school board enacted a strategic plan she said has guided her decisions.

She and her staff continued their focus on attracting and retaining high-quality teachers. They overhauled the districts entire curriculum after an audit found some weak spots. After that, staff began to focus on high priority areas that students most need to progress, and adjusted class times to focus on those.

We looked at what we needed to hit harder and what we needed to reteach or reintroduce, Salazar-Zamora said. Its really a matter of making sure we meet each and every child where they are and get them where they need to be.

School leaders again had to reprioritize which core content areas to drill down on after COVID-19 forced campuses closed across Texas and the nation, Salazar-Zamora said.

At Creekside Forest Elementary, Principal Sherry Trammel said when the 2020-21 school year started, some students hadnt been actively engaged in learning since the March shutdown. Her first priority was to make sure students at the school were OK socially and emotionally so they would be ready to learn.

In normal years, teachers have students set goals for themselves early in the year, as well as notes about where theyre starting and where they hope to end. That took on extra importance when students returned, as well as diagnostic testing to see where kids were. High expectations for the students remained, although, as Trammel put it, this year is different with a seventh month gap in education.

Caroline Miller, a fifth grade English language arts teacher at Creekside, said despite the gap, she and her colleagues still held high standards for their kids.

We set high expectations for our students, and I communicate that to them every single day, Miller said. We accept nothing less than their best. And the kids rise to that challenge.

Aubry Arterbury, an 11 year-old in Millers class, said she knows shes fallen behind a bit in math without being able to sit one-on-one across from her teacher in that subject. Still, she said, her math teacher Paula Raska and others have found ways to make her and her classmates think deeper about what theyre learning.

She asks us sometimes Why did you chose this answer? What is your reason for it? Aubry said. We write sentences about our problems, and that kind of helps us. If it doesnt make sense, its like a pink elephant with purple spots - why is that there? It helps us understand better.

Apart from handling challenges tied to the pandemic, students at the school say the climate at the school pushes them to want to succeed. Trammel said they know that attention only comes if theyre doing the right thing, and that teachers relationships with their kids permeates everything they do. Trammel takes it a step further, memorizing virtual every students name and greeting them in the halls with fist bumps and hugs.

The way teachers talk to the students makes it feel more comfortable, said fifth-grader Imani Shaw, 10.

Its more like a family kind of relationship, Imani said, as her classmate, Olivia Kneller, nodded.

I think its a teacher that makes a classroom, Olivia said. And theres so many great teachers here.

shelby.webb@chron.com
We still remember our first contacts with the work of Japanese tuning company Kuhl Racing . The company was still relatively young at the time but began to make a name for itself with these project cars that looked like engraved metal. Of course, this is not real gold nor is engraved, since not all of the GT-R's bodywork is metal. Of course, the kit by itself is interesting and comes with a gooseneck rear wing. A titanium exhaust and gigantic wheels are just some of its enhancements.Since the time of its release, we've learned that the gold GT-R was custom-painted by a Japanese artist named Takahiko Izawa. He uses several variations of the same color in numerous layers to create the illusion of metal. The engraving depth is created using masking tape and stencils. It sounds easy but takes hundreds of hours to do while leaving zero room for mistakes, which is why the car is so unique and expensive.How much? Well, the Middle Eastern seller wants 1.6 million United Arab Emirates dirham, which is about $435,600 at today's exchange rate. That sounds like a lot for a 2014 Nissan GT-R, which would probably be worth a tenth of the money without the mods. A Lexus LFA or Aventador SV would probably cost about the same, but those aren't one-offs that made a splash during the 2015 SEMA Show. Plus, back in 2016, some articles claimed this car cost $1 million (probably an exaggeration), so you're getting a discount here.
A bill in the New Jersey Legislature aimed at breaking up a logjam delaying marijuana legalization legislation got approval in a state Senate committee on Friday, setting up additional votes on Monday.

The bills sponsor, Democratic Sen. Nicholas Scutari, said in an interview he thinks the legislation has enough support to pass Monday. Thats when Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy faces a deadline to act on different legislation already on his desk to legalize the recreational marijuana market for people 21 and over. Another bill on his desk also facing a deadline decriminalizes marijuana.

The legislation that advanced Friday addresses underage possession of alcohol and marijuana, which can only lawfully be used by those 21 and older.

Specifically, the new legislation would make underage possession or consumption of alcohol or marijuana subject to a written warning on the first violation. Second violations would carry a written warning as well, along with information for those 18 and older about community services, including counseling. Those under 18 would also get a written warning, along with their parents or guardians being notified. Third violations carry similar consequences, but with a written referral  instead of just information  for community services.

The legislation also removes authority from towns to enact ordinances with civil penalties or fines concerning underage possession or consumption violations on private property, among other measures.

It also increases the liability for suppliers of cannabis items to underage people by making a third or subsequent violation a petty disorderly persons offense. Currently, underage drinking is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

The bill passed out of committee with only Democratic support, but Democratic Sen. Ron Rice, a leader of the Legislative Black Caucus, said he voted no because he wanted to remove certain legal protections from police, referencing the legal doctrine of qualified immunity. The immunity shields officials, including police, from lawsuits for money as a result for things they do in the course of their job.

Republican state Sen. Michael Doherty voted no and questioned whether the public would support the measure.

I think most of my constituents like the idea that there is some order in society, he said.

Scutari, a municipal prosecutor in Linden and the bills sponsor, argued that the fines and penalties in place havent deterred underage drinking. He said the bill is the culmination of lots of discussion and doesnt thrust young people into the criminal justice system.

Its unclear whether the bill has the support of the Democrat-led Assembly or the governor. Democratic Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlins office and the governors office declined to comment.

Murphy has to act Monday because if the Assembly meets, 45 days will have elapsed since the marijuana legalization legislation passed. If he doesnt act, the bill becomes law without his signature. He could sign it, veto it outright or veto it with changes.

New Jersey overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment authorizing recreational marijuana for those 21 and older in November.

A New Jersey State Police trooper who was injured in a head-on crash while transporting a prisoner has been released from the hospital, police said.

Trooper Michael Clifford was driving a prisoner along Route 206 in Frankford Township Saturday afternoon when his car collided head-on with a car being driven by Jonathan Kozmoski, 23, of Milford, Pennsylvania, Sgt. Philip Curry said.

Kozmoski made a left turn in front of the police car, resulting in the crash, Curry said.

Clifford, Kozmoski, and the prisoner, Angel Belcher, 35, of Newton, were all injured in the crash. All three were treated at nearby hospitals and released, Curry said.

The crash remains under investigation and no charges have been announced.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Sunday summoned the wife and sister-in-law of TMC leader and MP Abhishek Banerjee, who is the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a coal pilferage case, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.

The team handed over the notice issued by Investigation Officer Umesh Kumar, Additional Superintendent of Police in the CBI, in connection with the case of theft of coal from the mines of Eastern Coalfields Ltd in West Bengal in which Anup Manjhi is the alleged mastermind, news agency PTI reported citing sources.

The notice issued on Sunday asked Abhishek Banerjee's wife Rujira Banerjee to remain present at her address on Harish Mukherjee Road on the same day "for the purpose of answering certain questions relating to the case", they said.

The CBI has also asked the TMC MP's sister-in-law Menaka Gambhir to join the probe on Monday when she will be quizzed by the investigation team, the sources added, as per PTI reports.

The CBI move comes close on the heels of Banerjee lodging a defamation case against Union home minister Amit Shah. A designated MP/MLA court in West Bengal issued summons to Shah on Friday to appear either personally or through a lawyer before it on February 22.

In a press note, Abhishek Banerjee's lawyer Sanjay Basu claimed that Shah had made certain defamatory statements against the TMC MP on August 11, 2018 at a rally of the BJP at Mayo Road in Kolkata.

This is for the first time that the CBI has summoned Abhishek Banerjee's wife in the coal smuggling case in which the probe agency conducted multiple raids across Bengal last wee

Earlier, CBI searches were underway this month at 13 locations in four districts of poll-bound West Bengal in connection with the coal theft scam, officials said.

They said the searches are going on in Purulia, Bankura, Pashchim Bardhaman and Kolkata, they said.

The searches included premises of Amiya Steel Pvt Ltd in Kolkata and Bankura and that of Joydeb Mandal, the alleged deputy of the suspected kingpin of the racket Anup Manjhi.

The CBI had registered an FIR in November last year against Manjhi alias Lala, Eastern Coalfield Ltd General Managers Amit Kumar Dhar (of then Kunustoria area now Pandaveswar area) and Jayesh Chandra Rai (Kajor area) besides ECL Chief of Security Tanmay Das, Area Security Inspector, Kunustoria Dhananjay Rai and SSI and security in-charge Kajor area Debashish Mukherjee.

It is alleged that Manjhi is involved in illegal mining and theft of coal from leasehold mines of ECL in Kunustoria and Kajora areas, they said.

The CBI acted on information from "reliable sources" that indicated illegal excavation and theft of coal in the leasehold area of ECL in "connivance" with officials of ECL, CISF and Railways.

Elections for 294 Assembly seats in West Bengal are likely to take place in April-May this year.

With inputs from PTI













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Water supply was cut off for a day without warning to 500 households for a whole day in Portlaoise recently.

There was no prior warning to residents, according to a Portlaoise councillor.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley says that Irish Water should be telling customers ahead of cutting off their water supply to fix leaks.

The water was turned off, it affected Highfield meadows, The Grange, the Borris Road, Dr Murphy Place and St Brigids Place. It was off from 8am to 4.30pm, she said.

The shut off happened on Wednesday, February 3 Cllr Dwane Stanley said.

There was no notification to residents or councillors. I ask that Laois County Council email Irish Water. It is a small ask. Apparently they had to fix a leak that day, but they do have a responsibility, she said.

She spoke at the Portlaoise Municipal District monthly meeting on February 16.

The councils Town Manager for Portlaoise is Simon Walton.

I am not aware of the specifics of this case. There are various bursts, but if people were not notified and they were disrupted for a day, Im happy to communicate that they should be giving notification. As far as Im aware there normally is, he said.

Irish Water has explained what happened.

Irish Water can confirm that on 3 February 2021 a burst occurred on the public network, impacting the water supply for approximately 500 customers in the Saint Brigids Place, Highfield Meadows, The Grange and Borris Road areas in Portlaoise.

When Irish Water and Laois County Council were made aware of the outage, we immediately investigated and worked as a matter of priority to repair the water main and restore normal water supply to impacted customers as quickly and as safely as possible, in adherence with strict HSE and government guidance on COVID-19.

As this was an unplanned outage, it was not possible to provide advance notice to customers, however, information including the restoration time was added to the Irish Water website at https://www.water.ie/water-supply/supply-and-service-update/ as soon as possible following notification of the outage.

They say that for planned water shut-offs, they try to give customers a minimum of 48 hours notice, in accordance with the customer care guidance required by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

We regret any inconvenience as a result of this unplanned disruption and thank residents for their patience while we worked to restore the water supply, they said.

Irish Water added that it continues to work at this time with Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.
Accra and Kumasi have been selected to benefit from a $240-million fund earmarked to curb road accidents within the next six years in 30 cities in 15 countries around the world.

The project, which is an initiative of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), is expected to prevent road traffic deaths over the six-year period spanning 2020 to 2025.



Kick-off



In a virtual ceremony to unveil the partnership between BIGRS and the government yesterday, the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Authority (AMA), Mr. Mohammed Adjei Sowah, said past collaborations between BIGRS and the AMA targeted at similar interventions had contributed to the reduction of road accidents in the capital city.



He said the interventions included road safety enhancement works at the Lapaz intersection, which saw an increase in the pedestrian signal timing, lowering of kerbs where pedestrians crossed the road to ensure unimpeded and safe pedestrian flow, and the replacement of damaged crash barriers.



He said it also included a "mass media campaign titled 'School Girl' which was carried out last year to crown the five-year road safety works with BIGRS, and it reached nearly one million people, according to post-campaign evaluation".



Life-saving



Mr Sowah noted that such interventions were important because since 2007, the initiative had saved nearly 312,000 lives and prevented up to 11.5 million injuries.



He said there was, however, more to do as some 1.3 million people were killed in road crashes every year globally and needed to be checked.



"Unfortunately, we aren't immune to this tragedy. In Ghana, there were approximately six road traffic deaths recorded every day in 2016, and Accra's roads saw 1,812 crashes in 2018 alone," Mr Sowah said.



Data compiled by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service indicated that 1,175 people were killed in road crashes in the country in the first half of this year  from January to June.



Okada debate



Mr. Sowah said the legalisation of the commercial motorbike business  okada  would pose a serious public health threat to the city of Accra and the country.



"The okada business may be serving a public transport need, but regrettably a majority of them ride recklessly, speed above the legal limit and disregard safety and other road regulations, contributing to an increase in injuries and deaths," he said.



Mr Sowah also acknowledged that there was a challenge of enforcement and regulation of existing public transport modes, which gave an indication of problems likely to be encountered if the use of okada was legalised.



The Minister of Transport, Mr Kweku Ofori Asiamah, pledged the support of the ministry to help prevent road crashes in the two major cities.



Project details



Bloomberg Philanthropies announced in February during the third Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety organised by the World Health Organisation, a doubling of its support for global road safety, securing another $240 million between 2020 and 2025 to save 600,000 lives and prevent up to 22 million injuries in low- and middle-income participating countries around the world.



Currently enrolled cities include Addis Ababa, Bogota, Gusdalaja, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Kampala, Mumbai, Bengaluru and New Delhi.









Source: Graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
KYODO NEWS - Feb 21, 2021 - 22:19 | All, Japan

Two Chinese coast guard vessels repeatedly entered Japan's territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on Sunday, the Japan Coast Guard said, intruding into the waters near the China-claimed islets the second day in a row.

The vessels first intruded into the waters near the group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea at around 4:50 a.m., before leaving around 11:05 a.m. They then re-entered around 1:40 p.m. and left the area in the evening.

It was the ninth intrusion this year and the latest since a new law entered into force in China earlier this month, explicitly allowing its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships that Beijing sees as illegally entering its waters. Japan has lodged protests over the repeated intrusions.

The Chinese vessels made a move to approach a Japanese fishing boat in the area carrying three passengers, the Japanese coast guard said.

A Japanese patrol vessel deployed around the fishing boat to ensure its safety warned the Chinese ships to leave Japanese territory, it said.

Two other Chinese vessels have also been spotted cruising in the so-called contiguous zone just outside Japan's territorial waters. One of them appears to be armed with an autocannon, the coast guard said.

Related coverage:

Quad members oppose attempts by China to alter regional status quo

2 more Chinese coast guard vessels enter Japan's waters near Senkakus

Japan ground troops to get transport vessels amid China's rise

A video supplied by Hitoshi Nakama, an assembly member from Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture, shows two Chinese coast guard vessels following a fishing boat he was on board as it operated near the Senkaku Islands from Feb. 15 to 16.

It also shows a Japan Coast Guard vessel sailing alongside to secure the boat's safety.

After returning to Ishigaki Port, Nakama described how the Chinese vessels stayed on the boat's tail for 27 hours and came as close as 40 to 50 meters away at times, saying it "was not a situation where you could fish safely."
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





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New Delhi, Feb 21 : As the farmers' protests against the farm laws continues at the borders of the national capital, Bollywood actress Gul Panag on Sunday visited the Ghazipur border site to show her solidarity.

She met Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait at the protest site and reiterated her support for the protesters.

Gul, who is among the many Bollywood actors to extend their support to the farmers, told IANS: "I myself belong to a family of farmers and have arrived here to show my support for the farmers." Noting that the farmers have been sitting at Delhi borders for a long time to demand repeal the farm laws, Gul said that her request to the government was that it should hold discussions with the farmers to come to a decision, so that the farmers could go home.

Gul also tried her hand at a 'Charkha' (spinning wheel) during her visit.

There have been 11 rounds of talks held between the Central government and farmer organisations, but no concrete solution has been achieved.

Farmers have been protesting at various borders of the national Capital since November 26 last year against the three laws - the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
HYDERABAD: Telangana state BJP president Bandi Sanjay on Saturday alleged that police were resorting to attacks on BJP workers at the behest of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao.

He alleged that Rao was indulging in goondaism in Telangana state using intelligence chief T Prabhakar Rao. He warned Prabhakar Rao of dire consequences after the BJP comes to power in the state.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Sanjay said that the Chief Minister was using the intelligence chief as a tool to harass BJP leaders and workers. He said that they would conduct an inquiry into the illegal assets of Prabhakar Rao after the BJP comes to power.

He alleged that the police kept tribals of Gurrampodu thanda of Nalgonda district for 60 days in jail and resorted to third degree on them. He said that the police had violated High Court orders on the lands issue. He claimed that police personnel attacked party activists mercilessly when they tried to fight on behalf of the tribals.

Sanjay demanded the state government to withdraw the cases filed against the tribals and the BJP workers in Gurrampodu lands issue. He said that BJP will repeat the Dubbak showing in the upcoming Nagarjunasagar Assembly byelection by trouncing the TRS nominee.

The BJP leader said that many TRS MLAs and other party leaders were angry with Rao's autocratic style of functioning and that the days were not far when his own party would revolt against him.
New Delhi:

Accusing ruling party BJP of stealing of its MLA under "premediated plan", the Congress on Monday said despite saffron partys attempt, Gujarat Rajya Sabha candidate Ahmed Patel will win as he has the support of more MLAs than required for victory.

Senior Congress spokesperson Ghulam Nabi Azad said Patel was contesting the Rajya Sabha election as a senior Congress leader and not as political secretary to party Chief Sonia Gandhi and thus, her name should not be dragged into this poll.

I dont want to involve the name of the Congress president. He is contesting as the senior Congress leader and not as a political secretary, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha said.

Ahmed bhai will win by a margin of at least 10 to 15 votes. Our candidate had 13-14 votes surplus and the BJP says they do not steal. Why has the BJP fielded its third candidate for the polls when it does not have the requisite number of MLAs in support. It is only to steal our MLAs, he said.

Azad said, This is a pre-meditated plan to steal MLAs. He said the BJP was plotting to steal Congress MLAs from the airport itself.

The BJP is creating an atmosphere against them. They (BJP) are saying our MLAs are in Bengaluru when people are suffering because of floods. The BJP wants to exploit the situation so that when they return it could steal some of them and make a few others resign, he said.

He claimed Congress leaders and workers were on the ground, from block to district level, helping flood-hit people.

Also Read | Sonia Gandhis love for her son Rahul drowning Congress: Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani

The Congress had 57 MLAs in the 182-member Assembly. Of these, six have quit since Thursday, brining down its strength to 51. Patel will require 44 first preference votes for a straight win which does not look very difficult to get at the moment.

However, more desertion could jeopardise his chances of getting elected to the RS for the 5th time. He also has the assured support of two MLAs of the NCP and one of the JD(U).

The BJP has fielded party chief Amit Shah and renominated Union minister Smriti Irani for two seats and put up Balwantsinh Rajput for the third which is held by Patel.

Also Read: Cong accuses BJP of destablising grand old party in Gujarat, says will fight to protect democracy

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By Mark S. Singel

The Book of Proverbs 16:18, teaches this lesson: Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. This was one my fathers go-to passages when he thought that any of his children were getting a little too self-satisfied with school grades or personal accomplishments. He would warn us about getting too big for our britches.

Last week, nine Democratic members of the New York State Assembly called out their governor for underreporting deaths in state nursing homes and for making decisions that may have placed seniors at risk. Gov. Andrew Cuomos staff squabbled with those legislators and made matters worse with a ham-handed approach to keep them in line. It wasnt long before charges of abuse of power and obstruction of justice began to fly.

Whether the reporting error was intentional or not, and whether the decision to return seniors to nursing care was backed by experts, it is clear that the governor wanted to make sure that his own handing of the pandemic continued to enjoy widespread approval.

Remember, it was Andrew Cuomo himself who presented daily updates that were painstakingly thorough  as a direct contrast to the disjointed directives we were getting from the White House at the time.

It was also Andrew Cuomo who fired off a book about leadership in the time of coronavirus that became an immediate best-seller.

Like Icarus, Gov. Cuomo may have flown too close to the sun. As the wax on his political wings began to melt, a little humility would have been in order.

. It appears that second doses of the Moderna vaccine may be delayed for about 100,000 people because they have been used as first doses.

Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, nursing facilities contend they were simply following PA Health Department directives to get shots in the arms of Pennsylvania as quickly as possible. To her credit, Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam faced the press on this glitch and shouldered at least some of the responsibility. They were expecting to have more vaccines on hand by this time and they had, in fact, applied pressure to providers to move quickly.

Gov. Wolf and state officials have been under fire from the General Assembly for many of their pronouncements and directives. The Moderna mix-up allowed his detractors to pounce again and to second guess the governors actions. The usual cries of a lack of transparency and front office competence surfaced from the sidelines.

But it is important to note that Wolf and Cuomo differ in one major aspect. The errors in Pennsylvania reflect good intentions with unforeseen consequences. Moving too quickly on distributing vaccines is an understandable offense. It is much different than Gov. Cuomo allowing political calculations to factor into his decision-making.

In Texas, residents suffered through a freakish winter storm that left millions without heat or power for many days. Again, hubris and politics interfered with an orderly response to the emergency. Specifically, special interests circulated a story that, somehow, wind turbines were to blame for the power outage. The reality is that the electricity grid in the state was simply unprepared for temperatures that froze natural gas lines and wreaked havoc on the entire system.

The first rule in emergency management is a version of the lesson we all learned in childhood: Put pride aside and tell the truth.

So, where does one turn for inspiration and uplifting stories in these wintry days of discontent? How about Mars?

The United States has stepped up its game in the race to Mars and has landed the Perseverance rover on the planets surface. China, the United Arab Emirates, and others are also headed to the red planet but it is the American project that is already showing the most promise. With the treacherous journey and precise landing behind, the Rover is on a mission to probe beneath the surface to answer a question that is profound and exhilarating: Is there life on Mars?

We continue to grapple with the debilitating effect of the pandemic. We are sometimes dismayed by the pettiness or arrogance of our leaders as they try to address this and other crises. But, looking beyond pandemics, deep-freezes, and politics we are still capable of great things. Reaching for the stars is only possible if we master the more mundane challenges we face on this planet. Winning those battles depends upon our willingness to put aside our differences and our pride to seek common ground.

Mark S. Singel is a former Democratic Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. He and Republican Charlie Gerow can be seen at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday on CBS21s Face the State.
MOSCOW  Margarita Simonyan, the editor in chief of the Kremlin-controlled RT television network, recently called on the government to block access to Western social media.

She wrote: Foreign platforms in Russia must be shut down.

Her choice of social network for sending that message: Twitter.

While the Kremlin fears an open internet shaped by American companies, it just cant quit it.

Russias winter of discontent, waves of nationwide protests set off by the return of the opposition leader Aleksei A. Navalny, has been enabled by the countrys free and open internet. The state controls the television airwaves, but online Mr. Navalnys dramatic arrest upon arrival in Moscow, his investigation into President Vladimir V. Putins purported secret palace and his supporters calls for protest were all broadcast to an audience of many millions.

For years, the Russian government has been putting in place the technological and legal infrastructure to clamp down on freedom of speech online, leading to frequent predictions that the country could be heading toward internet censorship akin to Chinas great firewall.
State tea estates seek top-level effort to end alleged union-led violence By Chris Kamalendran View(s): View(s):

The delay in resolving the ongoing plantation worker wages dispute has triggered sporadic violence in estates and the companies are seeking the intervention of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Planters Association of Ceylon secretary general, Lalith Obeyesekere, told the Sunday Times intervention had been sought to halt the violent incidents against the management of regional plantation companies.

He said a couple of incidents had been reported in recent weeks and strong legal action should be taken against suspects.

In a statement, the Association condemned a brutal mob attack, in which two more Regional Plantation Company (RPC) employees ended up hospitalised in critical condition.

This is now the third instance this year alone where the lives of RPC employees have been placed in serious and immediate danger. We are concerned that an organized campaign of violence and intimidation is being unleashed by thugs who are inciting workers and non-workers in order to sabotage RPC tea production.

We wonder how such a catastrophic breakdown of law and order is being allowed and why no meaningful action has yet been taken against those who are inciting violence on the estates, the statement quoted Mr Obeyesekere as saying.

The association said that in one of the incidents at Alton Estate in (Upcot Maskeliya), workers while avoiding work, ganged up to block factory operations, resulting in a total of 7,000 kilograms of green-leaf plucked before the strike, being declared as wasted and thrown away.

They also forcibly prevented a consignment of tea, ready for dispatch and to be sold at auction, from being transported out of the factory. The entire consignment, valued at Rs 6 million to an international buyer was already paid for. The company, legally obligated to complete the transaction, filed a police complaint, the statement said.

The statement declared that trade union sponsored vandalism and arson was becoming systemic, with worker gangs breaking into and damaging homes of managers, destroying furniture and personal belongings, disconnecting water and electricity supply to factories and physically assaulting the managers, assistant managers and their families.

We believe that these violent attacks are not simply a response to particular issues on a given estate; rather an organised campaign to destroy the plantations, its crop and the income derived from it. Whoever takes responsibility, should know that the end result will be a loss to the country, the statement said.

The Sunday Times learns that in one incident, workers had also poured cow dung mixed water on the manager and assistant manager of one of the estates.

In a separate incident, unrelated to the wages issue, an assistant superintendent was allegedly assaulted by Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) member of Parliament M. Rameshwaran, over allocation of land for a housing project. A complaint has been filed with the police.

When contacted by the Sunday Times, Mr Rameshwaran, declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Commissioner General of Labour, Prabath Chandrakeerthi told the Sunday Times the minimum wage would have be gazetted later, as the collective agreement, which also involves trade unions and companies, ends only at the end of the month.

We cannot intervene about the incidents reported. It is beyond our control, he said.

Also, the former deputy plantations minister P. Radhakrishna, said the government should set an example by granting the wage increase to workers of state-owned plantation companies  State Plantation Corporation and the Janatha Estate Development Board.
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University chiefs are to defy a hate mob by hosting a top British artist whose previous appearance was cancelled after she was accused of being transphobic.

Rachel Ara will give a speech and online workshop at Oxford Brookes University on March 3.

Critics had a similar event pulled in November 2019 after the feminist artist was accused of bigotry for sharing two tweets criticising moves to let people self-identify as women.

Rachel Ara (pictured) will give a speech and online workshop at Oxford Brookes University on March 3

Ms Ara, 56, a former artist in residence at the V&A Museum, said she was not anti-trans, but felt womens rights were under attack.

The university said Ms Aras appearance was one of a series of School of Arts events, adding: The talk will go ahead in March.

It comes days after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson warned universities to uphold freedom of speech.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the culture within Parliament House towards women must improve and abuse victims must feel they can come forward without damaging their careers.

He said politics was not alone in needing to continually improve and warned many workplaces were kidding themselves if they thought the issue was confined to the Federal Parliament.

Four separate reviews of workplace culture in federal politics have now been instigated after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins said she was raped in 2019 in the ministerial wing of Parliament House.

Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins. Credit:Facebook

Ms Higgins will make a formal statement to police on Wednesday afternoon to reactivate an investigation into the incident.
There were scenes of emotion at the Sekondi Prisons yesterday when 15 young inmates serving various terms due to their inability to pay fines imposed on them by the courts walked to freedom.

Zeal Environmental Technologies Limited (ZETL), an oil field mining and industrial waste management company, intervened to pay the fines totaling GH30,000, for the inmates who were serving prison terms of between eight and 24 months.



Individual fines slapped on them by the courts ranged between GH1,200 and GH6,000. Some of the freed inmates shed tears openly asthey told theirstories. It was all joy in the end when the prison officers handed them their dresses and told them they were free to go home.



In addition to paying the finesfor the inmates,ZETL also donated some medical supplies to the Prison Infirmary to support the healthcare needs of others.



Hard environment



In the words of the freed prisoners, the prison environment was very harsh.



According to some of the prisonerswho spoke to the Daily Graphic, the crimes for which they were convicted and sentenced included petty thievery.



The released prisoners thanked ZETL for the support and promised to change their conduct for the better.



Social support programme



The Chief Executive of ZETL, Mr Kwaku Ennin, said the company considered the move as part of its social support programme which was run under its social investment unit,the Ennin Medical Foundation. He said no child was born a criminal and that those who unfortunately found themselves at the wrong side of the law were a creation of society.



Mr Ennin said the company heard about the plight of the inmates and considered it important that they were given the opportunity to mend their ways and to also have a second chance at life.





He added: As an organisation partnering with the Ghana Prison Service,we see the paying of finesfor the 15 inmates as part of our civic duty to the less fortunate in society.



He said the company would, in the next phase, focus on female prisoners and help to get them reintegrated into society.



Mr Ennin encouraged the released prisoners to comport themselves and reconstruct their lives and also be tolerant, control their anger and stay away from crime.



Decent lives



A Senior Prisons Officer at the Sekondi Prisons, Superintendent of Prisons Mr Samuel Amarfio,said the best way the 15 who had gained their freedom could offer gratitude to ZETL was notto go back to the life of crime. He commended ZETL for the gesture, adding that the prison service needed support with its efforts to reform prisoners.









Source: Graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The central importance of schools and teachers for the public good has been starkly revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly but not only for public schools, with their obligation to provide for all, no matter what their ability or background. Our teachers responded in multiple and creative ways to support the continuing learning of their students in very difficult circumstances. For their part, parents learnt a lot too about the realities of teaching today.

Simultaneously, the NSW Teachers Federation commissioned an independent panel of inquiry to examine all aspects of public school teaching and how it has changed, it being 17 years since the last comprehensive Industrial Relations Commission work value case. What is revealed is the dramatic increases in the volume, intensity and complexity of work generated by government decisions and heavily impacted by the social, economic and technological environment.

The public good that teachers provide was never more apparent than in the past year.

It is a finding of the panel that the interplay between the contextual variables and the myriad government expectations, policies and programs is of a scale and intensity that dwarfs the assessments found in earlier work cases in 1970, 1980/81, 1990/91 and 2003/04.

In relation to the challenges created by this mix, the panel noted that the funding, state and commonwealth, provided to public schools in NSW doesnt get them to the 100 per cent of the schooling resources standard deemed necessary, now or in the future. That is not an encouraging start.
A small child has died after being found unresponsive in a front-loading washing machine that had been turned on.

The terrible tragedy unfolded in Christchurch, New Zealand, where police were called to the outer suburb of Hoon Hay about 5pm on Friday.

'One person was injured and taken to hospital where they later died,' a police spokesperson said.

A small child has died after being found unresponsive in a front-loading washing machine in Christchurch, NZ. Washing machines are dangerous for small children (stock image)

'Police are making enquiries into the circumstances of the death and the coroner has been informed.'

The child's death is not being treated as suspicious.

A large group of mourners gathered at the home on Sunday to farewell the pre-school aged child.

Experts have warned of the dangers of front-loading washing machines to curious small children who may climb inside to explore.

Once inside they may become trapped and suffocate, or an adult may start a cycle not knowing the child is inside.

In 2019, a three-year-old boy died in a front-loading washing machine in Orlando, Florida, USA.

The boy climbed inside while playing with his sibling when the door closed, trapping him inside where he suffocated.

In 2012, a 21-month-old boy died in hospital after 24 hours on life support in Oregon, USA. He had fallen inside the washing machine during laundry day where he drowned.

New Zealand police were called to Hoon Hay, Christchurch on Friday about 5pm (stock image)

In 2010, a 10-day old baby girl died after her mother accidentally put her in a top-loading washing machine with the laundry.

Since 2014 in the US, there have been an estimated 3000 children aged under five who have gone to hospital emergency rooms to be treated for washing machine related injuries, according to the US-based Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Most of the injuries were related to falls.

Fortunately, deaths are relatively rare with the Consumer Products Safety Commission reporting that just two children under the age of five died in washing machines between 2005 and 2009.

A Myanmar-based Rohingya was arrested from Ghutiari Sharif in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district for illegally entering the country, police said on Saturday.

The person, identified as Mohammed Idris a resident of Myanmar's Buthidaung town in Rakhine state, was picked up from near Ghutiari Shariff hospital late on Friday night, the police said.

Acting on a tip-off, a Baruipur district police team along with sleuths of the special task force arrested the Rohingya, a top police officer said.

"He failed to produce any valid document nor could he satisfactorily reply to questions on how he crossed the international borders.

"We had to lay a trap to arrest him. He had entered the country on Thursday night," he said.

Initial probe revealed that Idris had spent a few weeks in a camp meant for Rohingyas in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, he added.

"We are trying to find out whether he has entered the country alone or he was in a group and where had he planned to take shelter. We are talking to him," the police officer said.

The accused Rohingya, who was booked under Illegal Immigration Act, was remanded for six days in police custody when produced at a court here. PTI SCH KK KK KK

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
In the last Congress, Marci and Seymour Josephson saw the U.S. House pass without opposition legislation named for their late daughter, murdered after getting into a fake Uber car while at college.

But the Senate never took up the measure and it failed to become law.

Now Rep. Chris Smith, who counts the Josephsons as his constituents, is trying again. Smith has reintroduced what is known as Samis Law, requiring vehicles for ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft clearly be identified before a passenger gets in.

The new legislation would set up a digital access system to allow passengers to verify the ride-sharing car in advance.

Lives are at stake and people, especially women, who use rideshare services are vulnerable to sexual assault and other crimes, said Smith, R-4th Dist. The Josephsons have made great progress educating ride share customers about potential dangers, but none of us will rest until the modest and effective Samis Law protocols are enacted and the public is better protected.

Lyft said it took safety seriously.

Safety is fundamental to Lyft, which is why were always investing in new features and policies to protect drivers and riders, spokeswoman Ashley Adams said. We will continue to work with safety experts as we seek to tackle complex issues and enhance safety across the transportation industry.

Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lyft more than doubled its lobbying to $2.2 million in 2020 from $930,000 in 2019, while Ubers spending rose to $2.6 million from $2.4 million as both companies weighed in on the bill, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

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In 2019, Samantha Josephson of Robbinsville, a senior at the University of South Carolina, got into a car she thought was her Uber. Instead, the driver kidnapped and murdered her, according to police. A person was arrested and charged with murder.

The Josephsons began lobbying Congress to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

No family should have to endure what the Josephsons have, said the bills chief Democratic sponsor, Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y. We cant stop every family tragedy, but hopefully Samis law will establish safety protocols that protect Uber, Lyft and other ride share customers.

The bill also would create a Department of Transportation advisory council to make recommendations for ride share safety standards, make it illegal to sell ride-share signage, and require studies by the Government Accountability Office on incidents of assault by both passengers and drivers and on the background checks conducted by ride service companies.

Co-sponsors include House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., and Reps. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., and Albio Sires, D-8th Dist.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JDSalant.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Geneva or The Hague is not an ideal option. Sadly, when there is no dividing line between national leaders and criminals, they become the only option.

by Tisaranee Gunasekara

There will be no investigation in the countrybecause I will oppose it. Whether it is United Nations or any other country [sic] we are, I am not allowing any investigation... There is nothing wrong happening in the country. Take it from me. There will be no investigation in the country. I will not allow Gotabaya Rajapaksa (Interview with the BBC  3.2.2010).

The Defence Secretary is shocked, outraged, and flummoxed. The National Security Council has discussed the ongoing environmental devastation. All the kings horses and all the kings men (airmen too) have been mobilised to stop it. However hard we try, this forest destruction continues to happen, he laments.

This week alone, ecocide claimed nearly three thousand acres of land in the Somawathiya forest reserve and a forest near Pidurangala, Sigiriya. Plans are afoot to decapitate the iconic Bopath Ella waterfall by building a water supply scheme at its head. This devastation is unstoppable because the Gotabaya-Mahinda regime has rendered it legal. On November 4th 2020, the government cancelled several circulars including 5/2001, removing half a million acres of residual forests from the protective custody of the Department of Forest Conservation, placing them at the mercy of divisional and district secretaries. Environmental protection organisations warned that the move would lead to disaster. Yet it was done, paving the way for the current land-grabbing spree.

A lawsuit filed by the head of Lankas indigenous people, Uruwarigelage Wannila Aththo demonstrates how the unholy nexus between political and financial power works in practice. 5000 acres of ancestral indigenous land was taken over by the Mahaweli Authority and given to a multinational company to grow corn. All the kings horses and all the kings men cant stop Lankas ecocide because it is being perpetrated by all the kings horses and all the kings men with the blessing of the king and his government.

Is retired general Kamal Gunaratne unaware of how his bosses enabled the ongoing environmental devastation or is he covering up for them? Is he a dupe or a knave?

There is a pattern here, one that dates back to the previous Rajapaksa administration  enable a crime, express shock, and horror, buy time, promise justice, evade accountability, enable more crimes... According to a Wikileaks cable, Basil Rajapaksa told the US Ambassador that the STF was responsible for the January 2006 Trinco Five massacre. "We know the STF did it, but the bullet and gun evidence shows that they did not. They must have separate guns when they want to kill someone. Mr. Rajapaksa also assured the ambassador of Brother Mahindas commitment to human rights. That was in 2006. Fifteen years later, justice has not been done and the culprits remain free.

This month, facing a possible reckoning at Geneva, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardane proclaimed that the government is ready to investigate allegations of human rights violations, and deliver justice to victims and punishment to culprits. To buttress his claim, he showcased the appointment of a new presidential commission to investigate the findings of previous commissions and committees. The members of the new commission include retired IGP Chandra Fernando who was also a member of the Political Victimisation Commission. The leaked version of that Commissions report includes this gem. For the Western leaders who nurtured Tamil Eelam Tiger terrorists this great victory was a negation of their deep desires. Therefore, Western leaders, tempered by the Tamil Diaspora, falsely accused the real heroes of the Eelam War of committing war crimes during the last humanitarian battle of the Tamil Eelam War (page 3). The report went on to exonerate those accused of grievous human rights violations in Lankan courts. The new commissions report, when it comes, is likely to be another hosanna to Humanitarian Operations and war heroes.

Muddy the waters, buy time, cover up, deflect blame, that was ever the Rajapaksa way. A prime example was how the Rajapaksas used the APRC to keep India and the West happy, while the Final Eelam War lasted. President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed the APRC in 2006, made an exhibition of it in public, and subverted it in private. Whenever the APRC came up with a draft report, the President picked some hole in it and sent the Committee back to the drawing board. Various ruses were used to delay the proceedings, like the time the JHU and the MEP walked out of the APRC, protesting the non-inclusion of the Pilliyan Group. Once the war won, the APRC was consigned to the dustbin of history.

Can the same tactics work in 2021?

The Impunity Rampage: From Ecocide to Shani Abeysekara

The incident was caught on tape, an army lieutenant in uniform, seemingly drunk, behaving violently inside a restaurant in Miriswatte, Gampaha. The tape reveals the mans name and the number of the army vehicle he came in. The military has promised an investigation which may or may not happen. There is a more important question. Why havent the police arrested the suspect or even recorded a statement from him?

Perhaps the police hierarchy has other priorities, such as shamelessly seeking legal intervention to unseat the countrys first female DIG, for no other reason than her gender. Perhaps the police are too busy persecuting those who took part in the P2P march. (The police obtained a court order against the protest march citing pandemic-related health concerns, while in Colombo the government was organising exhibitions and trade fairs and allowing Valentine Day bashes in five star hotels. In June 2020, the police similarly used the pandemic to outlaw an anti-Chinese protest in Colombo).

Or perhaps the police have learnt a lesson from the fate of Shani Abeysekara. Perhaps no cop wants to end up like that exemplary officer, hounded and persecuted for crimes he didnt commit.

When Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury, displeased King Henry II of England, the monarch is believed to have exclaimed, Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest! Four knights of the kings household took this lament to heart. On December 29th 1170, they murdered the archbishop.

Few weeks after assuming the presidency, Gotabaya Rajapaksa publicly berated Shani Abeysekara for being a turbulent official. During a visit to a temple on November 24th 2019, the new president said, Shani Abeysekara investigates according to his thinking. Non-governmental organisations dont ask questions about that. To jail those who waged the war, officials and navy commander, to jail intelligence agencies, to jail me (https://www.bbc.com/sinhala/sri-lanka-50543813). Shani Abeysekara tried to jail me, President Gotabaya said. Now Shani Abeysekara is in jail, and his life is in danger. According to media reports, a day after he underwent heart surgery at the Colombo General Hospital, he has been ordered back to jail. Irrespective of the source of that order, it goes against common practice, common sense and common decency. It smacks of hate, vindictiveness, a desire to punish a principled official who served not politicians but the law.

In Sri Lanka, Shani Abeysekara is not the only official facing punishment for the crime of angering or inconveniencing political authority. There was Dr, Jayarunwan Bandara, demoted for telling the truth about the pandemic. When State Minister for Wildlife, Wimalaweera Dissanayake intervened to protect those devastating the Flood Plains Valley in Polonnaruwa, a group of wild life officials stood up to him. He and fellow minister Roshan Ranasinghe berated them, the latter calling them mad dogs. Now one of those officials had been transferred. The same fate may befall the courageous forest official Devani Jayatilaka.

Even those who stay out of controversies may not be safe from arbitrary punishment, as the fate of the Royal College principal demonstrates. He was forced to submit his resignation and then transferred, reportedly to satisfy a power-wielders yen. Perhaps it is time Lankan public officials read Pastor Martin Niemollers post-war reflection on the wages of cowardice. Impunity, once unleashed, is a ferocious beast whose hunger is never satisfied.

When a country is mired in impunity, when justice is unobtainable nationally, the only recourse open to victims is international solidarity and assistance. In January, two Brazilian indigenous leaders filed a lawsuit against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, accusing him of crimes against humanity. Currently, activists are demanding ecocide to be added to the crimes prosecuted by the ICC. A panel of legal experts from around the world are drafting plans to make ecocide a legally enforceable crime.

Geneva or The Hague is not an ideal option. Sadly, when there is no dividing line between national leaders and criminals, they become the only option.

Military, from Pawn to Boomerang?

During the second Rajapaksa presidency, Geneva season was a busy time for Minister Wimal Weerawansa. Currently, he is too occupied with his own troubles to bother with Geneva, much.

The unexpected intervention by Minister GL Peiris in the SLPP-Weerawansa spat is revealing. Minister Peiris would not have intervened on his own volition, because he does almost nothing political on his own volition. In the last one and a half decade, he had turned himself into a reliable stooge of the Rajapaksa Family, a mouthpiece, an instrument. His broadside against Minister Weerawansa therefore can be taken as a message from the Mahinda-Gotabaya-Basil trinity.

Speaking at a SLPP media conference, Minister Peiris claimed that some in the Joint Opposition did not want the SLPP to be formed. But Basil Rajapaksa went ahead and did it. He did that based on a clear principle. We needed a home. There was gap. He formed the SLPP to fill that gap (Lanka c news  16.2.2021).

The SLFP was never quite a Rajapaksa party, even when the Rajapaksas dominated it. This was a key factor in the two defeats the Rajapaksas suffered in 2015. Basil Rajapaksa created the SLPP as a Rajapaksa Party, a political home not only for Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, but for the whole family, an extension of the Medamulana Walauwwa.

In Rajapaksa eyes, a Rajapaksa can be succeeded only by another Rajapaksa. The Rajapaksa project is not only about familial rule but also about dynastic succession. While Minister Weerawansa is loyal to the point of servility to Mahinda and Gotabaya, he may not want to spend the rest of his political career kowtowing to a President Basil or a Prime Minister Namal, not to mention the lesser members of the clan Shashindra and Nipuna to Udayanga. He, and others like him, might be looking to a post-Mahinda-Gotabaya future, wondering, hoping, and perhaps even talking of claiming a leadership role in such a time. Interestingly the SLPP-Wimal battle is being kept alive by the SLPP. Its relentless assaults might constitute pre-emptive strike against a future competitor to the Rajapaksa heirs.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake correctly compared the Wimal-SLPP spat to a collision of two gully-bowsers. The resulting reek is a warning of two dangers awaiting Sri Lanka.

One of the charges levelled against the Wimal-faction by the SLPP is being pawns of an unnamed foreign intelligence agency. This week, the Wimal-faction retaliated by claiming that the BJP might even buy the SLPP. These accusations and counter-accusations raise the possibility of regional powers entering the succession stakes in Sri Lanka. Since Basil Rajapaksa remains a US-Lankan dual citizen, the prospect of a Basil presidency may not please Sri Lankas main paymaster. And what displeases Beijing is bound to please Delhi. Thanks to the Rajapaksa familial project, Sri Lankas internal politics too might become a battleground for regional powers.

Of the many crimes and stupidities of Rajapaksa provenance, perhaps the most heinous one is bringing the military into civilian spaces and giving it a taste of political power. This began in 2010, discontinued in 2015 when the Rajapaksas lost power, and resumed, with renewed vigour, in 2019. This Rajapaksa-led militarisation aims to transform the hitherto politically neutral military into a partisan entity whose primary loyalty is not to the Lankan state but to the Rajapaksa family. The commencement of this deadly transformation was symbolised by several top military commanders appearing on state television in full uniform praising Candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa during the 2010 presidential election.

The Rajapaksa militarisation is a sui generis one. Its architects and the driving force are not the military leadership but the political leadership. The military is accorded many privileges including impunity, but it has no autonomous role. Its function is to act as a reliable instrument and an obedient pawn of Rajapaksa power. The military leaders shine, so long as the sun of Rajapaksa favour illuminates them. When that favour is no more, they will either fade away, or fall hard, as Sarath Fonseka did.

Will this model work in a post-Mahinda-Gotabaya future? Will the military remain loyal to Rajapaksa heirs, especially if there is an internal tussle between the Family and non-family Mahinda-Gotabaya loyalists for power? What will be its role, if regional players become involved in this internal power struggle? What demands will the military make, in return for its loyalty? Will the Rajapaksa-games with the military and the monks send Sri Lanka the Myanmar way, someday?
A woman was charged Sunday in a fatal single-car crash in west Houston, police said.

One person was killed around 4:30 a.m. when the vehicle , a gray GMC Sierra pickup, veered off the roadway in the 400 block of North Wilcrest Drive and hit a tree, according to authorities.

The driver, later identified as Ana Flores, was speeding at the time, police said. Flores, 29, was taken to a hospital with a broken arm and ankle. She admitted to drinking alcohol before the crash and was charged with intoxication manslaughter, police said.

A 34-year-old front passenger died in the crash. The back passenger, a 28-year-old man, was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
Kathmandu, February 20

The Ministry of Health and Population has informed that the countrys Covid-19 tally has reached 273,351 as of Saturday afternoon.

The ministry says 88 new cases were confirmed in the country in the past 24 hours.

In this period, 2,048 swab samples were tested. So far, 2 million and 136,309 people have been tested in the country.

As of today, 1,535 cases are active.

Of the total cases so far, 269,755 people have achieved recovery whereas 2,061 died, according to the ministry. In the past 24 hours, 136 people have been discharged whereas zero deaths have been reported.

Over 50 people are quarantined across the country.
Contributed / Meriden Police Department

MERIDEN  Police have arrested a 33-year-old man in connection with a shooting at The Comfort Inn Hotel on East Main Street last June that left a Meriden man dead.

Trevor Outlaw, also known as Wolf, Wolfie and F1, was arrested on a with murder charge Friday. He also faces charges of criminal possession of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a permit, police said in a press release.
I was told to find two stones at the bottom of the mountain, to carry them on the ascent. That it was tradition. I remember the care I took finding just the right ones, squeezing my fists to ensure they were still there as we made our way up through heather, my offering to Queen Maeve whose cairn was at the summit. I was six.

It was my first trek up Knocknarea or any mountain, my first trip to Strandhill, Co Sligo, my first time to Ireland. I know that it was late October, that I had never seen heather, that it might have rained, that I was with my father because he had come home to say goodbye to his dying father, that the higher we climbed, the windier it was. But the clearest memory is the press of stone against my palms and the first sight of Maeve's grey stone pile as we came over the ridge.

I have made the pilgrimage hundreds of times since, came to the mountain the morning my own father died, watched my children's concentration on this ritual, clasping wishes in their small hands. Teenagers now, they still carry the stones.

Knocknarea is variously translated as "the hill of the kings" or "the hill of the moon". Maeve was the legendary queen of Connacht who, according to some stories, is buried like a warrior, standing, spear in hand and facing her enemies to the north.

However, she is also a sovereignty goddess, an embodiment of the land and the north west territory. Her hill looms over the village of Strandhill and is a metric of weather, time and mood.

The mountain shape-shifts, sometimes close, other times further away, contours change and colour: sombre black, purple, blazing amber-pink, every shade of grey, sometimes disappearing into a shroud of mist.

Expand Close Una Mannion on the beach at Culleenamore, Strandhill in Co Sligo / Facebook

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Whatsapp Una Mannion on the beach at Culleenamore, Strandhill in Co Sligo

Beside us the mountain starts to feel like a sentient being. Villagers tell the time against the one o'clock stone. Every August locals and athletes from all over Ireland and farther scramble up the mountain and circle the cairn coming down the other side. It's the Warrior's Run, and all summer runners can be seen jogging the mountain loop in preparation. Even I have tried it.

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I have returned to Culleenamore, Strandhill almost every summer of my life and now come here even in the winter. There is the mountain, the sea, walks, archaeology. In normal times there are restaurants, cafes, pubs, music, seaweed baths, ice cream.

I look at things when I am here. I pick up a shell when walking. A heron sits out on the green bank in Culleenamore and I stop and wait, watching. Out on Ballisodare Bay, the largest seal colony on the west coast of Ireland splays out on the Great Seal Sand Bank. Common seals. They are curious and at high tide might venture towards the shore to have a look if kids are out swimming or shouting in the bay, their heads popping up out of the water.

At night we can hear them, a sound like a wail carried across the water. Friends come to camp and in the morning ask if we heard a baby crying in the night. Over the years we have found seal pups and local Neil Walton from Voya Seaweed Baths rescues them, feeding them and delivering them to the seal sanctuary through a network of volunteers. The children have named them over the years, Seaweed, Periwinkle.

My son finds a stranded dolphin, young and female. She is distressed and the tide has gone out. We look for help on social media and in minutes local surfers have arrived in wetsuits to do whatever they can along with Neil.

They refloat her several times; the sun is setting and we watch her turn the wrong way and come back towards us. The last journey out with her cocooned in a sheet is done in the near dark, the temperature almost freezing, and I think about what a community this is. All these people gathered in the dark willing her to survive.

Maybe it's the surfing culture, or the rhythmic crash of waves, the expanse of space out to sea, but here everything slows, time stretches and amplifies, and there is space to think and be. I have not done yoga on the beach, or anywhere for that matter, and I can't surf, but I sit on a bench at the seafront and watch families or surf school classes in their wet suits face the wind and crash of waves, carrying their boards. Kids sit on the cannon or the sea wall with their ice cream cones.

A short window into a walk on Knocknarea, Co Sligo (those are fossils in the second shot). What beauty to have on your doorstep, Strandhill. Thanks to @AdventureSligo, @Wind_Aware & @aoifep for the company. #WildAtlanticWay pic.twitter.com/sIF6of9229  @poloconghaile (@poloconghaile) December 18, 2019

I walk the shoreline between Culleenamore and Strandhill and almost every day someone has left a trace. Stone sculptures, words spelt out in the sand, shapes or labyrinths made from sea wrack. I can walk the long way around the coast from the bay to the seafront in Strandhill or cut through shell valley, surrounded by giant dunes, the echo of the waves and the suck of stones in the undertow resounding between them.

To the north of the village is Killaspugbrone which is included in the Knocknarea loop and part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The church is a ruin from the 12th century and is believed to be on the site of a 5th century church founded by St Patrick. Donegal is a blue-grey bulk and to the west, Inishmurray a muted black line. Ben Bulben seems closer than possible.

The Atlantic roars and either side of the path seagrasses and flowers survive the wind. In the summer there is harebell and buttercups. The churchyard beside the ruin is a burial ground used up until the 1960s. Ancient crosses lean at angles, weathered and salt whipped. The ground is uneven, hallowed. It is quiet and beautiful.

I walk back to Culleenamore. Shells crunch underfoot, oyster, limpet, cockle, snail, mussel, whelk, periwinkle. Sligo or Sligeach, I am told, means "the shelly place". When my kids were young, we spent days picking cockles with spoons and buckets here on the cockle strand, listening for the click of metal against the buried shell. I showed them how to open them without cooking, wedging the two hinges together and twisting, watching their delight and disgust.

We'd bring our haul to my aunt and uncle who would cook and eat them. People have been coming here since pre-historic times for shellfish. The Culleenamore midden dates back to the Bronze age, its stacked layers of oyster shells extending several hundred metres along the bay.

This line between the earth and the sea holds so much. A friend of mine recently gave me one of Manchan Magan's books, a collection of Irish sea words and coastal terms gathered along the western shoreline from Galway to Donegal. There is actually a word for that sucking sound of stones heard at the sea front - "suitu". But the phrase that catches me is "Uaigneas an Chladaigh", "the sense of loneliness on the shore; a haunting presence of people who lived and died long ago".

Here, on this stretch of shore, I feel alive, not just to what's gone before but to what's right in front of me.

Una Mannion's debut novel 'A Crooked Tree', published by Faber, is available online from all bookshops
NEW DELHI : The government may consider privatising Oriental Insurance or the United India Insurance Co as their financial health has improved after a series of capital infusions, people aware of the development said.

To further strengthen their financial health, the government is expected to infuse 3,000 crore in the public sector general insurance companies during the current quarter. Both Oriental Insurance and the Chennai-based United India Insurance may be able to generate interest from the private sector because of their improved financials, sources said.

The process of choosing a suitable candidate for privatisation has just started and will take some time to decide, sources said while not ruling out the possibility for listed New India Assurance, where government stake stands at 85.44 per cent. As per the plan, NITI Aayog will make recommendations to the government for privatisation and Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) under the Ministry of Finance will take the proposal to its logical conclusion.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget 2021-22 had announced a big-ticket privatisation agenda including privatisation of two public sector banks and one general insurance company. As part of the divestment strategy for the financial sector, the government has decided to go for mega initial public offering (IPO) of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and residual stake sale in IDBI Bank during the financial year beginning April. The government has budgeted 1.75 lakh crore from stake sale in public sector companies and financial institutions during 2021-22.

Last year, the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared a proposal to provide capital support to National Insurance, Oriental Insurance and United India Insurance. The cabinet had also decided to increase the authorised share capital of National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) to 7,500 crore and that of United India Insurance Company Limited (UIICL) and Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL) to 5,000 crore each to give effect to the capital infusion decision. At the same time, the Cabinet junked the earlier Budget proposal of merging NICL, OICL and UIICL.

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When a Trump-supporting bail bondsman is your chief critic, that says  everything

I dont typically write about the failings of mainstream media sources because, in general, I think they do a pretty good job, considering the environment they are working in. But an article in this mornings edition of The Detroit News is so bad that it warrants comment.

The article is titled Discretion or abdication? Washtenaw prosecutor disrupts law enforcement traditions, which suggests there is significant controversy surrounding the exciting new progressive policies being instituted by newly-elected Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit and his team. The first half the article does a credible job of laying out Savits new policies such as the elimination of cash bail, decisions not to prosecute consensual sex work, and not charging juvenile offenders for low-level offenses. Its not until halfway through that we get to the heading of Critics weigh in.

When we interviewed Savit on our podcast recently, I asked him how much pushback he was getting for his forward-thinking, data-driven policy changes. He pointed out that, while they do get a bit of pushback from the places you would expect, he actually doesnt have to spend much time arguing with his critics because he always lays out the justification for his policies with well-documented research and rationale. He also works hard to build consensus as he makes changes.

Savits savvy approach to institutional change seems to have confounded the reporter who wrote todays article. In her Critics weigh in section, she identified only two critics. One is some rather tepid criticism from the St. Clair County Prosecutor. This is not entirely unexpected because hes likely to be facing some criticism of his own for not enacting policies for which there is solid supporting data.

The other critic, and I swear I am not making this up, is a rabidly Trump-supporting state legislator, Matt Maddock. Maddock and his wife, Michigan Republican Party Chair MeShawn Maddock chartered multiple buses to Washington, D.C. to participate in the violent insurrection that took place on January 6th. One detail about Maddock that is barely mentioned is that he makes his living as a bail bondsman. In other words, if Prosecutor Savits no cash bail policy were to spread, it would kill the golden goose that pays Maddocks bills. And, make no mistake, Maddock loves loves loves to exploit government policies to pad his income. In addition to his paycheck as a state legislator and the money he makes from defendants paying his bondsman fees, last year he and his wife received $68,300 in COVID relief funds (and, shortly thereafter, contributed $10,000 of it to Maddocks state House political campaign.)

Its no surprise to me that The Detroit News couldnt find many legitimate critics of Savits policy changes. Hes making these changes because he knows they are fair and, because he does his research and these policies have largely already proven to be successful in other municipalities, he knows they work and actually make us safer.

If you want to see what the future of law enforcement looks like from the prosecution side of things, pay very close attention to Eli Savit and what hes doing in Washtenaw County. Because that is, without a doubt, where things are headed. And well ALL benefit from that.
A 26-year-old Massachusetts man is facing a charge of driving while under the influence of alcohol after authorities in New Hampshire said he sideswiped a state police cruiser with his Maserati.

Alex Alvarez of Haverhill was driving on Interstate 93 in Salem, New Hampshire Saturday when he almost crashed into the rear of another vehicle around 1:45 a.m., New Hampshire State Police said in a news release.

Alvarez, who was driving a Maserati SUV, avoided hitting the vehicle but then swerved and sideswiped a state police cruiser, authorities said.

Troopers arrested Alvarez and charged him with drunken driving.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21)  Eighteen new cases of a COVID-19 variant first seen in the UK have been detected in the country.

"The Department of Health (DOH), the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC), and the UP-National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) today confirm eighteen (18) additional B.1.1.7 variant (UK variant) cases among the 7th batch of 757 samples sequenced by the UP-PGC on February 18, which brings the total B.1.1.7 variant cases in the country to 62," said a release from the DOH Sunday.

According to the DOH, 13 of these cases are returning overseas Filipinos who entered the country between January 3 to 27.

"All of these cases are now tagged as recovered and the DOH is currently investigating compliance to isolation protocols and the contact tracing done for these ROFs," said the DOH

Three other cases are from the Cordillera Administrative Region, while the other two are being verified if they are from ROFs or are local cases.

The DOH added two of the cases in CAR are minors connected to the original cluster from Samoki, Bontoc. The other is a 41-year-old female connected to the first La Trinidad cluster.

No other details have been released, however the DOH said they will give updates once available.

The B.1.1.7 variant was first confirmed to be in the country in January.

"The DOH, UP-PGC, and UP-NIH further report that an additional sample from Region 7 belonging to the last (6th) genome sequencing batch was found to have both N501Y and E484K mutations, while 2 among the 80 Region 7 samples sequenced in the 7th batch were also found to have both mutations, bringing the total to 34," the release said.

The Center for Health Development Central Visayas has been notified of these additional cases with mutations, and an investigation to help stem the transmission as well as contact tracing is underway, with the help of local government units and other officials.

READ: DOH confirms new COVID-19 mutations in Central Visayas

According to Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, spokesperson for the CHD in Central Visayas, most of the 34 cases found to have the new mutations of concern (MOCs) have already been released after the mandatory 14-day quarantine. Most also have mild or no symptoms, she added.

Loreche said they will carry on with their bio surveillance efforts and send more samples for genome sequencing "in order to see the total picture of the extent of the presence of MOCs."

DOH, UP-PGC and UP-NIH are also preparing to submit these findings to the World Health Organization and the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data.

The DOH says LGUs where cases with the variant of concern and mutations should closely monitor the situation in the areas and implement measures to prevent futher spread as needed.

"The DOH further calls on LGUs to immediately flag sharp upticks in cases to the DOH in order to activate targeted biosurveillance activities.," they said.

CNN Philippines Cebu-based Correspondent Dale Israel contributed to this report.
Since 1961, The Penrose Room at the simply stunning Broadmoor Resort and & Spa has been Colorados pinnacle of the culinary scene - affording guests the ultimate fine dining experience at Colorados only AAA 5-Diamond, Forbes 5-Star restaurant. From the beautiful views, to the mouthwatering food and wine, to the spot-on service and professionalism of the top-notch Broadmoor staff, more could not be said for this foodies dream in the Rocky Mountain region.

Whether enjoying the soft live jazz band complete with vocalist and dance floor or booking one of the private dining spaces for a celebration such as a wedding or family gathering, the Penrose Room will be a destination that youll have guests and spouses talking about for ages. The unparalleled service extends from the hostess to waiter, sommelier to chef, leaving even seasoned veterans of the culinary scene impressed.
Addressing the event, President of the Asia-Europe House Association Alexander Makhlaev highlighted the role of Vietnam's traditional values in the countrys development.

He held that the political stability has paved the way for Vietnams economic development.

Meanwhile, Natalya Ivanova, an expert from AV Group, underlined the significance of international business environment in the integration process of each country.

She asserted that the EAEU is creating a new motivation, especially for the strengthening of cooperation among member countries as well as with partners, including Vietnam.

According to Chairman of the Council of Experts of the Eurasian Research Fund Grigory Trofimchuk, Vietnam, a dynamic developing country and a member of many integration mechanisms and international organisations, is working hard to speed up integration process.

Vietnam is the first partner to sign a free trade agreement with the EAEU in 2015, he noted, adding that the union should focus more on partnership with Vietnam as the country is a door to the world.

The official highlighted the dynamism of Vietnamese firms in Russia as well as other countries in the world. However, he said that Vietnam and the EAEU have yet to optimise each other's advantages and potential, while a number of trade barriers between the two sides are still existing.

He held that both sides should discuss the maintaining of trade defence measures to increase trade in the future, adding the EAEU should show its advantage in the current period when the COVID-19 pandemic is developing complicatedly in the world.

Within the conferences framework, Trofimchuk introduced his book entitled Vietnam wings up, expressing his hope that the book will help Vietnam and Russia become closer together in economy, trade and humanity.
The Penn Museum is internationally famous for its incomparable collection of mummies and architectural elements from ancient Egypt (not to mention its sphinx), its dazzling artifacts from the Royal Tomb of Ur in the Middle East, and for its Mayan writing on stone shafts and tablets, some of the oldest carved in the Western hemisphere.

It is less congenially known for displaying these objects in some of the darkest, hottest, and timelessly static galleries known to humankind.

But that is about to change.

The museum has embarked on a three-phase renovation program that promises to transform the galleries and installations  the most extensive refurbishment and upgrading in the museum's 118-year history. When it is complete in 2021, all of the museum's galleries will be reworked and renovated, stories told by the collection will be more complete and clear, lighting will turn the dingy into the dazzling, air conditioning will course through the whole complex, and artifacts  some of them huge  will be presented in theatrical and complete arrays, many for the first time.

"This is the most complete renovation this building has seen," said Julian Siggers, museum director. "We've always been a research powerhouse here. Last summer, we conducted 23 digs on six continents. We also have a remarkable world-class collection. This is an opportunity for us finally to leverage these collections into something Philadelphia can be enormously proud of. This is really the museum's moment, the way our president [Amy Gutmann] described it the other day."

The first phase of the renovation, which officially kicks off Nov. 1, is a $21 million project to open up the main entrance lobby, off South Street opposite Franklin Field. Blocked windows and staircases will be unmasked, a new gallery will be carved out to greet visitors immediately upon entering, and the 700-seat Harrison Auditorium will be refurbished and air-conditioned. A new shop, elevators, and bathrooms will be added.

Most important from a curatorial perspective, the Middle East, Mexico and Central America, and Africa galleries will be transformed.

The money is in hand for this phase of the project. Siggers declined to say what the total cost of all three phases of the renovation will be. Sources at the University of Pennsylvania said that the museum has already raised $50 million and that the renovation project will be included in the next university-wide capital campaign, due for announcement in the spring. Siggers declined to comment.

The university sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, said the cost of the renovation project would exceed the $50 million already in hand.

The Middle East Galleries, which contain the museum's extraordinary Sumerian collection, will be the first to reopen, in April.

Dan Rahimi, the museum's executive director of galleries, said the renovation "allows us to reinvent" the installations, many of which are exactly the same now as he remembers them during his graduate student days 40 years ago.

"The collections are superb," he said. "And under-displayed. They are not lit properly. They are not exposed properly. They are not interpreted properly. They are not protected properly. Now is our chance to really modernize  and get people to look at the objects. This is all about the objects. Let's get people to see them for what they are, and we'll provide the context for interpreting them."

For the Middle East Galleries, the curatorial team has chosen to use the development of Mesopotamia and environs as a way to show the evolution of human associations into increasingly complex cities. The new galleries will also allow the display of many more artifacts.

Stephen J. Tinney, the museum's deputy director and chief curator, said the new galleries will be organized both chronologically and thematically.

"The larger global world has its origins, in some senses, in the ancient Middle East, where the process of gathering together in cities and larger and larger networks originated," Tinney said. This framing, he suggested, would offer "big changes for visitors."

The presentation will be anything but old-school. Museumgoers will be greeted at the entrance by an ancient tile made in Mesapotamia thousands of years ago  with a footprint embedded in it. When they conclude their journey at the end of the galleries, they will be greeted by two drainage pipes  one from Ur and one from Home Depot; they are virtually identical.

A SEPTA map will be displayed alongside a clay map from ancient Nippur, between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

"The SEPTA maps looks remarkably the same," said Rahini. "The idea is to spark someone's imagination: 'Ah ha! Maybe the past isn't so different from the present.' "

In November 2018, the refurbished Mexico and Central America Gallery will reopen. In the fall of 2019, the new Africa Gallery will make its debut.

In Phase Two of the project, work will begin on the museum's renowned Egyptian galleries. Siggers said the floor of the upper gallery will be shored up allowing for the display  for the first time  of the museum's monumental architectural objects from the royal palace of Merenptah, who ruled more than 3,000 years ago.

Alas, when the 50 tons of the great find were transported to Philadelphia in 1924, the gallery built to house them was not strong enough to do so. But the renovation will take care of that, allowing the great columns and other architectural elements to be displayed in their full grandeur for the first time in the upper gallery.

The 13-ton red granite sphinx of Ramses II will remain in the lower Egyptian gallery.

Phase Three of the project will include renovation of the museum rotunda, reinstallation of its Asian collection there, and completion of the building's first HVAC system.

New York's Gluckman Tang Architects is leading the renovation project; Haley Sharpe Design, a British firm, is responsible for the Middle East gallery installation.

Along with the construction, the museum is rethinking its programming with an eye toward broadening its appeal to the larger Philadelphia community.

"In many ways, it's the story of us," Siggers said, speaking of what he hopes the transformed museum will communicate. "Who we are and where we came from. And so, no matter where you're from, this museum has a part of your story. At our core, we want to tell the human story."

Lucknow, Feb 21 : A special court in Lucknow has rejected a plea of the Uttar Pradesh government seeking withdrawal of prosecution against BJP MP Rita Bahuguna Joshi in connection with a case lodged against her for an assault on police personnel and causing damage to property during an agitation in 2015.

The special MP/MLA court on Saturday, held the matter as serious, and fixed March 6 for framing of charges against the accused persons.

Besides Joshi, 17 other accused in the case include state Congress leaders like Raj Babbar, Pradeep Jain, Ajai Rai, Nirmal Khatri, Rajesh Pati Tripathi and Madhusudan Mistry.

Special judge P.K. Rai said the matter was serious and could not be allowed to be withdrawn as no public interest would be achieved if the withdrawal is allowed.

At the time of pronouncing the order, Joshi was present in the court.

Sub Inspector Pyarelal had lodged an FIR with Hazratganj police on August 17, 2015 against the accused persons.

It was alleged that while marching from Laxman Mela ground towards the legislative Assembly, the police force was pelted with stones by the crowd, resulting in injuries to senior police and administrative officers.

Earlier, moving an application, the state counsel had submitted that the Uttar Pradesh government decided in public interest not to proceed further with the prosecution of Joshi and others and the court should allow its plea to withdraw the case.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-22 00:14:35|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- February is normally one of the driest months in Kenya and Uganda, with most farmers in the East Africa region using the time to prepare their farms.

The dry period usually paves way for the long rains that over the years have begun from March to May.

But this year, the norm has been flipped as heavy rains unexpectedly hit the region catching millions of farmers unaware. With the heavy rains pounding most parts of the country, a good number of farmers have rushed to plant while others have adopted a wait-and-see attitude.

The heavy rains that have been attributed to the effects of climatic changes have left millions of farmers in a dilemma.

"I don't know whether I should plant now or not. It is a tricky situation because I may plant beans and maize then the rains disappear in March when they are supposed to be there," said Geoffrey Ambuche, a farmer in Kitale, western Kenya.

The rains, according to Ambuche, have not only thrown Kenyan farmers in dilemma but also interfered with farm preparation activities.

"Most farmers in breadbasket regions like ours use tractors to till their land but with the heavy rains, this becomes a challenge due to the poor road network," he said.

Tilling during the rainy season further slows down the work due to the heavy soil.

In Uganda, the country is also experiencing heavy rains at a time when there should be a dry spell.

The Uganda National Meteorological Authority has attributed the heavy rains in the country to climate variability.

Just as in Kenya, it advised farmers not to rush to plant as the rains would stop soon.

In Kenya, farmers who have delayed planting have cited past experiences, where the rains disappeared as soon as they planted.

"People fear losing their investment. You buy seeds and fertilizer, hire people to till the land, plant and then the rains stop. It has happened before," said Peter Kariuki, a farmer from Murang'a, noting it costs at least 10,000 shillings (91.4 U.S. dollars) to plant maize and beans on an acre.

Kenya and Uganda have two rainy seasons, the first starts in March to May and the second from October to December. The rest of the period is usually dry but these seasons are no longer predictable thanks to climate change.

Beatrice Macharia, an agronomist with Growth Point, an agro-consultancy in Kajiado, south of Nairobi, said the erratic rainfall pattern would affect agricultural activities as farmers take a cautious approach towards the economic activity.

"Neither the meteorological department nor the traditional forecasters are getting it right anymore when it comes to the weather changes due to climate change. This means farmers cannot plan adequately," she said. Enditem
(Natural News) German businesses and trade organizations are strongly criticizing the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel its decision to extend the countrys Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, despite the objections from the countrys private sector.

Businesses are growing increasingly desperate and angry, said Guido Zollick, head of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association. More and more fear for their existence.

Zollick spoke after he and other business leaders from 40 groups representing Germanys hospitality, tourism, retail and other industries met with Minister of the Economy Peter Altmaier for a crisis meeting.

During this meeting, the business leaders strongly criticized Merkels government for its go-slow approach to reopening the economy.

The business representatives directed their anger at a recent meeting the chancellor had with the heads of Germanys 16 states. These politicians expressed their concerns regarding the supposed spread of new, more aggressive strains of the coronavirus, and decided that the countrys lockdown needed to be extended until March 7.

While doctors and other representatives of public health organizations greeted the extension of the lockdown warmly, the business community was not as welcoming.

Germanys leaders also decided that non-essential businesses will only be allowed to resume full operations if the areas one-week incidence rate does not exceed 35 for at least three consecutive days.

Meanwhile, the politicians have not crafted a plan to reopen hotels, restaurants or any other leisure facilities.

The business summit hosted by Altmaier was a chance for many of Germanys most prominent business leaders and associations to air their grievances regarding the extension of the lockdown. It also gave them the chance to find a resolution that would be acceptable for both the government and the private sector.

Josef Sanktjohanser, head of the German Retail Federation, the leading association for businesses in the retail sector, said the summit just left more of his members deeply disappointed.

Theres no appropriate reason to stop retail outlets reopening above an incidence rate of 35, said Sanktjohanser.

From our point of view, after the long lockdown phase, the measures are neither differentiated, appropriate nor proportionate. In addition to the lack of opening perspectives, many retailers despair that the aid will pass them by.

According to Sanktjohanser, if the government does not provide more aid to businesses, as much as 65 percent of shops in German city centers might file for insolvency by year end.

While the lockdown will remain in place, Altmaier did announce some concessions. He promised to work with the private sector in crafting a more business-friendly reopening strategy in time for Merkels next scheduled meeting with the leaders of Germanys 16 states on March 3.

Altmaier also announced that the government has decided to lift the cap excluding companies with annual sales exceeding 750 million euros ($903.2 million) from applying for government aid.

Despite these concessions, Altmaier said that, when the government meets to consider further relaxing restrictions on economic activity, they will be putting the needs of the private sector in the backseat.

The economy cant flourish if we get a third wave of infections, he said during a television interview ahead of his crisis meeting.

Germans dealing with one of the harshest lockdowns in all of Europe

According to data published by the Institute for Economic Research, one of Germanys leading economic think tanks, the countrys economy contracted by 6.6 percent in 2020. The Federal Statistics Office also announced that the number of jobs in the German manufacturing industry fell by 2.2 percent, the first time jobs in that sector decreased since 2010.

Despite the economy shrinking, the German government is not budging with its decision to keep some of the harshest lockdown measures in all of Europe in place. (Report: States that imposed lockdown have more COVID-19 deaths per million compared to no-lockdown states.)

The lockdown is causing widespread discontent among the private sector. Not only that, but businesses are also frustrated with delays in the distribution of government aid.

According to Michael Frenzel, leader of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry, around a quarter of aid payments that were supposed to arrive in November still havent been doled out. Another 75 percent of government aid meant to be given in December has yet to be distributed.

The extension of the lockdown is also threatening the government politically. Currently, Merkels conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is leading the German parliament in a coalition with the conservative Christian Social Union and the leftist Social Democratic Party.

This grand coalition has been enjoying high approval ratings, but voters are becoming impatient with the length of the lockdown. With seven months to go before the election, the CDUs polling numbers are showing signs of decreasing, according to the latest poll.

Theres already growing dissent within Merkels own party, with CDU Chairperson Armin Laschet  one of the leading contenders to replace Merkel as the partys candidate for chancellor  criticizing her for becoming too dependent on the incidence rate.

You cant keep inventing new limits that prevent people from returning to normal life, he said during an event with party members.

If Merkel continues to refuse to listen to business groups, and even from the members of her own party, the CDU may just well lose its mandate to govern to a party that is more willing to listen to the needs of the private sector.

Learn more about how countries in Europe like Germany and France are dealing with the coronavirus by reading the latest articles at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

FT.com

Bloomberg.com

DW.com

Wahlrecht.de
US Secretary of State on Saturday (local time) had a telephonic conversation with Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation to discuss ways of accelerating and supporting the peace process.

"Pleasure speaking today with the Chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation @DrabdullahCE about the peace process. The US supports progress toward a just and durable political settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire," Blinken wrote in a tweet.

"Today in a telephone conversation with HE @SecBlinken, the US Secretary of State, we exchanged views on the #AfghanPeaceProcess, the 2nd round of the peace talks, the US review of the situation in AFG, and ways of accelerating and supporting the peace process," Abdullah Abdullah tweeted.

Taking to Twitter to post about his call with Antony Blinken, Abdullah Abdullah thanked him and the US government for their support for and achieving a lasting peace.

"@SecBlinken reiterated the US continued support for expediting the efforts for achieving lasting and durable peace in I thanked him, the people, and the government of the US for their support for Afghanistan and achieving lasting peace," Abdullah Abdullah wrote in a subsequent tweet.

The intra-Afghan peace negotiations began in the Qatari capital of Doha on September 12. The talks were overshadowed by a series of disagreements and a surge in violence, including armed clashes and bomb blasts across the country.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Nigerian Air Force has revealed the identities of seven of its officers who died in a plane crash on Sunday afternoon.

The aircraft, King Air 350, crashed after reporting engine failure on its way to Minna, Niger State, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

The crash occurred around the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Nigerias aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, who confirmed the incident, said it was fatal.

A statement by the airforce spokesperson, Ibikunle Daramola, said the incident is being investigated.

Read the full statement including the identities of the late officials below.

UPDATE ON AIR ACCIDENT INVOLVING NIGERIAN AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), earlier today, 21 February 2021, confirmed that one of its aircraft, a Beechcraft KingAir B350i (NAF 201), crashed while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja after reporting engine failure enroute Minna, where it was scheduled to conduct surveillance missions over Niger State and its environs in connection with the concerted efforts to secure the release of the students/staff abducted from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State.

As earlier stated, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has instituted an investigative panel to determine the remote and immediate causes of the accident. While the panel has commenced its work, the NAF, having notified the Next of Kins/family members of the deceased, regretfully announces that the following 7 personnel lost their lives in the crash:

a. Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain).

b. Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot).

c. Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System (ATOS) Specialist).

d. Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist).

e. Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist).

f. Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist).

g. Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).

Earlier, the CAS visited the scene of the accident, in company of the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retired); Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky Irabor, and other Service Chiefs. The CAS, on behalf of officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF, once more commiserates with the families of the deceased personnel and prays that the Almighty God grants their souls eternal repose.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA

Air Vice Marshal

Director of Public Relations and Information

Nigerian Air Force

21 February 2021

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Courtesy of San Francisco Police Department / Courtesy of San Francisco Police

San Francisco police are asking the publics help in finding a 14-year-old girl who left her city residence last week without telling her family, police said.

Katlin Gallaread has not been heard from since leaving her home sometime between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, police said. On Sunday afternoon, police said they had no updates on the case.
From left, U.S. Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Sylvia Garcia, fill boxes at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021. President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in Texas on Friday, directing federal agencies to help in the recovery. (Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via AP)

Higher temperatures spread across the southern United States on Saturday, bringing relief to a winter-weary region that faces a challenging clean-up and expensive repairs from days of extreme cold and widespread power outages.

In hard-hit Texas, where millions were warned to boil tap water before drinking it, the warm-up was expected to last for several days. The thaw produced burst pipes throughout the region, adding to the list of woes from severe conditions that were blamed for more than 70 deaths.

By Saturday afternoon, the sun had come out in Dallas and temperatures were nearing the 50s. People emerged to walk and jog in residential neighborhoods after days indoors. Many roads had dried out, and patches of snow were melting. Snowmen slumped.

Linda Nguyen woke up in a Dallas hotel room Saturday morning with an assurance she hadn't had in nearly a week: She and her cat had somewhere to sleep with power and water.

Electricity had been restored to her apartment on Wednesday. But when Nguyen arrived home from work the next evening, she found a soaked carpet. A pipe had burst in her bedroom.

"It's essentially unlivable," said Nguyen, 27, who works in real estate. "Everything is completely ruined."

Deaths attributed to the weather include a man at an Abilene health care facility where the lack of water pressure made medical treatment impossible. Officials also reported deaths from hypothermia, including homeless people and those inside buildings with no power or heat. Others died in car accidents on icy roads or from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

A pickup sends a wake of snow melt high into the air as the driver plows through a large puddle at Barrow and South 11th streets intersection in Abilene, Texas, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. Temperatures climbed above freezing for the first time since Sunday's record 14.8-inch snowfall. (Ronald W. Erdrich, The Abilene Reporter-News via AP)

Roughly half the deaths reported so far occurred in Texas, with multiple fatalities also in Tennessee, Kentucky, Oregon and a few other Southern and Midwestern states.

A Tennessee farmer died trying to save two calves from a frozen pond.

President Joe Biden's office said Saturday he has declared a major disaster in Texas, directing federal agencies to help in the recovery.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, tweeted Saturday that she helped raise more than $3 million toward relief. She was soliciting help for a Houston food bank, one of 12 Texas organizations she said would benefit from the donations.

The storms left more than 300,000 still without power across the country on Saturday, many of them in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

More than 50,000 Oregon electricity customers were among those without power, more than a week after an ice storm ravaged the electrical grid. Portland General Electric had hoped to have service back to all but 15,000 customers by Friday night. But the utility discovered additional damage in previously inaccessible areas.

City of Austin Water Utility workers Joey Putman, left, and Salvador Tinajero repairs a broken water main near 11th and Red River streets in Austin, Texas, on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021./ (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ordered the National Guard to go door-to-door in some areas to check on residents' welfare. At its peak, what was the worst ice storm in 40 years knocked out power to more than 350,000 customers.

In West Virginia, Appalachian Power was working on a list of about 1,500 places that needed repair, as about 44,000 customers in the state remained without electricity after experiencing back-to-back ice storms Feb. 11 and Feb. 15. More than 3,200 workers were attempting to get power back online, their efforts spread across the six most affected counties on Saturday.

In Wayne County, West Virginia, workers had to replace the same pole three times because trees kept falling on it.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met Saturday with legislators from both parties to discuss energy prices as Texans face massive spikes in their electric bills after wholesale energy prices skyrocketed while power plants were offline.

"We have a responsibility to protect Texans from spikes in their energy bills" resulting from the weather, he said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez talks to the media before volunteering at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021. President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in Texas on Friday, directing federal agencies to help in the recovery. (Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via AP)

Water woes added misery for people across the South who went without heat or electricity for days after the ice. Snow storms forced rolling blackouts from Minnesota to Texas.

Robert Tuskey was retrieving tools from the back of his pickup truck Saturday afternoon as he prepared to fix a water line at a friend's home in Dallas.

"Everything's been freezing," Tuskey said. "I even had one in my own house  of course I'm lucky I'm a plumber."

Tuskey, 49, said his plumbing business has had a stream of calls for help from friends and relatives with burst pipes. "I'm fixing to go help out another family member," he said. "I know she ain't got no money at all, but they ain't got no water at all, and they're older."

In Jackson, Mississippi, most of the city of about 161,000 lacked running water, and officials blamed city water mains that are more than 100 years old and not built for freezing weather.

New Braunfels Utility employees help package bottled water at the water station at the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center in New Braunfels, Texas, on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. The water stations were set up by New Braunfels Utilities and the city of New Braunfels for area residents without water in the wake of outages throughout the city due to unprecedented winter weather events. (Mikala Compton/Herald-Zeitung via AP)

The city was providing water for flushing toilets and drinking. But residents had to pick it up, leaving the elderly and those living on icy roads vulnerable.

Incoming and outgoing passenger flights at Memphis International Airport resumed Saturday after all flights were canceled Friday because of water pressure problems. The issues hadn't been resolved, but airport officials set up temporary restroom facilities.

Prison rights advocates said some correctional facilities across Louisiana had intermittent electricity and frozen pipes, affecting toilets and showers.

The men who are sick, elderly or being held not in dormitories but in cell blockssmall spaces surrounded by concrete wallswere especially vulnerable, according to Voice of the Experienced, a grassroots organization founded and run by formerly incarcerated people. The group said one man at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, just south of Baton Rouge, described a thin layer of ice on his walls.

Cammie Maturin said she spoke to men at the 6,300-inmate Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola who were given no extra provisions to protect themselves from the cold.

Brian Bowen drags his friend Eric Andries down a street in Overton Park in Memphis, Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian via AP)

"They give them no extra blankets. No extra anything. For them, it's just been fend for yourself," said Maturin, president of the nonprofit H.O.P.E. Foundation.

In many areas, water pressure dropped after lines froze and because people left faucets dripping to prevent pipes from icing, authorities said.

As of Saturday, 1,445 public water systems in Texas had reported disrupted operations, said Toby Baker executive director of the state Commission on Environmental Quality. Government agencies were using mobile labs and coordinating to speed water testing.

That's up from 1,300 reporting issues Friday afternoon. But Baker said the number of affected customers had dropped slightly. Most were under boil-water orders, with 156,000 lacking water service entirely.

"It seems like last night we may have seen some stabilization in the water systems across the state," Baker said.

A lone man walks down the center of a snowy Beale Street in Downtown Memphis, Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian via AP)

The Saturday thaw after 11 days of freezing temperatures in Oklahoma City left residents with burst water pipes, inoperable wells and furnaces knocked out of operation by brief power blackouts.

Rhodes College in Memphis said Friday that about 700 residential students were being moved to hotels in the suburbs of Germantown and Collierville after school bathrooms stopped functioning because of low water pressure.

Firefighters extinguished a blaze at a fully occupied 102-room hotel in Killeen, Texas, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) north of Austin, late Friday. The hotel's sprinkler system didn't work because of frozen pipes, authorities said Saturday.

Flames shot from the top of the four-story hotel, and three people required medical care. Displaced guests were taken to a nearby Baptist church.

Texas electrical grid operators said electricity transmission returned to normal after the historic snowfall and single-digit temperatures created a surge in demand that buckled the state's system.

City of Austin Water Utility worker Salvador Tinajero repairs a broken water main near 11th and Red River streets in Austin, Texas, on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021./ (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

Water trickles from a fire hydrant while City of Austin Water Utility workers repair a broken water main near 11th and Red River streets in Austin, Texas, on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021./ (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

Smaller outages remained, but Bill Magness, president of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, said the grid now can provide power throughout the system.

Abbott ordered an investigation into the failure for a state known as the U.S. energy capital. ERCOT officials have defended their preparations and the decision to begin forced outages Monday as the grid reached breaking point.

The blackouts resulted in at least two lawsuits filed against ERCOT and utilities, including one filed by the family of an 11-year-old boy who is believed to have died from hypothermia. The lawsuits claim ERCOT ignored repeated warnings of weaknesses in the state's power infrastructure.

Also, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued civil investigative demands to ERCOT and electric utility companies. His investigation will address power outages, emergency plans, energy pricing and more related to the winter storm.

Explore further Southern cities hit hard by storms face new crisis: No water

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 01:09:14|Editor: huaxia

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SKOPJE, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Standard and Poor's (S&P) global rating agency has confirmed North Macedonia's credit rating at BB- with a stable outlook, the country's Finance Ministry said in a press release on Saturday.

According to the press release, S&P expects the country's economy to get back on the track of growth this year and overcome the crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

"S&P underlines the efforts of the government in strengthening the public finance system, including the new law on budgets, which anticipates major reforms regarding budget planning and implementation control," the press release read.

S&P pointed out that after a sharp fall in the second quarter of 2020, North Macedonia's economy rebounded by the end of the year, emphasizing that the industrial production in December 2020 registered a positive result for first time since the beginning of pandemic crisis.

The rating agency cited the recovery of export activity as well as public and private consumption as the driving force for the growth in 2021, while their expectations are that in 2021 the growth will stand at 3.6 percent.

"S&P said that North Macedonia is integrated in the global supply chains, especially in the automotive industry. The recovery of automotive industry, as well as the economies of the country's largest trading partners like Germany, will contribute to the recovery of North Macedonia's economy as well," added the press release.

Moreover, S&P expects the government to invest in infrastructure between 2021 and 2024, aimed at improving transportation, healthcare and education with investments up to 3.2 billion euros (around 3.87 billion U.S. dollars) or almost 30 percent of the projected gross domestic product for 2021.

Regarding the budgetary deficit, S&P said it expects it to decrease in 2021 to 4.9 percent and to gradually continue to decrease each year, according to the government's forecast. Enditem
'These are sixth-graders who have never stepped foot in our building. They dont even know what its like to be a sixth-grade student yet. Were trying to orientate them while trying to educate them.'
Australias Covid-19 vaccination program started on Sunday, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison joining a group of nursing home residents and staff in receiving the first shots, Bloomberg reports.

Morrison and the nations chief medical and nursing officers were among the small group that received the first Pfizer/BioNTech shots to help build public confidence in the safety of the program.

The broader rollout will start on Monday, with Australia giving priority to hotel quarantine and border workers, front-line health-care workers and nursing home residents and staff.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said Feb. 15 that Australias first vaccines had arrived, when more than 142,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech shot landed at Sydneys airport.

Its expected the greater portion of doses administered in Australia will be from the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is being manufactured onshore by Melbourne-based CSL Ltd.

Separately, the health department said Green Zone flights to Australia from New Zealand could resume on Sunday. The situation in New Zealand had now improved after flights were suspended due to cases of community transmission of Covid-19 in Auckland.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

Three separate San Francisco neighborhood organizations on Friday filed separate lawsuits against the University of California over plans to expand UCSF's Parnassus Heights campus.

UCSF's Comprehensive Parnassus Heights Plan aims to transform UCSF's Helen Diller Medical Center, complete with a much larger hospital, updated care facilities, and new research labs and classrooms. UC regents approved the massive project back in 2018.

The Yerba Buena Neighborhood Consortium, the Parnassus Neighborhood Coalition and San Franciscans for Balanced and Livable Communities have filed separate suits, calling on regents to overturn their decision. They're also calling on regents to revisit a 2014 plan that capped future expansion at the Parnassus Heights campus, which is located in the residential Inner Sunset neighborhood.

The suits are also challenging the project's Final Environmental Impact Report, alleging it overlooks the severe impacts the expansion would have on housing and transportation.

In a statement, the YBNC said the expansion "is the wrong vision for the University's and San Francisco's future.

"The UCSF CRDP expansion project creates a demand for 2,800 new housing units but will provide only 1,263 -- less than half of what will be needed to avoid negative housing market and lower-income resident displacement impacts," YBNC officials said. "The Parnassus Heights campus is jammed into one of the most difficult locations in the city for commuter access. The N Judah Muni Metro route service is already jammed at capacity and cannot be easily increased."

The group is further urging UC regents to reconsider expanding at other city sites planned for development like Mission Rock, Pier 70, Potrero Power Plant and Candlestick Point.

"Any of these projects would include sufficient new housing to meet the demands of the new expansion project. Transportation impacts of these projects have already been planned for and their close proximity to UCSF Mission Bay offers maximum convenience with minimum new transit demand," YBNC officials said.

In response, UCSF said it couldn't comment on existing litigation, but noted that the Parnassus Heights expansion has received broad support from residents and community groups, including the Inner Sunset Park Neighbors Board of Directors, Haigh Ashbury Neighbors for Density and the SF Housing Action Coalition, among others. Additionally, elected officials like Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Myrna Melgar, California Sen. Scott Weiner and Assemblymember Phil Ting have also lent support for the project.

"We are proud to say that we worked with our neighbors and community stakeholders to identify millions of dollars in community investments -- including more than 1,200 new housing units and over $20 million in transit improvements -- that will also improve the daily experience of living in the neighborhood. This includes practical steps such as creating a service corridor behind the campus that will take delivery and service vehicles off of Parnassus Avenue. And at a time when the city's economy is under incredible pressure from COVID-19, the construction of our new hospital and modernized campus will create thousands of jobs," UCSF officials said.

All three suits have been filed in Alameda County.

Copyright  2021 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
Leighton Meester appeared to be getting her surfing fix on Sunday morning.

The 34-year-old actress was spotted carrying her surfboard across the rocks before paddling out into the waves in Malibu.

Back on shore, her husband Adam Brody cradled their baby son, whom the couple welcomed in September of last year.

Hang ten! Leighton Meester was spotted carrying her surfboard across the rocks before paddling out into the waves in Malibu on Sunday

The Gossip Girl actress was spotted wearing a black wetsuit that helped regulate her body temperature during her time in the frigid waters.

She also wore a wide-brimmed hat to keep the California sun out of her eyes.

Her husband kept his outfit choices very casual while wearing a grey sweater and a pair of dark pants; he stayed barefoot while hopping from rock to rock.

The Jennifer's Body actor also covered up the couple's newest child with a patterned blanket while keeping him close in a baby harness.

Appropriate attire: The actress wore a black wetsuit as well as a wide-brimmed hat during her surfing session

Taking in the view: Her husband Adam Brody cradled the couple's new son while watching his wife from the beach

Meester and Brody first met in 2010 while working on the romantic comedy film The Oranges.

The two became engaged in 2013 and tied the knot the following year. They started their family in 2015 with the birth of their first daughter Arlo Day, currently aged five.

Last year, the couple welcomed their second child, a son whose name has not been revealed yet.

Last October, the Shazam! actor spoke to People and elaborated on why welcoming a child in the midst of a global pandemic was a good thing for his family.

'For us, luckily in this time in our lives...this family growing by one has definitely had its magical moments and it's had its benefits, for sure,' he stated.

Costars: Meester and Brody first met while they were working on the romantic comedy film The Oranges; the couple is pictured together in 2019

The actor also spoke about how, at the time, he and his wife were already starting to see aspects of their son's personality starting to develop at an early age.

'Not that you can deduce everything from a 2-month-old, but...we're picking up on differences, for sure, and all good. We're so lucky,' he said.

Brody concluded that he was happy to have quarantined with his family, as he was able to remain in close contact with them for an extended period of time as opposed to constantly being occupied with his work commitments.

Specifically, the actor noted that his newfound time with his wife and children has 'been magical, and I'll remember it for the rest of my life.'
We have now been through the first 30 days of this nightmarish Progressivetory (Progressive Purgatory). This, the first month that Biden has been placed in the White House by the Progressives (Deep State/Globalists/Socialists). Within this first month that the cabal has instituted its figurehead, we have seen our worst fears realized and our timid hopes destroyed. Here is what we now know and have learned in just one short month of what the Progressive Dystopians have done and are planning to do against America and her people.

* Biden has despotically enacted more executive orders in his first week of office than Trump, Obama, and W. Bush combined in their first weeks.

* The Biden administration has started to count COVID cases differently. Therefore, the number of COVID cases will be going down dramatically under the new administration.

* They have started moving flu deaths back into the flu deaths category, changing this will drop the number of COVID deaths dramatically.

* The White House doors are being opened wide for the Muslim Brotherhood while being closed to Israel and Netanyahu. And now the Biden administration is reaching out to Israel's archenemy, Iran.

* We've been instructed that Make America Great Again is racist and xenophobic, but Blame America First is patriotic and noble.

* We see that with the thousands of troops deployed in our nation's capital for the foreseeable future, it now looks more like Baghdad or Pyongyang than the City of Washington. And Progressives are giving no explanation for the continuing militarization of our nation's capital.

* With the militarization of Washington, D.C. and the adding of walls, borders, fences, and razor wire, Congress is now living and working in its own gated community. None of the "unwashed masses" is allowed to enter. Almost as if they know they really did not win in 2020.

* Florida remaining a Free State and Governor DeSantis receiving national acclaim have made for an embarrassment to the new regime. So the federal government is actually in discussions on segregating the state of Florida from the rest of America in terms of open and unrestricted travel plans. This is clearly to punish DeSantis.

* There was a self-imposed blackout by the left media of all things wrong with Governor Cuomo as he caused the deaths of thousands of seniors in nursing homes in New York. We know how the leftist media would have treated it if the name was switched from Cuomo to Trump. Not just biased journalism, but purposeful lying and falsehoods by media.

* If someone is in the country legally, he is assumed to have COVID. If someone tries to come into the country illegally, he is assumed not to have COVID. What?

* The shutting down of the Keystone Pipeline is already causing more unemployment and has pushed the price of gas dramatically. The Progressives are fine with $4-per-gallon pricing.

* Because of Impeachment II, we were told that words and words alone are reason and cause enough for removal from office. No word yet on the future impeachment and removal from office of Kamala Harris for her words during last summer's "mostly violent protests" of actual insurrection.

* When the Biden administration says unity and coming together as one, its people mean blacklists, book-burning, purging, canceling, re-education camps, and thought police.

* The climate change hoax is causing deaths, destruction, and third-world living conditions. Just ask Texas.

* Climate change hoax czar John Kerry flies on a private jet to get an award for climate change leadership. You just can't make this stuff up. It really happened.

* We have learned under the new administration that China is now deciding America's foreign policy towards...China. Taiwan's days are numbered.

* We have now learned in the first 30 days of this Progressivetory that the leadership at the Pentagon is not politically neutral, that it does take partisan sides, and that it is in fact part of the Deep State. The idea of political generals is frightening.

* The present regime in place is violating the Second Amendment  not by confiscating weapons, but by making sure ammo is in short supply.

* The Impeachment II show trial is soon to be followed by the Insurrection Commission show trial. And it is going to be led by an extremely partisan three-star general. Again, this should frighten every American and constitutionalist.

* We have learned in these short 30 days that the military is being "purged" of certain political and cultural philosophies. None of the "bring all ideas to the table" nonsense. You will conform, or you're out.

* We have learned that in the new COVID stimulus bill, the red states' taxes will be bailing out the blue states from their self-imposed shutdowns and deliberate sabotage of their own state's economies. This was to destroy Trump's economy for the 2020 election.

* We have learned this month that the color of skin you are born with, that and that alone, can cause you to be a racist.

* Repeat after Orwell/Fauci, "Two masks good, one mask bad...two masks good, one mask bad...two masks good, one mask bad."

This first month has proven to be as dire as we feared. The first 30 days of this Progressivetory regime has proven that the 80 million who voted for Trump were right all along. Elections have always mattered. Sadly, it appears now that "selections" by the Deep State matter more. Very sad and extremely dangerous.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
This means Australians would not have to wait for herd immunity  when a healthy majority of the population is vaccinated against the virus  to be safe from those severe restrictions. Young says with a vaccine available, a community outbreak in the next few months could be dealt with by rushing vaccines into that specific area  an approach known as ring vaccination. It will significantly impact how we respond, she says. Queenslands Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young. Credit: Supplied That will be welcome news to people such as Prime Minister Scott Morrison. While Morrison has generally supported recent snap lockdowns in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne, he has maintained that once the vaccine rollout begins, our approach to outbreaks will change. To that end, Morrison has tasked the head of his department, Phil Gaetjens, with examining how to recalibrate Australias outbreak response in the context of increasing inoculation. The federal chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, spoke with Gaetjens about the matter on Wednesday.

The vaccine will affect our decision-making, I am sure of that, Kelly said. Touring a vaccination hub at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney on Friday, Morrison was asked directly whether the inoculation of frontline workers should be enough to stop premiers locking down their states or capital cities over a handful of cases. At some point therell be a threshold at which you can be confident that we dont need a statewide lockdown. Professor Julie Leask, University of Sydney vaccine expert He said the vaccination of those workers should mean a big change to how we assess risk around COVID in this country. He also said decisions on lockdowns and border closures were ultimately choices for premiers and their chief health offices  recognising that states have routinely ignored national cabinet agreements on these matters in the past. But Morrison cautioned: You only use a tool for as long as you need that tool. And if you dont need that tool any more, well, you can put it back in the box. I think were getting to that point on this and Im looking forward to it.

I know the Premier is very supportive of that as well, he added, referring to Berejiklian, whose preference for staying open and quashing outbreaks through contact tracing is well established. In lockdown-weary Victoria, the rhetoric has been cautious. On Tuesday, the penultimate day of last weeks statewide lockdown, Premier Daniel Andrews and Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton were asked at what point they could guarantee they would not lock their citizens down yet again. Andrews said once high-risk cohorts or a very high percentage of the general population are vaccinated, the game does change. He referred to the review led by Gaetjens and assisted by his state and territory counterparts, which would look across the whole field of play to work out our tolerances and our rules. As for the level of vaccination that would protect Victorians from any more lockdowns: I dont think we [know]  not with the sort of certainty that you want. Sutton warned that even with a good vaccine, a small percentage of people wont be protected, which was a particular worry in aged care. But he doubted severe restrictions would be needed to manage an outbreak in several months time because we would have the great majority of people most at risk of severe illness, most at risk of dying, protected by that vaccine.

Experts are eagerly awaiting more data from countries which have already vaccinated significant chunks of their population, such as Britain and Israel. In particular, they want to see how much transmission of the coronavirus (as opposed to serious illness and death) the vaccines prevent, in order to determine the herd immunity threshold for this illness. But what level of vaccination means we can take lockdowns and border closures off the table as options? Its a really good question and Im not going to answer it, says Julie Leask, a vaccine expert at the University of Sydney. Leask does actually answer the question in a general way. Its not so much what figure it will be  though that will be important  but its about seeing how we go with future outbreaks, she says. Were going to be able to afford to be a little bit less aggressive with our COVID-management strategies as we get high proportions of Australian vaccinated. Let the rollout begin: Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Secretary of the Department of Health Professor Brendan Murphy during a press conference on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout on Thursday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Lets imagine were in October and weve been able to vaccinate 50 to 60 per cent of eligible people. Its quite likely an outbreak would move more slowly. What theyd probably do is ask the modellers to take all sorts of different levels of vaccination and the heterogeneity of immunity in the population and model different scenarios with outbreaks. And at some point therell be a threshold at which you can be confident that we dont need a statewide lockdown.

The modelling will only go so far, Leask says. What premiers and chief health officers decide to do in the event of further outbreaks will also depend on their own risk tolerance. And the real test might be winter, when vaccination is incomplete and the colder weather sets in. Winter is our biggest danger period because we might have a lot of the at-risk people vaccinated, but we wont have most of the population vaccinated by June or July, says Peter Collignon, a professor of infectious diseases at the Australian National University. Collignon has previously argued against precautionary lockdowns, saying the response to COVID outbreaks should be proportionate, as demonstrated by Sydneys handling of the Avalon and Berala clusters over Christmas. At some stage theres got to be a balance that weve got to come to, he says. Were locking down because we dont want to see a lot of death and destruction, basically. [But] once we have vaccines rolled out to the highest-risk groups, that changes that formula. If the vaccines are very good at stopping death or severe disease  that alters how we look at having lockdowns. Does that mean Australians have probably endured their last lockdown or border closure? No, Collignon says, based on experience to date.

Despite her optimism about the future and the reduced need for drastic measures, Young, the Queensland CHO, reminds us that whatever is decided nationally, her state will make its own final decision. In the end it always is the Premiers call in Queensland; were a federation and thats how we work, she says. Having said that, this has worked for Australia because weve worked together. There have been some subtle areas where weve been different [but] we have been consistent as a country. Loading And while Young says there is no magic number at which she can guarantee a future free from lockdowns and state border closures, she does think the federal government will need to come up with one for the reopening of international travel. There will be a magic figure for when the Commonwealth removes those border restrictions. Its going to take probably six months, she says.

Varanasi : , Feb 21 (IANS) Social organisations and even individuals, performing 'Ganga Aarti' at various ghats will now have to get registered with the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC).

The decision has been taken by the district administration to check encroachments on the riverfront, which is a public property.

The municipal authorities have also been asked to prepare the records of the 'Ganga Aarti'.

District magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma has asked the municipal authorities to prepare the records of the Ganga aarti and complete the registration process by March end.

Thereafter, no such activities would be allowed on the ghats without the registration and prior permission of the VMC.

"The riverfront is a public property owned by the state government and being looked after by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation," said the district magistrate in a letter to VMC.

"It has been noticed that quite often that some people indulge in disputes over holding Ganga Aarti. The municipal corporation should make a specific regulation for organising the Ganga Aarti along the ghats. The VMC should register the aarti organisers with the allotment of space, which should be renewed every year. Besides, it should also be ensured that no aarti is organised by any individual or organisation without the VMC's permission," he said.

The VMC has also been directed to nominate a nodal officer to look after the whole process.

According to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, 147 key scenic sites and areas in Beijing received a total of 7.81 million visits during the Spring Festival holiday, which took place between Feb. 11-17 this year, accounting for 83.8% of that during the 2019 holiday. Total revenue reached around 612 million yuan ($94.81 million), 1.9 times that during the same period last year.



Here, we take a look at the 10 most-visited scenic sites in Beijing during the week-long traditional holiday.

10. Shichahai scenic area

Location: Xicheng district, Beijing



Total visits: 202,000

Shichahai, the only open water landscape in the capital, consists of Qianhai (Front Lake), Houhai (Rear Lake) and Xihai (West Lake). Besides its ancient temples and historic sites, the area also features a variety of hutongs, restaurants, bars, cafes and boutiques.
For God to be merciful to us, he has to be merciless to somebody else.

What would you do if God told you (a Christian) to attack some people and kill everybody, including women and children? You might decide to pity some of them. You might see a newborn baby and decide, out of the goodness of your heart, to spare him. In short, you might end up declaring that you are more righteousness than God.

Several years ago, God told me to terminate the appointments of all the people working with me. He then said I should tell those who still wanted to work with me to reapply. He told me, furthermore, that two people would not reapply because He did not want them to continue working with me.

So, I did as I was told, and the two people did not reapply. They asked when they could submit all the official paraphernalia with them, and we made an appointment for the next day. Then, I became very sad. I said to myself in my heart, I was not even talking to God mind you: What a pity that they have to leave. And God heard me.

I got into trouble. The Holy Spirit rebuked me sharply. Are you more righteous than God? I said some people should go and you are asking that they should stay in your mercy. What do you know about mercy?

I know nothing at all.

Judgment of Amalek

When God told Saul to attack the Amalekites and kill everybody, that extreme instruction came out of Gods kindness to Israel. God remembered the wickedness of the Amalekites in attacking Israel from the rear in the wilderness. He was also trying to prevent the Amalekites from attacking Davids people in the future.

Do you know that if Saul had completely wiped out the Amalekites as instructed, they would not have attacked Davids people much later at Ziklag?

Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. So, David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. (1 Samuel 30:1-3).

In effect, the judgement of God on Amalek reflects the mercy of God on Israel. This is how the psalmist expresses this kingdom dynamic. He says the mercy of the God who killed the firstborn of Egypt but brought out Israel safely endures forever:

To Him who divided the Red Sea in two, for His mercy endures forever; and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for His mercy endures forever; but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for His mercy endures forever To Him who struck down great kings, for His mercy endures forever; and gave their land as a heritage, for His mercy endures forever; a heritage to Israel His servant, for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 136:15-22).

According to the scriptures, calamities occur because Gods mercy endures forever. The psalmist says God killed all the firstborn of Egypt because His mercy endures forever. He drowned all Pharaohs army in the Red Sea because His mercy endures forever.

In effect, the mercy of God to Israel is the judgement of God to Pharaoh. Israel knows that the mercy of God endures forever because in one day God killed all the firstborn in Egypt in one fell swoop and spared all the firstborn of Israel in Goshen. Had the two different acts of God not occurred simultaneously, Israel would have been oblivious of the mercy of God.

Thus, the same Red Sea that was the instrument of Gods deliverance of the Jews was the instrument of Gods destruction of the Egyptians.

Unmerited Favour

God did this so both the Israelites and the Egyptians can fully appreciate His mercy. Some people were destroyed so that their land may be given to the Israelites. In this way, all men everywhere would fully appreciate the unmerited favour of God.

Thus, God says to Israel: I sent the hornet before you which drove them out from before you, also the two kings of the Amorites, but not with your sword or with your bow. I have given you a land for which you did not labour, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant. (Joshua 24:12-13).

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Similarly, God gave me a fellowship that I did not start. He gave me a house in exclusive Victoria Island, Lagos that I did not build. He gave me a school, Nouveau International School, Lagos that I did not establish. He gave me a car, Toyota RAV4, that I did not buy. My house in Lagos is full of very expensive paintings that I did not pay for.

As for you reading this, some people have died of COVID-19 but you have survived, for like he granted through David, Gods mercy endures forever. Some people contracted COVID-19 and died while you contracted COVID-19 and survived, for Gods mercy endures forever.

Therefore, from today, never talk about Gods unfairness again. What do you know about fairness? Who taught you fairness? Is it fair that your name should be written in heaven? It is fair that some should be in the hospital now but you are at home? Is it fair that you can see, but some are born blind? Is it fair that you should know the Lord and others dont?

Any insistence on fairness would cost you your salvation. The person who insists on fairness, or vengeance, is the person who despises the grace of God.

Double-eged Sword

Therefore, if your father should die, if your brother you have an accident, if you should fail in your exams, if your husband should leave you for another woman, from now start seeing everything that happens from the perspective of Gods mercy.

The word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword. Jesus is both a sanctuary and a rock of offence. He is a sanctuary and a gin and a snare at the same time. This is because for God to be merciful to us, he has to be merciless to somebody else. For us to live, Jesus Christ had to die.

In your life, the mercy of God endures forever. You are born again, you are in the ark of Jesus Christ, for His mercy endures forever. From the ark, Noah must have seen a lot of dead bodies floating on the water and rotting in the sun, for Gods mercy endures forever. You have received what God promised: the sure mercies of David.

Therefore, consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. (Romans 11:22-23). CONTINUED.

Faribisala@yahoo.com; www.femiaribisala.com
TORRINGTON  Tammy Denease is a passionate storyteller, whose performances depict Black women in many roles  a pilot, a teacher, an activist  and shares their lives before and after their enslavement.

Her next role will take her even higher.

Denease is bringing her online performance of Bessie Coleman to the Torrington Historical Society Feb. 23. Coleman was the first Black-Native American woman pilot, who grew up in the segregated South and ended up in Paris, France, as an aviatrix. The virtual program is set for 6 p.m.

Gail Kruppa at the Torrington Historical Society reached out to me, to do a program for Black History Month, Denease said. I tend to not do many programs in February, because Black history is every day. Im getting people to stay away from it. ... I appreciate it, and why it was invented, but its time to move past that now.

Coleman was born in Texas in 1892, the daughter of a former enslaved Black woman and a Cherokee man. Unhappy with Jim Crow laws, her father returned to the Oklahoma territory and wanted to bring the family, but her mother made the decision to stay and raise her children by herself.

Her mother made the brave decision to raise her children alone; Bessie was the ninth child, Denease said. Her mother encouraged her to study and to learn to read, and when the library wagon came to town, her mother made sure she had money for books, so she and the other kids could learn to read and write.

Later, she attended the Colored Agricultural and Normal School in Oklahoma.

Her brothers fought in WWI, and when she later moved to Chicago, she learned about women learning to fly planes, Denease said. She was inspired by the stories of WWI, and she just wanted to fly. She wanted to be a Negro aviatrix. She just didnt know she was going to be the first one.

Coleman got her pilots license on June 15, 1921, a date for which Denease is trying to organize a celebration. She didnt fly during WWII, but she flew planes from the war. She sailed to France to attend the Federation Aeronautic Institute. She was the only Black person and the only woman in her class. They welcomed her and treated her with respect.

Colemans flying career lasted for five years. She wanted to open an aviation school, but couldnt afford it, so she performed air shows around the country. People would line up to see her, Denease said. She also went to Hollywood, and ended up doing advertising for a tire company.

Denease chooses her characters when she feels a kinship or some kind of bond with them.

For example, everyone knows about Amelia Earhart, but Bessie was flying around two years before that, she said. There are so many untold stories like that. Bessie and I had similar childhoods.

Denease grew up in Columbus, Miss., with her great-grandmother, a former enslaved person, and her grandmother, the child of slaves. She heard many stories about their lives in the deep South amid the Jim Crow laws. Those stories stayed with her as she grew older. Her experiences with inaccurate history about the deep South and the fact that so many know nothing about other Black men and women and their impact on the nation, is why she decided to become a historic storyteller, she said.

In Columbus, Denease said, although Jim Crow laws no longer were officially being used, their spirit was alive and well there. The KKK was still running around, burning houses, crosses. ... It was all going on.

Growing up, I thought Mississippis cotton fields were beautiful, but my mother wouldnt let me play in them, Denease said. I didnt understand until I got older why my mother didnt want me in a cotton field.

When she returns to her hometown for a visit, Denease said, she can only stay a few days.

Its the racism, the us-versus-them mentality, the idea of Black people not having many choices. Its a beautiful state, but not much has changed, she said.

Denease attended local schools in Hartford, then went on to the University of Hartford to study business, then human services at Manchester Community College. I didnt get a degree in history, she said. It never occurred to me to do that  I lived it.

Her own great-grandmother was freed during the marryin season, a term referring to the age young Black women married, between 12 and 15. When the great surrender came in May 1865, she was freed, but she refused the 40 acres and a mule of Reconstruction, and she bought 40 acres of land for $80, Denease said. That 40 acres is still in our family today.

When Denease moved north from Mississippi, she learned a lot. It was somewhat of a culture shock to hear the North telling a lie about history, that the South was bad, and the North was the great hero, Denease said. In sixth grade, all they wanted to talk about was Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. I asked, what about Medgar Evers? He was a hero in Mississippi, but he wasnt in the curriculum here.

Denease enjoys her work and believes living history in the form of storytelling is the best way to teach history. But she wishes more of the Black community would come to hear her.

Sometimes I get a little down and think, Why am I doing this, and as soon as that happens, someone will thank me, and that it meant so much for them to hear the story, she said. Its positive. Yes, they went through a lot, but its about their resilience, their work. It all ties together.

When shes not performing, Denease is an educator and guide at the Webb Deane Stevens Museum in Wethersfield. She and her husband, Kelvin, often work together on her storytelling programs. Her daughter Brianna, now 31, has two children.

To register for this program, visit the Torrington Historical Society website at torringtonhistoricalsociety.org/zoom-registration.html. To see more examples of Deneases work, visit hiddenwomen.org.
Lloyd's of London has pledged to publish a catalogue of its 3,000 treasures to root out any connections with the slave trade.

The worlds oldest insurance market is seeking an archivist to examine its vast trove of goods obtained over more than three centuries, including paintings, furniture, swords and silverware.

Lloyds has posted an advert for an archivist to undertake research into Lloyds archives to ascertain what artefacts and objects link to African and Caribbean history (specifically slavery and abolition).

Lloyd's iconic building in the City of London

John Neal, chief executive of Lloyds, told The Mail on Sunday he was aiming to make the catalogue public by the end of the year  before deciding what to do with artefacts relating to slavery.

Among its possessions are old editions of Lloyds List, a journal dating back to the early 1700s that provided shipping news, as sea was the main method of global transport and required insurance.

The journals often contained advertisements for slave ships, as slavery was not abolished in the British Empire until the 1830s.

One Lloyds List advert seen by The Mail on Sunday called for the return of a negro maid aged about 16 years who had run away from her master. The reward was a guinea  one pound and a shilling.

Other artefacts are understood to include broker slips that refer to insuring slaves on ships as cargo.

Founding members and former chairmen of Lloyds have connections with slavery. John Julius Angerstein, chairman in 1790, owned estates with slaves in the Caribbean.

Lloyds has a portrait of Angerstein hanging in its City headquarters in Lime Street, which also houses an extensive collection of artefacts connected to the defender of British seapower Admiral Nelson, deemed the patron saint of the marketplace.

Troubled past: An oil painting of chairman John Julius Angerstein (pictured) still hangs in Lloyds HQ in spite of his links with the brutality of slavery

The collection ranges from valuable silverware to letters and logbooks of historic battles. It includes a 216-year-old logbook from HMS Euryalus which describes events from the Battle of Trafalgar.

Other treasures in the Nelson Collection include a silver soup tureen. On it is inscribed: Lloyds Coffee House, A Tribute of Gratitude and respect from his Country to the Memory of Captain John Harvey of his Majestys Ship, The Brunswick, who gloriously fell in the Important Action of the 1st of June 1794 when the French fleet was defeated by the British fleet under of Command of Admiral Earl Howe, John Julius Angerstein Chairman.

Some campaigners claim Nelson was a supporter of the slave trade, which has sparked fierce debate. Lloyds, which traces its roots back to 1686, came under the spotlight last year along with other British institutions after academics at University College London published a database of slave owners.

The academics describe Simon Fraser as a founding subscriber of Lloyds and list him as the owner of the Castle Bruce estate in Dominica, which had as many as 281 slaves in the early 1800s. They believe he might have held more slaves at a site in British Guiana.

Neal said: I think we need to go through a very meticulous process of cataloguing what we have, why we have it, and what the circumstances are that related to our ownership of an artefact.

Lloyds List, a journal dating back to the early 1700s, often contained advertisements for slave ships, as slavery was not abolished in the British Empire until the 1830s

He plans to make that information public so people can see and understand what weve got he says and then decide what to do with that catalogue  what to do next.

He said: Insurance started where transportation started, which was marine insurance. So regrettably you find yourself with parts of your history associated with the slave trade that were appalled by.

There will be instances where the artefacts are inappropriate, and we should take advice on them. Were not the best people qualified to determine what to do. So we should take advice from both learned institutions and our colleagues that feel impacted.

Other artefacts are also under scrutiny. Neal said: We used to display cartoons by an artist called Bateman. Look at them today and frankly theyre sexist. It doesnt mean you necessarily destroy them but I dont think its appropriate to display them.

Neal has already tried to address allegations of sexism and harassment that have dogged the marketplace in recent years, as well as stamping out a laddish, boozy culture.

Lloyds banned daytime drinking in 2017 and Neal then turned the pub in its building into a coffee shop. He also promoted women to top committees.

Neal said recent surveys show cases of sexism and harassment have fallen, but added the job was not done. He said: Until you eliminate those issues, literally eliminate them, youve not succeeded. Well keep stepping up.

He is also striving to digitise the institution in which brokers and underwriters traditionally met face-to-face to buy and sell insurance policies.

Neal launched a plan in November to automate and digitise more processes, helping to cut costs for companies operating in the market by 800million within two years. He said. To say to people, these big wodges of paper you wander around with? Theyre gone, its now data points  thats a massive cultural change.

The shift to digital has raised questions over Lloyds future in Lime Street, in a building designed by Richard Rogers with lifts on the exterior of the glass facade.

Lloyds has a break clause this year in the lease of the building, owned by Chinese insurance giant Ping An, which runs to 2031. But Neal said: I think we should stay.

Theres such a strong association, globally with Lloyds in that building. Theres no reason why we cant re-engineer the space to be fit for purpose. So weve no intent to exercise the break provisions.

Lloyds is launching a consultation with members on redesigning the space for 2022, which it aims to conclude by the middle of this year. Neal said of the space: It will be much more collaborative, much more flexible. You would have the best technology to allow people to connect virtually as well. There is a need for physical connection, so that will always be there.

The main elements of the first long-range High Mobility Artillery Rocket System - HIMARS which will be part of the Romanian Army's arsenal arrived on Saturday in Constanta Port, the Ministry of National Defense announced.

The equipment and related materials will be taken to the headquarters of the "Maj. Gheorghe Sontu" 81st Tactical Artillery Battalion in Focsani, which will be the first unit of the Romanian Land Forces to operate this system, the Ministry announced on Sunday.

The battalion will conduct in the next period the acceptance and hand-over testing of the military equipment.The system elements will be taken to Focsani by land transport means contracted and coordinated by US and National Defense Ministry specialized structures.The HIMARS system was procured under Law No. 46/2018 on the accomplishment of the Indirect Fire Support Capability related to the HIMARS endowment program.The document provides for the purchase of three systems with 18 launching facilities each, including, but not limited to, ammunition, command and control elements, sensors, logistics support, maintenance, cryptographic and special equipment, as well as personnel training services at all required levels.For Romania, achieving the indirect fire support capability is of essential security interest and contributes significantly both to strengthening the strategic partnership with the US and to the fulfillment of our country's NATO commitments."Having in view the diversity of situations in which the Romanian Army must participate with troops, both on the national territory and particularly abroad, equipping the structures of the Land Forces Staff with high-performance enhanced-capability support means specific to both classical and unconventional warfare is a must. The long-range multiple rocket launching system is capable of providing combat support both during the participation of the forces in military actions, as well as during the training process. The multiple rocket launcher systems, which are an important part of the ground artillery system, will act independently or integrated with the other systems for the accomplishment of the missions," the National Defense Ministry states.Due to their interoperability, the multiple rocket launcher systems can be made available to NATO for the fulfillment of Romania's commitments within the Alliance and regional initiatives.The HIMARS system has proven its operational maturity in real conflicts, being tested during military operations, the cited release also states.
Former Nepal Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai will fly to New Delhi on Sunday for medical treatment after being diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour.The spouse of former Prime Minister, Hishila Yami, and the Press Advisor will be accompanying him for the medical visit.

Bhattarai's media advisor Bishowdeep Pandey said that the former PM will take a Nepal Airlines Flight and fly to Delhi later today and will undergo consultation and treatment at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in the capital of India.

He also informed that Bhattarai was in constant follow-up and medical observation at Nidan Hospital in Nepal. He is heading for Delhi on the recommendation of the hospital for further consultation and possible treatment. It has been diagnosed that Bhattari might have a neuroendocrine tumour. During the stay in Delhi, Bhattarai will be staying at the Embassy of Nepal in India, his secretariat confirmed.

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Experts claimed that Canon could have a new camera lens that uses water as its optic. This is currently a great innovation since professional videographers and photographers won't have to worry about cleaning the fungus in their camera lens every month, especially if they shoot in very humid places.

According to Optics and Photonics News' latest report, researchers discovered the method of cold electrowetting. They said that it allows them to manipulate liquid to act as a tunable lens and mimick the crystalline lenses of the human eye.

European Patent Office is the first one to publish the new study, stating that Bruno Berge, a successful entrepreneur, discovered the new method and believed that liquids shaped can really be manipulated to change the way it refracts light.

How the new water lens works

Berge that once water's shape is altered, experts can turn it into a lens, which is comparable to how a drop of water functions as a magnifying glass. He said that two clear, non-mixable liquids can serve as a lens depending on the curvature of their interface.

Also Read: Aye Neo Vs. Nintendo Switch: Can This Ryzen-Powered Hand-Held Gaming PC Rival the Popular Console

Why? Because this curvature alters when a current is applied, enabling an image to be focused and captured. Berge was also able to create a prototype of a liquid lens that can change its focus when a small amount of electricity is applied.

"At the beginning, I had no concrete application in mind, but I saw the potential of the technology. The question was where to use it," said Berge via European Patent Office.

Will Canon be the first to have it?

When Berge realized that his idea is possible, he immediately approached the popular camera-maker Canon. However, the tech giant manufacturer declined his innovation. Although this is the case, he was still able to seek a corporate buyer that would be glad to know his new technology.

France Innovation Scientifique et Transfert SA, an intellectual property and technology transfer organization, is one of the companies that funded his work. On the other hand, he also received funds from leading French and international investment funds Varioptoc in 2002. This company said that they will help Berge to commercialize his liquid lens technology. If you want to know more about Berge's new Varioptic lenses, just click here.

For more news updates about Canon and other camera technologies, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Canon Rumored to Bring Back Eye-Controlled Autofocus Feature, MayBe Added to New Cameras

This article is owned by TechTimes.

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A record 4175 year 12 students ditched the ATAR last year and completed VCE without a study score as universities offered new alternative pathways to enrolment.

In all, 8.3 per cent of year 12 students completed an unscored VCE in 2020, data given to The Age by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority reveals.

Maya Pradhan completed her VCE without a study score last year and has enrolled in an arts degree at Swinburne University. Credit:Simon Schluter

It is a modest increase on 2019s total, when 3810 students went unscored, suggesting the disruption to study caused by the pandemic did not generate a surge in students choosing this option for fear of getting a low ATAR.

There were calls to ditch the ATAR last year, including a prominent online petition signed by 25,000 people calling for all senior exams to be scrapped due to the pandemic.
February 21, 2021

The MoA Week In Review - OT 2021-015

Last week's posts at Moon of Alabama:

> [E]very U.S. president since Bill Clinton has, at Israeli insistence, signed a secret letter upon entering office that effectively pledges the United States will not press the Jewish state to give up its nuclear weapons so long as it continued to face existential threats in the region.

...

the U.S. government has promulgated a regulationdescribed in the U.S. Energy Departments Classification Bulletin WPN-136 on Foreign Nuclear Capabilitiesthat threatens government employees with severe punishment if they acknowledge Israel has nuclear weapons. Naturally, the regulation is withheld from public release. <

> "Nothing has changed. Biden claims that Trump's policy of maximum pressure was maximum failure... But for all practical purposes, they are pursuing the same policy," he said.

...

Elsewhere in his remarks, Zarif said that those alleging that the JCPOA has to encompass more subject matters than it already has should be sure that it will absolutely not. The US and some of its regional allies have demanded that Irans missile program and regional influence be included in the nuclear talks. Tehran has roundly rejected any such prospect, saying it will not renegotiate a done deal and that its defensive activities and regional might are not open to any negotiation. <

> And in fact, Joe Bidens administration will not cancel anything which was done by Donald Trump except for leaving the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Democrats are returning there now. <

February 20 - NATO Deployments To Iraq Are Supposed To Put Pressure On Iran - They Will Instead Become Hostages





---

Other issues:

Xinjiang:

The piece below partly builds on our previous one: Why Do These Uighur Witnesses' Stories Constantly Change?

Sputnik Vaccine propaganda fail:

Russia Is Offering to Export Hundreds of Millions of Vaccine Doses, but Can It Deliver? - Feb 19 2021 - New York Times

The Kremlin has scored propaganda points and bolstered several longstanding foreign policy goals by offering its Sputnik V vaccine around the world. But it has limited production capacity.

> We still wonder why Russia is offering, theoretically, millions and millions of doses while not sufficiently progressing in vaccinating its own people, the European Commissions president, Ursula von der Leyen, told a news conference this week. This question should be answered. <

Looming Supply Glut of Russias Sputnik V Vaccine Could Pave Way for Exports Feb 19 2021 - Moscow Times

Pharmaceutical industry experts told The Moscow Times that manufacturers are set to overshoot targets while Russians remain indifferent to the jab.

> There will absolutely be excess supply in Russia. I believe that around 30% of Russian-made vaccines will be ready for export, said Vitaly Shakhnazarov, quality director at COREX, a pharmaceutical logistics firm working through Russia and Eastern Europe.

...

Kulish believes that the RDIFs estimates of 30 million Sputnik doses manufactured monthly by March  10 million of them in Russia and the rest in countries including Brazil, South Korea and Kazakhstan  may be conservative, and that by June the Russian pharmaceutical sector could overshoot its ambitions and produce up to 40 million jabs monthly. <

Covid-19 U.S. failure:

> The 2.7-year drop in life expectancy for African-Americans from January through June of last year was the largest decline, followed by a 1.9-year drop for Hispanic Americans and a 0.8-year drop for white Americans. <

Covid-19 On variants of concern:

In Kent - Patrick Cockburn / LRB

Eeek! - Rupert Beale / LRB

Boeing:

The cause was fan blade off (FBO) event on a Pratt & Whitney 4077 engine. This is the THIRD time this happens (UA1175 13 Feb 2018, JA8978 4 Dec 2020, UA328 20 Feb 2021). All incidents were contained and all three flights made safe landings. But one of these days an FBO will not be contained and a 777 will come down from such an incident. An FAA investigation of the 2018 event found unsafe procedures during P&W routine inspections of the fan blades : NDI Process Failures Preceded Boeing 777 PW4077 Fan Blade Off (FBO) Event (United Airlines N7773UA) - Aerossurane

Use as open thread ...

Posted by b on February 21, 2021 at 13:45 UTC | Permalink

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Tony Evans reveals COVID diagnosis, ministry offices damaged by Texas freeze

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Pastor Tony Evans thanked supporters for their prayers following a difficult week in which he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and his ministrys offices were devastated by the winter freeze in Texas.

In a social media update Friday, Evans, the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, and founder and president of The Urban Alternative, revealed that one week ago, he was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Im continuing to seek treatment, and coveting the prayers of our ministry family, partners and church members, the pastor said, adding that he shared the news of his diagnosis with his church on Sunday.

Evans said that that same week, Texas winter freeze hit The Urban Alternative offices. As a result, the pipes burst and the entire facility is flooded. He shared a photo of the wreckage to help encourage more people to pray for those who are truly impacted by this weather.

Our offices will be fine. We will rebuild. We will continue serving those who partner with us in ministry. But because Texas is not a cold-winter-state, many people have lost much more than this, he wrote. Power grids have completely shut down in some areas causing internal temperatures to get dangerously low. Many are now without water. Frozen pipes have caused homes, churches and businesses to flood. Livestock has been affected. The elderly have been shut-in, some unable to get the medical help they need.

Evans asked supporters to continue praying for those struggling through the storms, stressing that prayers make a difference.

Lord willing, I plan to preach a sermon on Job which we will post on Sunday, on our churchs channels and on our ministrys social media channels, he wrote. Please pray for me as I prepare for this message. And check back in on Sunday to hear what God has put on my heart for so many facing a difficult season right now. God is good and He IS faithful.

In a 2020 interview with The Christian Post, Evans, who lost his wife, Lois, to cancer in December 2019, shared how he chooses to trust God amid pain and uncertainty.

God is faithful, even when Hes confusing, he shared. Sometimes you have to learn to trust God in the dark when there is not clarity, when He becomes inscrutable. You have to have enough foundation before that happens to weather the storm when that happens.

Trusting God when it doesnt make sense, Evans said, is a decision of the will.

It's often not supported by the emotions, because you're not feeling what you're trusting, he explained. Its a decision to act like God is telling the truth, to act like God knows what He is doing. Thats what we choose to do and continue to choose to do day by day.

Its important to not give up on God when life appears to have given up on you. It's easy to trust God when everything is right, blessings are flowing, prayers are being answered, needs are being met. That's the fun part of the faith. But sometimes, you have to trust God when you dont see the benefits, the blessings, and all the frills of the faith.

Even in his darkest moments, the influential pastor said he finds solace in knowing Gods character  that He is benevolent and He is good.
Pedestrians walk by a mural of Abraham Lincoln outside of Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco on Dec. 17, 2020. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

California Principal Says Note About Schools Status for Fall Was in Error

A San Francisco middle-school principal said she made an error in composing a newsletter that included a quote from the citys school superintendent advising parents that schools wouldnt be fully reopened by the fall.

After going back through my notes, and following up with folks, I realized my error, Aptos Middle School Principal Stacey Wyatt told The San Francisco Chronicle in an email. I failed to separate my spring and fall updates and used Dr. [Vince] Matthewss quote about spring semester [for the] fall.

School district officials told the Chronicle that Matthews absolutely didnt say that. Matthews had previously said that schools wouldnt reopen in the spring but hadnt said the same about the fall.

What the superintendent has said in the past is that  it is unlikely well be able to offer most middle and high school students the opportunity for in-person learning this school year, Gentle Blythe, the district spokeswoman, told The Chronicle.

Whether San Francisco schools will fully reopen in the fall is unclear and depends on union labor agreements, public health guidelines, and vaccine availability.

We are planning for all options: full-1,000 student return, hybrid, and distance learning, Wyatt said. The reality is, if safety guidelines require six feet of separation in August, we wont be able to do that with all students at school. We would have to go to a hybrid model. There just isnt enough space in any classroom or hallway to offer 6ft of separation to nearly 1,000 students.

Schools can reopen safely if proper precautions are taken amid the pandemic, a federal health agency said in official guidance released on Feb. 12.

Evidence suggests that many K12 schools that have strictly implemented mitigation strategies have been able to safely open for in-person instruction and remain open, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a document outlining operational strategies for reopening.

The city of San Francisco on Feb. 18 asked a judge to order the immediate reopening of schools for in-person learning, alleging the continued closure violates childrens constitutional right to attend and is contributing to a mental health crisis.

Public schools in the California city have been closed for in-person learning for nearly a year, despite being allowed to resume such classes since fall 2020; officials say those in the education arena lack a viable reopening plan.

The continued closure is catalyzing a mental health crisis among school-aged children, according to an emergency motion filed by City Attorney Dennis Herrera, citing Dr. Jeanne Noble, director of COVID Response for the UCSF Emergency Department.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
India is making tens of thousands of free Covid-19 shots available to Caribbean countries left behind by rich nations in the race to procure vaccines.

The Indian-made shots offer poorer countries an alternative to Chinese vaccines, which Beijing has been pushing across the region.

Indias Foreign Ministry says it plans to supply vaccines -- mostly free of charge -- to 49 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa. So far, the country has distributed 22.9 million doses under its Vaccine Friendship" program.

On Thursday, Dominican Republic Vice President Raquel Pena said that India had donated 30,000 doses to her country. Thats on the heels of 100,000 doses India donated to Barbados and the 70,000 doses donated to Dominica earlier this month.

The Serum Institute of India, one of the worlds largest vaccine producers, is producing Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca Plc.

Poorer countries have been unable to compete for vaccines with wealthier nations which quickly sealed deals with drug makers, and many parts of the Caribbean and Central America are still weeks away from starting their campaigns. Jamaicas Prime Minister Andrew Holness last month accused rich countries of hoarding" vaccines.

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EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence tied a school record for goals in a game with nine in a win over Smithfield. St. Lawrence scored 17 goals for the week and has 32 for the season.

CARLY CONSTANTINE, Stonington softball, sophomore: Constantine singled home Shea OConnor with the winning run to hand Waterford, the states No. 2 ranked team at the time, its first loss of the season. For the week, Constantine was 5 for 15.

GREG GORMAN, Westerly baseball, junior: Gorman, a junior, hit a massive home run in a win against Barrington. The homer went over the fence in center field and landed in a nearby road. Gorman was 3 for 3 with four RBIs in the game. He is hitting .571 with 10 RBIs for the season.

BRADIN ANDERSON, Wheeler baseball, freshman: Anderson, a freshman, pitched a complete-game shutout to beat Grasso Tech. Anderson struck out three to earn the first win of his varsity career.

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The Bishop of Trondheim in Norway celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass outside under the snow, thus allowing as many people as possible to participate. This was the first time since last March that a Mass was held in Trondheim with more than 10 people participating.

By Charlotta Smeds

On a cold winters night, about a hundred Catholics gathered in Trondheim, Norway, in Saint John Paul II Square, in front of Saint Olaf Cathedral for Ash Wednesday Mass, celebrated by Bishop Erik Varden, OCSO.

Outside: the only solution

Since last March 12, to control the spread of Coronavirus, Norway adopted measures that allow no more than 10 persons to participate at Mass and other liturgical celebrations in church. As a consequence, to make it possible for the faithful to begin Lent participating in Mass, the local Bishop decided to celebrate outside, even though they are at the height of winter.

We have been living a type of fast for almost a year, Bishop Varden explains. He emphasizes that the initiative is not a protest but rather the response to a need:

Many people find the restrictions painful and frustrating, even if at the same time they are aware they are necessary to halt the pandemic, and so they respect them. When the city gave permission to celebrate the Mass outside in the square in front of the church, I felt a sense of relief, knowing how many of the faithful had raced to grab those ten seats, desiring to begin their Lenten journey to Easter with Mass. And so, on Wednesday, we braved the cold.

Ashes and snow

The Mass lasted an hour. When it was over, Bishop Varden thanked the people who came and advised everyone to go home and get something hot to drink.

The number of people allowed into the square had been set at 100 people. Before Mass began, the Bishop reminded everyone to maintain the prescribed distance. Candles had been placed in the snow to mark off the area. Even they contributed, providing light and warmth to those participating, literally weathering the cold and the wind. When the moment came for the imposition of ashes, as the Bishop moved from one person to another scattering ashes over their heads, snowflakes fell silently from heaven.

God is faithful

Despite and cold and the dark, it was an impressive celebration. In his brief homily, given the circumstances, Bishop Varden spoke about Lent as a pilgrimage. He reminded everyone:

Together we can return to God It gives us joy that God does not give up on us. Even though we are unfaithful, He is faithful. He sees the seed of our good will even when it seems like it is frozen in the snow.

Ordained bishop at the height of the pandemic

The Diocese of Trondheim, in the center of Norway, numbers 16,000 people, representing 120 different nationalities. Before last March, between 1,200 and 1,500 people went to the Cathedral every Sunday for Mass.

After more than ten years, the Diocese of Trondheim recently welcomed a new bishop. At the height of the pandemic, Erik Varden, Norwegian by birth, was ordained the Bishop of Trondheim at the beginning of October, after having served as the Abbot of the Trappist monastery Mount Saint Bernard in England. He has not yet had the opportunity of carrying out his role as Bishop under normal circumstances.

We want to be together

It has been a year of surprises, Bishop Varden recounts, but life for the most part is full of surprises. It can be difficult, but it is also an opportunity. Every crisis brings with it an opportunity. It makes things clearer, removes what is not essential. We have learned what it means to be a society, we need each other and we want to be together.

Happy over the outcome of the Ash Wednesday Mass, the Bishop said there are no plans for other Masses like this one. However, he does not exclude the possibility that he will celebrate Mass outdoors when he feels it is necessary.
Scientists have criticised the slow pace of China's investigation into the origins of Covid-19 as 'implausible', as reports claim that the 'patient zero' was not properly contact traced.

A World Health Organisation report is set to recommend extensive contact tracing of the first known patient in Wuhan, China, as well as the supply chain of traders in the city's Huanan seafood market.

The 'wet' market - where exotic live animals were traded - is believed to have played a key role in the early spread of the virus in late 2019.

But independent scientists have said they can't understand why Chinese scientists had not done the recommended investigative work months ago.

Scientists have criticised the slow pace of China's investigation into the origins of Covid-19 as 'implausible', as reports claim that the 'patient zero' was not properly contact traced

Professor Maureen Miller, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Columbia University, said: 'It's implausible that this research has not been done. It's not realistic, given they have world-class scientists there, and the technology invested in over the last 20 years.

Miller, who was shown a copy of the to-be-published report by CNN, said the first patient's infection on December 8 without direct contact with the wet market or travel shows there was already community transmission.

'In the short and long term, it is detrimental to China to try to hide the fact that this virus started in China and was exported around the world,' she told the website.

Professor Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations, said it was surprising China 'hasn't invested in investigating two important clues like that.'

A team of 10 WHO scientists travelled to Wuhan in January - over a year after the first infection - to carry out an independent investigation of the virus' origins

He added the country had recently mobilised the entire city of Beijing to find the source of a Covid-19 outbreak.

'They have top-notch scientists, who are much more knowledgeable than most in terms of recognising the importance of this information,' he said.

Huang added that the WHO recommendations showed they were 'uncovering some interesting information tracing of the origins of the virus.'

A team of 10 WHO scientists travelled to Wuhan in January - over a year after the first infection - to carry out an independent investigation of the virus' origins.

But unable to provide any significant findings, the group's trip was criticised as a 'charade', and US officials in the Trump administration accused China of trying to hide information from them.

WHO scientists have since said they were unable to rule out that the virus had escaped from a lab, or that the first infection came from inside China.

Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) told reporters that an independent report on the coronavirus' origins 'doesn't mean bowing to the Western approach towards China based on presumption of guilt'

However they have managed to discover several signs that there was a much wider outbreak in December 2019 than was reported earlier.

The leader of the WHO mission, Peter Ben Embarek, declined to comment on the details of any further contact tracing or testing that could be recommended. He told CNN: 'Further studies are needed.'

On February 18, Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) told reporters that an independent report on the coronavirus' origins 'doesn't mean bowing to the Western approach towards China based on presumption of guilt.'

Chunying added: 'China has conducted a very thorough, professional, science-based study with the WHO experts,' and insisted the WHO panel was satisfied with China's cooperation.

She continued to push for studies of the virus's emergence outside of China - a claim for which there is little evidence.
(CNN)  Former President Donald Trump will speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, next Sunday, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The source, who is familiar with the former President's speech, told CNN on Saturday that "he'll be talking about the future of the Republican Party and the conservative movement."

"Also look for the 45th President to take on President Biden's disastrous amnesty and border policies," the source added.

The speaking engagement would mark Trump's first public appearance following his departure from the White House last month and comes as senior Republicans are split over how to treat the former President, with his loyalists paying him visits recently in Florida.

One of Trump's campaign managers, Brad Parscale, met with the former President at his club in Mar-a-Lago this week for a lengthy meeting, according to a source familiar. Utah Sen. Mike Lee is holding a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago Saturday night, according to another source familiar, a potential sign of more visits to come.

Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the No. 2 House Republican, met privately with Trump on Tuesday at Mar-a-Lago, CNN reported, the day before Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell vowed never to do so.

The simmering feud between Trump and McConnell has escalated in recent days, raising questions about whether the two can ever work together for the future of the GOP.

Trump went after McConnell in a lengthy statement released Tuesday night after McConnell harshly criticized the former President from the Senate floor last Saturday and in an op-ed on Monday in the Wall Street Journal, despite voting to acquit Trump in his second impeachment trial.

In his Tuesday statement, Trump vowed to endorse candidates in Senate primaries who espouse his world view -- something that could lead to a clash with McConnell's preferred candidates as the seven-term senator pushes Republicans whom he believes stand the best chance of winning in next year's midterm elections.

That tension underscores the divide among top Republicans over how to navigate the party post-Trump. Unlike McConnell, House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy went down to South Florida after the January 6 attack on the Capitol to meet with Trump and later proclaim unity with him in trying to take back the House in 2022.

But McCarthy leads a conference where a majority of members are strongly supportive of Trump -- unlike Senate Republicans, who are split over the former President and where some top leaders are eager to move past him and focus instead on uniting the party around ideas, not a person.

This story was first published on CNN.com 'Trump to speak at CPAC in first public appearance since leaving White House'
Trisha Goddard has revealed her horror over thinking she had passed on HIV to her then baby daughter Billie, after learning her first husband secretly battled the virus.

The presenter's ex-husband, Australian politician Robert Nestdale, died in 1989, just weeks after she gave birth to daughter Billie with second husband Mark Grieve - with Trisha only learning Robert had died of AIDS at his funeral.

In a new interview, Trisha, 63, opened up about the agonising wait to find out if she had carried HIV and had given it to Billie, now 31, through breastfeeding, recalling that she didn't 'know how I got through it'.

Agony: Trisha Goddard has revealed her horror over thinking she had passed on HIV to her then baby daughter Billie, after learning her first husband secretly battled the virus (pictured in 2020)

Trisha told how she was stunned to learn that Robert had AIDS, was actually secretly gay and didn't suffer from lymphoma, as he had told her.

But upon realising the truth about his illness, the new mum, then 31, was struck with panic at the thought of passing on the virus to her child and booked herself in for a test immediately.

Speaking to The Sun, she said: 'I don't know how I got through it. I was Robert's wife and yet I didn't know he had Aids.'

She added that she was 'horrified' at the thought of doctors taking blood from her newborn baby, but was then told 'wasn't necessary' as if Trisha tested positive and was breastfeeding Billie, the tot would already have the virus.

Scared: In a new interview, Trisha, 63, opened up about the agonising wait to find out if she had carried HIV and had given it to Billie, now 31, through breastfeeding, recalling that she didn't 'know how I got through it'

She explained: 'I'll never forget this awful feeling, that I might have been passing on the disease through my milk. It was your worst nightmare. When I found out I had tested negative, I broke down and wept.'

The former chat show host described how she went 'cold, numb with fear' after the 'penny dropped' that Robert had HIV, remembering how Robert had 'worked a lot' in Africa were the virus was prevalent.

Trisha went on to recall how during her career as a journalist, she remembers covering babies laying in their cots with HIV, so she knew full well the extent that the virus had on children.

'That still haunted me' she said. 'I knew what it looked like. So I was petrified. When I found out I was OK the relief was immense.'

Secrets: The presenter's ex-husband, Australian politician Robert Nestdale, died in 1989, just weeks after she gave birth to daughter Billie with second husband Mark Grieve - with Trisha only learning Robert had died of AIDS at his funeral

Past trauma: Upon realising the truth about his illness, the new mum, then 31, was struck with panic at the thought of passing on the virus to her child and booked herself in for a test immediately (pictured in 2020)

The Dancing On Ice star went on to describe her short-lived marriage to Robert and told how she found it 'hard' to get over the fact that he had lied throughout their relationship and 'all the way' to his deathbed.

Trisha and Robert had married in 1985, with the politician passing away in 1989.

She went on to meet producer Mark Grieve in 1987, with the couple welcoming first daughter Billie in 1989, just weeks before Robert's death.

They married in 1993 and the pair welcomed their second daughter Madison in 1996, with the couple splitting shortly after.

Trisha then went on to tie the knot with psycho- therapist Peter Gianfrancesco in 1998, however, this married also didn't last, with the duo divorcing in 2017.

Horrible time: 'I'll never forget this awful feeling, that I might have been passing on the disease through my milk. It was your worst nightmare' (pictured in 2019)

Her girl: She went on to meet producer Mark Grieve in 1987, with the couple welcoming first daughter Billie in 1989, just weeks before Robert's death (pictured with Billie, now 31)

Meanwhile, Trisha is set to unveil more of her life during an upcoming episode of Piers Morgan's Life Stories.

Speaking to Daily Mail's Weekend Magazine, she said of her experience: 'It was tough'.

'Of course I know all the things that have happened to me in my life, but it's quite different when they're all strung together like that.

'And there were videos from people I hadn't seen for some time. I'm not somebody who cries in public but there were plenty of lumps in my throat.

'It was more of an ordeal than I'd been expecting. But I'm a grown-up. I've interviewed enough people myself. Piers was just doing his job. He was fair.

'It's just I'm not used to being asked the questions. I'm sure I'll be watching it from behind a giant pillow, like I do horror movies.'

Information about HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and how to maintain good sexual health can be found out at https://www.tht.org.uk/
Radio personality Rush Limbaugh pumps his fist as he is acknowledged by President Donald Trump as he delivers the State of the Union address at the Capitol in Washington, on Feb. 4, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Sean Hannity: Limbaugh Went Through Treatments That Nearly Killed Him to Host Radio Show

Fox News host Sean Hannity said that late radio host Rush Limbaugh went through a number of treatments for cancer that nearly killed him in order to do his show.

His bucket list was his audience, Hannity said in an interview with radio host Mark Levin. Hed go through these treatments that nearly killed him, because I know people that have been through chemotherapy like this and cancer treatment like this, especially advanced-stage cancer, they nearly kill you to save you or nearly kill you to buy you time, and thats been the last year of his life.

He added, And when he was well enough, even when he really wasnt well enough, his time, the way he wanted to spend it was with his audience. That was his choice. The people that listened to him, that was the top and only item on his bucket list.

Limbaugh, 70, died last weekcoming about a year after he was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. The longtime conservative radio host often took time off broadcasting for treatment and regularly provided listeners with updates on his status.

Sean Hannity speaks onstage during the 2019 Politicon at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 26, 2019. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Politicon)

Hannity didnt elaborate on the nature of the treatments.

I mean, that to me speaks volumes about him, how much he loved what he did, he said. He was born to do this. Nobody did it better. Nobody will do it better, Hannity added, saying that it was hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that any major political issue that will come up, were not going to hear his voice.

Limbaughs death drew speculation that former President Donald Trump could be tapped to replace him.

Theres a lot of people that are mentioning that and no, its not anything Ive thought about. But hed be a hard one to replace. You know, we talked to a friend of yours, Sean Hannity, he said, Hes irreplaceable. And I view that too. I say hes irreplaceable, Trump said during an interview with Newsmax. You wouldnt want to follow Rush, its the old story, you get somebody like that, you dont want to follow him, because some things just cant be done. He was unique.

Last year, Trump gave Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his address to Congress.

According to his wife, Limbaugh, 70, died at his home in Palm Beach, Florida.
By Khadijah Costley White and Britt Paris

As millions of Americans get their COVID-19 vaccinations, New Jersey, like other states, prioritizes frontline healthcare workers, long-term care residents, people age 75 or older and essential workers (except, its worth noting, grocery store workers who have been on the frontlines throughout the pandemic). However, people of color, especially Black New Jerseyans, are falling too far behind in getting the vaccines.

As of January, Black Americans constituted just 5.6% of the nearly 13 million people in the United States who had gotten their first vaccination, while white Americans were vaccinated at rates 10 times that of Blacks. The trend extends to New Jersey, where just 3.3% of the shots administered thus far have gone to Black people even though they comprise 15% of the states population.

Yet, Black people are far more likely to be impacted and die of COVID-19. Black adults are three times more likely to contract the new coronavirus, four times more likely to be hospitalized and three times more likely to die of it than white adults. We should all be alarmed about the low vaccination rates of Black Americans.

Much of the discourse around Black Americans low vaccination rates blames vaccine hesitancy for these disparities rather than our leaders failure to vaccinate the most affected communities. Its true, of course, that the medical establishment has rightfully earned the distrust of many Black Americans. Vaccine hesitancy stems from centuries of institutionalized white supremacy in the practice and development of medical care that has exploited, fatally neglected and outright abused Black people throughout the United States.

But vaccine hesitancy is probably less of a factor in vaccination disparities than most people believe. Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that vaccine hesitancy is declining among Black Americans and other people of color. Informed people can quickly move from not wanting a vaccine to a willingness to vaccinate as they watch others get it and see theyre OK.

Our state leaders need to focus on simple solutions that better inform and improve access to vaccination for people who are eager to get the vaccine. People want more information and we should make sure those trusted information networks are activated. And people from the most vulnerable communities who want to be vaccinated should be able to do it.

For many people, theres first an information problem to be solved. Many New Jerseyans dont know much about the vaccines, how they were made and produced so rapidly, the influence of politics (especially former President Trump) in vaccine development, how many people have already been vaccinated and what information is available on the long-term side effects. People need to know.

Second, in todays social media echo chamber, information means little unless it comes from a trustworthy source. While state leaders have started holding top-down vaccination information events online geared toward Black and Latinx communities, state leaders should be explicitly encouraging Black New Jerseyans to talk about their vaccination with family members and friends, update them on how theyre feeling and relay information on how to access it. In this way, trusted people become vaccine missionaries. Research shows that people are much more likely to want to get vaccinated if they know someone who has received it.

Relatedly, governments should partner with institutions and social groups that Black people trust. Officials have recently gestured toward collaborating with Black churches in the outreach effort. There should be vaccination events at Black churches where pastors receive their vaccination first, in front of the congregation. Motorcycle clubs, fraternities, social clubs and other spaces can also help to reach a highly impacted minority group.

In our early research, weve also seen that hyperlocal outreach organized by people in authority works best in regards to COVID-19 education. Our study examining COVID-19 town halls hosted by town officials, which include community members and public health experts, suggests that New Jerseyans overwhelmingly trust these types of events far more than any other source of information.

Most importantly, state leaders must improve access to vaccination. Currently, registering for, making and attending appointments to get vaccinated in New Jersey is time-consuming, challenging and relies heavily on having internet access. But New Jerseyans who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 are also less likely to have internet access.

Creating a system that is best gamed by people with time and resources all but ensures those who are most vulnerable to the virus go without vaccinations. Data show that white people are taking up spots that should be prioritized for people of color in hardest-hit areas. To mitigate this, officials should make the process simple, create easily accessible vaccination locations and prioritize at-risk groups. In San Francisco, for example, forward-thinking public health officials implemented a policy to prioritize people living in zip codes with the highest rates of infections and deaths.

This seems like a no-brainer, but we have yet to see pop-up vaccination clinics at grocery stores, senior citizen apartment buildings and other widely accessible spaces in the communities most affected by COVID-19. New Jersey should make use of the new FEMA assistance to provide pop-up vaccination sites. People need to access vaccines when they want them; local governments and public health officials need to make sure they can get them.

If people in charge want to resolve racism and racial disparities in vaccine distribution, they should take these simple, inexpensive steps. Its easier, of course, to blame Black people for their plight. But Americas history of medical racism, poor infrastructure and discrimination means officials must do better. Instead of blaming Black Americans for the obstacles presented by our current system of vaccine distribution, people in charge should be pushing harder toward solutions. We can do better and we should.

Britt Paris is an Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science in the School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

Khadijah White is an Assistant Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at the School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

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My favorite bad faith climate denial argument is when skeptics sight the current weather conditions to disprove the existence of long-term global climate change. How can there be global warming if its cold out? How can there be climate change if it snows so much? My favorite example of this phenomenon was when a U.S. Senator from the great state of Oklahoma, Jim Inhofe, brought a freshly packed snowball to the senate chamber as proof that the polar bears were gonna be just fine. Willful ignorance to own the libs.

Simply put, the weather is the short-term conditions of the atmosphere and climate is the average of the weather over the long term. Climate is your personality, weather is your mood. Just because its snowing doesnt mean the ice caps arent melting, in fact, its proof of it.

Warming temperatures at the poles mean more water evaporates into the atmosphere, more water in the atmosphere means more precipitation. What goes up must come down. The polar ice is melting and youre killing your back shoveling it off your driveway. Scientists made a mistake early on by branding climate change as Global Warming. The label of global warming allows any smooth-brained oil exec. to claim everythings kosher whenever the mercury dips below 40 degrees. Warming leads to climate change and in practice climate change means more snow, more rain, more flooding, more drought, more wildfires and more unpredictable weather. Stop pretending like its hard to understand.

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BUENOS AIRES (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st February, 2021) Bolivian lawmakers have nominated Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez for the Nobel Peace prize for helping former Bolivian president, Evo Morales, when he had to leave his country.

The Fernandez administration said on Saturday that the Norwegian Nobel Committee had accepted the proposal of a group of Bolivian deputies to nominate Fernandez for his "determined and courageous attitude that allowed to save the life" of former president Evo Morales.

Morales resigned as president and left Bolivia in November 2019, under pressure from the military, after the Bolivian opposition, led by Carlos Mesa, claimed that there were mass violations during the October 2019 vote.

Most of Bolivia's senior officials resigned in his wake. Power in the country was assumed by the opposition vice-speaker of the senate, Jeanine Anez. Morales called the events a coup.

Anez arranged for a new presidential vote, which took place on October 18, 2020. The election was won by Luis Arce from Morales' Movement for Socialism party (MAS).

Morales reacted to Arce's victory by saying that the Bolivian people managed to regain political power via democracy, not a coup, and calling the victory a "great triumph of the people." Morales returned to Bolivia in November 2020 after being self-exiled in Mexico and Argentina for almost a year.
Two people were killed in Myanmar's second city Mandalay on Saturday when police and soldiers fired to disperse protests against a Feb. 1 military coup, emergency workers said, the bloodiest day in more than two weeks of demonstrations.

Protesters took to the streets in cities and towns across Myanmar with members of ethnic minorities, poets, rappers and transport workers among those demanding an end to military rule and the release from detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and others.

Tensions escalated quickly in Mandalay where police and soldiers confronted striking shipyard workers and other protesters.

Some of the demonstrators fired catapults at police as they played cat and mouse through riverside streets. Police responded with tear gas and gunfire, and witnesses said they found the cartridges of both live rounds and rubber bullets on the ground.

"Twenty people were injured and two are dead," said Ko Aung, a leader of the Parahita Darhi volunteer emergency service.

One man died from a head wound, media workers including Lin Khaing, an assistant editor with the Voice of Myanmar media outlet in the city, and a volunteer doctor said.

Ko Aung and the doctor said a second man was shot in the chest and died later of his wound. He was identified by relatives as Thet Naing Win, a 36-year-old carpenter.

"They took away the body to the morgue. I cannot bring him back home. Although my husband died, I still have my son," his wife, Thidar Hnin, told Reuters by phone. "I haven't been involved in this movement yet but now I am going to ... I am not scared now."

Several other injured protesters were carried away on stretchers by volunteer medics, their clothes soaked in blood.

Police were not available for comment.

A young woman protester, Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, died on Friday after being shot in the head last week as police dispersed a crowd in the capital, Naypyitaw, the first death among anti-coup demonstrators.

The army says one policeman has died of injuries sustained in a protest.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the United States was "deeply concerned" by reports that security forces had fired on protesters and continued to detain and harass demonstrators and others.

"We stand with the people of Burma," Price wrote on Twitter. Myanmar is also known as Burma.

Britain said it would consider further action against those involved in violence against protesters, and the French foreign ministry called the violence "unacceptable."

"The shooting of peaceful protesters in Myanmar is beyond the pale," British foreign minister Dominic Raab said in tweet. "We will consider further action, with our international partners, against those crushing democracy & choking dissent."

The United States, Britain, Canada and New Zealand have announced limited sanctions since the coup, with a focus on military leaders.

State television MRTV's evening news broadcast made no mention of the protests or casualties.

In the main city Yangon, residents again banged pots and pans in a nightly ritual in defiance of the coup. Outside the U.S. Embassy in the city, dozens of protesters, mostly women, gathered at twilight for a candlelit vigil, singing anti-coup songs.

Civil disobedience

More than a fortnight of demonstrations and a civil disobedience campaign of strikes and disruptions show no sign of dying down. Opponents of the coup are sceptical of the army's promise to hold a new election and hand power to the winner.

The demonstrators are demanding the restoration of the elected government and the release of Suu Kyi and others. They have also called for the scrapping of a 2008 constitution that has assured the army a major role in politics since nearly 50 years of direct military rule ended in 2011.

The army seized back power after alleging fraud in Nov. 8 elections that Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy swept, detaining her and others. The electoral commission had dismissed the fraud complaints.

Nevertheless, the army says its action is within the constitution and is supported by a majority of the people. The military has blamed protesters for instigating violence.

Crowds also gathered on Saturday in the northern town of Myitkyina, the ancient capital of Bagan and in Pathein in the Irrawaddy river delta, pictures on social media showed.

Even before the coup, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing was already under sanctions from Western countries following the crackdown on the Rohingya. There is little history of Myanmar's generals, with closer ties to China and to Russia, giving in to Western pressure.

Suu Kyi faces a charge of violating a Natural Disaster Management Law as well as illegally importing six walkie-talkie radios. Her next court appearance is on March 1.

Myanmar's Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said 546 people had been detained, with 46 released, as of Friday.

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(CNN)  Police opened fire on protesters in the Myanmar city of Mandalay on Saturday, leaving at least two dead, according to volunteer emergency workers cited by Reuters and AFP news agencies who have reporters on the ground.

Stringers for CNN confirm that live rounds and tear gas were used to disperse people at an anti-coup protest in the city.

In video seen by CNN, a large crowd of people can be seen running away from police and taking cover.

In another video, a person can be seen being stretchered away by medics. The condition of the patient was not immediately clear.

Two different volunteer emergency workers confirmed the latest deaths to agencies.

"Twenty people were injured and two are dead," said Ko Aung, a leader of the Parahita Darhi volunteer emergency service, told Reuters.

"Two people were killed and about 30 others injured," AFP reported, citing Hlaing Min Oo, the head of a Mandalay-based volunteer emergency rescue team.

"Half of the injured were shot with live rounds," he told AFP.

A young woman died on Friday after a fatal shot to the head during the anti-coup protests last week. She was the first known casualty of the pro-democracy protests that have been ongoing for weeks, following the military's seizure of power on February 1.

In 2011, the military began opening the country up from the rule of a string of ruthless dictators and established reforms that allowed for democratic elections in 2015, in which ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi won in a landslide and formed the first civilian government since 1962.

Protests and civil disobedience movements against the military coup on February 1 have been the biggest in decades, with thousands calling for Suu Kyi to be released from detention and power handed back to civilian control.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a human rights group, said in a statement that it had verified 569 arrests related to the coup since February 1.

However Saturday's violence does not appear to have deterred protesters from taking to the streets for a 16th consecutive day. On Sunday, demonstrators could be seen on live streams from news agencies chanting slogans and waving flags from motorbikes in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state in northern Myanmar.

Facebook said it deleted a page run by the Myanmar military from the social media platform on Sunday for "repeated violations of our Community Standards prohibiting incitement of violence and coordinating harm," according to a statement provided to Reuters by Rafael Frankel, Facebook's director of public policy.

CNN has asked Facebook for further details but has not received a response.

It comes after Myanmar Academy Award-winning actress Paing Phyo Thu went into hiding with her director husband Na Gyi on Thursday along with other celebrities opposing the coup who were added to an arrest list.

Concerns had been growing over the potential for violence in Myanmar as protesters urge supporters to take to the streets in defiance of the military generals who have deployed troops in major cities.

The United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said earlier in the week he was "terrified" of the potential for violence if the planned mass protests and military troops converge.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Myanmar police open fire on protesters in Mandalay leaving at least two dead, say reports."
On Saturday, Myanmar police opened fire on demonstrators protesting the recent military coup in the city of Mandalay, killing two and injuring at least 20. Ramy Inocencio has more.

Video Transcript

- To Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. At least two people were killed today as police opened fire on people protesting that country's military coup. At least 20 others were injured. As CBS's Ramy Inocencio reports, it's the worst violence yet in more than two weeks of demonstrations.

[CHANTING]

RAMY INOCENCIO: Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has not been seen since the military seized power February 1. But her image is everywhere with adoring and angry protesters. In the capital Naypyidaw, with engineers on motorbikes, in Yangon, the most populous city, with marching railway workers, and in the ancient city of Bagan past thousand-year-old temples.

This protester is stoking the outrage. 20-year-old Mya Thwet Thwet Khine was shot by police February 9. She died Friday, the movement's first known fatality. Tom Andrews is the UN Special Representative on Myanmar.

TOM ANDREWS: This is a people who have tasted freedom. They've tasted democracy. They are not going back to authoritarian rule.

RAMY INOCENCIO: But the junta is holding onto power. This week, police broke up this protest in northern Kachin state, barricaded Yangon's iconic Sule pagoda from protesters, and used water cannons, rubber bullets, and live rounds, pushing back this so-called civil disobedience movement.

TOM ANDREWS: If the generals respond to anything, we know they-- they respond to a bite in their wallet.

RAMY INOCENCIO: Those generals are vowing to hold free and fair elections and are now targeted by US, British, and Canadian sanctions, supporting people fighting for a return to democracy.

And Myanmar human rights watchers expect these protests to go on for a very long time. Tom Andrews saying we could be in for a siege. As for Aung San Suu Kyi, her next hearing is March 1. But the junta really could detain her indefinitely. Ramy Inocencio, CBS News, Beijing.
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Last week two bureaucrats from Transport NSW door-knocked nine family homes at 8:30 in the morning to unceremoniously break the news their cherished houses would soon be demolished to make way for a multi-storey car park.

The men explained the state government are forcibly acquiring their properties - and that there's nothing residents in the Jannali community, in Sydney's Sutherland Shire, can do about it.

The first knock was answered by a man with cerebral palsy who just finished refurbishing his home to make it more accessible.

A widowed single mother was next to be bailed up as she stood in the driveway strapping her and her sister's children in the back of their car as they got ready for school.

After that a cancer survivor, a woman who suffers chronic anxiety and two families who've lived in their homes for decades were also told.

Under compulsory acquisition laws, home owners have six months to negotiate a price before getting the boot.

But residents in Jannali say they're not going anywhere without a fight and that Transport NSW 'has messed with the wrong block'.

Helma Mullhall and her husband Liam have lived in their Jannali home for 20 years and planned to spend their golden years there

Pictured from above is the patch of land NSW Transport are planning to bulldoze in order to make a commuter car park to service Jannali train station

NSW shadow Transport Minister Chris Minns (pictured to the right of the sign) became the first elected official to tour the resident's homes on Friday

A massive groundswell of supporters are now rallying around the local community as anger and frustration over the land grab reaches boiling point.

'Government MPs have not had the guts to come and face us,' Helma Mullhall told Daily Mail Australia.

'But they are rounding us up like Hitler and forcing us out of our houses. I feel sick knowing that this can happen in Australia.'

Mrs Mullhall and her husband Liam have lived in their home for over two decades and just spent over $100,000 renovating the property to make it more comfortable for their golden years.

When private land is forcibly acquired for a public project, property owners are only entitled to the current market value of the home - nothing more.

'We bought the place with the long term intention of retiring here and maintaining our independence as much as possible because it's close to the shops, medical facilities and the train station,' Mr Mullhall said.

Mrs Mullhall and her husband Liam (pictured) have lived in their home for over two decades and just spent over $100,000 renovating the property

When private land is forcibly acquired for a public project, property owners are only entitled to the current market value of the home - nothing more. Pictured: The Mullhall's family home

'We bought the place with the long term intention of retiring here and maintaining our independence as much as possible because it's close to the shops, medical facilities and the train station,' Mr Mullhall said. Pictured: The couple's backyard

'The current market value doesn't take into account the value it has to us and it doesn't take into account that it's taking us out of the community that we love.'

Being forced out is weighing heavily on Mrs Mullhall, who suffers from chronic anxiety.

She spoke candidly about her condition and the emotional stress she's been under since hearing the news.

'I have to say that I am really not mentally okay at the moment,' she said.

But vulnerable residents like Ms Mullhall have not been offered any mental health support.

Instead, the state government has sent property evaluators to walk around their beloved homes with clipboards - so it can be sold from under their feet.

'The current market value doesn't take into account the value it has to us and it doesn't take into account that it's taking us out of the community that we love' Mr Mullhall said. Pictured: The couple's loungeroom

Under compulsory acquisition laws, home owners have six months to negotiate a price before getting the boot. Pictured: The couple's bedroom

Being forced out is weighing heavily on Mrs Mullhall, who suffers from chronic anxiety. Pictured: The couple's newly renovated bathroom

'They didn't even ask if we were okay or anything,' Ishpal Singh told Daily Mail Australia.

Mr Singh, who has cerebral palsy, has lived in the area for 15 years and only eight weeks ago finished upgrading his home with ramps, rails and an automatic door.

'Before the ramp I had to crawl into my house. Now I can access the community,' he said.

'We don't want to move because everyone is so friendly and I feel very comfortable in this area.'

Mr Singh knows that finding a new home to suit his needs is going to be an uphill battle.

'That's why after they told us everyone in my family just started crying because we don't know what to think or what is going to happen to us now.'

Mr Ishpal Singh, who has Cerebral Palsy, has lived in the area for 15 years and only eight weeks ago finished upgrading his home (pictured) with ramps, rails and an automatic door

Ishpal Singh (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia NSW Transport officials didn't even ask if they were okay or anything

Mr Singh knows that finding a new home to suit his needs is going to be an uphill battle and said his family burst into tears when they heard the news

Transport NSW are planning to bulldoze the houses and former doctor's surgery for a four-storey commuter car park to service Jannali train station.

Local member Eleni Petinos and Transport Minister Andrew Constance have come under immense pressure since the plan was made public.

Residents say they've not visited the area to meet face to face or even bothered to respond to their calls and emails.

Mr Constance's office told Daily Mail Australia in a statement that alternative options for additional commuter parking near Jannali Station were investigated in conjunction with Sutherland Shire Council months earlier.

'However as Council could not finalise a clear pathway forward or commit to timely delivery of this local infrastructure, Transport NSW did not proceed further with this option,' the statement said.

'The proposed site for the commuter car park at Jannali was the only location that met all the necessary requirements.'

But Independent Mayor Steve Simpson has refuted the Transport Minister's claims and blasted the state government for their heavy handed tactics and blame shifting.

Houses in the Jannali neighbourhood have been decorated with various signs blasting the state government

Mr and Mrs Mullhall's dog stares out the window of their home which is due to be demolished in six months

The office of Transport Minister Andrew Constance said in a statement that alternative options for additional commuter parking near Jannali Station were investigated in conjunction with Sutherland Shire Council months earlier

On Friday, Labor's shadow Minister for transport Chris Minns became the first elected official to tour some of the resident's homes.

He told Daily Mail Australia that although both sides are slinging mud at each other a solution can be found.

'There is an obvious alternative site on the commercial side of Jannali that already has a car park on it,' he said.

He is confident a last-minute reprieve is possible given the enormous backlash facing the state government and the massive amount of support residents have garnered in the local community.

'These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet or dots on a map. This is about people's lives,' Mr Minns said.

'And in some cases they've created lives in the community going back decades.'

There was a slight glimmer of hope on Friday when councillors confirmed talks with the state government have recommenced to try and find an alternative site.

But with negotiations in the David v Goliath battle yet to play out, residents will be holding a rally at their block on Sunday at 4pm.

They have already put up posters, started letterbox drops and launched an online petition.

A Facebook action group named Save Our Homes has also been set up with 1,900 members joining in just over a week.

Transport NSW are planning to bulldoze the houses for a four-storey commuter car park to service Jannali train station. Pictured: An impression of what the car park is set to look like
UTAH

House OKs dropping 'Dixie' from university name

SALT LAKE CITY  The Utah House on Feb. 10 voted in support of Dixie State University dropping "Dixie" from its name  an example of the nation's reexamination of the remnants of the Confederacy and slavery.

Dixie State University, which is located about 300 miles south of Salt Lake City in St. George, recommended the name change after reviewing the results of a study that showed some employers in other states expressed concern about the Dixie name on graduates' resumes. It also said nearly two-thirds of people in the college's recruiting region associate the name Dixie with the Confederacy.

The university's board of trustees voted for a name change in December, which was then supported by the higher education board.

Dixie State had faced scrutiny in the past over its name but had resisted changing it. The area was nicknamed Dixie, a reference to Southern states, when settlers with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, many of them from the South, tried to make it a cotton-growing mecca in the 1800s.

Supporters say the name is important to the area's heritage and is separate from the history of slavery. But efforts across the U.S. to remove monuments, names and other Confederate symbols have intensified during the nation's reckoning over racial injustice.

Dixie State has taken other steps in recent years to remove Confederate imagery. In 2009, the school's nickname was changed from the Rebels to Red Storm.

The bill moves to the Senate. The university has not chosen a new name yet.

NEW MEXICO

Supreme Court backs governor's pandemic authority

SANTA FE  The state Supreme Court showed new resolve in its support of pandemic related health restrictions placed on businesses by the governor of New Mexico, in a detailed written opinion issued Feb. 15.

At the same time, the Legislature took initial steps that could place new limits on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's authority to declare a health emergency.

The Supreme Court opinion provides detailed and updated reasoning for its rejection in August of a lawsuit brought by several restaurants and their industry association to challenge restrictions on restaurant dining.

The court said a suggestion that the Legislature holds special sessions to guide the pandemic response was obviously unworkable.

A state Senate committee on Feb. 15 advanced a bill that would give the Legislature a share of authority over extended public health emergencies.

The bill from Republican Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca would limit the duration of public health orders to 45 days and require legislative approval to extend an order.

Counties could secede under long-shot proposal

SANTA FE  New Mexico has largely been a state divided by region when it comes to such issues as environmental regulations, pandemic-related school closures and gun rights laws.

But a proposal filed Feb. 1 by a Roswell Republican would take those divisions a step further by allowing counties to petition the Legislature to actually secede from the state  either to join a neighboring state or create a new state.

The proposed constitutional amendment, filed by Sen. Cliff Pirtle, likely faces long odds at the Roundhouse but could trigger debate about a deepening urban-rural political rift.

However, Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, expressed doubts that any New Mexico county would actually pursue secession.

If approved by the Legislature and statewide voters, the proposed constitutional amendment would allow counties to launch an effort to formally disengage from New Mexico through a unanimous vote of county commissioners  or a voter petition drive.

In the case of counties wanting to join another state, at least one of the counties involved would have to border the neighboring state.

In addition, both the Legislature and Congress would also have to ratify such a move  along with the neighboring state.

Much of the regional discontent is based in the state's Republican-leaning southeastern region, which is sometimes known as Little Texas due to cultural similarities and a reliance on the oil industry as a top economic driver.

Stewart said there's an alternative for residents of southeastern New Mexico who no longer want to be part of the state.

"If you like Texas better, just pack up your bags and move  it's not that far," Stewart said.

KANSAS

Bill would limit who could return voters' absentee ballots

TOPEKA  Some Kansas Republican legislators are backing a bill that would make it a felony for anyone besides a family member or caregiver to return another person's absentee ballot.

The bill is facing pushback from Democratic lawmakers and voting rights advocates who say the legislation would make it harder for many racial minorities, older voters and people with disabilities to cast ballots. Those critics say the move would criminalize nonprofit groups and church volunteers for helping people to vote and would address a problem that doesn't exist.

Proponents say banning so-called "ballot harvesting" would prevent political groups and candidates from unfairly influencing elections.

Legislators in nine states have proposed bills to impose or increase strict limits on who can help return a voter's ballot, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, a public policy institute based at New York University School of Law.

University of Kansas political scientist Patrick Miller said Democrat and Republican candidates have historically collected and returned ballots as a campaign strategy. The practice has become an issue within the past decade, he said.

Rep. Blake Carpenter, a Republican from Derby who leads the House Election Committee, said he is concerned with voters losing "custody" of their ballot when they entrust someone to return it for them.

The League of Women Voters of Kansas and the NAACP's Kansas chapter say the bill would make it difficult for Kansans who don't have family living nearby to vote.

There is no evidence in Kansas that allowing someone to drop off a voter's ballot has led to fraud.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Judge rejects amendment legalizing marijuana

PIERRE  A South Dakota judge on Feb. 8 struck down a voter-approved constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana after Gov. Kristi Noem's administration challenged it.

Circuit Judge Christina Klinger ruled the measure approved by voters in November violated the state's requirement that constitutional amendments deal with just one subject and would have created broad changes to state government.

Brendan Johnson, who sponsored the amendment and represented a pro-marijuana group in court, said it was preparing an appeal to South Dakota's Supreme Court.

Two law enforcement officers, Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Rick Miller and Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom, sued to block legalization by challenging its constitutionality. Miller was effectively acting on behalf of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who had opposed the effort to legalize pot.

Thom praised the ruling, saying it "solidifies the protections" of a 2018 constitutional amendment that required further amendments to stick to one subject.

In her ruling, Klinger said that marijuana legalization would have touched on business licensing, taxation and hemp cultivation. The amendment would have given the state's Department of Revenue power to administer recreational marijuana, but Klinger ruled that by doing so, it overstepped the authority of the executive and legislative branches of government.

Lawyers defending legalization had cast the lawsuit as an effort to overturn the results of a fair election. About 54 percent of voters approved recreational marijuana in November.

Possessing small amounts of marijuana would have become legal on July 1, but that will not happen unless a higher court overturns the ruling.
Pune: The district administration of Pune declared the closure of all educational institutions to curb the sudden surge in coronavirus cases in the metropolitan.

Among other restrictions imposed, hotels, restaurant and wedding venues are allowed to operate only till 11 pm, an order said.

From 11pm to 6am, no public movement will be allowed except for those involved in essential services, in view of rising COVID19 cases. Schools & colleges in the district will remain closed till 28 Feb. New guidelines to be effective from tomorrow: Pune Divisional Commissioner pic.twitter.com/F7iZFTcn0j  ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2021

Not more than 200 people will be allowed in wedding ceremonies and public gatherings.

Notably, the Union Health Ministry issued a note of caution to the state governments and asked for increasing the number of tests and more RT-PCR tests so that no cases are missed out.

Meanwhile, the Uddhav Thackeray government is contemplating imposing a night curfew to curb the virus, State Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar informed the media on Sunday while adding that the decision will be soon taken by the state government.

"In view of rising COVID-19 cases in districts like Nagpur, Amravati, Yatvmal, Maharashtra Government is thinking of imposing a night curfew in the districts. A meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to be held soon to make a decision," he said.

This comes amid a rising number of cases in Maharashtra which has prompted the state government officials to reinforce the coronavirus norms.

The State Health Department on Saturday (February 20) released information that 6,281 new COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.The total cases in the state increased to 20,93,913 including 48,439 active cases and 19,92,530 total recoveries.
According to the past performances, Lyons Steel would need a lot of things to go his way, but nonetheless survived bumping up in class to emerge victorious in Saturday nights (Feb. 20) co-featured $22,500 winners-over $11,500 conditioned pace at The Meadowlands.

Following a perfect second-over trip, the razor sharp six-year-old gelded son of Rock N Roll Heaven-Lyons Luck blasted home off cover to pull off a 6-1 surprise, and in the process, upped his winning streak to three.

After floating away from the gate from post 5 in the seven-horse field, driver Corey Callahan had Lyons Steel in sixth at the quarter. Early leader and 5-2 second choice Italian Delight N yielded to My Pal Joe at the half in :55.3 as the flow started to develop on the rim.

Rockin The Aces went first over to press My Pal Joe as Lyons Steel drafted in behind with 4-5 favorite Springsteen third-up while Italian Delight N stayed patient in the pocket.

In the stretch, the scramble was on as Lyons Steel tipped three wide and flew home to record a one-and-a-half-length win over a fast-closing No Easy Day in 1:51. Rockin The Aces held third. Italian Delight N was fourth with Springsteen a no-excuse sixth after not firing through the lane.

Hes a nice horse, said Callahan. Maybe hes not the same horse as Springsteen, but Springsteen is in and out. I was worried about him being on my back, but when I moved my horse off his cover, he paced hard to the wire. Tonight, he got the trip and it worked out well.

Lyons Steel returned $15.40 to his backers in winning for the 26th time from 116 lifetime starts. Trained by Dennis Watson and owned by BD Racing, he now has a lifetime bank account worth $371,224.

In the $22,500 co-featured winners-over $11,500 trot, Scirocco Rob scored as the 2-1 favorite for driver Daniel Dube and trainer Mark Silva in 1:53.2.

The six-year-old gelded son of Explosive Matter-Fun At Parties made the top while parked at the quarter, putting 4-1 third choice Kenziesky Hanover in the pocket. They raced that way into the stretch, when Kenziesky Hanover emerged from the two-hole to take a short lead, but Scirocco Rob found more and out-gamed his foe to the wire to record a neck win, denying Callahan a sweep of the top two events on the card. Rich And Miserable was third.

The other horse went by us, said Dube. But my horse fought back. Hes got a big heart.

Scirocco Rob returned $6.00 in recording his 25th victory from 77 starts. His earnings now stand at $515,004 for owners Lewis Whitaker Jr. and Kathleen Whitaker.

BETTING BIG AGAIN: All-source wagering totaled $3,871,820 on the 15-race card, with the most action on a single race being the first, when $389,159 was pushed through the windows. Betting came up just short of topping the $7-million mark for a fourth consecutive weekend, with a total of $6,952,141 put in play.

The sixth race 50-cent Pick-4 was the biggest single pool of the night with $112,023 in bets taken.

A LITTLE MORE: Western Fame rocked the clock in the sixth race high-end conditioned pace, hitting the wire in 1:48.4 after leading at every call for Dube and trainer Shane Tritton. The only horse to go faster this year is Let It Ride N, who went 1:48.1 on Jan. 2 at The Big M.

Dexter Dunn had a driving triple for a second-consecutive night to up his track-leading driver dash-win total to 45. Tritton trained three to victory lane.

Racing resumes Friday (Feb. 26) at 6 p.m. (EST).

(The Meadowlands)
It is no secret that the human mind is capable of doing so much. It is the human mind that took Man to the moon, or built the atomic bomb, among several other great scientific achievements.

Image Credit: Dailymail / 20th Century Fox

But researchers have also been working on expanding its reach from the realms of the physical universe and pushing it beyond, transcending space and time. Recently one of these techniques used by the CIA surfaced online (after a TikToker discovered it) and has been quite a revelation for many.



The CIA technique dubbed the Gateway Experience was essentially described as a training system to bring enhanced strength, focus and coherence to the amplitude and frequency of brainwave output between left and right hemispheres that would alter the consciousness, pushing it outside the physical space, escaping restrictions of time and space.

Basically, it was seen as a way to put minds in a different state of consciousness, controlling our brain with the motive of interacting with non-physical aspects of reality. Its uses, according to the CIA report, ranged from converting energy to heal ones body to travelling across space and time to learn and access new information.

Yes, it sounds quite mumbo-jumbo, but CIA approved testing for this under the eyes of US Army Lieutenant Colonel Wayne M McDonnell. The project was classified by the CIA until 2003, which allowed it to be accessed by anyone.

CIA initiation of Gateway Experience

McDonnell was commissioned to work on the Gateway Experience in the 1980s at a time in US history when the nation was taking a deep interest in different varieties of psychic research -- primarily since the Soviet Union too was taking a keen interest in psychokinesis and extrasensory perception (ESP) for espionage missions during the Cold War.

The basis of the Gateway Experience actually comes from research conducted by one Robert Monroe -- a radio broadcasting executive who was studying to understand the effects of sound on human consciousness during the 1950s.

Monroes company -- Monroe Industries -- registered patents for an audio technique dubbed Hemi-Sync that according to him could create an altered state of consciousness with the help of sound waves (played via a series of tapes) to sync the output of the left and right hemispheres of the brain (hence the name Hemi-Sync).

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McDonnell with popular bioengineer Itzhal Bentov and a team of researchers used these tapes as well as other mind-relaxation techniques while testing out the Gateway experience.



If youve caught on till now, your mind too might be thinking that all of this doesnt seem scientific -- as it will be difficult to establish scientific evidence for the outcomes. However, McDonnell listed out how his analysis laid out the following scientific components to make this a valid research.

It included biomedical models to understand the physical aspects of the Gateway Process. It also included Quantum mechanics to explain the nature and functioning of human consciousness. It also involves theoretical physics to explain the nature of the time-space dimension and the means by which it could be extended by expanding consciousness using the process. It also involved classic physics to explain the out of body experience into the language of physical science.

The consciousness-altering techniques

McDonnell speaks about three crucial consciousness-altering techniques and Im sure you might have heard about them too -- hypnosis, transcendental meditation and biofeedback. He compares these to the Gateway Experience and explains how the former three essentially create the base for achieving the Gateway Experience. And the key difference between the three and Gateway Experience is the aforementioned Hemi-Sync.

Understanding Hemi-Sync

To better understand Hemi-sync, McDonnell presents an example that was coined by Monroe researcher Melissa Jager who used it to simplify the concept of Hemi-Sync. Jager stated that a human brains normal state is like a lamp thats shining but limited to a certain area.

However, with Hemi-Sync when both hemispheres are in synchronization, this light turns into a rather concentrated beam of light like a laser, that can not only be more effective but reach farther than it ever could before.

McDonnel explains that Hemi-Sync is achieved when the subject hears a sound produced at a particular frequency that is actually associated with the operation of the human brain. When the brain would listen to this, it would try to replicate this by adjusting its output. He called this phenomenon Frequency Following Response.

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McDonnell explained that the brain functions at a Beta frequency when a human is wide awake and a Theta frequency when he/she is sleeping. With FFR, researchers can sort of fool the brain into switching from Beta to Theta by making it listen to an external theta frequency. In Hemi-Sync, it introduces a frequency in the left ear thats 10Hz higher than the one being introduced in the right ear. Listening to both different frequencies it tries to stabilise this to a single level. This phenomenon is called beat frequency.

As soon as beat frequency is achieved along with Hemi-Sync, the left hemisphere relaxes and the boy goes into a virtual sleep state, while also aligning brain patterns in both hemispheres, allowing the human to change their own consciousness.

The virtual sleep state also lowers the heart rate of a person, while spiking the frequency of brainwave output, which McDonnell says creates a vibrational system throughout the body that syncs with the energy continuum of the Earth.

According to McDonnell if people reach that energy level at the same time, they could communicate with each other inside of it.

Interacting with universal hologram

According to McDonnell, 'Our universe is one large hologram of unbelievable complexity. This hologram consists of interacting energy fields in motion and at rest, as well as all phases of time, past, present and future.

The holograms developed by the human mind are aware of the universal hologram, with the right hemisphere of the brain receiving energy from the universal hologram and the left hemisphere translating it into consciousness. However, altering this energy matrix in the brain, the Gateway Experience pushes and changes consciousness to absorb more of the universal hologram.

Reaching the gateway experience

McDonnell spoke about Monroes process of reaching the gateway -- a seven-day long process that enabled the widening of consciousness of the human mind.

On the first day, the subject is taught to isolate extraneous concerns or irrelevant things in mind into a visualisation device called an energy conversion box.

In the next stage, he is made to hear resonant humming on a tape and is asked to mimic this sound too.

In the third stage, the subject is asked to repeat a Gateway affirmation such as I am merely a physical body and deeply desire to expand my consciousness.

Next, the subject is exposed to Hemi-Sync sound frequencies while also asking them to focus on developing perception and appreciation for feelings that accompany the synchronisation of brainwaves.

After this, physical relaxation techniques are introduced while Hemi-Sync frequencies expand and include pink and white noise that put the body in a virtual sleep state and calm the brains left hemisphere while raising awareness in the right hemisphere.

After this, the subject is asked to imagine an energy balloon that is extending from the top of the head, around the body and going all the way to the feet where it flows back into the body and to the head and out of the head again, forming a cycle of sorts. This basically resembles the flow of energy in the universe and provides protection against conscious entities that have lower energy levels that the subject could come across in case he/she attains out-of-body-state.

After mastering these techniques the subject can progress into more exploratory stages of the Gateway Experience where they learn how to interact with and manipulate newly-discovered dimensions of awareness.

Time travelling aspect

McDonnel also touches upon the time travelling aspect which can be enabled by intensifying sounds on the Hemi-Sync tapes named, Focus 15. While listening to this tape, theyre asked to visualise time as a wheel with spokes that point to events in their past.

In his tests, less than five percent of individuals could successfully travel in their past throughout the seven-day training period. But hes of the belief that with a few weeks of training they could easily travel in their past.

McDonnell added, They also state that not only the individual's past history is available for examination by the one who has achieved Focus 15, but other aspects of the past with which the individual himself has had no connection may also be accessed.

But that wasnt all. After trying to explore their past, subjects were asked to venture into the future, with the Focus 21 tapes. But not many could reach this level. According to McDonnel, it would take months or even years of practice to reach this level.

But the final stage was learning out-of-the-body movement where the subject could lift themselves out of their body after their brainwave pattern and energy would sync harmoniously with the surrounding electromagnetic environment. According to McDonnell, none of the test subjects were able to achieve this.

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The next step

McDonnell summarised the Gateway Process stating that there was still far from being perfect but had extreme potential. He concluded stating, There is a sound and rational basis in terms of physical science parameters for considering Gateway to be plausible in terms of its essential objectives. Intuitional insights of not only personal but of a practical and professional nature would seem to be within the bounds of reasonable expectations.

However, a phased approach for entering the Gateway Experience in an accelerated mode would seem to be required if the time needed to reach advanced states of altered consciousness is brought within more manageable limits from the standpoint of establishing an organization-wide exploitation of Gateway's potential.

He listed out recommendations for how CIA should design their research in Gateway Studies, but there is no information available if they did work on it in future.

The missing page

One page from the report -- Page 25 -- was missing from the report, just when McDonnell was describing potential uses for the Gateway Experience. However, the CIA has mentioned that this page wasnt present to begin with. This has led to several conspiracy theories stating that McDonnell might have left it on purpose to push subjects to master the Gateway process and experience it themselves.
Three separate sticky bomb attacks killed at least five people and injured two others in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday, a police officer said, during a wave of violence in the war-torn country.

Sticky bombs used in separate bomb attacks in Kabul

The first two blasts triggered by sticky bombs attached to cars took place 15 minutes apart, and a third involving a police car took place two hours later, Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz said. According to NBC News via MSN, no group took responsibility immediately.

Sticky bombs, explosive devices with magnets connected to cars and exploded by remote control or timer, have become the majority of Kabul's bomb attacks in recent months.

The first explosion hit a civilian car injuring both passengers inside the vehicle. The second blast hit a northwestern Kabul vehicle, where soldiers from the national army were driving, killing two soldiers and a civilian passerby. A police vehicle in western Kabul was hit by a third bomb, killing two police officers.

Read also: Australia Treasurer Slams Facebook for Banning All News Media Sharing

As peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government in Qatar have failed, Afghanistan has seen a national increase in attacks, targeted killings, and battlefield violence. It has been more than a month since the sides last discussed to decide how to proceed.

Meanwhile, the U.S.-Taliban ceasefire agreement signed on February 29 last year is being reviewed by the current U.S. government. Washington's pledge to a May 1 withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan was a big part of the resolution.

Russia also stepped up efforts to try to find a way forward. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin's Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, met with Pakistani leaders, including Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, to negotiate the peace process. Since the Taliban leadership retains houses and headquarters in Pakistan, it is seen as a critical player in the Afghan peace process.

Read also: Life Expectancy Drops by a Year, While 20 Million Years Are Lost Due To COVID-19, Study Claims

No rebels claimed the series of bomb attacks

In recent months, most bomb attacks in Kabul's capital have been sticky bombs-explosive magnet devices connected to vehicles and exploded by remote control or timer. Police from Kabul said investigations were ongoing, as per Pakistan Today.

The Islamic State group's local branch has taken responsibility for some of the attacks, but several remain unclaimed, with the Taliban blamed by the government. For most of the attacks, the rebels have denied responsibility.

Police in Kabul suspected that they might have used the sticky explosives for the attacks. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, known as SIGAR, announced earlier this month that Taliban attacks in Kabul, the Afghan capital, are also rising, with growing targeted killings of government officials, civil society leaders, and journalists, Republic World reported.

Read also: Arrest of Controversial Rapper Pablo Hassel Sparks Catalonia Protests

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Baroness Scotland is mired in fresh controversy after an online eulogy for one of her top Commonwealth officials was cut short when the peer was criticised.

More than 100 online mourners, including senior diplomats, were stunned to hear Taila-Jordan McKenzie claim during a moving tribute that her mother had been shabbily treated by her employers.

She told the virtual service that Karen McKenzie, the Commonwealth Secretariats director of human rights, left her job three months before her death in December but not by choice.

Baroness Scotland (pictured) is mired in fresh controversy after an online eulogy for one of her top Commonwealth officials was cut short when the peer was criticised

She added: Unlike other staff whose contracts were extended for periods between six and 12 months during the Covid-19 pandemic, my mother was discriminated against by having her request for an extension denied.

She was treated differently and unfairly despite her protected health condition.

Ms McKenzie went on to claim her mother, a highly respected South African lawyer who served in Nelson Mandelas government, was rebuffed when she sought a meeting with Baroness Scotland.

The disrespect of not even a response to her request was demeaning, she said.

Sources said it was at this point she disappeared from the screen. Baroness Scotland, the Commonwealths Secretary General, then appeared and delivered her own tribute.

A senior diplomat told The Mail on Sunday: It was really shocking, one of those moments when you check yourself and ask, Did that really happen? The timing was extraordinary.

But the Commonwealth Secretariat last night denied Ms McKenzie had been cut off deliberately, adding: There were some issues with the connection of some participants but this was not as a result of any direction from senior management.

More than 100 online mourners, including senior diplomats, were stunned to hear Taila-Jordan McKenzie claim during a moving tribute that her mother had been shabbily treated by her employers. Pictured: Baroness Scotland

The Secretary General was branded Baroness Shameless after it emerged in 2016 that she spent 338,000 refurbishing her grace-and-favour apartment in Mayfair. She was also criticised for appointing political allies to key posts.

During the eulogy, Ms McKenzie said her mother was passionate about her work. I took care of my mother alone, here in London for the last three years, as she was bravely battling with cancer, she said.

I watched how with every breath she would ensure to complete her assignments because she always said they were commitments about impacting lives of people who needed someone to advocate for them.

But she added: I would fail my mother if I did not make known certain nagging things my mother did not leave the Secretariat by choice The unexpected discrimination caused her tremendous anguish.

In a statement, the Commonwealth Secretariat paid tribute to Karen McKenzies work and apologised for any distress caused by the loss of the connection at the service.

It added it refuted any claims of discrimination against Ms McKenzie.
The winners of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021 competition announced. This year, more than 4.5 thousand works from photographers from 68 countries were submitted to the competition. For the first time in 56 years of the competition's existence, the main award went to a female photographer.



Renee Capozzola from USA was named underwater photographer of the year for her stunning shot of sharks against the backdrop of a sunset sky and seagulls flying over the water. The picture was taken off the coast of Moorea Island in French Polynesia in August last year.

Since 1965, UPY has organized competitions in underwater photography. Originally, it was mainly British photographers who participated in the competition, but nowadays many nations are represented in the competition. As the location of the world's oceans becomes increasingly vulnerable, the main goal of the competition is to inform about the state of the sea, and at the same time tell about the animals that live in the oceans. Here are the winners and runners up of the competition:

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SCHENECTADY  Echoing the words of her elementary school principal about Nicolle Harris being such a team player, Odo Butler likened her coming to Schenectady to getting Lebron James in town.

But long before Harris was sworn in last week to succeed Butler as the president of the Schenectady chapter of the NAACP, the New Jersey native arrived in the city to serve as the pastor of Duryee Memorial African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church, the citys oldest Black house of worship. Which means that two important strands of the region's Black history are in her hands.

Harris elementary school principal, Howard West Sr. of Asbury Park, was among those family and friends on the Zoom call who remembered Harris fondly.

When I see a program like this and I see a young person becoming actively involved in the struggle, it warms my heart  because it lets me know that the NAACP is alive and well, said West.

He told the audience that his star pupil holds a special place in his heart in part because years later she followed in his footsteps and attend Delaware State College (now Delaware State University).

I think shes going to do very well for your branch and for Schenectady because of her compassion for people and wanting to do the right thing for humanity, West added.

He said Harris paternal grandparents were active members of the NAACP's Asbury Park/Neptune branch in Jersey.

Harris reflected about summers working as a waitress at her grandmothers restaurant, and how customers seemingly knew every detail about her college life  including how many credits she had taken that semester and the clubs she joined  because of how much her mother, Emily Harris, would boast to them about her daughter.

Without fail, those same patrons at Clara's Place would at the end of the summer, before she went back to Delaware University, leave extra tips for her.

I get very involved with the Black community wherever I go because I know that I owe everything that I am to God and to the Black community," she said. "They literally raised me, they sent me to college.

Anne Pope, northeast regional director of the NAACP, led Harris and the other executive board members in the oath, and praised Harris as a powerful person.

Harris father, Deacon Daniel A. Harris III, urged those at the ceremony to continue to wrap your arms around her and love her, noting that Duryee Memorial is doing a tremendous job of that.

In a interview earlier this week, Nicolle Harris  pastor of Duryee Memorial since July 2019  said that once she got to the Electric City, she saw many similarities with her hometown of Asbury Park.

She credits Butler for the strides the once-defunct organization made during his tenure, and hopes to pick up where he left off. He's staying on as executive board member.

"I want to ensure that all residents in Schenectady County experience equity and equality ... and that we continue to be impactful on the community and continue on with our legacy," she said about her vision for the local NAACP.

Harris traces her activism to her upbringing, and said social justice work is at the core of what I do in ministry.

I dont remember a time where I wasnt at a community function or involved in something, so coming here was natural for me to become involved, the 40-year-old said. The Bible calls for us to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers, and sometimes being a peacemaker requires shaking things up."

Duryee has about 100 people on its rolls and attracts about half that number to worship services, Harris said.

I am a pastor of a historical Black church, but I dont want people to view our church as just a Black church, she said, adding that Duryee was founded by a white man. I want us to continue in that spirit of working together.

Harris described her leadership style as one that allows members to use their talents and gifts so that the church can learn and grow together.

I view Jesus as my Lord and my savior, but I also view him as a radical change agent and an activist, said Harris. I wasnt just appointed to a church, I was appointed to Schenectady.

Councilwoman Marion Porterfield, an NAACP member, recalled at the gathering how Harris came "to this community, became immediately engaged, and she was very supportive of me.

Harris is pursuing her doctorate in ministry online with an eye toward one day becoming a college professor.

She said Duryee is in the process of launching a non-profit community foundation to help people become more independent after going through a crisis.

When shes not in the pulpit, Harris, who goes back to Asbury Park at least once a month, said she enjoys spending time with her fiance and parents.

My life revolves around God and my family, added Harris.

Deidre Hill Butler (who is not related to Odo Butler), said Harris leadership role with the NAACP harkens back to the way we used to think of preachers in the '60s ad '70s having that social consciousness.

She really believes in doing ministry and community service outside the walls of the church, said Hill Butler, an associate Union College sociology professor and chief academic diversity officer. Shes warm, shes personable, has a sincere love for people, and shes a really striking example of the teachings of Jesus Christ.


Turkish prosecutors on Sunday launched a probe into a pro-Kurdish MP suspected of having travelled to a Kurdish-controlled region of Iraq where 13 Turkish hostages were killed in a failed rescue.

Lawmaker Dirayet Dilan Tasdemir 'is under investigation for belonging to a terrorist organisation,' Ankara prosecutors said, hours after the interior minister accused her in a TV interview.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said that Tasdemir, who belongs to the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), had been in Gara in northern Iraq, where Turkish troops launched the rescue operation against the PKK group designated as "terrorists" by Ankara and its Western allies.

Turkey said last week that the PKK had executed 13 of its citizens who it had held prisoner, most of them belonging to the security forces.

The PKK acknowledged that a group of prisoners had died, but said they were killed in a bombardment rather than executed.

Their deaths have stepped up pressure on pro-Kurdish political groups in Turkey, especially the HDP.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accuses the party of being the 'political shop window' of the PKK, and dozens of its office holders and party officials have been arrested since 2016.

'The HDP is the party of the terrorist organisation.

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In light of recent power failures and water issues, residents have gone to great lengths preparing for any unforeseen disruptions to their daily lives.

To address the demand for food, distribution sites have arisen throughout the community, as both food banks and additional community organizations have worked to provide meals for those in need.

The Laredo Regional Food Bank is hosting an Emergency Food Distribution on Friday starting early at 8 a.m. until supplies last. In a social media post, they state that clients must have a valid ID, wear a facial covering and be limited to two families per vehicle.

To help the community, Laredo Regional Food Bank employees and volunteers visited the west side neighborhoods of the city and distributed water and non-perishables during the week. A video posted shows a volunteer inviting the neighborhood to go out and receive bags of items, highlighting that they were free.

At the South Texas Food Bank, operations had been interrupted since Sunday due to power failure, but they restarted food distribution at noon Thursday. Similar to previous COVID pandemic distributions, the line spanned blocks with those in need of food during the freeze.

According to STFB director Alma Boubel, the distribution drive was held the morning after finally having their power restored Wednesday night. It was a response to the high demand of food for the community, a culmination of two overlapping emergencies in one week.

If the need continues through Friday, Boubel said that the food bank would host another food distribution. Locals can line up and receive donations as long as they have their ID with them which shows they are county residents.

Boubel added that the food bank has been working on providing food since March, but with the current weather emergency, they will not ask questions regarding the emergency demand of the client and will continue to feed anyone in line.

Its unfortunate that we cannot serve prior to today, but we didnt have any power here and I couldnt get any of my product out, Boubel said. But we are out here in the wind and the cold doing our best to provide for the community and to help a little bit with their needs.

However, amidst the panic purchasing of groceries, many have left local grocery store shelves empty. That has resulted in those without groceries scouring the city for eggs, milk, etc. As of Thursday afternoon, H-E-B on Del Mar and McPherson stocks were low as shelves of produce, dairy, protein and bread were empty.

With customers reaching into the back of shelves to find what they were looking for, it was clear that Laredoans continue to rush out and buy the shelves dry during an emergency.

To maintain stock of items on shelves, HEB has implemented a purchase limit on items while it continues to restock. According to the grocery stores advisory, the limit was placed on two categories: food and non-food items. All are limited to two items.

Food items include:

Brisket. Frozen Chitterlings 5 LB. Frozen Chitterlings 10 LB. Water Gallons. Water multipack. Baby Water Gallons. Baby Water multipack. Eggs. Milk. Bread. Ice.

Non-food items include:

Propane tanks. Aerosol disinfectant sprays. (Isopropyl) Alcohol swabs. First aid and Cleaning Gloves. Trial & travel size disinfectant wipes/sprays.

Boubel said that there were cases where clients could not find food at the grocery stores and got in line at the food bank to receive food for the day. With the icy weather affecting roads, there may be issues with the logistics of restocking shelves, but the STFB will still provide food until they run out. A plan is already in place to continue to help the community, and an issue such as a stock shortage is currently not a concern.

During the distribution, a multitude of food care packages were given to families that included fruits, vegetables, trail mix and more. With approximately a million dollars of protein in the banks refrigerator and no power since Sunday, Boubel said that it was fortunate it was not compromised.

In some cases, the energy failures resulted in food spoilage at homes of clients. In others, elderly clients without food had no transportation to the food bank to receive the help. Despite not having a delivery service, the STFB is planning to provide a type of delivery to those elderly and sick clients. In addition, she added that the STFB also has been providing food for shelters throughout their operating region.

We are going to keep trying to do as much for the community as we can, Boubel said.

Also helping serve the community was the staff at Milton Elementary School, where warm food was handed out to families and students through a drive through operation. Photos showed LISD staff and faculty preparing the meals inside, wearing masks and warm clothing.

Members of United South High School have also helped the emergency by providing 100 pizzas throughout the Highway 359 area, which was put under a boil water notice Wednesday night. And staff from Cuellar Elementary delivered pizzas, juice and water to 50 local families that continue to struggle without electricity or water.

cocampo@lmtonline.com
Chamba, a farming community in the Nanumba North Municipality in the Northern Region, is facing an acute water crisis following a rainstorm that hit the area three days ago.



The community of more than 15,000 residents which lies along the Bimbilla-Salaga road depend predominantly on mechanised boreholes for potable water.



However, after the rainstorm, about 16 high tension poles were destroyed, cutting off the Chamba community from electricity supply and disrupting water supply since all the boreholes are run on electricity.



The downpour affected about six adjoining communities and ripped off the roofs of about 100 houses and displaced many residents in the area.



Casualties



Six people sustained varying degrees of injury and four were treated and discharged, while two who were in critical condition were referred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) for further medical care.



Visit



The Minister designate for Defence and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bimbilla, Mr Dominic Nitiwul, has visited the community to assess the situation at first hand.



"All the boreholes in this community have been mechanised and use electricity to operate.



This means that without electricity,the people cannot get water," the MP, whose constituency covers the community, said.



Mr Nitiwul appealed to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) to support the community and work assiduously to restore power as soon as possible.



In addition, he said, he was marshalling resources to provide NEDCo with 16 high tension poles so work could begin soonest.



The Minister designate for Defence also presented 175 packets of aluminium roofing sheets to the community for distribution to victims of last Tuesdays rainstorm.



He said even though the rainstorm affected public buildings and institutions in the community, fixing residential houses was paramount since some affected people did not have places to lay their heads.



Magnitude of destruction



The Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Nana Agyemang Prempeh, said an assessment of the incident had revealed that 548 houses in all were affected at Chamba.



He said six schools, a health centre and the Chamba Police Station were also affected.



Nana Prempeh said NADMO would assist the community to fix all the challenges it was facing following the incident.



Dam



The assembly member for the Chamba West Electoral Area, Mr Daniel Biwati, said the entire Chamba town currently depended on water from a dam, which was untreated, for drinking and other uses.



He indicated that the residents were competing with animals for water from the dam. "For the past three days, this dam is what all the people of Chamba are relying on as their source of drinking water.



But the saddest aspect is that animals also come here to drink and sometimes enter to pollute the water,making it unhealthy for human consumption," Mr Biwati said.

Source: Graphiconline.com









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There were no survivors in a crash involving a military aircraft Sunday in Abuja, the Nigerian Air Force has confirmed.

The spokesperson for the Air Force, Ibikunle Daramola, said all seven on board the ill-fated plane died.

This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash, he tweeted.

Mr Daramola told PREMIUM TIMES all on board the plane were military personnel.

The accident occured short of the Abuja airport runway, after the airplane reported engine failure, aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, had earlier said.

A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any, Mr Sirika tweeted.

The Air Force is investigating the accident, it said, while commiserating with the families of the victims.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), @CAS_IOAmao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. While urging the general public to remain calm & await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased, Mr Daramola said.
B2B e-commerce major Udaan on Sunday said it added about one lakh new businesses last year on the platform under its segment under which over 230 million products were shipped.

The Lightspeed-backed company has also seen over 250 sellers under the category achieve sales worth Rs 1 crore on the platform in 2020.

"We are glad that despite the global pandemic and its adverse impact, Udaan kept the wheels of small businesses across Bharat moving by leveraging the power and scale of e-commerce," Udaan Head ( Business) Kumar Saurabh told PTI.

He added that the volume growth achieved in the business was primarily driven by a vast range of quality products being available at affordable prices to business partners, who in turn cater to smaller parts of the country.

The addition of one lakh new businesses last year, Udaan now has about 2 lakh businesses under the lifestyle category. The segment contributes about 10-12 per cent of Udaan's overall gross merchandise value (GMV).

While the company did not disclose its GMV numbers, a report by Bernstein states that Udaan's GMV was at about USD 2.1 billion ARR (annual recurring revenue) in December 2020.

GMV is a term used in online retailing to indicate the gross merchandise value of the products sold through the marketplace over a certain period of time.

Udaan's Lifestyle business - comprising of clothing, accessories, and footwear - shipped over 230 million products, catering to more than 26 lakh orders in 2020.

Sharing trends from the year, Udaan said the lifestyle segment saw sales of 10 million comfort wear products and slippers across 900 cities during the year.

With work-from-home (WFM) becoming a norm due to the pandemic helped boost sale of daily wearables, and about 9 million t-shirts, 4 million shirts and 3 million kurtis were sold.

Over 3.5 million socks and blouses were sold on the platform during 2020, while 25 million protective masks were sold on Udaan in the first 8 months of the pandemic, it added.

"Massive digital adoption triggered among retailers and manufacturers during the pandemic also resulted in the demand going up as the unlock happened. This clearly highlights the huge potential in the lifestyle business," Saurabh said.

He added that Udaan is uniquely positioned to leverage this opportunity by offering the benefits of e-commerce and internet-scale to its business partners, in line with its vision of transforming the trade ecosystem in the country by leveraging technology.

Key states such as Bihar and Assam witnessed large transaction volumes in the lifestyle category as well as cities such as Lucknow, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru and Kolkata.

While there has been strong adoption of the platform by small and medium businesses, even large manufacturers and brands such as Jockey, Arvind, Shoppers Stop, BIBA, Rangriti, Lifestyle, Adidas, Reebok, Puma, Hummel, Relaxo and Aqualite have also partnered with Udaan.

Udaan - which has 30 lakh businesses on its platform - has operations across categories including lifestyle, electronics, home and kitchen, staples, fruits and vegetables, FMCG, pharma, toys and general merchandise.

Of these 30 lakh, 17 lakh are small retailers, including kirana shops, chemist shops, small hotels and restaurants and others.
Berger said when he read the findings of the first probe, "it was pretty clear to me we needed to do a follow-on...
It's been almost a year since Michael Reagan, 50, came down with Covid-19.

"I woke up first thing in the morning and I felt really hot and out of breath," he said, recalling the morning of March 22, 2020. "I went into the bathroom trying to catch my breath, and I immediately coughed up blood into the sink. ... I ended up in the hospital that day and tested positive for Covid."

Reagan said he spent two months in and out of the hospital last spring, with acute Covid-19.

But for as hard as that was, what he's been through since could be considered just as bad, if not worse: His current symptoms include constant pain in his chest, painful nerve pain in his hands and legs, seizures, tremors, and the loss of vision in one eye.

"Since then it has been a roller coaster," he said, with ups and downs, new symptoms, a whole series of doctors, medications and tests.

"I realized that I have a lot of damage from Covid and it's changed my life completely," he said. He has not been able to return to anything near the active life he enjoyed before.

Unlike Reagan, when 34-year-old Stephanie Condra got sick with Covid-19 last summer, she didn't have to be hospitalized. Her symptoms were comparatively mild: fatigue, shortness of breath, stomach pain and cramping, and a low-grade fever.

But, after it appeared she had recovered from her acute illness, Condra says she began developing a wide array of health problems that that waxed and waned but did not clear up: terrible sinus pain, nausea and loss of appetite, bone-crushing fatigue, dizziness, a burning sensation in her chest, a dry cough, brain fog, confusion, concentration issues and problems with word retrieval.

"My symptoms are constantly evolving. I get the same symptoms again and again, and it's like one will kind of disappear and then others will come up," she explained.

While Condra said she started getting better at the beginning of 2021, she describes her progress as slow and halting. "I'm really only able to function for maybe, tops, like four hours during a day," she said.

More than a year into the pandemic, what has become abundantly clear is that SARS-CoV-2 -- the virus that causes Covid-19 -- is a tricky virus: Some people aren't aware they're infected at all, while others are hospitalized and some die. And a growing group of people get sick and then never fully recover. In support groups, they sometimes refer to themselves as long-haulers; their condition is alternately called long Covid, continued Covid, post-Covid syndrome or post-acute Covid syndrome.

What we're learning

Nobody is sure what percentage of people who've been infected with SARS-CoV-2 go on to develop post-Covid syndrome.

A new research letter published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open is shedding new light on the condition. Researchers from the University of Washington followed 177 people with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection for up to nine months -- the longest follow-up to date. Notably, this group included 150 outpatients, who had "mild" disease and were not hospitalized.

They found that 30% of respondents reported persistent symptoms. The most common were fatigue and loss of smell or taste. More than 30% of respondents reported worse quality of life compared to before getting sick. And 14 participants (8%) -- including 9 people who had not been hospitalized -- reported having trouble performing at least one usual activity, such as daily chores.

The researchers wrote that with 57.8 million cases worldwide, "even a small incidence of long-term debility could have enormous health and economic consequences." There are now more than 110 million cases worldwide, according to the latest data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

A much larger study, published in early January in The Lancet, found that of 1,733 coronavirus patients treated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, 76% were still experiencing at least one symptom six months after their symptoms began. But this group was made up entirely of hospitalized patients.

Treatment is a long and winding road

The Center for Post-Covid Care at Mount Sinai Health System, in New York City, was the first of its kind to open back up in May. So far, the center has seen more than 1600 patients -- including Reagan and Condra -- and there's a months-long wait to get an appointment.

"It's very hard to predict who will get these symptoms," Dr. Zijian Chen, the medical director, told me when I interviewed him last summer. "The patients we're seeing at the center are, you know, of all races. They span in age from the 20s to 70s and 80s. You have patients who are both male and female, of equal distribution."

He said having mild illness or being healthy to begin with, is no protection from having persistent symptoms.

"I would presume that if ... you had a pre-existing condition, that the infection with the virus can worsen that condition. But again, we're also seeing patients who are previously healthy, had somewhat relatively mild illness," Chen said.

Age, he said, isn't a predictor either.

Another baffling aspect of post-Covid syndrome is the vast and seemingly random array of health issues that some patients face.

Dr. Christian Sandrock is a professor of medicine in pulmonary critical care and infectious diseases at UC Davis School of Medicine, in Sacramento, California. As director of critical care, he is one of the doctors who assesses patients at UC Davis' Post-COVID-19 Clinic. It was the first such center in the region to open its doors, back in October.

"When we look at the long-term symptoms ... the big things we see are fatigue, lethargy and sleep disturbance, and that makes up probably more than half of what we see. Loss of taste and smell is a very specific one that we will see. Shortness of breath is a very specific one, and chest pain as well," he said. Many patients have multiple symptoms, and the symptoms can come and go.

Sandrock categorizes the symptoms into several buckets. Problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath and heart inflammation fall into the cardiovascular category. Chest pain and shortness of breath could, depending on the underlying cause, fall into the respiratory category, as does decreased exercise tolerance and pulmonary function abnormalities. He puts rashes, hair loss and even tooth loss into the dermatologic category. Fatigue, brain fog and not feeling like oneself belong to the constitutional category. The neurological category comprises loss of smell and taste, sleep dysregulation, altered cognition and memory impairment. Depression, anxiety and mood changes, he explained, all fall into the psychiatric category.

As for what is causing those symptoms, Sandrock points to several culprits. Some might be caused by the complications of an extended hospital or ICU stay, which is known to be hard on the body and have lasting effects. Some could be triggered by microvascular disease -- damage to the capillaries, which Sandrock says is behind many symptoms, from chest pain to "Covid toes" to fatigue and even brain fog. Some symptoms could be set off by an autoimmune response triggered by high levels of inflammation, such as joint and body aches, sleep disturbances, depression and fatigue. And some could be as a direct infection by the virus, such as loss of smell and/or taste, according to Sandrock.

Treatment, Sandrock said, is very much individualized and depends on the symptoms and the underlying cause of those symptoms.

"Treatment needs to be customized," he said. "We have to really spend our time seeing what our patients need. Some of them -- they really just have chest pain, shortness of breath and low oxygen levels, and in that case we can manage that. Another person may have a lot of brain fog, difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances -- that's a whole host of other things we then need to do."

It can involve referral to other experts within the clinic, medications and rehabilitation. Medications such as immune-modulators, anti-inflammatories, anti-depressants, beta-blockers and/or steroids, he said. Rehab, such as cognitive, pulmonary and/or cardiac rehab. Sleep studies to root out the cause of any sleep disturbance.

But there is one constant. "The only treatment I've seen that's consistent is a lot of what we would call supportive care. So that really involves better living and higher quality living, for lack of a better term. But that means you really need sleep. Sleep is going to matter a lot," Sandrock said, noting that stress reduction, meditation and yoga are also part of the mix.

He said patients need to adjust their life to a less stressful and slower pace to allow the body to heal. "So, we want people to really be patient with themselves, know that it's going to take a lot of time as they work through it. So that, I think, is key," he said.

Dr. Dayna McCarthy, a team member at Mount Sinai's Center for Post-Covid Care, agrees patients have to adjust their expectations of themselves and slow down.

"We're like rubber bands. We just want to kind of snap back to the way that we were before. So, I think that has been one of the biggest challenges. But if people are not able to do that, and they keep pushing, that is when the symptoms just do not get better," she said.

Improvements are hard-won and extremely slow. "Day to day it's really hard to measure those improvements. As these symptoms wax and wane, the improvement is very stuttering. You know, three steps forward, two steps back," said Sandrock, noting that he measures improvements in terms of months.

McCarthy, who calls the process "glacially slow," says patients do get better with supportive care and time. "But a lot of it falls on the patient and having to understand and come to terms with the fact that their life needs to change for them to get better," she said. "And when you're young and healthy and you're used to being in kind of fifth gear -- you're 'full steam ahead' and now we're telling you, you really have to kind of shift back and shift down to allow your body what it needs to recuperate and recover. [It's] a very difficult thing for patients to process and embrace," she said.

More research is needed

Both Sandrock and McCarthy say much more research is needed to better understand post-Covid syndrome, including who gets it and best treatment practices. But they're optimistic about the future, now that the condition has been recognized and "science is getting behind it," as McCarthy put it.

"So, people are coming together both in systems, and then systems coming together nationally, and then internationally. So, there's been this mass collaboration of scientists and health care professionals that are looking for answers. And that takes time. But I'm very happy to report that," she said.

Sandrock said he was excited to learn that the National Institutes of Health recently announced it would be offering research grants as part of its "Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC)" initiative.

As for Michael Reagan and Stephanie Condra, they're carrying on as best they can.

"Every day I make the conscious decision to be optimistic and to be positive. I can't always control what circumstances life throws at me, but I can control how I carry myself. If I carry myself with grace and dignity that I'm going to be OK," Reagan said. "I have a very supportive family. I have a supportive partner. I have job [and] coworkers that understand. I have excellent doctors. So, I try to look at things I am grateful for."

Said Condra, "I really had to relinquish my sense of control in not knowing when this is going to end for me. But really being grateful for the improvements that are happening, and at least [getting] back some level of having a quality of life and being able to take advantage of the days, the weeks where I am feeling better ... but it's mind-blowing that it's been so long."
Stu Laundy and Justin Hemmes are said to be in a fierce battle to buy the iconic Pacific Hotel in Yamba, close to the New South Wales coastal town of Byron Bay.

According to The Herald Sun, the picturesque cliffside hotel - which hasn't changed hands in over four decades - is reportedly looking for an asking price of close to $50million, and has peaked the interest of both parties.

It wouldn't be the first bidding war for the duo, as it's understood the pair recently battled over Chris Hemsworth's local watering hole The Lennox Hotel in nearby Lennox Head.

Byron Battle: Stu Laundy (left) and Justin Hemmes (right) are said to be in a fierce battle to buy the iconic Pacific Hotel in Yamba, close to the New South Wales coastal town of Byron Bay

Up for grabs: According to The Herald Sun, the Pacific Hotel - which hasn't changed hands in over four decades - is reportedly looking for an asking price of close to $50million, and has peaked the interest of both parties

Bachelorette star Stu, in partnership with hotelier Fraser Short, purchased The Lennox Hotel with an offer of close to $40million.

The Pacific Hotel would certainly be an impressive addition to either of the moguls' bustling property portfolios.

With Byron Bay becoming a hot spot for celebrities in recent years, nearby Yamba is often frequented by A-list visitors and locals.

The hotel itself enjoys breathtaking 360 degree views, and is just 200m away from the iconic Yamba lighthouse.

It also features a pub, a Bistro and a recently million-dollar renovated northern wing with luxurious king and queen suites with balconies overlooking the ocean.

Back in 1990, the hotel changed hands for only $2.45 million.

Delightful: The Pacific Hotel itself enjoys breathtaking 360 degree views, and is just 200m away from the iconic Yamba lighthouse

Iconic: There's a bar, Bistro and a recently million-dollar renovated northern wing with luxurious king and queen suites with balconies overlooking the ocean

How times have changed! Back in 1990, the hotel changed hands for only $2.45 million

It comes just days after Stu - whose family hotel and pub empire is worth a whopping $500 million - and local hotelier Fraser Short were named the new owners of he Lennox Hotel.

The hotel has uninterrupted ocean views along Seven Mile Beach, and over two separate levels has a bistro, restaurant and bottle shop.

It's the first time in 16 years the pub has changed ownership as it was previously bought by local brothers Greg and Clyde Campbell in 2005 from developer Chris Condon for $14 million.

The quaint pub is so popular, in fact, that Hollywood actors and Byron Bay locals Chris and Liam Hemsworth are said to be among the famous regulars.

Snapped up: Just last week, Stu - whose family hotel and pub empire is worth a whopping $500 million - and local hotelier Fraser Short were named the new owners of the Lennox Hotel

Celebrity hot spot: The venue is often frequented by A-list visitors and locals, inducing actors and Byron Bay locals Liam (left) and Chris Hemsworth (right). Pictured with brother Luke

Chris, 36, lives in a $30 million mansion in Broken Head, which is approximately 10km north of (or a 15 minute drive from) Lennox Head.

In August last year, Laundy and Fraser confirmed they had also bought Byron Bay's trendy venue The Farm for $16 million.

Laundy, who appeared on Channel 10's The Bachelorette in 2017, has a share of his family's $500 million fortune.

Meanwhile, Justin and his family's empire is believed to be worth around $1.06billion.

His property portfolio includes the Beresford Hotel in Surry Hills which he bought in 2010, the Queen Victoria Hotel in Enmore in 2015 and Bondi's Royal Hotel in 2017.

It was also recently revealed that he bought his ex Kate Fowler a $7.5 million mansion in one of Sydney's most exclusive suburbs.
Spatial, a global manufacturing leader in aviation training equipment, has recently announced its relocation to a bigger facility in Rakez.

The newly acquired 12,775 sq m land is 73% larger than its previous location, in which the company is set to increase its production capacity by more than 50% and to serve its global customer base, including blue-chip airlines such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Qantas and British Airways. The new facility will be fully operational by the end of Q1 2021.

We take pride in servicing global aviation leaders from our base in Ras Al Khaimah; specifically, in Rakez. The transport of our goods in and out of the facility has been made quick, easy and cost-effective; and the accommodating team at Rakez made our expansion decision an easier one, said Marc Van den Broucque, Managing Director. With this new expansion, we are well placed to satisfy the increase in demand for our products, which has persisted through the pandemic, as well as to cater for future expansion. We are optimistic to what the future holds for Spatial, and we are certain, we are on track to hold a larger market share within the aviation training industry.

Commenting on the expansion, Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of Rakez said: We are thrilled to witness this phase of development for Spatial. For over a decade, their products have been supplied to some of the worlds biggest aviation brands, all manufactured from their facility here at Rakez. The decision to increase their space is the natural next step to the companys ambitious plan to double their production capacity.

At Rakez, we have taken it as a mandate to facilitate the growth of all our valued clients. Our efforts are geared towards offering an environment thats easy to do business in, second-to-none services, seamless processes, and state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, to support our ever-growing multinational business community, he added.-- Tradearabia News Service
Kate Winslet has revealed her confidence took a hit when her weight was scrutinised when she was in her 20s and starting out in the acting world.

The film star, 45, explained that a slew of cruel comments 'tampered with her impression of beauty' and she lamented the fact she was dubbed 'outspoken' when she tried to defend herself.

When Kate appeared in Titanic in 1997 opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, comedian Joan Rivers joked: 'If she just lost 5lb, Leo would've been able to fit on the raft'.

Looking back: Kate Winslet has revealed her confidence took a hit when her weight was scrutinised when she was in her 20s and starting out in the acting world (pictured in 2018)

Speaking to The Guardian, Kate recalled: 'In my 20s, people would talk about my weight a lot. And I would be called to comment on my physical self. Well, then I got this label of being ballsy and outspoken. No, I was just defending myself.'

Asked if the remarks about her weight had any impact, Kate revealed: 'It damaged my confidence. I didnt want to go to Hollywood because I remember thinking, "God, if this is what theyre saying to me in England, then what will happen when I get there?"

'Also, it tampers with your evolving impression of whats beautiful, you know? I did feel very on my own. For the simple reason that nothing can really prepare you for that.'

Kate recalled: 'In my 20s, people would talk about my weight a lot... It damaged my confidence' (pictured aged 23 in 1998)

Kate also spoke about her role in Ammonite, about real-life self-taught geologist Mary Anning and her romance with fellow would-be scientist Charlotte Murchison, played by Saoirse Ronan.

The actress said working on the flick made her realise how film has 'forever objectified women' and there was a great sense of 'equality' in the project.

Her co-star Saoirse previously detailed why she wasn't nervous about getting intimate with Kate in the romantic drama set in 1840s England.

Jibes: When Kate appeared in Titanic in 1997, comedian Joan Rivers joked that: 'If she just lost 5lb, Leo would've been able to fit on the raft'

She told The Sunday Telegraph: 'I wasn't nervous, no. I never really feel nervous doing sex scenes because I've always worked with people I trust, which is massive, and I know not everyone can say that.

The five-time Oscar nominee added that having the director, Francis Lee, let the pair move freely with the scenes' 'choreography' helped make them both comfortable.

'It was great to have that authority over those intimate scenes, which can often make you feel incredibly vulnerable, but instead we felt empowered by it,' Saoirse said.

'We really felt like we were steering the ship. There was a plan in place for us that we created for ourselves, so there were no surprises and nothing was unexpected.'

Project: The actress said working on Ammonite with Saoirse Ronan made her realise how film has 'forever objectified women' and there was a great sense of 'equality' in the project

Elsewhere during her interview, Kate admitted she now regrets working with directors Woody Allen on Wonder Wheel in 2017 and Roman Polanski in Carnage, released in 2011, following sexual assault allegations made against them.

She said: 'I shouldn't have worked with Woody, or Roman [Polanski], and I'll probably always grapple with those regrets. It's just unbelievable to me now that those men have been held in such high regard in this industry, and for such a long time.'

However, Kate added that would 'defy anyone' in the film industry to deny that parts in their films were highly coveted, which has only recently changed.

Polanski fled the United States in 1978 after being charged with the statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl, and has never returned.

Several other women have accused him in recent years of sexual misconduct, all of which he has denied.

Despite the allegations, Polanski won an Oscar in 2003 for directing World War Two drama The Pianist as well as a best director award at France's Cesar Awards this past February that caused several women to walk out in protest.

'What the f*** was I doing?': Kate admitted she 'regrets' working with directors Woody Allen and Roman Polanski (pictured in Allen's Wonder Wheel)

Scandal: Polanski fled the US in 1978 after being charged with statutory rape of a 13 year-old girl, and has never returned, he has also been accused of sexual misconduct by several women

Meanwhile in 1992, it emerged that Allen, then aged 57, was having an affair with his partner Mia Farrow's adoptive daughter Soon-Yi Previn, then aged 21.

After the scandal broke, Farrow and Allen had an acrimonious and public break up, during which she accused the venerated director of sexually assaulting their adopted daughter, Dylan, seven.

Allen was investigated but never charged and he has vehemently maintained his innocence ever since.

The allegations were brought again into the public eye with the #MeToo movement as Allen's son, the journalist Ronan Farrow, supported his sister Dylan's and mother Mia's abuse claims.
The United States previously noted that Tehran must return to compliance with the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal before Washington can return to the agreement and has urged the Islamic Republic to reduce its uranium enrichment activities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stated on Sunday that his country is not trying to create nuclear weapons. He also noted that Tehran's steps on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), taken after the US withdrawal, are reversible.

"All our steps (to breach the deal) are reversible...The United States must return to the deal and lift all sanctions ... The United States is addicted to sanctions but they should know that Iran will not yield to pressure", Zarif said.

At the same time, the minister stressed that talks between Tehran and Washington are only possible if all sides fulfill their obligations under the accord, accusing President Joe Biden of maintaining the previous administration's "maximum pressure" policy against Iran.

The statement by the top Iranian diplomat comes just a day after the talks between Ali Akbar Salehi, chief of Iran's nuclear department and Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency over the halt of IAEA inspections at Iranian nuclear facilities.

In 2015, Iran signed the JCPOA with the P5+1 group and the EU. The accord stipulated that Iran curb its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, including lifting the arms embargo five years after the deal's adoption. However, the Trump administration withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reinstated sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

The move forced Iran to gradually suspend its obligations under the accord, boosting its nuclear programme.

In December, Iran escalated its research following the assassination of nuclear physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. The country's parliament adopted a new law, suggesting to increase its uranium enrichment and stop UN inspections of its nuclear facilities.

As a result, in early January, Iran's atomic energy organisation announced that the country had succeeded in enriching uranium to 20 percent at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant.

(SPUTNIK)
The Brittany Higgins story is unattractive on so many levels that its hard to know where to start. As is the case with so many aspects of life, others with hindsight and information not available at the time will second-guess everything. Armchair experts are everywhere.

Higgins claims that in March 2019, after attending work drinks at a bar, a colleague took her back to their boss office at Parliament House, where he raped her on a couch. Sexual assault and rape in Australia are all too common.

Brittany Higgins was allegedly raped at Parliament House.

The 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety Survey found that 148,000 women and 57,200 men were sexually assaulted in the previous 12 months. Most assaults are not reported to police. One reason women dont report them is concern as to whether they will be believed.

One of the trickiest aspects of rape cases is the question of consent. Understandably defence lawyers focus on that issue. Lawyers who have acted for both the prosecution and defence will assure you of something you already know: when two people go out and drink too much, the mental capacity of both can be impaired but the hormones can be raging. Just as Prime Minister Scott Morrison reflects on what if this was one of my daughters, so many mothers are reflecting on what if this was my son. They would be thinking, I hope someone listens to his side of the story.
UPDATE, 5:45 p.m.: The suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Darryon Williams of Stockton, the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office said.

A Stockton man was arrested in Richmond late Saturday for suspicion of attempted murder in the drive-by shooting incident that injured a firefighter and a paramedic in Antioch.

The arrest followed a pursuit that traversed two counties and ended moments after the suspect's vehicle collided with a parked vehicle in Richmond. Antioch police have not yet released the suspect's name or age.

The incident began shortly before 9 p.m., when Contra Costa firefighters and an ambulance from American Medical Response responded to a call for someone requiring medical attention in a parking lot in the 1900 block of Auto Center Drive.

Police said that while the first responders were caring for the patient, a silver SUV drove by and someone inside fired shots at them. The vehicle drove by a second time and someone inside fired a second series of shots.

A 31-year-old firefighter was shot in the foot and a 58-year-old paramedic was shot in the leg. Both men are being treated for injuries at local hospitals where they are in stable condition and are expected to survive.

The SUV fled the scene westbound on Highway 4 toward Pittsburg, police said, pursued by Antioch officers on a chase that went through Contra Costa and Alameda counties and finally to Richmond, when the suspect's SUV collided with a parked car. Police said the suspect then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly taken into custody by Richmond Police and CHP officers. A firearm was also found at the scene.

Antioch police detectives are continuing to investigate and ask that anyone with information about the incident call the department at (925) 778-2441, call Det. Brogdon at (925) 779-6895, or text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword ANTIOCH.

Copyright  2021 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
PARIS  In a desperate appeal to Frances government, some 10 Frenchwomen who joined the Islamic State and are now being held in detention camps in Syria began a hunger strike on Saturday, protesting the governments refusal to bring them home for trial.

The women are among dozens of French mothers and their 200 or so children who have been detained by Kurdish forces for at least two years in squalid camps, and are in a state of legal limbo.

We decided to stop feeding ourselves, regardless of the risks, until we meet the right people to get answers about our future, one of the women said in a voice message obtained by The New York Times.

Two French lawyers representing the women confirmed the hunger strike in a statement released on Sunday evening.
BUSINESS figures within the Cork hospitality industry have expressed their disappointment following the Taoiseachs admission that Ministers will not consider reopening hospitality until the middle of the summer.

Micheal Martin expressed concern about uncertainties surrounding new variants of coronavirus and high numbers of infections as he said: "We don't foresee the reopening of pubs etc before the middle of the summer.

The chairman of the Cork branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Michael ODonovan said hearing this comment on a Saturday morning was disappointing.

We have become used to these leaks coming out but it is disappointing when the Taoiseach says it on a Saturday morning.

"It affects over 200,000 people in the hospitality industry. We are all playing our part in following the guidelines but to get such devastating news and the timing of it was disappointing, he said.

Mr ODonovan of the Castle Inn in Cork city has called for more support to be made available to allay the fears of concerned members.

If this transpires the current CRSS needs to be doubled because businesses are still paying the landlords and still have weekly outgoings and the current rate does not meet the requirements. Meaningful supports have to be put in place.

Our members are hugely concerned. A lot of them had budgeted until Easter and they have huge concerns beyond Easter as bills and debt is still mounting up.

"The human capital leaving our industry is also becoming a major problem as people are looking elsewhere for jobs as they have financial worries, he added.

Vienna Woods Hotel proprietor Michael Magner said he was disappointed with the lack of communication towards the hospitality sector.

The issue we have is the Taoiseach taking it upon himself to tell our employees they wont have their jobs back until the middle of the summer. Im sure his intent was not ill-meaning, but the reality is that should be my job. I employ 100 people.

"It is disappointing to think that as a sector we found out on the airwaves about our sector being closed for longer.

"Communication should have been better. We have representation associations across all the hospitality sector and an official from the Taoiseachs department should have notified our trade association. We as employers should have the information to engage with our employees, he said.

The Cork hotelier echoed his VFI counterpart by calling on increased supports for the industry going forward.

The supports the government has provided us are welcomed, but they are going to have to be increased to ensure businesses dont go under. The 270,000 people who work in this sector have no job security. EWSS, the commercial rates waiver, the CRSS, and bank moratoriums remain huge issues and will need to be continued.

Mr Magner said the hospitality sector is facing a very 'bleak future if the hospitality industry doesnt reopen until the middle of the summer.

If we dont re-open until the middle of July, we will only have six weeks of a holiday season. When you consider the real prospect of no international travel this year the entire hospitality sector is facing a very bleak future. It is going to be very difficult, he added.
Ireland is now the fastest-growing data centre market in Europe with more than a billion euro worth of projects planned, according to new industry figures.

A survey of the 12 key countries in Europe for the location of third-party data centres found that Ireland was expanding at the fastest pace, with a growth rate of 121pc.

The "Data Centre Developments in Europe" report, by industry specialist Data Centre Pricing (DCP), found that total capital expenditure on upcoming projects here would be approximately 1.020bn, or 12pc of the total planned 9bn investment in 850,000 metres squared of facilities across the twelve countries. Although the UK is forecast to see marginally the highest increase in data centre space, in terms of percentage growth it is ranked only ninth. Ireland, Italy and Sweden have rapidly closed the gap on Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris as the locations of choice for high-tech cloud infrastructure facilities.

Much of the planned investment in third-party facilities - where businesses can rent server space to host their cloud computing requirements - will be in six campus-style data centres that are planned by Echelon Data Centres in Dublin and Wicklow, K2 Data Centres in Dublin, and by CyrusOne, also in Dublin.
In this Feb. 16, 2021, file photo, a woman wrapped in a blanket crosses the street near downtown Dallas. As temperatures plunged and snow and ice whipped the state, much of Texas' power grid collapsed, followed by its water systems. Tens of millions huddled in frigid homes that slowly grew colder or fled for safety. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

Two days before the storm began, Houston's chief elected official warned her constituents to prepare as they would for a major hurricane. Many took heed: Texans who could stocked up on food and water, while nonprofits and government agencies set out to help those who couldn't.

But few foresaw the fiasco that was to come. They could not be prepared.

As temperatures plunged and snow and ice whipped the state, much of Texas' power grid collapsed, followed by its water systems. Tens of millions huddled in frigid homes that slowly grew colder or fled for safety. And a prideful state, long suspicious of regulation and outside help, was left to seek aid from other states and humanitarian groups as many of its 29 million people grasped for survival.

Images of desperate Texans circulated worldwide. To some, they evoked comparisons to a less wealthy or self-regarding place. To others, they laid bare problems that have long festered.

A week after she warned her county's nearly 5 million residents about the impending storm, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was sleeping on an air mattress at the county's emergency operations center. Her home had been without power for three nights.

"It's worth asking the question: Who set up this system and who perpetuated it knowing that the right regulation was not in place?" Hidalgo said.

In this Feb. 19, 2021, file photo, water is loaded into cars at a City of Houston water distribution site in Houston. The drive-thru stadium location was setup to provide bottled water to individuals who need water while the city remains on a boil water notice or because they lack water at home due to frozen or broken pipes. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

___

Around 2 a.m. Monday, the full measure of the crisis Texas faced began to be apparent.

Cold and ice had set in the day before, leading to spreading power outages across the state. But standing in the emergency operations center early Monday, Hidalgo and others learned that their local energy provider, CenterPoint Energy, would not be able to "roll" outages between homes as they had been told earlier.

Instead of short intervals of heat, enough to keep their homes safe, residents would have to go without for days on end.

Power outages spiraled through the day Monday, ultimately cutting off more than 4 million people. Grocery stores shut down and hotel rates skyrocketed.

People who fled to the homes of relatives or neighbors had to consider the risks of contracting or spreading coronavirus.

Ashley Archer and her husband decided to take in his best friend at their suburban Dallas home. She is pregnant and has been trying to protect herself from the virus for nearly a year.

In this Feb. 16, 2021, file photo, people wait in a long line to buy groceries at H-E-B in Austin, Texas, during an extreme cold snap and widespread power outage. As temperatures plunged and snow and ice whipped the state, much of Texas' power grid collapsed, followed by its water systems. Tens of millions huddled in frigid homes that slowly grew colder or fled for safety. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

The friend is "like family," she said. "We weren't going to let him freeze at his place."

Things got worse Tuesday. Thousands of people sought refuge from their freezing homes in warming shelters. Others sat in their cars; dozens were hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning. A woman and her daughter died after running their car inside a garage.

At her Dallas condominium, 51-year-old Stephanie Murdoch layered in blankets, two pairs of pants, two sweaters, three pairs of socks, a hat, and gloves. Her anger grew at the power companies and their apparent lack of preparation.

"We've got another blast of snow coming in this evening ... and still no clear answers as to why the grids aren't working better," she said.

By Wednesday, some started to get their power back, but a new shortage emergeddrinkable water.

In this Feb. 17, 2021, file photo, Juan Guerrlo, center left, waits in line to fill his propane tanks in Houston. Customers had to wait over an hour in the freezing rain to fill their tanks. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

Frozen pipes burst across the state. And the water that did come out of taps was often undrinkable due to dangerously low water pressure levels. At one point, an estimated 13 million people were under a boil-water order, nearly half of Texas' population.

More than 35 people in Texas have been confirmed dead. That number was expected to rise as roads cleared and relatives and first responders could check on missing loved ones.

Mark Henry, Galveston County's judge, asked the state early in the week to send a refrigerated truck requested by the local medical examiner, who expected an influx of bodies.

"If they had been honest with us from the beginning, we would have ordered evacuations. But they didn't tell us that," he said.

___

The disaster can be traced to mistakes by Texas' leadership and faults created by decades of opposition to more regulations and preparation.

In this Feb. 19, 2021, file photo, Nancy Wilson boils water in her home in Houston. She does not have full running water as the city remains under a boil water notice and many residents lack water at home due to frozen or broken pipes. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

Basically, the state is an island in the U.S. electrical system.

There is one large grid covering the Eastern half of the country, another for the West, with Texas wedged between them. There is a long and colorful history to how this came to be, but the simplest explanation is that Texas utilities wanted to be free of federal regulation. They accomplished that, going back to the middle of the last century, by avoiding sending power across state lines.

The Texas grid isn't walled off, but there are only a few, small interconnection points with the Eastern U.S. grid and Mexico. In the past, utility executives have argued that the Texas grid would be less reliable and more vulnerable to blackouts if it were fully connected to the rest of the country  which would make it easier for other states to tap Texas during their own shortages.

In this Feb. 16, 2021, file photo, customers use the light from a cell phone to look in the meat section of a grocery store in Dallas. Even though the store lost power, it was open for cash only sales. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, was created in 1970; it became a more powerful broker over electricity flows after deregulation in this century. In the wake of the storm, it has taken most of the blame from Texas politicians and the public.

Despite efforts by some Republicans to blame clean energy, the failures occurred in every part of the sector. While wind turbines and solar panels froze, a major nuclear plant lost half of its generation, and there were massive failures in coal, oil, and natural gas. Demand surged, meanwhile, as people accustomed to mild Texas winters turned on their heat.

In 2011, millions of Texans lost power during the Super Bowl, which was played in a Dallas suburb. Two agencies, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, conducted a study on how Texas could "winterize" its energy infrastructure. At the highest end, winterizing 50,000 gas wells would cost an estimated $1.75 billion, the study found.

In this Feb. 16, 2021, file photo, Robert Webster pulls a full canister of propane for sale as customers line up to enter a grocery store in Dallas. As temperatures plunged and snow and ice whipped the state, much of Texas' power grid collapsed, followed by its water systems. Tens of millions huddled in frigid homes that slowly grew colder or fled for safety. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

Of the 2011 storm, the report said generators and natural gas producers said they had "winterization procedures in place. However, the poor performance of many of these generating units and wells suggests that these procedures were either inadequate or were not adequately followed."

But there was no broad move to winterize equipment. Since then, bills requiring energy producers to hold more power in reserve or ordering a study of how to better prepare for winter failed in the Republican-controlled Texas House.

Texas lawmakers deregulated the energy market in 2002. Supporters say this lowered energy prices statewide, but critics say it gave producers leeway to avoid improvements that might have prevented events like this week's catastrophe.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has promised multiple investigations of this storm and made ERCOT an "emergency" item for the legislature, which is currently in its biennial session.

In this Feb. 15, 2021, file photo, Dan Bryant and his wife Anna huddle by the fire with sons Benny, 3, and Sam, 12 weeks, along with their dog Joey, also wearing two doggie sweaters, with power out and temperatures dropping inside their home after a winter storm brought snow and freezing temperatures to North Texas in Garland, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News via AP, File)

In this Feb. 15, 2021, file photo, traffic is sparse on the snow-covered Interstate 45 near The Woodlands Parkway following an overnight snowfall in The Woodlands, Texas. Temperatures plunged into the teens Monday with light snow and freezing rain. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP, File)

In this Feb. 16, 2021, file photo, a man seeking shelter from sup-freezing temperatures prepares his cot at a make-shift warming shelter at Travis Park Methodist Church in San Antonio. As temperatures plunged and snow and ice whipped the state, much of Texas' power grid collapsed, followed by its water systems. Tens of millions huddled in frigid homes that slowly grew colder or fled for safety. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

In this Feb. 17, 2021, file photo, LaDonna collects from a trash container ice cream that had been thrown out because of power outages at a Kroger store in Arlington, Texas. LaDonna said she's collecting the frozen goods for her neighbors. "I do it because they would do it for me.", she said. Rolling power outages this week have forced businesses to clear merchandise that needs refrigeration. The power was back Wednesday and the store was open. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP, File)

In this Feb. 18, 2021, file photo, a woman living on the streets uses blankets to keep warm in downtown San Antonio. Snow, ice and sub-freezing weather continue to wreak havoc on the state's power grid and utilities. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In this Feb. 18, 2021, file photo, demonstrators stand in front of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz's home demanding his resignation in Houston. Cruz has acknowledged that his family vacation to Mexico was "obviously a mistake" as he returned stateside following an uproar over his disappearance during a deadly winter storm. (Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle via AP, File)

In this Feb. 14, 2021, file photo, woman walks through falling snow in San Antonio. As temperatures plunged and snow and ice whipped the state, much of Texas' power grid collapsed, followed by its water systems. Tens of millions huddled in frigid homes that slowly grew colder or fled for safety. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

"I think there is going to have to be a serious inquiry into why it was, what were the factors that led the grid not to be able to meet the energy needs of Texas," said Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

Cruz spoke Thursday evening in the yard of his home in Houston's wealthiest neighborhood, River Oaks. He had cut short a trip to Cancun, Mexico, after images circulated of him waiting at a Houston airport for his flight to the resort town.

At week's end, as the cold weather began to loosen its grip, the power grid came back online for most Texans. But burst pipes had flooded thousands of homes. Earlier in the week, Abbott had asked plumbers from other states to come to Texas and help.

But fixing pipes is one thing. Fixing a whole state is another.

Explore further Behind the power crisis in petroleum center Texas

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.


Health minister Stephen Donnelly has defended the pace of the country's vaccine rollout and said Ireland had to accept that it wasnt vaccinating at the same speed as Northern Ireland or the rest of the UK.

"People are very reasonably looking at the UK and saying they're ahead, and they are, we have to accept that, he said.

The minister stated that Ireland has one of the fastest rollouts in the EU.

As of February 17, a total of 310,900 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland  197,609 people have received their first dose and 113,291 people have received their second dose.

According to HSE Chief Paul Reid, one in five people over the age of 85 have already received their first dose, with numbers expected to rise significantly in the coming weeks as mass vaccination centres open across the country.

Comparably, 436,143 first doses of the vaccine have been issued in Northern Ireland - approximately 23.3 percent of the population.

In the UK, 25.4 percent of people have had their first dose.

"We are a member of the EU, we're going with the EU," the Health minister said.

Had we gone on our own, and as a tiny country tried to purchase millions and millions of doses of vaccine, it's not at all certain that we would have been able to do that  we would have been competing with the might of the EU."

The minister said the country is on course to be able to administer over one million doses every month from April, as more vaccine supply becomes available.

'Light at the end of the tunnel' as over 1,000 receive Covid-19 vaccine at DCU

The HSE Covid-19 vaccination centre in the Helix, DCU. Picture: Julien Behal

The Health minister has also said that the opening of the countrys first mass vaccination centre shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel in the fight against Covid-19.

The minister was speaking to Newstalk as 1,000 people over the age of 85 received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine at the Helix event centre at Dublin City University (DCU) today.

Mr Donnelly said the events at DCU today were a hugely positive development".

A quick update on part of todays vaccination programme for those aged 85 and above - 100+ GPs vaccinating their patients at the GP hub in Dublin. Amazing work being done by our vaccinators and @HSELive to get these administered as quickly as we get supplies. pic.twitter.com/iMRZNR3Yhx  Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) February 20, 2021

"It's been the most brutal, hard year for people with so much loss, so much suffering, and to see this today, this is the light at the end of the tunnel," he said.

"Just talking to people here, talking about their hopes and how they're going to start getting on with their lives again is just wonderful."

The minister also said that other mass vaccination centres are due to open in Galway and Cork in the coming weeks.

Those who received the vaccine in DCU on Saturday are scheduled to get thier second dose in 28 days' time.
A Wilkes-Barre man wanted on murder charges in connection with a triple shooting outside a South Main Street bar was captured Friday night in Miami by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, according to the Luzerne County District Attorneys Office.

Jayshawn Times Too Malik Johnson, 21, last known address of Madison Street, was wanted as a federal fugitive as well as on murder charges alleging he opened fire outside Bos on Main at 215 S. Main St. around 11:30 p.m. the night of Jan. 30, killing two people and seriously injuring a third.

U.S. Marshal Martin J. Pane is working to arrange Johnsons transportation back to Luzerne County to answer for the charges, said District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis, who thanked police for quickly naming Johnson as the gunman and marshals for quickly finding and capturing him.

We are all glad to have this gunman off the street and to have the opportunity to bring him to justice, Salavantis said.

According to police, officers responded to the bar and found three gunshot victims, all of whom were rushed to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Two of the victims, Damian Thomas, 32, and Maurice Chapman, 31, were shot repeatedly and died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Luzerne County Coroners Office.

The third victim, Al Quan Cade Jr., was critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head that cost him his vision in his left eye, according to the charges. Cade was hospitalized in intensive care.

Police say surveillance footage shows Johnson approaching a group of patrons outside of the bar and then opening fire on Thomas, shooting him along with the other victims.

An arrest warrant detectives previously obtained charges Johnson with criminal homicide, attempted murder, aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm and carrying a gun without a license.

Johnson was being held without bail at the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Center pending extradition to Pennsylvania.
The Black History Month event the Delta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity was hosting with Rutgers Universitys Paul Robeson Cultural Center was supposed to be a celebration of Black leaders.

Until it turned ugly.

In a detailed post on the fraternitys Instagram account, the group said white supremacists Zoom bombed the event, writing racial slurs in the chat, changing their usernames to invoke racism, playing a KKK song that says Kill all Black people, and then running a video clip of Black people being brutalized and murdered.

The disturbing, hostile practice is called Zoom bombing and is a form of targeted harassment by outsiders who hijack events or meetings being held virtually. Most instances revolve around anti-Black, misogynistic, homophobic rhetoric or pornography.

In an instant, a Black History Month event can be bombarded with outsiders, spewing racist slurs and chanting. Or an LGBT virtual film screening can be disrupted by homophobic slurs.

The FBI says Zoom bombing as an emerging violent crime and has has previously said it investigates it as a criminal act. The number of incidents is growing here and around the country. In the past two weeks in New Jersey, at least three universities have had events that were Zoom bombed, ranging from Black History Month events to a Galentines Day celebration being held by a Black sorority at Rider University. The New Jersey Institute of Technology told CNN that a Black History event was Zoom bombed on February 3 with someone posting racial slurs during the discussion.

Virtual attacks were also reported last week at Penn State University, Syracuse University and an Iowa state lawmaker meeting.

The incidents have sparked outrage from attendees and the universities, who all said all incidents were reported to law enforcement.

A misconception of what Zoom bombing is that this is just tricksters or kids playing goofy or Internet trolling and that it is harmless, said Hanah Stiverson, a Ph.D. candidate at University of Michigan who co-authored Racist Zoombombing, which examines the racist harassment and hate speech on Zoom. In no way is it harmless.

It is creating this thing where to do work or to be social or to be intimate online is more and more dangerous for a wider breadth of people because more and more people are online, she added.

After the incident at Rutgers University student on Feb. 11, Chancellor Christopher J. Molloy said he was deeply disturbed and saddened to learn of racist and bigoted intrusion.

While we will not give these bigoted individuals the platform they cowardly sought by going into details, I do want us all to acknowledge the harm done to Black and LGBTQ members of our community, and affirm their pain, Molloy said in a statement. Marginalized communities are too often forced to bear such hatred and navigate in spite of it, and moments like this cut and wound deeply. I strongly condemn these horrific acts.

Zoom said in a statement that it is deeply upset to hear about these types of incidents, and the company has made numerous security changes and encouraged its users to report any instances of Zoom bombing as the company continues to rid the issue from their platform.

The company is committed to maintaining an equal, respectful and inclusive online environment for all our users, a spokesperson said.

It is meant to terrorize

The onslaught of the Rutgers fraternity event lasted for more than 20 minutes, the fraternity said in the post.

We want to reiterate that this is a racial hate crime, the post said. This was premeditated and conspired long before the meeting date.

The fraternity, which did not respond to requests for comment, said the attackers eventually left in order to disrupt another Rutgers event.

At Rider University, a Galentines Day virtual event also being hosted on Feb. 11 by a Black sorority was disrupted by a similar coordinated attack.

Since we are Black people, we have read about racism and we see it in the TV reports, Khaylin Eley, president of the Chi Alpha chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, told NJ Advance Media earlier this week. But to actually happen, its crazy... This is really a hate crime, regardless of if their faces are there.

Stiverson said Zoom bombing is usually done in one of three ways: someone within the community disseminates the Zoom login information to an outside group who coordinates the attack, outside groups get the login information from social media posts or the event is hacked.

And most often the Zoom bombers use language of harassment, Stiverson said, like racism and misogyny, to disrupt the virtual event.

She said the most protective measure to prevent Zoom bombers from intruding is using the platforms Webinar feature, which allows only a select number of speakers to have access to screen sharing and audio, though it cant be used for events that encourage mass participation by attendees.

Rutgers has released a guide titled Key tips to avoid Zoombombing and unwanted meeting guests, which encourages students to not share the meeting information publicly and only allowing users with a Rutgers Zoom account to join, among other tips.

Kristine Brown, Rider Universitys spokeswoman, said last week that some of the IP addresses involved in the Zoom bombing were traced to California and the United Kingdom but said they are most likely proxies, VPNs or hacked computers and cannot be considered reliable.

Rider reported the incident to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center, Zooms Trust and Security Team and the Lawrence Township Police Department.

Paul Goldenberg, who was New Jerseys first Chief of the Office of Bias Crimes and Community Relations and is current member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Advisory Council, said it appears some of the coordinated attacks are happening on platforms like Reddit and 4Chan.

It is an opportunity (for extremists), Goldenberg said. The extremists of the world are leveraging the latest and greatest technologies to be able to intimidate and in some cases threaten and terrorize members of our communities.

John Farmer Jr., the former New Jersey Attorney General and current director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, described the practice as no less terrifying, no less destructive, no less violative of our common humanity than acts of physical vandalism like spray-painting swastikas on synagogues or displaying hangmens nooses in public parks.

The platform is another way for hate speech to spread, said Farmer, who also leads the universitys Miller Center for Community Protection and Resilience.

From the development of the printing press to innovations like Zoom, each advance in information technology has also become a vehicle for the spread of bigotry and hatred, he noted.

NJ Advance Media staff writers Ted Sherman, Avalon Zoppo and Jeff Goldman contributed to this story.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Joe Atmonavage may be reached at jatmonavage@njadvancemedia.com.

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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/21/2021



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[ Spoiler Warning: This report includes spoilers revealing if Stephanie and Ryan got married and whether the couple is still together.]

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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Stephanie Davison and Ryan Carr were just shown getting into an explosive altercation on Season 8 of the series, so did their relationship come to an end or are they still together? What do the spoilers reveal about the couple?Stephanie is a 52-year-old career-focused woman who owns and operates two medical spas from Grand Rapids, MI.Stephanie was "a lifelong bachelorette" before meeting Ryan, a 27-year-old from Belize, during a vacation to his home country. Stephanie said he was the hottest and youngest guy she had ever dated and she had no problem being a cougar.Stephanie and Ryan dated for three years before Stephanie applied for a K-1 visa and the couple decided to appear on the show.Once Ryan's K-1 visa was pre-approved, he still had to go through the visa interview process -- but the embassy remained closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.Stephanie admitted she had trust issues in their long-distance relationship, mainly due to their large age gap, but also because she had caught Ryan texting three different women a little over a year prior."I threw Ryan out that night and I was crying. Right after his cousin Harris called me, and I slept with his cousin. Basically, it was over between Ryan and I. I'm just such an honest person, and I never would have slept with his cousin had I not found all of those texts and everything," Stephanie told the cameras.Stephanie had been keeping this secret from Ryan, and she knew it had the potential to tear them apart and ruin their relationship forever.Stephanie was worried about her romance coming to an end because she had invested so much heart and money into their relationship. She was allegedly giving him $500-$1300 a month by paying for Ryan's rent, groceries -- and work wages, which Ryan was unaware of at the time."I happen to have a friend that owns a resort [in Belize]. So I called and said, 'Everyone is sitting around and no one is working, so give [Ryan] the job and I'll pay his wages,'" Stephanie explained to her cousins."He doesn't know that. But better that than I send his family money. This way, he has self-esteem... I love him enough that I'm willing to take this risk, bottom line. It's my choice. This is who I choose... He's the man I want to build a life with."While apart during COVID-19, Stephanie felt she and Ryan were "growing further and further apart." They were fighting all the time and many of Stephanie's calls and requests for contact went unanswered."We are hanging on by a thread right now, and that thread is going to f-cking break any single second," Stephanie lamented.Ryan confessed he was tired of Stephanie "b-tching" at him, and Stephanie said she was nearly ready to throw in the towel. She accused Ryan of using her for money and wanting to come to America to "screw" other women or just have "a little joy ride."For Ryan's part, he said he enjoyed making his own money and his excitement about coming to America was waning because Stephanie was "far past crazy" and acting ridiculous.Stephanie threatened to cancel Ryan's K-1 visa, and he told her to do whatever she wanted because she's "the boss" and called the shots.The pair began questioning why they were even engaged, but Stephanie wanted to end the relationship in person if that's what they were choosing to do.In October 2020, Stephanie said the borders had finally reopened and so she'd be able to visit her boyfriend in Belize.After 10 months of not seeing each other, Stephanie figured the distance between them had been causing most of their problems."Although Ryan and I are engaged, he hasn't officially proposed yet, so the ideal thing for me is for him to propose with my mother's ring. I have a feeling this might be the time he proposes, on this trip. We shall see!" Stephanie gushed.When Stephanie arrived in Belize, she ran up to Ryan and he greeted her with flowers and a balloon. They embraced and kissed multiple times, and Ryan told Stephanie that she looked sexy. As for Stephanie, she appeared overjoyed.Ryan said he was 23 years old when he met Stephanie and she was either 47 or 48 at the time. Ryan said Stephanie's return to Belize was his "dream come true," and then he drove Stephanie to her hotel, which he called "paradise."Once Stephanie returned to Ryan's arms, she felt like maybe they could make things work and love might actually conquer all. All of Stephanie's anger and resentment appeared to disappear in the moment.Ryan said although Stephanie was older, she could definitely "keep up" with him.Stephanie explained they needed to make a decision about Ryan's K-1 visa, and Ryan said he wanted to make amends with Stephanie and show her the best two weeks of her life. Ryan told Stephanie that making her happy would be his No. 1 priority.Ryan even removed the password from his phone so Stephanie could check it whenever she wanted in order to make her feel secure and comfortable."Some days, Stephanie drives me really crazy and you know, like, f-ck, I would probably just want to give up on all this, but I'm hoping she's willing to work with me. Right here, right now, let's make a new beginning, a new chapter, fresh," Ryan said."Because I'm actually way too deep in it already and I actually really want to get to America. I want to see what America looks like, you know?"At dinner one night, Stephanie gave Ryan her mother's ring to propose with, but she still had doubts about whether Ryan was faithful."How many women have you slept with since I've been gone for 10 months?" Stephanie asked."None," Ryan replied. "Of course I'm horny as f-ck and I want to have sex, but I was just thinking about your well-being and that's it."Stephanie later confessed to Ryan that she had slept with Harris when they fought about him texting other women, including one person whom he allegedly invited to join him in Cancun."He called me every day... Harris is very bold, and you know that," Stephanie said."I said, 'I just threw Ryan out. I've had it this time.' And he said, 'Can I come see you?' I was crying so hard. It had been so long since you made me feel special. So I had him come and he spent the night with me that night."Stephanie broke down into tears, and Ryan admitted that he had already known about that.Ryan called Harris an "assh-le" and said someone that worked at his hotel had seen Harris enter Stephanie's room. Ryan called Harris "a backstabber."Ryan said he blamed both Stephanie and Harris for the mistake but it happened a long time ago and he had chosen to forgive Stephanie and stay with her."I forgive you, but I'll never forgive [Harris]... He is dead to me, and I mean that," Ryan explained.Stephanie and Ryan continued to build up their trust and relationship foundation, with Stephanie revealing she felt optimistic about their future together.Ryan told Stephanie that he was looking forward to touring Michigan, but he was a little bit upset that Stephanie and his mother had gotten into an altercation over money. Stephanie apparently asked for some money back since Ryan's mom didn't sincerely thank her for it."I was expecting that was from the heart, you know? I feel if my fiancee is trying to control me and my family because of her money, then I would have to break it off. That's not a healthy relationship," Ryan told the cameras.Stephanie's psychic Maria had previously warned Stephanie that another woman was around Ryan all the time and so she needed to keep an eye on him. Stephanie therefore decided to bring that up with Ryan at dinner one night since her reading was weighing heavily on her shoulders.Stephanie told Ryan that Maria had said Ryan was going to move to America and leave her for a younger woman, but Ryan said he didn't believe in that and thought it was the devil's work.Stephanie also said she had heard that Ryan's mother was pressuring him to have babies and so he might leave her for a woman, maybe a co-worker.Ryan insisted he didn't want to have children "right now," which Stephanie called him out on. But Ryan clarified he didn't want kids -- "not now and not forever."Ryan promised Stephanie that he had no desire to go to the United States and leave her because she's a gorgeous woman and he'd always want to "rock [her] boat."Four hours later, Stephanie and Ryan were back at Stephanie's hotel room, and she suddenly started yelling at Ryan."Don't you f-cking lie to me! Are you afraid of the truth, Ryan? Why would you do that to me?" Stephanie shouted.As Stephanie was flipping out, Ryan was shown leaving her room and trying to get a cab.There is no sign of Ryan on Stephanie's Instagram page, and all signs are pointing to the couple being over and done with.Stephanie claimed she had a miserable experience filming and would never appear on the show again.If she and Ryan lasted as a couple and remained happy together, one would think Stephanie would be somewhat grateful for the show given it documented the pair's time together.Stephanie recently made jaw-dropping allegations about her time filming Season 8, claiming she had been raped and that TLC forced her to film during a bug infestation that put her life in danger.On January 13, 2021, the Instagram account @Mommy_says_bad_words posted the cover of a book titled Never Get Ghosted Again: 15 Reasons Why Men Lose Interest and How to Avoid Guys Who Can't Commit by Bruce Bryans.The Instagram account wrote above the image, "If only Stephanie had read this before she met Ryan," and the post was captioned, "She needs this book ASAP."In the comments section of the post, Stephanie completely unloaded her frustrations."My new motto after this reality tv stuff.....ONLY believe half of what you see and hear!!" Stephanie wrote.Stephanie also added the following shocking hashtags to her comment: "#theycangofuckthemselves #paymewhatyouoweme #careaboutyourcast #manipulatedbeyondbelief #seeyouincourt."Stephanie then expressed pride in her strong hashtags and explained why she's so angry."These clusterf-cks that work for this company are going to wish they never deceived me. I not only was raped while filming, but manipulated to keep filming after I begged to get off set after being bitten hundreds of times by sandflies," Stephanie claimed."But no, they just needed a romantic dinner filmed with Ryan."While Stephanie didn't get into details about the alleged rape incident, she complained about how all of those bug bites were life threatening and TLC allegedly did nothing to help her."I spend have my time in a hospital now hooked to IV's for the inflammation from the allergic reactions I had," Stephanie wrote."They are unwilling to pay all my medical expenses. My attorney started legal action today...stay tuned!!"The Instagram account noted Stephanie's medical bills should absolutely be taken care of, at the very least."Yes!" Stephanie agreed. "This show has ruined my health, I wish I had never heard of this show."It's unclear when the alleged rape incident happened, but the couple's final segment on 's February 14 episode included a four-hour time jump in which something significant seems to have happened and resulted in Ryan angrily leaving the resort where Stephanie was staying in Belize.Several days after Stephanie went on her Instagram rant, she posted a photo of herself on Instagram and captioned it, "Be careful what you wish for, cause you just might get it. #happysunday #Instagood #90dayfiance #truthalwayscomesoutintheend.": The Other Way star Laura Jallali -- whose relationship with Aladin Jallali ended in divorce -- commented, "Looking beautiful and yah 100 [percet] you probably don't want what you wish for because you will be disappointed in the end!"And Stephanie replied, "You and I know first hand, don't we my friend?!!!"Stephanie is pretty clearly giving away her relationship with Ryan did not work out.Laura wrote back to Stephanie, "Honey been there, done that, bought the T-shirt and couldn't return it without loosing my dignity."And then Stephanie responded, "LOVE YOU," along with clapping emojis and crying-laughing emoticons.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
A Republican state lawmaker from Texas is under fire from his own constituents after he left his district in suburban Houston and flew on his private jet to sunny Florida while his neighbors were without water or power.

The backlash against Gary Gates, a Republican state lawmaker who represents Texas House District 28, comes amid the uproar ignited by Senator Ted Cruz, who flew to Cancun on the same day while Texas was in the grip of a crisis brought on by severely cold winter weather.

Gates left town with his wife and three daughters after power was cut to his home in Fort Bend County, according to the Houston Chronicle.

He spent two nights at his cousin's home in the Orlando area, where temperatures were in the 80s.

It really would have been nice to have a state representative helping on the ground, working at a warming center, packing food, etc. rather than immediately (flying) off on a private plane when the going got tough, said Brian Walz, a constituent of Gates.

Gary Gates (above), a GOP state lawmaker who represents Texas House District 28 in suburban Houston, flew on his private jet to Orlando after power was cut to his home in Fort Bend County on Wednesday

Gates defended his decision to travel to Orlando, where he spent two nights beginning on Wednesday. He said a third of his home (above) was flooded due to busted pipes and that his wife and daughter were at risk

Gates invited KPRC-TV to film footage of his home. The image above is where Gates says a pipe burst, causing a third of his home to flood with water

My neighbors didnt get to do that when her pipe burst.

Gates defended his decision to travel to Orlando, where he spent two nights beginning on Wednesday. He said a third of his home was flooded due to busted pipes and that his wife and daughter were at risk.

My wife is still recovering from an illness she has been battling for two weeks, and the room of my adult daughter, who is mentally handicapped and still lives with us, flooded, Gates said.

I was just trying to find some easier accommodations for them and I was trying to find a place where I could continue to work and do the things I needed to do.

The legislator said that he was working during his stay in the Sunshine State.

I think I was more productive by being there, Gates told KPRC-TV.

He added: I felt that I needed to be able to be in the best position to try to be somewhere where I had dependable power, dependable internet and dependable phone service.

Gates told the Chronicle before his return trip to Texas: Since arriving in Florida, I have had functioning internet and reliable mobile coverage.

I have been able to monitor the power restoration process, correspond with constituents and direct the recovery efforts at our apartment complexes.

Cynthia Ginyard, who heads Fort Bend County Democrats, slammed Gates for leaving town.

So many of the constituents were in the same predicament and they did not have the chance to take a flight and leave town, Ginyard said.

On social media, reaction to Gates was harsh.

'Another Texas lawmaker who just abandons the state in time of crisis,' wrote one Twitter user.

'Who do they represent? Certainly not residents of Texas.'

Another Twitter user wrote: 'Did *any* Texas official in the Republican Party stick around to get their state of the catastrophe that their brand of politics created?'

Wrote another commenter: 'He too could have helped hand out food - but being elite & all.. f*** the citizens.'

Elizabeth Grady tweeted: 'If you run for public office there are certain expectations. Those expectations are for you to help not run away.'

Another Twitter user wrote: 'When the GOP shows you who they are believe them the first time.'

Like Gates, Cruz has tried to do major damage control since his trip to Cancun.

Upon his return to Texas on Thursday, Cruz said his family vacation to Mexico was 'obviously a mistake.'

The Republican senator said he began second-guessing the trip since the moment he first got on the plane Wednesday.

'In hindsight, I wouldn't have done it,' he told reporters.

The trip drew criticism from leaders in both parties and was seen as potentially damaging to his future political ambitions.

Cruz said in an earlier statement Thursday that he accompanied his family to Cancun a day earlier after his daughters asked to go on a trip with friends, given that school was canceled for the week.

Gates flew to Florida on the same day that Senator Ted Cruz of Texas took a trip to Cancun. After his trip sparked an intense backlash, Cruz flew back to the States on Thursday from Cancun (above)

'Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon,' Cruz wrote.

'My staff and I are in constant communication with state and local leaders to get to the bottom of what happened in Texas,' he continued.

'We want our power back, our water on, and our homes warm.'

Cruz told reporters Thursday night that he returned to the US because he realized he needed to be in Texas.

He said he had originally been scheduled to stay in Mexico through the weekend.

'I didn't want all the screaming and yelling about this trip to distract even one moment from the real issues that I think Texans care about, which is keeping all of our families safe,' Cruz said.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC), on Sunday, announced the extension of its membership registration and revalidation exercise.

The exercise, which commenced in late January and originally scheduled to end on March 8, will now end on March 31.

The party interim National Secretary, John Udoedehe, in a statement, said the reason for the additional three weeks was to make up for the shortage of registration materials sent across the 36 states and to allow the accommodation of all prospective members.

The feedback across the states have been overwhelming and beyond projected success level; with a massive turnout of intending registrants beyond the expectation of the party, Mr Udoedehe said.

This development is responsible for the shortage of registration materials recorded in many states across the country and thereby warranting an extension of the exercise to give every interested Nigerian the opportunity to officially identify with the ruling party, the APC.

The party expressed satisfaction with the committee and other officials of the party supervising the exercise without reference to the complaints of irregularities and violence trailing the exercise in some states.

It said, On behalf of the National Chairman Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) His Excellency, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, I wish to use this opportunity to appreciate the good works of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state led Youth, Women Mobilisation and Persons with Disabilities Sensitisation Committee, The National Registration, Revalidation Committee led by Governor Sani Bello of Niger State, the states steering committees for the exercise and all party officials who have been both directly and indirectly involved in the exercise from the outset.

Exercise trailed by irregularities, violence

The exercise has been trailed by complaints of irregularities in some states.

Against the earlier warnings of CECPC chair, there have been reports of intimidation and segregation of some members based on their allegiance to some leaders of the party.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported the violence that broke out between two factions of the APC in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara, at a meeting called in preparation for the exercise.

This was followed by the exchange of words between Nigerias Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed, and the party National Deputy spokesperson, Yekini Nabena.

While Mr Mohammed, a member of APC, had called for the cancelation of the exercise in Kwara over suspicion of irregularities, Mr Nabena, in a counter statement, berated the former, accusing the minister of insubordination to the leadership of the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Similar case also played out within the Zamfara State chapter of the party.
By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday said there must be an immediate reduction of violence in Afghanistan, but did not offer any hints about whether the United States would withdraw its troops by a May deadline.

"I urge all parties to choose the path towards peace. The violence must decrease, now," Austin told reporters.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is conducting a review of a February 2020 deal with the Taliban that is expected to determine whether it will meet the deadline to withdraw the remaining 2,500 U.S. troops from America's longest war.

"No matter what the outcome of our review, the United States will not undertake a hasty or disorderly withdrawal from Afghanistan," Austin added.

After two decades of Western military intervention and hundreds of billions of dollars in investment, NATO countries are reluctant to heed a May 1 deadline and risk undermining progress towards democracy as a peace process stalls.

U.S. and European officials say the Taliban have not fulfilled commitments they made in the accord and that conditions are not conducive to advancing the peace process amid a surge in violence blamed on the insurgents.

The Taliban, seeking to reimpose Islamic rule in Afghanistan after their 2001 ouster at the hands of U.S.-led troops, deny the charges and indicate they will resume attacks on U.S. and allied troops unless the May deadline is kept.

Attacks in Afghanistan, including a bomb that killed the deputy governor of the capital Kabul in December, have prompted members of the U.S. Congress and international rights groups to call for a delay to the pullout agreed under former President Donald Trump.

Negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government have largely stalled in Doha in recent weeks, leading to growing fears that talks could be on the brink of collapse.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Chris Reese and Grant McCool)


Product Design Engineer Santa Clara Valley (Cupertino) , California , United States Hardware Summary

Posted: Feb 18, 2021 Weekly Hours: 40 Role Number: 200223897 As a member of a multi-functional design team at Apple, you will help to create the next generation of the world's finest mobile devices. You will conceive, design, and bring into production products that will re-define the mobile experience. You will work closely with many different cross functional teams including Industrial Design, Hardware Engineering, Antenna, Reliability, Packaging, Safety and Marketing. You should have significant prior experience in Unigraphics and/or Pro-E, be extremely well organized and able to balance numerous program needs simultaneously. Your excellent communication and social skills will help you to quickly grasp issues and drive the appropriate developments to resolution. This role affords you the opportunity to interface significantly with other departments within Apple and external partners. We do work in a dynamic environment and which will require you to quickly find creative, dynamic solutions. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, as well as four generations of Apple Watch. We have done the same with services, including iTunes, the App Store, Apple Music, and Apple Pay. The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices - strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it. You should join us to help deliver the next groundbreaking Apple product. Key Qualifications Experience in mechanical design (preferably internships or working experience in consumer electronics).

Demonstrated ability in plastic and metal part design.

Handheld/portable device experience.

Experience in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and Design for Assembly (DFA), statistical tolerance analysis techniques, functional dimensioning, and geometric tolerancing.

Experience with component modules (LCD, batteries, camera modules, etc.) and interconnects (FPC design and ACF bonding), a big plus

Integration of wireless antenna (GSM, GPS, Wifi) into mechanical enclosures, a big plus

Integration of electrical subsystems (LCD, microphone, speaker, receiver, camera)

Unigraphics fluency desirable.

Experience working with overseas manufacturers, a big plus

Mandarin language skills a benefit.

The ability to travel internationally (20%+). Description You will be working with many internal teams and contract partners, leading Design integration and architecture efforts. You will demonstrate creativity in problem solving, ability to think dynamically and outside of standard convention, and adapt quickly to new technical areas. We promote innovation and new technology to further improve Apple's hardware performance and user experience. Drive industry with advanced package solutions and specs Education & Experience BS degree with an emphasis in Mechanical Engineering, with at least 2 years of related industry experience


Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 13:58:32|Editor: huaxia

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A staff member transfers a cargo container with COVID-19 vaccines from Chinese company Sinovac at the El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, Colombia, Feb. 20, 2021. Colombian President Ivan Duque on Saturday welcomed the arrival of the first batch of vaccines from Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac, which will be "deployed throughout the national territory." (Colombian Presidental Office/Handout via Xinhua)

BOGOTA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Colombian President Ivan Duque on Saturday welcomed the arrival of the first batch of vaccines from Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac, which will be "deployed throughout the national territory."

The president said that the vaccines will be sent to several remote regions of the country, especially to the border departments in the Amazon, to fight the variant of COVID-19 known as P.1.

Chinese Ambassador to Colombia Lan Hu, who was also present to welcome the arrival of the shipment, said the fight against the pandemic "has been the priority" of bilateral relations since last year and that the arrival of the vaccines represents an opportunity to help the country return to normality.

"We would also like to thank the government and the Colombian people for the confidence that they have placed in the Sinovac vaccine," the ambassador said.

"We hope that this vaccine, as a global public good, can play a more positive role in this battle, in this fight, in this national vaccination plan to save more lives and to restore normality to our socioeconomic life as soon as possible," he added.

In early February, Colombia's National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute approved the emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines developed by Sinovac. According to its National Vaccination Plan, healthcare workers and elders are among the first groups to be immunized.

The Ministry of Health reported on Saturday that the number of deaths from COVID-19 in Colombia had risen to 58,685 and the total infections had increased to 2,222,018. Enditem

Press Release

February 20, 2021 De Lima to Locsin: A working justice system ensures no innocent person will be in jail Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima disagrees with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr.'s assertion that her acquittal in one of her three trumped-up drug cases shows that the Philippines' justice system "works" albeit slow. De Lima, who will be marking her fourth year in unjust detention on Feb. 24, said a working justice system would have not allowed any innocent person to be subjected to political persecution. "A truly working justice system ensures that no innocent person will be in jail and the subject of a concerted and concentrated persecution of all three branches of government," she said. Last Feb. 17, Judge Liezel Aquiatan of Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 205 granted De Lima's Demurrer to Evidence in Criminal Case No. 17-166. Granting of a Demurrer is tantamount to her acquittal. The same court, however, denied her Demurrer and Motion for Bail in Case No. 17-165. She also has a pending bail motion in her third case before the Muntinlupa RTC, Branch 256 (Case No. 17-167). De Lima, the most prominent political prisoner under the present administration, called the acquittal even in just one case, under the Duterte regime, as a "moral victory". Commenting on the new development on her case, Locsin took to Twitter, saying, "It is actually proof conclusive that the Philippine justice system works if slowly at least exceeding fine. I knew it all along." Locsin further tweeted: "Will send this to the UN as further reason to respect our justice system before opening the mouth with ignorant comments." De Lima, a staunch critic of the administration's brutal war on drugs, likewise stressed that a working justice system "does not close its eyes to the inhumanity of thousands of summary killings." "If the justice system in the country is working, why are there thousands of families who lost their loved ones to summary executions? Probably, these killings are not happening in the corridors of the rich and powerful but in common place, everyday, in the eskinitas of the poor," she added. Last year, De Lima filed Senate Bill No. 1842 seeking to define and criminalize extrajudicial killings and related acts and guarantee state obligations to effectively investigate and properly document EJKs which remain unabated amid the COVID-19 pandemic. De Lima first filed SB No. 1197, also known as the "Anti-Extrajudicial Killing Act" during the 17th Congress and refiled the said bill this 18th Congress as SB No. 371, but it gathered dust in the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee under the Chairmanship of Sen. Richard Gordon.
New Delhi, Feb 21 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be touring poll-bound Kerala and Tamil Nadu this week to campaign for the party.

Gandhi, who is currently the MP from Wayanad, will be in Kerala on Tuesday. Later in the week, he will be campaiging in Tamil Nadu where the party will contest elections as part of the DMK-led alliance.

Gandhi has already initiated campaigning in Assam, where the polls are also coming, but there is no clarity of his joining campaign in West Bengal where the Left and the Congress have organised a joint rally. Party sources, however, say that on the same day, Gandhi is slated to be in Tamil Nadu.

Congress General Secretary in charge of Kerala Tariq Anwar has already reached the state to prepare for the polls. "I will be visiting 34 Assembly constituencies and will interact with grassroots Congress workers and leaders. Beside this, I will also be meeting with different community leaders and prominent personalities," he had said.

Meanwhile, the preparations for Gandhi's rally in Kerala are on and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who has been named to oversee the party campaign in the state, will also be there.

Gandhi is invoking local issues in the states. In Assam, he made a strong anti-CAA pitch, assuring that the Congress will work for the welfare of the people and attacked the BJP over its divisive agenda.

In his earlier visits to Tamil Nadu, he attacked the BJP over the New Education Policy and the language issue which is a very emotive topic in the state.
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The officer was found dead in the Russell complex in Canberra just a month after the biggest scandal in the history of the Australian military. According to police reports, his death was not suspicious, as he had apparently committed suicide.

An Australian intelligence officer, who was found dead in the car park of army headquarters in December 2020, allegedly had an encrypted hard drive with him, as he was reportedly planning to release classified information on the misconduct of Australian troops in Afghanistan, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

"It is understood the intelligence officer was going to make the information public because the Brereton Report is an erroneous one-sided witchhunt against the SAS to try to appease the Afghanis", the source told the newspaper.

According to the source, the information on the hard drive "would change a lot of the public stance and opinion on what went on in Afghanistan", if it was published after the Brererton Report made it to the headlines in November 2020.

The infamous document by New South Wales Supreme Court Judge and Army Reserve Major General Paul Brereton suggested that at least 25 Australian soldiers were involved in the alleged murder of civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.

It recommended prosecuting 19 individuals, some of whom were still serving at the time of release, so the Australian military fired at least 13 troops in connection with the case.

Following the scandal, Defence Force chief General Angus Campbell apologised to the Afghan people on behalf of the Australian Army, saying that the actions of the servicemen involved in the alleged crimes were "disgraceful" and "a profound betrayal" of the Australian military.

(SPUTNIK)
All 77 BJP MLAs in Bengal to have central security cover

Bengal BJP lodges complaint with EC, Amit Shah over state police bias

India

pti-Deepika S

Kolkata, Feb 21: Claiming that the ruling TMC had attacked its ''Parivartan Yatra'' rally in North 24 Parganas district, the BJP''s West Bengal unit on Sunday complained to the Election Commission and Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing the state police of bias and not providing enough security to the participants.

BJP state vice-president Pratap Banerjee alleged in the complaint that miscreants owing allegiance to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had attacked the ''Parivartan Yatra'' at Minakhan in Basirhat of North 24 Parganas district on Saturday with bombs and brickbatted participants, injuring two saffron party workers.

"Despite prior intimation, the local administration did not take any steps for the safety and security of the participants," Banerjee wrote, seeking action against "biased officers, TMC miscreants, and also deploy honest and neutral personnel to conduct peaceful and fair assembly election."

The BJP has launched ''Parivartan Yatra'' rallies ahead of the assembly election in the state, which is due in April- May.

Banerjee alleged that the local police remained "mute spectators" when the attack took place.

Contest only from Nandigram: BJP challenges Mamata

Police had said, a convoy of cars led by West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh was attacked in Minakhan triggering a scuffle between activists of the saffron party and the TMC on Saturday.

However, no bombs were used in the attack and there was no report of any casualty, they said. The TMC alleged that workers of the saffron party had ransacked its party office in the area.

A few days ago, BJP leader Fitoze Kamal Gazi alias Babu Master was injured in an attack in Minakha area.

BJP national president JP Naddas convoy was attacked in December last year in South 24 Parganas district.
The church in America has a problem. Since the mid-twentieth century, confidence in the institutional church has drastically declined, leaving many scrambling to find ways to restore trust. In "The Case for Hard Religion," conservative commentator Yuval Levin explains why he thinks this decline has occurred and offers a solution. At first glance, his case appears to be on target, but careful reflection and analysis reveal it's not  at least in part. Flawed premises shake the logic, thus inhibiting formulation of a sound solution  and a proper solution is what America desperately needs. This article aims to offer one.

The Case for Hard Religion

Levin's article opens with the statement that "we are living in an era of unprecedented doubt," which results in a crisis of meaning for our society. Institutions that help people find this meaning have failed to be the beacon of light they once were. This crisis, as it pertains to the church in particular, "is not exactly a crisis of belief in the teachings of traditional religion, but rather a crisis of confidence in the institutions that claim to embody them," Levin writes. "In other words, Americans aren't losing their faith in God. Eighty-seven percent of the public expressed belief in God last year in Gallup's figures, which is roughly the level pollsters have found for many decades. What Americans do have trouble believing, however, is that our institutions  our churches, seminaries, religious schools and charities  remain capable of forming trustworthy people who actually exhibit the integrity they preach."

People, Levin argues, are turning away from the church because those within the institution of the church are untrustworthy. They are using the church and other religious organizations, not as a means to preach truth and model love, but as a platform for their own advancement, political agendas, personal legitimacy, and pragmatism. The solution, therefore, is for people within the church to become more trustworthy and more appealing by behaving better and faithfully fulfilling their proper roles. They need to exchange their soft pews for hard pews that will make them sit upright.

Levin is certainly right that too many people in the church are using it to expand their personal egos and ideologies or to bend it to attract the spirit of the age. However, this is not the only cause of distrust, nor is it primary. The primary causes are much more complex, and the effects much more destructive, than Levin seems to appreciate.

Who Is God?

Despite Levin's opening claim, we are not living in an era of unprecedented doubt. We are living in an era of unprecedented idolatry. We, as a culture, are looking for meaning in ourselves and in truth defined by our own moral standards and feelings. We are seeking understanding of who we are and our place in the world  not in our Creator, but in group dynamics and social movements that feed on self-worship. Our belief, our confidence, is in ourselves, especially as we organize within groups that prop up our own doctrines of self. Of human power and self-will, there is no doubt.

The clay has told the Artist that it is perfectly capable of molding itself. We have rejected God's objective truth, God's providential hand in human history, God's authority in culture, God's standards of morality, God's design of human identity, and God's purpose for institutions. This rejection perverts everything in society, from the individual to the family to institutions, which are "durable" only when they are built on a solid foundation. That foundation has now been bulldozed and replaced with the shifting sands of postmodernity. Subjectivism has replaced objective truth. This is the worldview of our age. It is the abolition of man.

Until the early to mid-twentieth century, if Americans were asked, "Do you believe in God?" most would see that question within a purely Judeo-Christian frame. Throughout most of American history, "God" was generally believed to be the God of the Bible who determines an objective reality with moral absolutes  the God who is the Creator of culture and the institutions within it, the God who saves sinners, the God above all other gods.

This doesn't mean that each and every American was a Christian or even that America was a "Christian nation." We have always had a mixed society of faiths and sects. But it does mean that for most of American history, the pervading worldview in America (even among unbelievers who borrowed its tenets for practical benefits) was Christian. This faith, this belief system, this moral authority, was the bedrock of human thriving and institutional integrity.

Today, Americans' belief in God means something very different. Pew did a recent study to check its own poll that found large portions of Americans saying they believe in God. In the follow-up poll, Pew found that when asked, "Who is this God you say you believe in?," "only a slim majority" said they believe in the God of the Bible. Another study by a different organization found that a majority of Americans  including 30 percent of evangelicals  don't believe that Jesus was God. This is a deviation from the past that became entrenched in the mid-twentieth century. God is now a growing subjective construct rather than an objective reality whose nature has been revealed to mankind.

In the early nineteenth century, Alexis de Tocqueville wrote that while clergy should not become elected leaders in the political realm, religion with its objective truth is the backbone of politics and society as a whole. "Religion in America takes no direct part in the government of society," Tocqueville writes, "but it must nevertheless be regarded as the foremost of the political institutions of that country; for if it does not impart a taste for freedom, it facilitates the use of free institutions. Indeed, it is in this same point of view that the inhabitants of the United States themselves look upon religious belief. I do not know whether all the Americans have a sincere faith in their religion, for who can search the human heart? but I am certain that they hold it to be indispensable to the maintenance of republican institutions. This opinion is not peculiar to a class of citizens or to a party, but it belongs to the whole nation, and to every rank of society."

Everything falls apart when religion, moral absolutes, and the moral authority of God are rejected. When the righteousness of God is spurned, and only the subjective truths of sinful man are elevated and deemed legitimate, all crumbles. "What can be done with a people which is its own master, if it be not submissive to the Divinity?" Tocqueville asked  a haunting question, indeed.

The "New Normal"

People have always been sinful as individuals, even worshipers of self. What has changed is that American culture has been rebuilt into something it wasn't and should not be. Our traditional houses were torn down (slowly so that few even noticed it was happening), and now they've been all but rebuilt in a different image  an image fashioned by man through power struggles, not by God through love.

Because of this relentless reconstruction of America, society's attitudes toward its institutions have changed. More than that, its understanding of human identity  the very foundation of how we see others in society  has changed. We are no longer living at the zenith of culture rooted in rationality and religion  a condition defined by objective truths and motivated by love. We are now sinking into the worst of human cultural conditions  a zoistic ethos that roots human identity in animal impulses, where we are moved by forces of nature and driven by desires, not reason.

Levin mentions the culture war and its effects on institutions, but he doesn't do justice to it as a causal factor of distrust. He doesn't recognize the extent to which the house he wants to restore has already been torn down and rebuilt by others with different blueprints. We are not only in culture war; we are in the last throes of it, and traditionalists are on the losing side.

In the days of Tocqueville and for much of American history, we lived in a culture built of certain assumptions about human identity, relationships, morality, and reality. Any calls for maintaining the stability of that society were within that frame. Marriage was between a man and a woman. The father was the head of the home. Children were blessings to be raised in obedience to God. The church was the body of Christ, tasked with spreading the gospel, and growing in a deeper relationship with Christ through faith and repentance. Schools were extensions of the family to develop rational and moral citizens. Government was instituted by God to protect the rights and liberties of its citizens. Men were men. Women were women.

Today, that frame has been broken within the consciousness of most Americans. The house has been rebuilt (or at least is in the process of being rebuilt  and we're very far along in the process). Marriage is whatever anyone feels like. Fathers are unnecessary. Children are expendable. Church is not a place to worship the One True God in repentance and faith in Christ; it is a tool to right society's historical wrongs of racism, sexism, homophobia, bigotry, and economic inequality. Schools are extensions of the state with curricula rooted in secular theories that focus on community organizing, reconstructing history, social experimentation, and indoctrination. Government today is a tool of power to make people good according to social doctrines and to secure equality of outcomes for the marginalized; equality has primacy over liberty. Men are women. Women are men.

The old assumptions, the plausibility structures, that once made our institutions strong and trustworthy have been knocked down with a demolition hammer. The very legitimacy of the institutions as historically established is questioned and outright rejected. If an institution is still functioning under the old blueprints, it needs to be destroyed and reconstructed because the old blueprints are flawed, filled with racism, bigotry, and "social injustice."

Subjectivism Breeds Distrust

We are living in a post-Enlightenment, post-modern, and post-Christian culture. We are no longer living in a time that assumes the foundations on which Tocqueville made his observations  a time rooted in objective truth and the Christian religion. Instead, we are awash in post-modernized Hegelian synthesis, liberation philosophy, critical theory with its war between the oppressors and the oppressed, Nietzschean ethics, liberation theology, and intersectionality.

Our institutions are unstable because we have made ourselves unstable, changeable, and unfixed. This is true even when it comes to the most fundamental and obvious elements of our nature. Human identity, human institutions, human sexuality, human bodies  all are being reconstructed according to man's will. This is the agenda of our age. This is the abolition of man.

In this conflict and chaos of ongoing reconstruction, trust is fleeting. The institution that isn't conforming to the new reality and is holding to the past  no matter if it's filled with angels  is not trusted by the subjectivists because they see bigots, misogynists, homophobes, and racists using institutions of oppression to exercise power over the marginalized. Those institutions that have been rebuilt in the image of the new ethos are trusted by the subjectivist because they're being run by the experts  the ones they had been waiting for.

The institution that is trying to hold onto the old but appeasing the subjectivists at the same time  as many in the church have done in order to get funding, to fill pews, and retain some measure of legitimacy  is not trusted by traditionalists because they see inmates running the asylum and egoists putting on a show. And, of course, traditionalists don't trust those in power who have reconstructed the institution according to the new normal of blueprints.

Revolutionary Repentance

The only solution to the crisis of our age is a return to true religion. The new blueprints need to be ripped to shreds. The new houses need to be "torn down" through repenting of personal sin, resisting groupthink, organizing communities around righteous initiatives, and peacefully participating in political action for the glory of God, not for politics of personal or group destruction.

Systems of education that promote state control and social experimentation must be torn down. Doctrines within churches that twist the nature of the church must be torn down. Educational programs that redefine human sexuality need to be torn down. Laws that demand equality of outcomes and not equality before the law must be torn down. Constructs that undermine the family  from abortion to redefining marriage to unjust divorce laws  must be torn down. Political parties that promote equality of outcomes instead of liberty must be torn down. Scientific systems that are based on ideology and power models, not science, must be torn down.

This sounds radical, and indeed it is. The house that is filled with rot can't always be restored. It must be torn down and then rebuilt. The revolution America needs is a revolution rooted in repentance, given to us by God's love and for his loving purposes.

Repentance is change, and people change not by the power of institutions or the people within them merely trying to be upright, but by the power of God changing hearts through the preaching of the gospel. He lays the preparatory ground for those hearts to be changed by striking the consciences of rebellious people through the proclamation of unvarnished truth and by his judgment of the wicked as he brings a wayward people to their knees, not to condemn, but to save them. This should be the prayer of all of God's people.

It is only when we as a nation return to the God of the Bible and his truth about reality that we will regain trust in our institutions. Only by trusting God can we trust one another. Only when we bow before the God of Scripture and submit to his created order will we find meaning. This is the only path, and it will likely take a long time to traverse. It will mean walking through mud, climbing rocky mountains, traveling through valleys, and bearing the bloody scrapes and wounds that come along the way. This is not a call for violence  it is a call to faith and bold activism in every individual's particular sphere.

Those in the church who see this revolutionary repentance as the only solution to our problems of institutional illegitimacy will likely face persecution. We are living in a culture that has purposely rejected God's truth, not merely doubted it, so when the church speaks truth, those who hate the truth will hate the church. Conflict, not peace, will be the result.

What we need today is a True Religion of faith and revolutionary repentance. We as a people, as the American people within institutions and without, need to get out of the pews of our own making and onto our knees, confessing our self-worship before God and giving him alone the glory, honor, and praise due his Name.

Image via Pixnio.
Some what local news and a reminder that our rural neighbors aren't always so nice.

Read more . . .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Despite announcing one arrest on Saturday, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office still is searching for a suspect in the 2020 death of a woman who was found in a duffel bag near a highway in northwestern Missouri. A Missouri Department of Transportation worker located 21-year-old Ariel Starcher in the duffel bag on Feb.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-22 04:25:20|Editor: huaxia

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An Israeli woman gets vaccinated against the COVID-19 at a temporary facility set up by the Israeli Magen David Adom national emergency service in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Feb. 20, 2021. (Tomer Neuberg/JINI via Xinhua)

-- Israel starts reopens economy under Green Pass plan;

-- Kuwait extends ban on entry of non-citizens;

-- Iraq sees significant rise in infections with new strain;

-- Morocco reports 21 new cases of mutant strain found in Britain, others.

CAIRO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel started reopening large parts of its economy on Sunday after an almost two-month COVID-19 lockdown, under a "Green Pass" program. Meanwhile, Kuwait extended a ban on entry of non-citizens to curb the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

Shops, malls and street markets in Israel were opened for all, while access to gyms, hotels, concerts, theaters, cinemas, and other leisure sites and cultural events was allowed only for those who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or recovered from the illness, the Prime Minister's Office and Israeli Health Ministry said in a joint statement.

Vaccinated people could get a "Green Pass" status displayed on an app issued by the health ministry. Most school classes in Israel have also reopened and the rest is expected to do so by March, according to a government statement.

The "Green Pass" applies to about 3.2 million people in Israel who have received both shots or recovered from COVID-19, Israeli Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said on Sunday.

Israel's Ministry of Health reported 3,452 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, raising the total confirmed tally in the country to 747,965.

The death toll from the COVID-19 in Israel reached 5,563 after 37 new fatalities were added, while the total recoveries in Israel rose by 3,944 to 697,674.

A staff member guides a man to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a health center in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate, Kuwait, on Feb. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Asad)

Kuwait on Sunday started the extension of a ban on entry of non-Kuwaiti travellers to the country until further notice, under the order of Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Kuwait reported on Sunday 768 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 184,090.

The Kuwaiti Health Ministry also announced five more deaths, taking the death toll to 1,044, and 967 more recoveries, raising its tally of recoveries in Kuwait to 172,227.

Turkey reported 6,546 new COVID-19 cases, including 601 symptomatic patients, taking the total number of positive cases in the country to 2,638,422.

The death toll from the virus in Turkey rose by 77 to 28,060, while the total recoveries climbed to 2,523,760 after 5,002 more cases recovered in the last 24 hours, according to Turkish Health Ministry.

Turkey started mass COVID-19 vaccination on Jan. 14 after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese CoronaVac vaccine. More than 5,525,000 people have been vaccinated so far.

Sima Sadat Lari, spokeswoman for Iran's Health and Medical Education Ministry, said 7,931 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the past 24 hours, pushing up the tally of infections in Iran to 1,574,012.

Between Saturday and Sunday, 74 new deaths related to the coronavirus were registered, raising the death toll in Iran to 59,483. A total of 1,344,791 COVID-19 patients have recovered or been released from hospitals, while 3,689 others are currently treated in intensive care units, she added.

The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported on Sunday 3,187 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total nationwide infections to 667,937.

A food delivery man hands over food to a customer in Baghdad, Iraq on Jan. 27, 2021. TO GO WITH: "Feature: Food delivery service booms in Iraq amid COVID-19 pandemic" (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

It also confirmed 27 new deaths, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 13,272, while the total recoveries in Iraq climbed by 2,002 to 618,509.

Iraqi Minister of Health Hassan al-Tamimi said at a press conference that there is a significant increase in infections with the new strain of coronavirus and that critical cases increased from 123 to 316 during the past few days.

Morocco announced 207 new COVID-19 cases and six more deaths, taking the tally of infections in the North African country to 481,155 and its death toll to 8,554.

The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased to 464,664 after 621 more were added, according to the Moroccan health ministry.

A woman receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Tinghir, Morocco, on Feb. 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Chadi)

The ministry also announced 21 new cases of the mutant strains of COVID-19 found in Britain and other countries, raising its total number in Morocco to 24.

Lebanon registered 1,685 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of infections to 355,056, while the coronavirus-related death toll in Lebanon went up by 43 to 4,340.

Oman's Health Ministry on Sunday announced 868 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total confirmed cases in the Sultanate to 139,362.

The tally of recoveries in Oman rose by 569 to 130,653, while the coronavirus death toll increased by three to 1,552.

In Qatar, the health ministry confirmed 459 new COVID-19 infections, raising the tally of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 160,426.

The tally of recoveries in Qatar surged by 480 to 150,220, while the total fatalities remained at 256, according to a ministry statement. 
Egyptian Minister of Military Production Mohamed Ahmed Morsy participated on Sunday in the inauguration of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2021) taking place in Abu Dhabi from February 21 until 25,

The ministry is participating for the third time in the exhibition after participating in the 2017 and 2019 editions with its latest production of military equipment, ammunition, and vehicles.

According to a statement by the military production ministry, Morsy toured several of the pavilions set up by the participating countries.

During the event, Morsy met with a representative of Rolls Royce, Tarek Nobar; a representative of TRB, Mile Pejcic, and the head of Thales in the Middle East.

The Egyptian minister is expected to meet with more military officials and representatives of companies in the next few days, where he will invite them to participate in the upcoming edition of Egypt's Defence Expo - EDEX 2021, which will be held later this year.

IDEX 2021 is held under the patronage of President of the UAE, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

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The death toll from a bus plunge in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh rose to 54 on Saturday, officials said.

A five-day search operation has been called off with the recovery of the last missing body from the canal the bus plunged into. The accident took place on Tuesday near Patna village in Sidhi district about 493 km east of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh.

"The body of Arvind Vishwakarma, the last person whose whereabouts were unknown post the mishap, was recovered from a spot in the canal that was 30 km from the accident site," a local media report quoted Sidhi collector Ravindra Kumar Sharma as saying.

Seven people survived the accident as some swam up to the banks on their own and a few were rescued by locals.

Authorities had stopped water to the canal from the nearby Bansagar dam in order to facilitate the rescue efforts.

Officials said the 32-seater vehicle carried 61 passengers at the time of the accident.

The local government has ordered a probe into the accident.

Deadly road accidents often occurred in India due to overloading, bad condition of roads and reckless driving.

According to federal Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, every day 415 people die in the country due to road accidents.
MUMBAI/ NEW DELHI : Jalan Kalrock Consortium, the winning bidder for Jet Airways, expects to restart operations of the defunct airline in four to six months after receiving approval from the NCLT for its resolution plan.

Jet Airways, the once-storied full-service carrier was grounded in early 2019 and subsequently is undergoing proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

Against the backdrop of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) likely to take a final call on the resolution plan for the airline, the winning consortium's lead member Murari Lala Jalan told PTI that "everything is on track" as far as the revival efforts for the carrier are concerned.

Stressing that he is very positive about the Indian aviation sector, which is recovering from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Jalan said that initially Jet Airways will resume flying with around 25 aircraft.

"After NCLT decision, we will be able to start the airline within four to six months. I am very positive about Indian aviation and the future is bright, " Jalan said during a telephonic interaction.

"We are very hopeful that it (NCLT nod) will come," he said, adding that that a delay of one or two months here and there would not make a difference for such a big thing as reviving the airline.

In October last year, the consortium comprising UK-headquartered Kalrock Capital and Jalan, a UAE-based entrepreneur, emerged as the winning bidder for Jet Airways, which has not flown since April 17, 2019.

According to Jalan, the airline is likely to resume services with roughly 25 planes as per the revival plan submitted to the Committee of Creditors (CoC), within this year. The fleet is expected to be a mix of narrow-body and wide-body planes.

"We will start with passenger services. All options, either it is cargo, or international (services) or anything, are open," Jalan said. The CoC-led by State Bank of India (SBI) has approved the resolution plan and under the IBC, the clearance of NCLT is required before implementing the plan.

Noting that for resuming overseas services, a lot of things need to be worked out, Jalan made it clear that while there will be hundreds of things, including getting a lot of permissions, the consortium's "interest is to come (bring Jet Airways) to the sky".

"Everything is on track... In the future also, it (things) could be delayed but we are very much on track," Jalan said.

Justifying the consortium's decision to relaunch Jet Airways at a time when the aviation industry globally is in financial distress, he said the pandemic is the "best" time to foray into the airline business as there is a cost advantage.

"This is the best time for anybody to enter the airline business since because of the pandemic, everything (such as) prices of inputs are down. On output, when we start, things will be in a normal situation," he pointed out.

Sounding optimistic, Jalan said that in the four to six months, domestic air travel will be absolutely normal.

"We have already reached a 70 per cent level. So, our income is going to be in the normal situation and all our expenses, including buying aircraft, will be on the lower side," he noted.

About business plans, Jalan said the consortium will be looking flying people from places like Ranchi and Patna to destinations where they want to go.

"If required, we will go to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong... We are quite open... I would like to see people from small towns directly fly to destinations they want to fly," he said.

In December last year, the consortium had said that Jet 2.0 hubs will remain in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru like before as the revival plan proposes to support Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by creating sub-hubs in such cities.

In preparation for restarting the airline subject to NCLT approval for the resolution plan, the consortium has already held discussions with the civil aviation ministry on the issue of airport slots.

Once the airline resumes operations, Jalan said concentrating on proper aircraft and human resources will be the two most important challenges.

Deciding the routes will be another important thing in the beginning and also there is a need to keep a check on cost.

"We see healthy competition, India is a great market... I feel there are a lot of opportunities. We have the cost advantage. We bought the airline at a very attractive price...," he said.

Jalan also emphasised that he is not "concerned" about the competition at all.

When asked about the optimism on reviving Jet Airways, he said, "we are entrepreneurs. We are always looking at opportunities wherever possible. I am fortunate to get this opportunity in a very proper time".

However, specific details about the consortium's business plans for the airline were not disclosed.

About his business activities, Jalan said there are two smart city projects in Tashkent and among other interests, he is a shareholder of Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon.

Stating that he should be described as an "entrepreneur", Jalan said, "I have come from a small city of Ranchi. I don't have a background of Delhi and Mumbai people. Although I left Ranchi 30 years back, I am looking at whenever and wherever there are opportunities. I have businesses in many countries, including Russia, Uzbekistan, UAE...".

To a question on the possibility of the consortium onboarding a strategic investor for further funding, he said," I don't think I am ready for that. I am not looking at any opportunities like that. But nothing can be ruled out".

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Washed-up playboy Fat Tony Armstrong had fallen on hard times before hooking up with his old pal John Gilligan in Spains Costa Blanca, the Sunday World can reveal.

Armstrong (50), who was previously arrested in connection with the murder of the notorious Westies gang leaders, could be seen pinned to the ground in footage released by Spanish police last week.

It is suspected that Fat Tony is part of Gilligans gang of ageing crooks using the postal system to deal drugs.

Armstrong and three others were arrested as officers investigate a growhouse in Alicante where they believe the mob source and package the drugs for transport to the UK and Ireland.

Last October, Gilligan, his English girlfriend and his son Darren, were all busted by the Police Nationale in dramatic raids around Alicante.

Gilligan (68) was jailed but released on bail late last year after as officers continue their probe into drugs and a gun found at a villa where he was arrested.

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When they moved in on him last October he was arrested surrounded with pills and cannabis.

Last week four more suspected members of the Gilligan crew were targeted and police said one was in charge of a grow house while the others were responsible for dealing with buyers in the UK and posting drugs from Spain.

Gilligan was the only one of the six initial detainees held in the first part of the Spanish police operation last October who was sent to prison.

He was released pending an ongoing criminal court probe just before Christmas after putting up 12,000 bail.

While police investigations continued, officers focused in on Gilligans old pal Fat Tony who was once a playboy prince of the Costa Blanca but who had fallen on hard times.

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He is well known to Spanish police and was arrested in connection with the death of the notorious Westies gang leaders, Shane Coates and Stephen Sugg almost 15 years ago.

Armstrong had once been the toast of criminals on the Costa Blanca where he ran a number of busy pubs and restaurants.

The money poured in as ex-pats partied hard and lax licencing laws meant that drink was served virtually 24/7.

His villa in posh Los Balcones in Torrevieja was a regular spot for an all-night party. He was suspected of looking after jailed Gilligans Spanish investments but when the Westies arrived in Alicante in 2003 they tried to muscle in and upset the power balance of the region.

The pair had become notorious in Ireland where they had tortured and terrorised drug dealers and users alike in a reign of terror which put them under the radar of Gardai and rival gangsters.

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In Spain the duo partied hard and tried to use the same intimidation methods that had previously worked in Blanchardstown.

They were last seen on January 31 2004 as they left their apartments near Alicante telling their girlfriends they would be back in an hour but were never seen alive again.

More than two years later Gardai in Ireland received a tip that the pair had been murdered and had been buried in near Catral.

This led to a search of the area and in June 2006 Coates (31) and Sugg (27) were found shot dead and encased in a concrete grave in an Alicante warehouse. Within days Armstrong was arrested at his villa and brought before the courts.

As he would soon learn the wheels of justice in Spain can often turn very slowly and although no official charges in relation to the double murders were brought against him Armstrong was held in prison for an incredible 10 months before he managed to get solicitors to apply for his release.

He was only released after friends loaned him 55,000 bail but in the time he was away, Spain and particularly the Costa Blanca had undergone huge change and was on the brink of a tough recession.

On his release Armstrong found his businesses were no longer viable and lost his home.

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While he had hoped to return home to Ireland he was afraid that his past would catch up with him. Armstrong was once a close associate of a number of leading criminals involved in drug distribution.

His pal Paul Fitzgerald was busted by undercover Garda National Drugs Unit officers with 50,000 worth of cocaine in 2004 and received a 10-year sentence after he pleaded guilty to the charges.

Before moving to Spain Armstrong was the chief suspect in a daring armed raid in Dublins city centre. He went on the run following a 60,000 robbery at the TSB on Henry Street in the capital.

Two other Dubliners, Martin Byrne and Joanne Dicker, were convicted of the crime.

John Gilligan is currently out on bail in Spain after being arrested following the seizure of drugs and a handgun by police.

Initially it was thought that the gun, a lesser used Colt, could have been the keepsake from the Veronica Guerin murder but ballistic tests proved that it was not.

Ageing Gilligan was released from prison in 2013 and tried to muscle back into the drug trade but he was shot and badly injured within months and fled the country while he recovered.

He was later collated travelling between Spain, Ireland and the UK and was caught in Belfast with a large sum of money. He was jailed but released again and returned to the Costa Blanca.

There, unbeknownst to him, Spanish police put him and others under surveillance and realised he was back in business with a cannabis supply chain which was using the postal system.

Police in Spain have confirmed the latest operation is linked to the one involving Gilligans arrest and claimed they had dismantled the gang he is suspected of leading with the latest arrests.

A spokesman for the Spanish police said: The operation is related to the arrest of a well-known Irish criminal last year.
The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog agency said after talks in Iran on February 21 over Tehran's threat to curb international inspections that the two sides reached an agreement but that Iran will suspend a key document on cooperation and offer "less access" to inspectors.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi was speaking after meetings with senior Iranian officials to seek a compromise two days before Iran's deadline for the reductions if U.S. sanctions are not lifted.

In an assessment that will surely be challenged by Iran hawks in the West, Grossi said he got "a good, reasonable result" from his talks.

Grossi said Tehran will apply a law passed two months ago by the hard-line parliament suspending the so-called Additional Protocol of nuclear safeguards that allows IAEA inspectors to visit undeclared sites in Iran at short notice.

But he added that he had agreed with Iranian officials that the IAEA would continue necessary verification and monitoring activities for up to three months.

"What we agreed is something that is viable, [is] useful to bridge this gap that we are having, [that] salvages the situation now," Grossi said after his return from Iran.

"There is less access, let's face it. But still we were able to retain the necessary degree of monitoring and verification work," he said, calling it "a temporary technical understanding."

As Grossi was on his mission to Tehran, senior Iranian and U.S. officials each left open the possibility of fresh negotiations over a return by both sides to a landmark 2015 nuclear deal that traded sanctions relief for nuclear curbs.

But they also heaped pressure on the other to move first in the ongoing diplomatic standoff over Iran's ongoing pursuit of nuclear technology.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was quoted by Iranian Press TV as saying on February 21 that Tehran was open to such talks once all signatories were fulfilling all their obligations.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden's national-security adviser told a weekend news program on February 21 that "Iran has not yet responded" to the new U.S. administration's call for a return to the negotiating table.

Jake Sullivan reiterated that Biden is "prepared to go to the table to talk to the Iranians about how we get strict constraints back on their nuclear program."

"That offer still stands because we believe diplomacy is the best way to do it," Sullivan added.

Iran this month threatened to stop implementing "voluntary transparency measures" under the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA) with major powers, including the Additional Protocol, by February 23. Tehran has said that the steps are reversible.

That prompted the visit by Grossi for talks with officials including Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's civilian Atomic Energy Organization.

The IAEA said last week that Grossis visit to Tehran was aimed at finding a mutually agreeable solution for the IAEA to continue essential verification activities in the country.

Zarif has said the IAEA's cameras will be shut off despite Grossi's visit in line with legislation passed by the hard-line parliament.

This is not a deadline for the world. This is not an ultimatum, Zarif told the state-run, English-language broadcaster Press TV in an interview aired during Grossi's visit. This is an internal domestic issue between the parliament and the government.

"We are supposed to implement the laws of the country. And the parliament adopted legislation -- whether we like it or not.

Iran's parliament in December approved a bill that would suspend part of UN inspections of its nuclear facilities if the country does not receive sanctions relief.

It is Iran that is isolated now diplomatically, not the United States. And the ball is in their court."

Iran has stressed it will not cease working with the IAEA or expel its inspectors.

Iran and six major powers struck the JCPOA over the objections of conservatives in both countries to trade curbs on Irans uranium-enrichment program in return for the lifting of international sanctions.

But then-President Donald Trump in May 2018 pulled the United States out of the accord and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran, saying the terms were not strict enough.

In response, Tehran has gradually breached the deal by building up its stockpile of low-enriched uranium, refining uranium to a higher level of purity, and using advanced centrifuges for enrichment.

Biden's administration is exploring ways to return to the deal.

The White House said on February 19 that the European Union has floated the idea of a conversation among Iran and the six major powers that signed the deal.

On the same day, Biden said that Washington is prepared to reengage with the international partners that signed the deal on Iran's nuclear program.

The U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal two years ago has led to tensions among Western partners over the best way to ensure that Iran does not get a nuclear weapon.

On CBS television, Sullivan said on February 21 that Washington's call for "hard-headed, clear-eyed diplomacy" has had the result "that the script has been flipped" on Iran.

"It is Iran that is isolated now diplomatically, not the United States," he said. "And the ball is in their court."

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on February 20 that his country is considering the European Unions offer to host a meeting between Iran and the other parties to the 2015 nuclear deal.

Now we are considering [the offer] and are engaged in consultations with our other friends and partners like China and Russia, Araqchi was quoted as saying by Iranian media.

"However, we believe a U.S return to the nuclear accord does not require a meeting and the only way for it is to lift the sanctions," Araqchi said.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, AP, Press TV and IRNA
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday visited a beach affected by an oil spill that's threatening the country's southern coastline and wildlife.As he toured the area, Netanyahu said he had spoken to Egypt's energy minister, who's in Israel at the moment, and discussed how using natural gas in future could help avoid such incidents.

It's unclear how the spill happened, but stormy weather earlier this week is believed to have pushed the pollutants ashore.The oil has left black streaks along Israel's Mediterranean coastline, from the northern city of Haifa down to Ashkelon near Gaza.

Israel's Nature and Parks Authority has urged people to stay away from beaches at 16 communities that are most polluted.On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers took part in a cleanup operation. Several were reported to have been taken to hospital after inhaling fumes.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
U.S. Rep. Susan Wild joined colleagues in the House this week in urging President Joe Biden to fill three vacancies on the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors.

Three seats remain vacant from former President Donald Trumps administration at a time of ongoing crisis at the United States Postal Service, the House members said in a Feb. 16 letter to Biden.

We strongly believe that filling those three vacancies would enhance the ability of the Board to reach nonpartisan consensus on matters of importance, the letter states. The lack of bipartisan consensus is evident in the Board of Governors selection of Republican Party megadonor Louis DeJoy  who had no experience working for the Postal Service prior to his appointment  to succeed Megan Brennan as Postmaster General in June 2020.

Since Mr. DeJoy assumed office, he has, under the guise of enacting needed reforms, rapidly transformed the Postal Service to the detriment of Americans.

The letter goes on to say on-time delivery of flat mail has plunged drastically, meaning life-threatening delays for people like veterans who rely almost exclusively on the Postal Service to receive their medications from the U.S. Veterans Administration.

DeJoy has come under heavy criticism for changes he made before last Novembers election that led to widespread delivery delays and other problems recently. The Postal Service also dealt with a dismal on-time performance during the holidays because of a crush of mail and packages that was exacerbated by the pandemic. The president cant fire the postmaster general, but a revamped board of governors could.

Marking the first step in a potential shakeup at the Postal Service, the board on Feb. 9 elected as chairman former labor leader and Obama administration official Ron Bloom. Bloom replaced a former Republican National Committee chair, Robert Mike Duncan, who remains on the governing board as critics call for firing DeJoy, and changing the board to increase racial and gender diversity and create a Democratic majority. All six current board members are men.

From left in foreground, U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, American Postal Workers Union Lehigh Valley Area Local President Andy Kubat, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Chad Beer, a shop steward and clerk craft director for the union local, leave the U.S. Postal Service Lehigh Valley sorting facility at 17 S. Commerce Way in Bethlehem Township after an unannounced visit Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, by the elected officials to investigate complaints about delays in mail delivery.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

Wild last October joined Pennsylvania Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey in investigating mail delivery delays in the Lehigh Valley.

Slow mail in the Lehigh Valley means delayed prescriptions, lost stimulus checks, and headaches for small business owners, she said in a statement this week. This letter is an important first step in demanding President Biden fill the vacancies on the USPS governance board in order to get our mail back up to speed and our economy back on track.

The Postal Services stretch of challenges didnt end with the November general election and tens of millions of mail-in votes. The pandemic-depleted workforce fell further into a hole during the holiday rush, leading to long hours and a mountain of delayed mail.

DeJoy has vowed to make improvements after facing withering criticism and calls for his removal for his actions that slowed delivery of mail before the election.

Asked to comment on the congressional letter to Biden, the Postal Service issued a statement: Regarding the Board of Governors vacancies, the Postal Service will welcome all qualified members to the boarda decision reserved for the President and the Senate, who are tasked with nominating and confirming board members. The Postmaster General is selected by our Governors, who are the principal officers of the Postal Service and by law must be bipartisan.

The Postal Services response also included comment from DeJoy, saying he looks forward to sharing a plan in coming weeks for successfully fixing problems that are preventing the Postal Service from meeting the American peoples expectations for reliability, and resulting in billions of dollars of losses every year with no end in sight.

Over the past eight months, our executive leadership team has been working on developing a comprehensive 10-year strategy to address the serious but solvable challenges of the Postal Service that commits to six and seven day a week delivery service to every address in the nation as a vital public service that is critical to the nation, that invests in our people as well as our infrastructure, including new vehicles, and that meets our statutory requirement to be self-sustaining, DeJoy stated. This important effort is being taken at the direction of our Board of Governors with their full participation and commitment.

The House letter cites a plethora of evidence that Postmaster General DeJoy is not equipped to meet the rigors of these challenges.

Filling the vacant seats on the Postal Services Board of Governors with strong, passionate advocates for the institution will allow it to function in a nonpartisan manner, and will allow the Board to seriously consider whether the current Postmaster General is suitable to continue in his role, the letter continues.

Its unclear how swiftly Bidens administration will move on appointments to reshape the Board of Governors. A White House spokesperson declined to comment on upcoming appointments in the wake of the boards Feb. 9 meeting that was the first since Biden took office.

Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, said hes hoping for some bold appointments by Biden.

We want a Board of Governors that understands fundamentally this is not called the United States Postal Business, he said. Its not a profit-making business. Its here to serve the people.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

The Associated Press and supervising reporter Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report. Reach him at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
WASHINGTON  After meeting in the Oval Office earlier this month with President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and his fellow senior House Democrats, Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina made a beeline to Ms. Harriss office in the West Wing to privately raise a topic that did not come up during their group discussion: the Supreme Court.

Mr. Clyburn, the highest-ranking African-American in Congress, wanted to offer Ms. Harris the name of a potential future justice, according to a Democrat briefed on their conversation. District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs would fulfill Mr. Bidens pledge to appoint the first Black woman to the Supreme Court  and, Mr. Clyburn noted, she also happened to hail from South Carolina, a state with political meaning for the president.

There may not be a vacancy on the high court at the moment, but Mr. Clyburn and other lawmakers are already maneuvering to champion candidates and a new approach for a nomination that might come as soon as this summer, when some Democrats hope Justice Stephen Breyer, who is 82, will retire. With Democrats holding the narrowest of Senate majorities, and Ruth Bader Ginsburgs death still painfully fresh in their minds, these party leaders want to shape Mr. Bidens appointment, including moving the party away from the usual Ivy League resumes.

The early jockeying illustrates how eager Democratic officials are to leave their mark on Mr. Bidens effort to elevate historically underrepresented contenders for a landmark Supreme Court nomination. But it also casts a spotlight on discomfiting issues of class and credentialism in the Democratic Party that have been just below the surface since the days of the Obama administration.
RTHK: Israel scrambles to contain huge oil spill

Israeli authorities on Sunday warned people to keep away from the country's Mediterranean shore to avoid a massive tar slick, as thousands of labourers and volunteers worked to clean contaminated beaches.

Powerful winds and unusually high waves pummelled Israel's entire Mediterranean coastline over Tuesday and Wednesday, with tonnes of tar staining 160 kilometres of beaches along Israel's Mediterranean coast from Gaza to Lebanon.

The ministries of interior, environmental protection and health urged people to avoid "the beaches for bathing, sport and leisure, until further notice".

"Exposure to tar can risk the public's health," they said in a joint statement.

The tar, which killed many marine creatures, was apparently a result of "dozens to hundreds of tonnes" of oil being unloaded from a ship, according to the environmental protection ministry.

A massive cleanup operation has been launched involving thousands of volunteers and soldiers on loan from the army.

At the Gador nature reserve between Haifa and Tel Aviv, Nature and Parks Authority ranger Gil Haviv lifted tar debris from the sand, placing them in a garbage bag.

"It's a huge disaster, words can't describe it," he said.

His colleague, ranger Noam Matsri said they must rush to pick up as much of the tar as possible before the weather helped it diffuse into the sand.

"As long as it's cold, it's okay, when it's going to be warm, it's going to stick, it's going to liquify," he said.

Open-water swimmer Melody Cohen said the it was "very depressing, very upsetting to see this type of damage done to our environment".

"What we've seen is only what's on the shores, we still don't know what's going on under the water," she added.

On a tour of a beach at the southern city of Ashdod, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the government would allocate funds on Monday to support the cleanup.

Visiting the beach alongside Netanyahu, Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel said cleaning the beaches would cost "tens of millions of shekels" (millions of dollars).

She also noted that Israel planned to sue those responsible -- once they are identified.

"We need to look to the future. This event and similar ones around the world show us how crucial it is to wean ourselves from these polluting fuels, and shift to renewable energy," Gamliel said in remarks relayed by Netanyahu's office.

All but two of Israel's 100 or so public Mediterranean beaches were closed for the winter, with the bathing season due to open on March 20.

"Our goal is to open the beaches on time," Gamliel said.

The storm not only washed up tar on Israel's Mediterranean shore.

At the Nitzanim beach near the southern city of Ashkelon, the carcass of an almost 17-metre (55 feet) male fin whale was discovered on Thursday.

The Nature and Parks Authority had determined that the decayed state of the whale indicated its death had been some two weeks ago, meaning it could not be related to the tar pollution.

On Sunday, Nature and Parks Authority workers used a tractor and a digger to dig a huge grave in the sandy beach, into which the whale -- of the second-biggest mammal species in the world after the Blue Whale -- was pushed. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-02-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
To harvest red papaya in northern Australias tropical heat, farmer Paul Fagg has long drawn on an unusual labor pool of overseas tourists.

Not this year.

Australia crushed the coronavirus with one of the strictest border-control regimes in the world. But that success is causing trouble for the nations farmers, who cant get the labor they need to pick and plant crops. Backpacking tourists, who typically account for 80% of the workforce harvesting fresh produce, have left in droves since the pandemic began, with no arrivals to replace them. Seasonal workers from the Pacific islands are also mostly locked out, despite many nations being considered free of Covid-19.

Quarantining laborers on farms has been tried, but it falls well short of what growers need. Few Australians have taken up offers of government money to relocate to rural areas. The labor shortage is hurting the economy: Farmers report declining profits, and some fear foreclosure. Many are now planting fewer crops, which could drive up food prices.

With exhaustion rising among regular staff at the 190-hectare Skybury farm and little prospect of extra help, Mr. Fagg and colleagues decided late last year to rip out older papaya plants and sacrifice around $100,000 in monthly revenue.

Our production has dropped by at least a third," Mr. Fagg said of the farm, which sits on roughly three-quarters of a square mile near Mareeba, in Queensland state. Its really frustrating, especially when weve worked so hard to build demand for papayas."

Many countries rely on foreign labor to harvest crops but typically recruit seasonal laborers rather than tourists. The pandemic upended these flows, too, as workers from poorer parts of the European Union couldnt take up farm jobs in richer countries such as France when borders closed.

With the U.S., U.K. and some other countries making progress toward vaccinating their populations, hopes are rising that the pandemics economic impact will lessen. Australia aims to complete a Covid-19 vaccination campaign by the end of October, and its economy is emerging from its first recession in 29 years.

Still, lawmakers havent fixed a date for reopening Australias borders, frustrating growers who say they cant plan for growing cycles that last months. Planting decisions could affect consumers across Asia, as Australia is among the worlds largest exporters of fruit, wheat and cotton.

The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance, an industry group, predicts the labor shortage could raise fruit and vegetable prices by 60% and reduce the value of the horticulture industry by nearly $5 billion. Labor-intensive crops, such as berries, are most at risk.

With a population of 25.7 million in a territory about the size of the continental U.S., Australia has long lacked the agricultural workforce it needs.

Under a visa arrangement devised around 15 years ago, backpackers can extend their stay from one year to two if they agree to complete at least 88 days work in regional Australia.

Around 40,000 backpackers are typically employed on Australian farms, roughly one third of those with a Working Holiday Maker visa. The arrangement is popular with visitors from the U.K., France, Italy and some Asian nations.

However, the pandemic has shrunk this workforce to around 16,000 people, and it is continuing to drop as backpackers fly home. In addition, only 2,400 seasonal laborers from Pacific Island nations have arrived from among the more than 22,000 pre-vetted for visas last year.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud forecast a difficult season for growers. Its not as if this is a new problem; we knew back in April that we would be short of labor," he said.

Mr. Littleproud said Australias quarantine system is the main bottleneck, as places are set aside for returning citizens and residents. Quarantine arrangements are made by state and territory leaders, who want to keep out highly contagious variants of the coronavirus.

Some states have experimented with quarantining workers on farms. In October, 151 laborers from Tonga flew by charter flight to Queensland to pick grapes. They wore high-visibility clothing and used color-coded equipment to keep them apart on the farm for 14 days while being tested regularly for Covid-19.

Mark Furner, Queenslands agriculture minister, said the trial has been extended and that more flights are planned.

Other initiatives include further extending backpackers visas if they work on farms. Governments have offered cash to Australians to relocate to rural areas, while students who do summer work on farms are eligible for grants. However, take-up has been small, and Australias recovering economy is making those programs less attractive.

Bill Bulmer, chairman of Ausveg, which represents vegetable and potato growers, says the sector is short around 30,000 workers. At his own farm producing iceberg lettuce, baby spinach and other leafy greens in southeastern Australias East Gippsland, crop losses have exceeded $600,000 because of the labor shortfall.

For many crops, its been a bumper year, and its devastating for growers to see it rot on the tree or fall to the ground or to be plowed into the soil," said Richard Shannon, manager of policy and advocacy at Growcom, Queenslands peak horticulture body.

A quarter of the 65 respondents to Growcoms crop-loss register since December say the labor shortage has affected their physical and mental health, including increased working hours, elevated stress levels, loss of confidence and depression. Five growers said they are at risk of being foreclosed on by their bank or are considering selling up.

Gavin Scurr, managing director of Pinata Farms, recently hired a new farm manager for his raspberry-growing operation in Tasmania after the labor shortage contributed to the previous managers hospitalization under extreme stress.

Labor shortages meant Pinata Farms couldnt harvest 4 million punnets of strawberries, the size container the fruit is often sold in, at an operation in Queensland, costing the company around $5.5 million in lost revenue. In addition, 300 tons of pineapples were unable to be picked.

We were going to plant strawberries this coming winter, but we dont have enough labor to erect the strawberry infrastructure, let alone grow them," said Mr. Scurr, 52 years old and a third-generation farmer. Maybe next year, maybe longer."

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Mohammed Sambo, the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), says the agency has achieved Universal Health Coverage (UHC) of the nations formal sector.

Mr Sambo made the disclosure at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja on Sunday.

He said that all workers in federal government agencies had been captured in the NHIS, which he said, had enabled the agency to achieve UHC in that regard.

According to him, the development has made workers to access quality healthcare without having to bear financial hardships.

He explained that the Formal Sector Programme of the NHIS included federal civil service workers and those in uniformed services.

The executive secretary noted that NHIS was responsible for federal government agencies, while state insurance agencies would take care of state government workers.

If you go down the ladder, however, you will see people who are not employed by either the federal or state governments; these are people who are self-employed  men and women as well as children and retired workers.

We, therefore, developed Group Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP) for those who are not covered under the formal scheme.

That is why we are advocating that philanthropists can come to the aid of the people by helping to contribute for them.

We are also discussing with donor agencies to also contribute in covering the vulnerable that cannot be covered under GIFSHIP.

We are also thinking of other innovative financing. Discussions are going on to introduce innovative financing through probably, taxation that can bring in resources into health insurance.

The NHIS scribe also said there were people that were poor and vulnerable, who the federal government was contributing resources for through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) so that they would come into the NHIS ecosystem.

The BHCPF was introduced in 2014 as part of the National Health Act to basically remove financial barriers to accessing Primary Health Care (PHC). It meant to provide essential services to the most vulnerable members of the population and promote equitable service utilisation.

The Act earmarks one per cent of Consolidated Federal Revenue (CFR) for the fund to enable supply-and demand-side investments for PHC.

To achieve these, the BHCPF utilises two approaches to improve service delivery in at least one PHC per ward in Nigeria.

This carried out through direct financial investments that funds critical upgrade for PHC infrastructure, improving availability of skilled staff and assuring stock of medicines and health commodities.

Another way is through the purchase of a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS) from PHC providers at no cost to Nigerians.

The NHIS boss said that rural communities, who cannot afford medical bills are supposed to benefit from the BHCPF.

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On Feb. 16, we launched the BHCPF programme for rural community dwellers and we know that the amount of resources from BHCPF is not sufficient to cover all the rural communities.

But these are some of the initiatives we are using to ensure that the rural communities are covered.

Sambo said that the NHIS was using the concept of Health Insurance Under One Roof (HIUOR) to generate information about the people not covered either by NHIS or the state health insurance agencies.

As at our last calculation, about 12 million Nigerians were captured through these arrangements.

He added that the NHIS was focusing on achieving its mandate to ensure healthcare for all Nigerians and to help in cushioning the financial hardships usually incurred while seeking medical care.

That is the concept of social health insurance. It is essentially to protect families and individuals from incurring financial hardships.

When people are sick and dont have money at that given time, they embark on different kinds of behaviours. They may want to seek for loan.

Mr Sambo said that the NHIS was primarily created as a purchasing agency, whereby contributions would be made under the principal of solidarity.

This, he explained, is a situation where the rich and the poor would contribute to a common pool for the benefit of all.

(NAN)
Chris Timmis insists he and Dexter Community Schools personnel have done everything possible to get students into the classroom two days a week.

As the Dexter superintendent looks down from a balcony overlooking desks spread out evenly across the Dexter High School cafeteria, students scan QR codes on the corner of their socially distant desks to bring up the lunch orders that will be brought to them in prepackaged brown bags.

Orange cones serve as makeshift roundabouts stationed at the intersections of road-resembling hallways lined with tape and signage reminding students to socially distance. Hand sanitizer stations are on the walls and everywhere else. Drinking fountains are off limits.

Around 400 Dexter students attended in-person classes recently for first time this year in this building built for 1,200. Its a drastically different experience than they were used to.

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others urging schools across the country to open, Washtenaw County districts like Dexter are working to bring even more students back despite having the lowest percentage of vaccinated teachers and staff in Michigan.

We need to find a way to get them vaccinated quicker, Timmis said, noting about half of Dexters teachers and staff have gotten the vaccine.

Vaccinations  the latest layer of COVID-19 protection schools can provide  are still highly sought in some Michigan counties where supply is scarce. And these vaccinations, school district officials have said, play a role in getting kids back in their classrooms.

A recent Michigan Education Association survey shows more than 63% of the states school employees are either vaccinated or in the process of being vaccinated against the virus. Common among the more successful counties is a health department, a major health system and school districts working together to make it a priority to get teachers vaccinated.

The success Marquette Area Public Schools and other Marquette County districts have had in getting at least 88.06% percent of the countys teachers vaccinated or scheduled for vaccination - the best rate in the state - can be attributed to this teamwork that Superintendent William Saunders described as close to flawless as what we could have hoped for.

A top priority

In Marquette County, which has a population of about 67,000 residents, the health department worked with school districts in coordination with UP Health System to set up large-scale vaccination clinics on the countys east and west ends.

It was a priority to get teachers vaccinated because they are face-to-face with 20 to 25 students daily, Saunders said. Once the doses were available, every teacher in the district was offered a chance to get them.

As we had rising COVID numbers  some of the highest in the country in November and December  certainly there were some real fears with that, Saunders said. Getting that vaccination as soon as possible helped eliminate some of those fears, but also added a layer of protection and health and safety for our employees.

A similar partnership has helped Dearborn Public Schools vaccinate around 2,000 of its 2,700 teachers and staff members, Superintendent Glenn Maleyko said. The Wayne County Health Department recently partnered with Detroit Medical Center Childrens Hospital to vaccinate the countys teachers.

All teachers and staff who wanted the vaccine have had the option to receive it, Maleyko said, as Dearborn moves to in-person learning for the first time on March 1. Maleyko describes vaccinations as an x factor of an extra layer of safety.

There was some frustration early in the months from a lot of people, but the reality is we knew the doses werent there yet, Maleyko said. Now, as students are coming into schools, its a big burden off the shoulders of staff.

Lacking partners or supply?

Washtenaw County, on the other hand, finds itself with a lack of COVID-19 vaccine supply, despite being one of nine Michigan counties still at the highest risk for the virus based on the seven-day average of new cases.

Washtenaw County also has approximately 31,700 school and child care employees eligible for vaccination among the nearly 80,000 eligible residents in the second vaccination eligibility group, which has seen its progress stunted by the number of health care workers requiring vaccine doses in the first eligibility group.

11 Washtenaw County teachers get vaccinated

Washtenaw County superintendents have called on federal, state and local officials to do more than simply say schools must be prioritized, by allocating financial resources and vaccination supplies necessary to safely reopen, expand and sustain in-person classes.

Michigan Medicine, the countys largest health system with about 26,000 workers, was criticized in the early stages of vaccine distribution for offering all its employees, regardless of their jobs, or even if they worked remotely, to be vaccinated because they fell into the first eligibility group.

When the state expanded the definition of that first group to include all employees at health systems, it had not yet given permission for vaccinations to move on to the next phase of eligibility, which includes teachers and school staff, Michigan Medicine Director of Public Relations Mary Masson said.

Masson said 20,649 Michigan Medicine employees have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine out of the 23,878 employees that have requested it.

Michigan Medicine has offered to assist the Washtenaw County Health Department in the vaccination of K-12 teachers when vaccine supply is available, Masson said.

The Washtenaw County Health Department lacks vaccine supply, and can give just 700 to 800 school staff their first-dose appointments each week, Washtenaw Intermediate School District Spokesperson Ashley Kryscynski said. The county is almost done vaccinating around 3,500 teachers and school staff older than 50, she said, which was a priority for the health department.

While some counties have relied on partnerships with health care providers, the WISD is encouraging teachers and school staff to pursue other vaccination opportunities as they become available at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea and Meijer and Rite Aid pharmacies while supplies remain limited.

Vaccine supply  not the absence of partnerships  continues to be the countys biggest issue in getting vaccinations for teachers, Washtenaw County Health Department Spokesperson Susan Ringler-Cerniglia insists.

It doesnt matter how many partners we have in place if we dont have the vaccine to give them, she said.

A phone call away

As soon as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced vaccination eligibility for teachers and school staff, Dr. Courtland Keteyian quickly reached out to Jackson County Intermediate School District Superintendent Kevin Oxley.

Within two days, Oxley had a list of about 3,500 Jackson County teachers requesting vaccinations ready for Keteyian, an infection prevention specialist with Henry Ford Allegiance Health, who said the health system works closely with the Jackson County Health Department and schools on issues of public health.

Two months later, Keteyian said all Jackson County teachers and staff requesting the COVID-19 vaccine will have received both doses.

With the amount of vaccine and how many teachers there were, we felt we could get everybody in and do it relatively quickly, Keteyian said. I do agree with the concept of making sure teachers have a priority because theyre so important for how we function as a society.

The loss of learning opportunity for students is a challenge for us. We all said collectively in Jackson County it was a priority for us to get people back to school as fast as we could.

Similar efforts between Munson Healthcare and the Grand Traverse Health Department helped vaccinate approximately 84% of Grand Traverse Countys eligible teachers and staff via a couple of mass vaccination clinics.

With COVID-19 outbreaks causing some disruption to in-person instruction this year in Traverse City Area Public Schools, Superintendent John VanWagoner said getting most teachers and staff vaccinated will allow staff to remain in the classroom without having to quarantine if they are exposed in a school setting.

We now feel confident well have the staffing we need to be able to keep our schools going with both the virtual and in-person classes, he said. Every person we can have in our workforce right now matters.

To help you navigate this complicated school year, were pleased to offer you a simpler way to get all of your education news: Our new Michigan Schools: Education in the COVID Era newsletter delivered right to your inbox. To receive this newsletter, simply click here to sign up.

READ MORE:

The pandemics psychological toll on our children

Vaccination frustration: Washtenaw County has states lowest percentage of vaccinated teachers

Majority of Michigan teachers surveyed are in process of getting COVID-19 vaccine
Lucknow: Moti Singh, main accused in the Kasganj encounter case was killed in an encounter by the Uttar Pradesh police on Sunday morning. Singh was the main accused in Kasganj case for killing a constable of Sidhpura police station and badly injuring the inspector.

Kasganj Superintendent of Police Manoj Sonkar said that police received a tip off that Moti is hiding in a forest near the Kali river along with his aides.

When a police team was cordoning the area the miscreants opened fire, in retaliatory firing Moti was injured who subsequently succumbed to his injury.

"Injured Moti was taken to a primary health centre in Siddhpura from where he was referred to Kasganj district hospital. The doctors there declared him dead during treatment. Police also recovered the looted pistol (of the sub-inspector), cartridges and a country made pistol from the accused," Sonkar was quoted by PTI.

Moti Singh's body has been sent for postmortem.

Moti, liquor mafia kingpin, had been absconding since the day of the incident, when a constable of the Uttar Pradesh was beaten to death and a sub-inspector seriously injured when a police team went to Nagla Dheemar village in Kasganj to serve a warrant.

As per a police report, the cops were caught by Moti and his associates and severely thrashed, leading to the death of constable Devendra, the report said citing District Magistrate Chandraprakash Singh.

Following the incident, a case was registered against Moti, his brother Elkar and their accomplices. Elkar was killed in a police encounter on February 9.

Kasganj Superintendent of Police Manoj Sonkar told reporters on Sunday that six teams were formed for arresting Moti and a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh was announced for information on his whereabouts.
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Since its introduction last year, the invite-only social media app Clubhouse has garnered a lot of buzz. Social media has been around long enough that everything old is new again, and unlike other apps that encourage users to share links or fragmentary thoughts in exchange for likes, Clubhouse facilitates voice conversations using your phone. Essentially, you can pick a topic and host your own panel discussion with friends. If youre lucky, you get to join a conversation and share your thoughts with the likes of Elon Musk or any number of the sites famous and influential users.

However, I regret to inform you that a growing number of journalists are deeply troubled by Clubhouses growing popularity. Why? It seems Clubhouse wont accommodate their inner Big Brother.

In GritDaily, an online publication that bills itself as the top news source on Millennial and Gen Z brands  from fashion, tech, influencers, entrepreneurship, and life, staff writer Olivia Smith took aim at the new app in a late January story. Her primary complaint was that she heard an alarming amount of casual sexism. Readers have to take her word for it, though, which was the point of her critique  and the point, in some ways, of the app itself.

On Clubhouse, Smith wrote, there are no screenshots. There is no way to drag up old Clubhouse posts years later like a user might do on Twitter. There is no way to record conversations -- meaning there is no way to prove that someone said anything controversial at all. Theres no path to accountability. Users on Clubhouse know, or at least believe, that they can openly speak their mind with zero repercussions.

Smith also asserted that in one conversation she overheard, a moderator was actively spreading misinformation about the COVID vaccine and a female African physician who objected was bullied into leaving the conversation.

This article prompted a follow-up on the website of the Poynter Institute -- the journalism foundation that launched PolitiFact -- from a prominent Poynter editor. In a Feb. 11, item headlined A Fact-Checker Lands on Clubhouse, Poynters Cristina Tardaguila approvingly quoted Olivia Smiths concerns about the lack of a written record on Clubhouse, and added one of her own. The lack of these features will surely produce barriers for fact-checkers. It will be not only hard to choose what club to join but Clubhouse also requires that fact-checkers listen to hours and hours of conversations before selecting what claims should be assessed.

For those old enough to remember when unrecorded conversations about culture and politics were normal, let alone preferable to the social media hellscape we have today, this attitude is jarring. Increasingly, the social media path to accountability consists of getting random people fired from their jobs and made national objects of scorn for a single intemperate or misinterpreted remark that may not be representative of a lifetime of behavior. Those pursuing this path toward social justice seem oblivious to the most chilling aspect of their behavior: They are unconsciously emulating the behavior of tyrants and totalitarian regimes everywhere. Or, sometimes, doing so consciously: Heres the kicker to Cristina Tardaguilas Poynter piece: With the myriad of other platforms fact-checkers are forced to contend with, would it be best for them to ignore Clubhouse for now?  After a rare moment of cross-border dialogue between users from mainland China and others outside the country, Chinese censors moved in. If Xi Jinpings administration isnt ignoring Clubhouse, why should fact-checkers? Why should you?

New York Times tech reporter Taylor Lorenz also put Clubhouse in her sights, with instructive results.

Earlier this month, Lorenz hopped on Twitter and accused legendary venture capitalist Marc Andreessen of using the word retarded on Clubhouse in a pejorative fashion and bemoaned that not one other person called him on it. As it turned out, Andreessen was not the speaker who used that word, and it wasnt employed as a slur, as Lorenz claimed. It arose in reference to a name that the online community Wall Street Bets (recently in the news for roiling the stock market) had given themselves.

Once upon a time, such an irresponsible accusation would earn a reporter time in the penalty box. Instead, Lorenz was given the chance to co-author a Times piece highly critical of the app, noting that it grapples with harassment, misinformation and privacy issues. All of that may be true  but how does that make Clubhouse different from, say, Facebook or Twitter, both of which journalists happily use on a daily basis?

And it was journalists who led the charge to get the right-wing social media app Parler deplatformed following the U.S. Capitol riot last month, even though the subsequent charging documents and other evidence shows that the vast majority of planning for the insurrection was done on Facebook. Perhaps one reason why theres been no serious movement to deplatform Facebook is that Mark Zuckerbergs behemoth provides a great deal of revenue to the publications paying the salaries of our perpetually censorious journalists. Those are the kinds of conflicts of interest that reporters in a more benign economic environment once felt free to explore.

Instead, it seems that Clubhouses real problem is that it lets people have actual conversations. The New York Times official Twitter account announced Lorenzs story by noting unfettered conversations are taking place on Clubhouse, an invitation-only app that lets people gather in audio chatrooms  despite grappling with concerns over harassment, misinformation and privacy. While the Times probably wasnt using unfettered in a literal sense  after seeing journalists laud Xi Jinpings approach to free speech, its hard to tell  it is revealing to note that fetters are chains used to keep people from escaping.

If the medium is the message, Clubhouse is at least attempting to harness some measure of humanity by fomenting actual person-to-person dialogue. That shouldnt be assumed to be threatening. Yes, its true that spontaneous, unmoderated human interaction can have bad outcomes  but by the same token, meaningful conversations are also powerful enough to change minds and touch hearts. Good luck doing that with Twitters 280-character limit.

Instead of running around trying to root out wrong-think like a bunch of Orwellian truffle pigs, have journalists at places such as Poynter and The New York Times considered how they can use their own platforms to bring people together? To promote real engagement in a deeply politicized and polarized country where we could all stand to make more of an effort to see the humanity of those we disagree with?

In the end, its easier to build consensus around truthful and unifying messages than to smack down every fringe voice that might be wrong. The default message that unmonitored conversation among reasonable people is a threat will only drive those who are spreading actually damaging ideas into dark, encrypted corners of the Internet.

Its best to remain skeptical of social media and all its forms, but for now whats happening on the still-nascent Clubhouse is clearing a low bar by being more promising than other social media platforms. Elon Musk recently asked Vladimir Putin to have a conversation with him on Clubhouse, and the Kremlin says that request is being considered. Theres always the chance such a conversation would end badly, but if youre worried about social media hostilities, World War III is a lot more likely to be started on Twitter and planned on Facebook.
Abu Dhabi Maritime and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) have signed a five-year agreement with the aim of enhancing the safety of Abu Dhabis waterways.

The agreement will allow for enhanced exchange of information, data and expertise concerning the regulation and management of maritime activities, infrastructure developments and facilities across Abu Dhabis waterways, said a statement.

Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will implement robust and responsive monitoring, risk-mitigation, business continuity and crisis management systems through coordinated development plans, maritime activities, as well as marine traffic and infrastructure projects within Abu Dhabis waters.

Captain Saif Rashid Al Mheiri, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Maritime, said: Abu Dhabi Maritimes co-operation agreement with Adnoc is another important step in boosting our emirates position as a global maritime centre by promoting sustainability as a critical driver in achieving economic success.

Working closely with a leading and a highly accomplished national driver of economic activity such as Adnoc, allows our maritime community to optimise environmentally friendly and efficient rules and regulations to govern the safe passage of maritime traffic within our ports and across our waterways.

Adnoc is a leading contributor to Abu Dhabis maritime sector providing shipping, maritime, port, logistics and oil field services for its customers by operating dedicated petroleum ports located in Jebel Dhanna, Ruwais, Das, Zirku and Mubarraz.

Captain Jasim Al Khamiri, Senior Vice President for the Petroleum Ports Authority unit at Adnoc, said: We are pleased to work in partnership with Abu Dhabi Maritime as we aim to secure safe waterways and to ensure sustainable traffic flow, particularly for products from the oil and gas industry.

The measures outlined in the agreement will assist Abu Dhabi Maritime in fulfilling its mandate to provide an effective maritime regulatory environment  one that is responsive to the needs of Abu Dhabis maritime community and backed by state-of-the-art services, infrastructure, health, safety and quality standards.

As the primary custodian of all of our emirates waterways and marine ecosystems, Abu Dhabi Maritime is committed to unlocking the full potential of our maritime domain, one that not only fulfils the needs of our commercial and recreational sectors, but also one that can be enjoyed for generations to come, said Captain Al Mheiri.

Abu Dhabi Maritime, formed in late July by Abu Dhabi Ports, part of ADQ, through an agreement with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), is the emirates dedicated custodian of waterways and marine ecosystems. - TradeArabia News Service
Extra liquid in vaccine vial to be used following ST report View(s):

Extract an extra dose from each vaccination vial if there is adequate liquid left, the Health Ministry instructed on Monday.

The Sunday Times last week in a report headlined COVID-19 vaccine: 18,000 discarded due to absurd stance revealed how an extra dose that is usually present in each vaccine vial was being discarded, with estimates amounting to 18,000 doses gone waste.

On Monday, the Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena informed all Provincial and Regional Directors of Health and Heads of Line Ministry Institutions that it has been brought to my notice that sometimes, the remaining liquid is adequate for the administration of another dose (i.e. 0.5ml).

Therefore, you are requested to inform all staff engaged in COVISHIELD immunisation to administer another dose, if the remaining liquid in the vial after drawing the tenth dose, is adequate for another dose, he instructed.

Following the Sunday Times report, the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka summoned an emergency meeting the same day to discuss the matter, informing the Epidemiology Unit to immediately redress this situation where vaccine doses were being discarded.
John Lewis could close eight more of its remaining branches, with larger older shops most likely to close for good, it is claimed.

The department store could shut a fifth of its 42 remaining stores, as negotiations with landlords continue and hundreds of jobs are put at risk, The Sunday Times reports.

Any announcement of closures is expected to take place alongside the company's annual results on March 11.

John Lewis Partnership's chairwoman Dame Sharon White has reportedly put forward eight shops for closure in an effort to further cut costs after the company suffered a 635m loss last September, The Sunday Times reports.

The news follows the closure of eight John Lewis stores, including John Lewis' flagship Birmingham store, and the loss of 1,300 jobs in July last year - which was followed by a further 1,500 jobs axed from head office in November.

John Lewis Partnership's chairwoman Dame Sharon White has reportedly put forward eight shops for closure, Sunday Times reports

Prior to the pandemic Sir Charlie Mayfield, the former chairman, found that 20 of its department stores were no longer viable - the company predicts 70 per cent of its sales will be made online by 2025, the Mirror reports.

The John Lewis Partnership, which also owns Waitrose, is trying to save 300million per year in the wake of the virus to secure its long-term future.

The job cuts announced in November represented almost a third of its 5,000 head office staff and will help the firm save 50million a year.

It has already closed one of its two central London offices, and plans to convert excess space on the upper floors of its flagship Oxford Street floor into offices.

In 2019 it made 75 of its 225 senior managers redundant. It hopes the plans will help to stall years of falling profits, and allow it to make 400million a year by 2025.

Any announcement of closures is expected to take place alongside the company's annual results on March 11. John Lewis department store, Oxford Street, London

Chairman Sharon White said in November: 'Losing partners is incredibly hard as an employee-owned business. Our partnership plan sets a course to create a thriving and sustainable business for the future. To achieve this we must be agile and able to adapt quickly to the changing needs of our customers.'

Department stores have been hit hardest as shoppers turn to online competitors, especially to buy clothes and electrical items. Retailers are also battling a storm of rising staff costs, rents and business rates.

John Lewis' 'never knowingly undersold' pledge has also come under scrutiny as heavy discounting elsewhere on the high street has forced it to lower prices.

It said fashion, make-up and skincare ranges performed well over the Christmas period.

GDP tumbled by 2.6 per cent in November as the second coronavirus lockdown hammered the economy, official figures revealed in January. In this chart, 100 represents the size of the economy in 2018

But sales were dragged down by the home, electricals and home technology markets, which bosses partly blamed on low consumer confidence.

Coronavirus lockdown rules hammered the UK High Street in November as retail sales dropped by 3.8 per cent when compared to October.

In England, non-essential shops were subject to restrictions from November 5 to December 2, in parts of Scotland from November 20 to December 11 and in Wales from October 23 to November 9.

All non-essential shops have been closed since January 5th in England in a third national lockdown - the Prime Minister is expected to reveal his roadmap out of lockdown tomorrow.

John Lewis declined to comment.

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - United Airlines Holdings Inc. (UAL) confirmed that it's Flight UA328 landed safely in Denver International Airport Saturday after experiencing an engine failure shortly after takeoff, and was met by emergency crews as a precaution. The company specified that there were no injuries on the ground or in the air.



UA328 was operated by 777-200 registered N772UA. It is the fifth 777 ever produced by Boeing and powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series engines.



According to Flightradar24, a flight tracking site, 'The Boeing 777-200 (MSN 26930 | L/N 5) was operating from Denver to Honolulu with 231 passengers and 10 crew and returned safely to Denver. The aircraft suffered a failure of its right hand engine (engine number 2) about 4 minutes after take off and landed back at Denver 23 minutes after take off.



The plane took off at 1:04 p.m. local time and climbed to an altitude of about 13,450 feet before descending and returning to the Denver airport, Flightradar24 added.



Commending the teamwork, the Pilot Union of United Airlines said, 'We commend the crew of United Flight 328 for safely returning to Denver after experiencing a significant uncontained engine failure. We are thankful for the tremendous teamwork shown by the entire flight and cabin crew, and that there were no injuries on the ground or in the air.'



'We are in contact with the FAA, NTSB and local law enforcement,' tweeted United Airlines.



The Federal Aviation Administration also confirmed in a statement that the Boeing 777-200 safely returned to the Denver International Airport after experiencing a right-engine failure shortly after takeoff. 'The FAA is aware of reports of debris in the vicinity of the airplane's flight path,' the statement said.



The NTSB is investigating and has directed that any persons with debris from this event contact their local law enforcement agency.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Nkum/Mbiame MP, Hon. Ngah preaches peace Screenshot from amateur video

Hon. Ngah Estalla Tala, Member of Parliament for Nkum/Mbiame constituency has made a controversial speech in Mbiame calling on the population to rise against armed separatist fighters in the area.

In a video that hit social media on February 19, 2021, the Member of the National Assembly said, There isnt any terrorist in Cameroon and in another breath said, There is a need to drive out terrorists from Mbiame.

Dressed in a bulletproof vest, the tough-talking lawmaker urged the people to conquer fear and confront armed separatists committing atrocities in Mbiame, Mbven Subdivision, Bui Division, North West Region of Cameroon.

I want to tell you something. I am here on a mission from the government. We have nothing like terrorists in Cameroon. Cameroon is one and indivisible. Therefore, we are one. We can never separate this country, said Hon. Ngah, promising to attend to the development needs of the population. So we are going to fix this road and we will drive away all the terrorists from our place.

There will be no terrorist in Mbiame because that is the decision the government has taken. What we have in the bushes are thieves. They are not Ambazonia fighters. You should stop calling them Ambazonia fighters. They are thieves, terrorists. We have nothing to do with terrorists, Hon. Ngah said.

The MP for Nkum/Mbiame constituency continued her speech thus:

So, we will arrange this road. I will take the message to the minister. They will arrange the entire road. Even before they arrange the road, I will try to fix that bridge. I will talk with my mayor so the council will see what to do and I will give my own support. We will fix that bridge at Saraka while waiting for the road to be fine. This will permit you to go about your businesses without any hitches.

Hon. Ngah Estalla Tala dares separatists in Mbiame, "I am not afraid of any amba fighter" (c) Hon. Ngah

If any separatist fighter wants to harm any of you, the population should come out as one man and handle the situation. This is what other communities have been doing. Because if one separatist fighter is caught and you all do the needful, no separatist can come here.

In Bamenda, when you walk from Up-Station to Bambili, you cannot see a separatist fighter because the population has rejected them. So, they are out to steal. The other week, they came out and caught our brothers, extorting money from them. They have been extorting huge sums of money from the population through kidnappings and other forms of thievery. Are those the people who say they want to fix this country?

For the last 39 years with president Paul Biya in power, have you ever heard that he sent out the army to hold civilians and extort money from them? So, I have come to prove to you all that I am your parliamentarian. I stand for you all. I am not afraid of any amba fighter. If any amba wants to know me, they will know me. I am a woman of sterner stuff. I am with you. Clap your hands and know that I am with you always. We are going to fix this road from Foumban to Mbiame.

Three cases of a new variant of Covid-19 (P1), first identified in Brazil, have been detected in Ireland, the National Public Health Emergency Team has confirmed.

In a statement, NPHET said the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of the cases on Friday, February 19.

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It said all of the cases identified are directly associated with recent travel from Brazil. NPHET added that all cases are being followed up by public health teams and enhanced public health measures have been put in place, in line with guidance.

Due to mutations in the Brazil strain, someone infected with an earlier strain of the coronavirus could be reinfected by a variant with this mutation and that the mutation may enable the coronavirus to evade antibodies generated by COVID vaccines. This does not mean that the currently available coronavirus vaccines will not work against variants.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, Dr Ronan Glynn reminded people of travel rules.

Anyone who has recently travelled from Brazil, or any of the other 19 countries recently designated by the Minister for Health as Category 2, is required by law to quarantine at home for 14 days. In addition, any such passengers should phone any GP or GP out of hours service to arrange a free Covid-19 test  the test should be done 5 days after you arrived in Ireland or as soon as possible after those 5 days.

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"Whatever the result of the test, you must complete the 14 day period of quarantine. Full details of advice and procedures on how to quarantine safely are available at www.hse.ie

This P1 variant has previously been identified in a small number of European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. While there is currently no microbiological or epidemiological evidence of any change in transmissibility of P1, this is plausible. Further studies are required to determine whether this variant is likely to have an impact on vaccine effectiveness or infection severity," he said.

Dr Glynn said the discovery of the virus does not change the response needed to reduce the incidence of the coronavirus.

Detection of this variant in Ireland does not change the fact that our best defence against all forms of Covid-19 is to stick with the public health measures that have proved to be effective in reducing the incidence of disease in our communities. We must continue to wash our hands well and often, wear a mask, cough and sneeze into our elbows, keep two metres social distance from others and avoid crowds, and always remember that it is imperative to phone your GP at the very first sign of Covid-19 symptoms.

All passengers from overseas, regardless of originating country, are required by law to quarantine at home for 14 days.

NPHET confirmed this week that 90% of cases being detected in Ireland are the UK variant which is more transmissable than previous strains.

Also read: Longford Town star Joe Manley delighted club 'are back where they should be'
Yesterday NVIDIA issued a press release in which it is making a first step against and for miners. While that line sounds dualistic, it's the truth. The good news is that NVIDIA for the RTX 3060 release NVIDIA is cutting the Eutherium mining and Crypto hash rate in half.

The bad news is that NVIDIA will sell the same GPUs that end up in gamers' graphics cards; it a dedicated line of mining products. So with limited dGPU allocation and fabrication, the situation remains bad however for the RTX 3060 NVIDIA could distribute their cards more evenly. We do hope that for all future cards, NVIDIA will implement this solution. And we also understand that if this is done at a BIOS and driver level, NVIDIA can not revert or limit this on products already sold (incl the legal ramifications they'd face).

When the news broke yesterday, the community's response was 'meh ...' average for the reasons listed above. Also, it immediately became fuzzy how NVIDIA would apply a hash rate limit on existing products. I mean, if this is at a driver level, it can be easily hacked.

However, an NVIDIA spokesperson clarified what NVIDIA is doing; he said, "there is a secure handshake between the driver, the RTX 3060 silicon, and the BIOS (firmware) that prevents removal of the hash rate limiter". And that does make this a more secure solution. However, BIOSes can be altered, drivers as well. So we'll see how that turns out.

In related news, Videocardz yesterday picked up on a story from youtube CryptoLeo, a miner that is active on social. His video demonstrated how incredibly fucked up the market is, as he already has RTX 3060 in his hands and tested!! A retailer has been selling the RTX 3060 cards ahead of launch for 800 USD a piece, that same retailer sold all of the stock to miners already, and the card isn't even released (!) The products sold ... ZOTAC, which had their you know what handed back to them two days ago, promoting mining on their Twitter account.

Back to CryptoLeo, he tested the RTX 3060 hash rate, and it indeed dropped from 41.5 MH/s to 26-24 MH/s, so these cards are inefficient for miners. Interesting to note is that there is no driver for RTX 3060 yet, so it had to be a hacked driver. However, now the story comes back to NVIDIA if limited at BIOS level, the hash rate limiter indeed kicks in. All in all, and the end, this limitation is good news, we say. But judging from what retailers are apparently doing, I would not get my hopes up on enough stock then RTX 3060 gets released.






Ongoing conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Yemen are expected to continue to destabilize the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2021. However, technology will likely add another layer of complexity to these conflicts and reshape the region throughout the 2020s.

When the Arab Spring began a decade ago, the biggest challenge facing long-standing Arab autocrats was grappling with the power of social media and the rise of online political opposition by tech-savvy millennial activists.

In the 2020s, however, regional governments are now facing a new set of emerging technologies that will shape not only domestic politics but also regional geopolitical dynamics. These advancing technologies include: drone, cyber, and space technologies.

The age of drones



Drones are not new to the Middle East, as many regional nations have had access to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology since the 1980s. Israel, for example, began building its own drone capabilities in the 1970s with support from the United States. When Egypt transitioned from the Soviet-led pact to the U.S.-led one, Washington provided Cairo with its state-of-the-art stealth drone, Scarab.

However, drones were not central to Middle East conflicts in the 1990s or 2000s. The situation changed entirely in the 2010s as the Arab Spring revolutions in Libya, Syria, and Yemen turned into civil wars, and later, proxy wars between international and regional rivals.

Turkey is a prime example of a country that has employed low-cost UAVs to its advantage without the traditional usage of conventional forces. Despite its ongoing financial problems, Ankara continued its expansionist foreign policy in the region, empowered in large part by its domestically produced, low-cost UAV fleet.

In Libya, Syria, and Azerbaijan, Turkey mastered air warfare operations by operating its flagships UAVs, Bayraktar TB2 and TAI Anka-S, in conjunction with the KORAL long-range electronic warfare systems (EWS), to render air defense systems, like the Russian Pantsir, ineffective, enabling the drones to gain air superiority, as seen most dramatically in Libya and Syria.

Increasingly, regional powers have been capitalizing on drone technology. Military strategies will not be confined to acquiring state-of-the-art, foreign-made UAVs, but rather building locally-produced UAVs fleets, with interested countries ranging from Egypt to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In his conversation with the Middle East Institute on Feb. 8, 2021, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, commander of the United States Central Command, warned about the proliferation of low-cost unmanned aerial systems (UASs) by both state and non-state actors.

The proliferation of cyber warfare



The MENA region is witnessing a mass proliferation of cyber warfare. The UAEs cyber czar, Mohamed al-Kuwaiti, has said that the Middle East faces a "cyber pandemic." Cyberspace has become the preferred battlefield in the region as it provides state and non-state actors with an alternative to conventional warfare with plausible deniability and fewer military or civilian casualties.

Ultimately, as there are currently no international legal norms governing the use of cyber warfare, it can be a method of engagement that allows countries to avoid widespread criticism and potential sanctions. Cyber warfare is a pillar of Iran's asymmetric warfare doctrine against foes in the Arabian Gulf and the Levant.

In 2012, after learning from the U.S.-Israel-developed malware "Stuxnet," Iran developed its own home-grown malware, named "Shamoon." This malware was then later used against Saudi Aramco, rendering over 30,000 devices unusable. Similarly, in 2017, Iran successfully hacked the Saudi National Industrialization Company and Sadara Chemical Company, wiping data from both.

Iran's cyber warfare keeps its rivals (mainly Saudi Arabia and the UAE) on edge, prompting them to build up their own defensive cyber capabilities to counter it in cyberspace. With civil wars and political turmoil plaguing the MENA region, non-state actors are becoming another big player in the cyber weapons race, mainly Hamas and Hezbollah.

Cyber-sovereignty is the new norm



The Arab Spring made clear the importance of digital platforms as a tool for organizing protests. As a result, MENA governments have become cognizant of the importance of data localization and data sovereignty and began issuing laws mandating international and local companies to house their data locally and grant local authorities access to users' data.

Recently, MENA governments appear to be eschewing the U.S.s laissez-faire approach to data privacy. They have increasingly come to favor the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) model as the region enacts a new spate of regulations surrounding the treatment of consumer data.

For instance, Egypt approved the Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 in February 2020 to prohibit the transfer of personal data to recipients located outside Egypt except with the permission of the Egyptian Data Protection Center. In Saudi Arabia, the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) released a draft document for cloud cybersecurity controls (CCC), which sets the minimum requirements for cybersecurity of cloud computing for both cloud service providers (CSPs) and cloud service tenants (CSTs).

As part of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authoritys National Cybersecurity Strategy, the UAE is set to launch a GDPR-based national data law with a federal data protection law expected to drop within the coming months. The free zones of the Dubai International Financial Center and Abu Dhabi Global Market have already implemented data protection laws similar to the GDPR.

And, in November 2016, Qatar issued Law No. 13 of 2016 on Protecting Personal Data. Separately, the Qatar Financial Center has its data protection regulation, QFC Regulation No. 6 of 2005, which is modeled after the European Unions pre-GDPR directive.

Given the current balkanization of the internet, the ongoing tech decoupling, and deep regional skepticism of tech platforms, governments in the MENA region are expected to maintain their cyber-sovereignty approach to data. Most likely, they will continue to look into more creative ways to protect and monetize their citizens data.

The US response to Chinas tech expansionism in MENA



Beijing recognizes the United States is unquestionably the main military power in the Middle East and that the U.S. maintains a decades-old network of allies in the region. However, China is making inroads using its tech diplomacy to bring more countries into its expanding tech sphere. This will ultimately influence regional geopolitics without the need for a traditional military footprint.

Chinas tech diplomacy is centered on MENA nations interest in new technologies, such as 5G networks, cloud data platforms, and electric vehicles. China hopes to support these efforts without the high costs that may be associated with these technologies  a difficult combination that Beijing is pioneering and providing to nation-states around the world.

From the Gulf to North Africa, Huawei is Chinas main diplomatic and geostrategic toolkit in the region. The Chinese telecoms company is helping Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and Morocco build their own 5G networks. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. pressured Israel to exclude Huawei from its 5G network and exerted similar pressures on Egypt to follow suit, although Cairo showed some resistance.

Despite the change in tone and rhetoric from its predecessor, the Biden administration will also prioritize great power competition with China. The new administration may negotiate with Washington's regional allies to dissuade the Gulf Cooperation Council and Egypt from allowing Huawei into their 5G networks.

MENA enters the space race



The most unexpected geo-tech trend in this decade will be the space race between the MENA nations. Historically, the race to the stars was seen more as a matter of pride rather than one of real strategic value. This vision has changed fundamentally in the last two years, however, with the increasing importance of space as a domain for nations to project their power, capabilities, and hegemonic aspirations.

The UAE made headlines with the successful launch of its Mars Mission Hope Probe in 2020, and its successful entry into Mars orbit in February 2021, making the UAE the fifth nation to successfully send a spacecraft to Mars. This follows its ambitious aim to build the first city on Mars by 2117, positioning the Gulf nation as an up-and-coming space power, both regionally and globally.

Egypt is also reinvesting massively in its space program. In 2019, Egypt launched Tiba-1, its first communications satellite, with hopes to launch another communications satellite in 2022 in partnership with SpaceX. The country further plans on building two satellites with China and Germany. Egypts space aspirations have global repercussions: Cairo successfully won the bid to host the African Unions Space Agency and has aspirations to send its first astronaut to the International Space Station by the early 2020s.

Despite the maximum pressure campaign, Iran, too, is building its own space program in close cooperation with Russia and China; the program will focus mainly on space reconnaissance capabilities and testing military rockets.

On Feb. 9, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Ankara plans to land on the moon by 2023, the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, and stated that Turkey aims to build a spaceport with international cooperation and ultimately compete in the field of next-generation satellite development.

In the 2020s, the space race will include both old and new regional powers. Egypt, Israel, and Turkey have already begun, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia have only recently started investing in their space infrastructure. These nations will compete to exert their power in space as a reflection of their strategic stature in the region.

While energy resources in the form of oil and gas have shaped the geopolitics of the MENA region over the past five decades, technology will have an even greater impact on regional dynamics in the years ahead. In addition to the current proxy wars, in the 2020s nations will compete in space and cyberspace, fight with drones and cyber weapons, and aim to exert state sovereignty over their citizens' data  ushering in a whole new reality for the region.





*Mohammed Soliman is a non-resident scholar with MEIs Cyber Program. His work focuses on the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and business in the MENA region. The views expressed in this article are his own.

*The article first published on the website of the Middle East Institute in Washington

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The whole world is yet to end the ongoing battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, but scientists are already warning the public of the possible next global health crisis that may target us, and it's even deadlier than what we're facing now.

Nipah Virus Can Trigger the Next Pandemic

In a report by The Sun, experts have said that a rising number of cases of the Nipah virus disease might trigger another global outbreak, and they are calling it "The Big One."

The Nipah virus was first discovered in 1999 in Malaysia, which comes from fruit bats and could be transferred from animals to humans, causing severe brain swelling, vomiting, seizures, to acute respiratory infection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Worst of all, the virus has a 40% to 75% fatality rate, making it deadlier than COVID-19.

Because of its potential to trigger an epidemic, the WHO has made it one of the 16 pathogens as a top priority for research and development, but if there happens to be an outbreak of some sort, there is no known treatment or vaccine for it yet, making it incredibly hard to tackle.

Furthermore, the virus has a long incubation period of 45 days, so it could spread to communities before someone falls ill and could be tested for it.

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Testing Kits are Currently in Production

As for testing kits, the production of tools that could detect the Nipah virus is now underway.

"Nipah virus testing kits are produced addressing, the unexpected occurrences of the infection, together with the requirement to make them accessible promptly in necessitated regions where the infection was seen increasing for prompt diagnosis of the virus," said Facts.MR, a global research firm, as per BioSpace.

Moreover, scientists are worried about the high rate of mutation of the Nipah virus, meaning that it could adapt to human infections and could spread more rapidly across the countries in South East Asia.

"Nipah is one of the viruses that could absolutely be the cause of a new pandemic. Several things about Nipah are very concerning," Dr. Rebecca Dutch told the UK news outlet, the chair of the University of Kentucky's Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and a leader in virus studies.

How Humans Could Catch the Infection

Pigs have been known to catch the deadly Nipah virus after they were exposed to infected mangoes, and through them, it's possible to spread the disease to humans.

Previously, there was a Nipah virus outbreak in both Bangladesh and India with experts linking the incident with infected date palm juice, according to BBC.

There were 11 different outbreaks in Bangladesh from 2001 to 2011 and out of the 196 people that were detected to have the virus, 150 of them succumbed to the disease.

As per the report, fruit bats that carried the virus would typically fly to the date palm plantation to lap up the juice from the trees and as they feasted, they would urinate on the collection pot, infecting the juice that would be served to innocent local people the next day.

Experts warn that if we don't take this seriously, the COVID-19 pandemic that has already killed 2.5 million people may only be the beginning.

Related Article: COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Being Hoarded, Count Health Officials Warn About Consequences

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Written by: Nhx Tingson

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
We live in a world where some people want to undo everything. To a degree they are right: there is a lot thats messed up. But as with any large scale movement or awakening, there will always be complexities, hypocrisies; cringe people who give the whole thing a bad name.

Enter: Kendall Jenners latest business venture. A tequila brand called 818 Tequila, which the internet is furiously debating the merits of.

Jenner joined a long list of celebrities who have plastered their face on tequila (including George Clooney, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Nick Jonas and Rande Gerber) last Wednesday when she posted a photo announcing the brand for reals (after it was allegedly uncovered by users on Tiktok).

For almost 4 years ive been on a journey to create the best tasting tequila. after dozens of blind taste tests, trips to our distillery, entering into world tasting competitions anonymously and WINNING ..3.5 years later i think weve done it! this is all weve been drinking for the last year and i cant wait for everyone else to get their hands on this to enjoy it as much as we do!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kendall (@kendalljenner)

Many Twitter users accused Jenner of exploiting Mexican culture (and made suggestions for other brands they believe your money is better spent on).

So heres a thread of Mexican tequila brands you should support instead of Kendall Jenners, Nick Jonas or Dwayne Johnsons. pic.twitter.com/lL4TexGTuY  Dagger  (@daggervengeance) February 17, 2021

Tequila traditionally comes from the Jalisco region in Mexico (818 does come from the area), InStyle reports, and requires difficult work, from growing and harvesting agave plants to the actual bottling and production.

Twitter users called Jenner out, not only mentioning that her launch could overshadow local producers and small businesses but pointing out that the name of the liquor, 818, is an homage to Calabasas, not to Mexico. Its the area code for Jenners hometown.

One user wrote: Too many actual people, namely Mexicans, actually made with their actual hands the tequila in which you are actually just endorsing, at best. No bueno.

Kendall Jenner starting a tequila brand, with zero knowledge on Mexican culture and calling it 818 tequila is GENTRIFICATION. The 818 does not claim Calabasas. What about those smaller, family owned Mexican tequila/mezcal brands? They deserve the hype & support.  Jennie Molina (@jenjocelyn) February 17, 2021

Something about Kendall Jenner making tequila rubs me the wrong way..like the idea of white celebrities taking from local Mexican artisans and profiting off our traditions and agricultural business yet only visit Cabos and Puerto Vallarta for vacation spots  LaMesaQueMasApluada (@estyledesma) February 17, 2021

Others pointed out this celebrity influencer effect is disrupting all sorts of markets, not just tequila, with one pointing to Conor McGregors whisky allegedly being on track to outsell Bushmills.

Itll be a million case brand in 5 years. ..Conor Mcgregors endorsed whiskey is on track to outsell Bushmills shortly..its a tad depressing.  #WhiskeyBonder (@lmcguane) February 16, 2021

Others debated the differences between cultural appropriation and culture sharing.

In the comments of a satirical defence of Jenners new brand (see below) posted to Instagram by a large meme account, the debate continued. Some users opined the brand would benefit Mexico, rather than take away from it, and called the outrage around it petty.

In Mexico we have real problems. No time for im offended snowflake bullshit. She made a tequila, cool, shes bringing in more jobs to my country. Period.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SUPER SLUTTY SNAKE  (@supersluttysnake)

Others argued Kendalls company is no bueno because of the power dynamic between Mexico and the United States. One user argued cultural sharing is ok in regards to Titos, the worlds best-selling vodka (which is of Russian and Finnish origin), being made in Texas, because, in their words, Finland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but that with regards to Mexico its different.

It is a form of imperialism though no? Already hugely wealthy North Americans going down to Mexico and making something traditionally Mexican and extracting all the profits. They already do it with McDonalds and Pepsi and Coke to do it with tequila too. Its not a completely incorrect call out

A wealthy American celebrity making a tequila is not multiculturalism. Mexico is not North America, and their economies differ greatly per median household income creating jobs isnt really a valid excuse anymore, Kendalls tequila would take market share from authentic Mexican brands and extract the profits to the US.

Another commenter challenged this: The worlds best-selling vodka (Russian and Finnish origin) is made in Texas. Oh and some of the highest rated whiskeys in the world are distilled in Japan so why not go after Titos for stealing Russian and Finnish culture?

To which the previous user responded: Finland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Its only an issue when its exploitative. You wont get it buddy.

Then: Right. How is voluntarily entering into a business relationship with Kendall Jenner exploitation? Im all ears bro. I would loooove to hear this explanation.

For real, wait until those people know how the economy works lmao, another commented.

Another user wrote: Imagine accusing someone of cultural appropriation, while using the term LatinX, which is literally word made up by privileged white Americans and injected into someone elses language. The mental leap one must make to justify that to themselves has to be daunting.

Essentially, one school of thought argues it is lazy and privileged not to come to the defence of the local Mexican tequila industry, and another believes it is patronising to do so.

Its a complex issue, with some of the best (and worst) parts of human history having come from cultures clashing (see: the debate over whether Elvis Presley was a champion or copycat).

Historians believe the most successful societies have been the ones that were open to cultural exchange, and credit cultural appropriation with salvaging (as well as rubbing salt into the wound) of cultures that have now disappeared.

Ancient Greek poetry and mythology was appropriated by Romans, for instance, and from it we have the whole foundation for the entire Western European canon of literature.

The Buddha, also, has a storied history of cultural appropriation.

The debate over whether a perfectly equal power dynamic can ever exist between any two individuals, groups, or cultures (and to what degree this messiness should be accepted before it is considered distasteful or wrong) doesnt look like ending any time soon.

A good question to ponder whilst making vegan sushi while playing K-Pop in the background

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When I read the news of the death of Dr. Junaidu Mohammed this morning, I tried to see whom I could call to confirm. First, I did something that seems foolish but gives me some emotional consolation at times like these. (For example, I still have the telephone numbers of some friends who have been dead for a few years on my phone. I occassionally look at them and get some emotional connection, as if clutching on to something precious).

I immediately dialed Dr Junaidus number four times. First time, it rang busy and my face lit up. I called again three times and no one answered. Following the logic of my emotional foolishness, that gave me some consolation, as if to say, the phone should have died with him. I hesitated, expecting that he would, as usual, return my call immediately.

When it comes to times like these, you switch into self- denial mode, seeking to clutch to anything to say it is not true.

Immediately, I thought I should call either Mahmud Jega or Mohammed Haruna. I called Mahmud first but he did not pick his call. I decided to wait and try again because I believed he would be a reliable source since his elephant brain stores everything. Then, less than an hour later, he returned my call with the sad news that yes, it was true.

I do not exactly recall when, where or how I first met Dr Junaidu but it was in the 90s. I do know that he was a man after my heart even before we met. I liked his radical streak. I took full notice of him during the politics of the second republic when he won elections as a Senator under the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP from Kano. His brilliance shun in the depth of his penetrating analysis of Nigerias politics. He exposed the vacuity of the clientelism of the times. When we finally met, we literally hit it off because he too said he had been looking for a chance to meet me.

I loved Aminu Kano. So, when he fell out with the late Aminu Kano, his political father, I felt very sad because, perhaps in my naivete, I had hoped he would become the Governor of Kano after Abubakar Rimi. Dr Junaidu was a class act and you did not have to agree with him because naturally, he sailed against the wind of popular opinion. You could quarrel with his ideological leanings, but not the facts. Often, what he laid out was uncomfortable, but incontrovertible.

He was very much at home because Kano, as everyone will concede was the Mecca of the radical tradition of the Left (apologies to Professor Jalingo of blessed memory). Kano had an allure in those days: Triumph newspaper became the touchstone of radical intellectuals. Kano rallied young idealists from across the country and sought to path the pathway towards an egalitarian society. Enter the legendary Mallam Haroun Adamu who held the portal as a genteel radical (I gave him a new sobriquet, radical Imam, after a dinner in New York in 2001 whose details I am under oath not to divulge!)

Dr Junaidu offered me an open invitation to his home in Kano, but it took a long time for me to honour it. In November 1990, on a plane back home after my studies in the UK, I met the late Dan Kabo on the Nigerian Airways flight to Kano. It was our first meeting and I was shocked by his warmth. I was sleeping somewhere near the toilets in the Economy section when he woke me up and insisted I follow him to First Class. Half asleep, I protested, but he insisted on opening the overhead locker. He took out my bag and I sheepishly followed him to First Class. He took me to the cockpit and introduced me to the legendary Captain Thahal.

We developed a friendship that lasted till his death. He was a man with an incredibly large heart as I attested to when I wrote my tribute to him at his death in April 2002. He considered it a crime for me to visit Kano without seeing him, no matter how late. One day, he gave me a letter in his office and insisted I should open it. I did and it was a letter addressed to Kabo airlines, offering me a free flight to any destination in Nigeria! I thanked him but sealed up the letter and never opened it.

One day, in the course of our conversation in his office a few years later, I asked him if he knew Dr Junaidus house as I wanted to visit him? He gave me a look, rolled out a loud laugh and asked, Fada Kukah, ashe kai dan NEPU ne? I nodded and then he said, I believe you because you are as troublesome as Dr Junaidu. His house is not far from my house. I will not take you to his house, but I will give you a driver to take you to his house if you like. I opted for him to give me the address instead.

On a visit to Kano, I decided to trace Dr Junaidus house. He was home that morning and still in his jellabiya and was so excited and surprised to see me. There were no mobile phones then. Long after the breakfast was over, we were still deep in talk about Nigeria and its politics till around noon. He scoffed at the fact that Dan Kabo was my friend and I told him that Dan Kabo had also not been amused when I said he was my friend. I told him I was in the business of trying to save souls so it was my duty to befriend both those who claimed to be angels so we could save the devils. We laughed and he often came back to say that my words had stuck with him for a long time.

Subsequently, I would make it a point of duty to stop in his house each time I went to Kano, no matter how short the visit was. A few blocks from his house, there lived another good friend of mine, the paper mogul, Chief Vincent Okena. Most time, Dr Junaidu was not home but I made it a point to leave a card or a written message.

It is difficult for Nigerians to forget Dr Junaidus 1985 New Nigerian Essay titled, 50 Days of President Babangida. It was a bristling riposte at President Babangidas moral credentials as a leader at a time when Nigerians were literally bewitched by the dashing gap toothed General. In summary, Dr Junaidu warned Nigerians to be aware of the General and that although he praised the General for his human qualities, he warned Nigerians to be on alert.

In his views which he still shared with me, he was convinced that if you wanted a really good, loyal and reliable friend, you could not get better than General Babangida. But, he warned, as a President, General Babangida would be a disaster. In response, he was bundled off and put in prison for I think some three months in Owo. He never stopped saying that this was during Ramadan! The Maradona sobriquet was not even in conception state yet.

In 1993, something dramatic happened. President Babangida set up OMPADEC and wait for it, of all people, I saw that Dr Junaidu had been appointed a member. I was shocked and wondered how and what had happened to necessitate the turn around on both sides. However, we did not meet for a long time. One day I think it was in 1998, I ran into him in London outside Marks and Spencer shop on Oxford Street. We hugged and he insisted we have lunch. I welcomed the idea and we walked back and found a restaurant somewhere on Tottenham Court Road. Midway through our lunch, despite the time that had passed, I told him I was curious to know how he and General Babangida had made up and why he had taken a job under the same man he had vilified. Had he fallen on hard times then and was this an act of rehabilitation? He laughed and went on to tell me what he said was the full story.

One day in 1993, he said, he and the General had met in the mosque while he was still Head of State. He said when he and Babangida made eye contact, the General pointed at him with open hands, the type that says, Your Mama! After the prayers, he said, he went and greeted the General who then told him that he was setting up OMPADEC and wanted him on the Board because he had been told of his past records of interests in the Niger Delta. How did he know your interests in the Niger Delta?, I asked him. He told me that during his days in the Senate in the second republic, he had moved a motion requesting that the Federal government should consider giving the people of the Niger Delta, 1% of the income from oil as a means of assuaging their pains. From then, he said, he was nicknamed Senator 1%! President Babangida had heard of this and thought he should serve on the Board.

Dr Junaidu must be a man of many parts and I have no doubt that so many people admire him and perhaps an equal number or more despised him. Even though he and I differed about the fate of my friend, the former Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, I let him understand that I was an outsider and respected his insider knowledge of the dynamics of power politics in Kano. I wondered why they did not get along given that they seemed to be in tandem ideologically.

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Dr Junaidu had a sharp tongue that drew from a complex mind that was very well informed about the world but even more so about Nigeria. He loved his country and he brought a certain amount of freshness to every issue. He had the courage to sail effortlessly beyond the narrow boundaries of northern politics where a culture of; see something but say nothing, has held sway but also kept the region on the boil. He was hewn out of the centrist wings of the radical politics of Aminu Kano and his exposure to Soviet politics. He remained committed to the creation of an egalitarian society and believed that politics could and should be a force for good.

Our last face to face meeting was here in Sokoto some few years back as the north was pulling together the threads to reassert itself at the centre of national politics in 2014. He assured me that next time he came to Sokoto he would visit my house. Each time we spoke, he often reminded me that he had not forgotten his promise to visit me.

Dr Junaidu was a great patriot, a scintillating debater with a prescient mind. He put aside a career in Medicine and opted for politics and life as a public intellectual. He gave a good account of himself. For a society that thrives in ambiguity and dubiety, one can understand why the nation did not call him to national public office. He shot straight and often skirted on very thin ice. He was unwavering on his commitment that a new order could be created. He was a true son of Kano where, Ko da me ka zo, mun fi ka. He will sit snugly in the pantheon of the great Kano intellectuals who have contributed to shaping the quality of northern politics in particular and Nigeria in general: Aminu Kano, Tanko Yakassai, Abubakar Rimi, Saad Zungur, Maitama Sule, Mudi Sipikin, Lamido Sanusi et al. While we bid him good night, the debate and the search for a nation that works for all of us continues.

The reprieve of his traducers is merely temporary because the issues were far larger than any one man. The honour of being a public intellectual is both a burden and a vocation. You do not measure your relevance and friendship by those who agree with you. We are all searchers for a shining treasure called truth which is not easy to find. The search continues and the beat must go on. Max Ermann, the great American author of the Desiderata said it all: Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. You had a chance to tell yours and we thank you for that. Rest in peace, my good friend.
Happy Lithuanian Independence Day! Well, a bit belated, since it was actually on Feb. 16. It kind of got lost a little among St. Valentines Day, Cheesefare Sunday, Ash Wednesday, etc. We all live such hectic lives these days, dont we?

While a national holiday in Lithuania, Lithuania Independence Day is a bit forgotten around the coal region nowadays. It used to be a day of remembrance and celebration in ethnic Lithuanian parishes, but with church mergers and loss of ethnic parishes, the commemoration of many ethnic historical events are going  have gone  by the wayside.

St. George Roman Catholic Church in Shenandoah always made sure to celebrate the day, or at least on the Sunday closest to it. The Rev. Robert Potts, pastor, made sure the Mass was celebrated with plenty of yellow, green and red colors adorning the altar. His special priestly stole had those colors, which make up the Lithuanian flag. And there were always presentations of citations from the current mayor and area elected officials. It was not unusual to have the citations hand delivered by U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, state Sen. James J. Rhoades and state Rep. Edward J. Lucyk and Rep. Neal P. Goodman.

During the offertory, members of the St. Georges Guild, dressed in traditional Lithuanian costume, individually brought items that are connected with Lithuania, such as linen, wheat and ruta, the national plant of Lithuania.

After Mass, the celebration moved to the church hall for the traditional Lithuanian meal  kielbasi, sauerkraut, bunduki, potato, rye bread and lots of desserts. This was the main fundraiser for the parish and a lot of people showed up. There were also Lithuanian songs performed, and as they say, a great time was had by all.

Hey, it was a big day! Our Lady of Siluva Church in Maizeville I also believe celebrated the holiday regularly.

We call it Lithuanian Independence Day, but it is referred to in Lithuania as the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania, or in Lithuanian, Lietuvos valstybes atkurimo diena. According to a Lithuanian website:

The outcome of the First World War created the preconditions for Lithuania, still suffering from German occupation, to reach the long-term goal of the nation: restore an independent state. In 1917, over 200 delegates convened for the Vilnius Conference and adopted a resolution first stating the objective to make Lithuania an independent state. The Council of Lithuania consisting of 20 elected members was charged to reach the objective. On Feb. 16, 1918, the members of the Council signed the Act of Independence of Lithuania.

The declaration reads:

The Council of Lithuania, as the sole representative of the Lithuanian nation, in conformity with the recognized right to national self-determination, and in accordance with the resolution of the Vilnius Conference of September s18-23, 1917, proclaims the restoration of the independent state of Lithuania, founded on democratic principles, with Vilnius as its capital, and declares the termination of all state ties which formerly bound this State to other nations.

The Council of Lithuania also declares that the foundation of the Lithuanian State and its relations with other countries will be finally determined by the Constituent Assembly, to be convoked as soon as possible, elected democratically by all its inhabitants.

The Council of Lithuania in informing the Government of ..................... to this effect kindly requests the recognition of the Independent State of Lithuania.

Vilnius, February 16, 1918

It was signed by Dr. J. Basanavicius, S. Banaitis, M. Birziska, K. Bizauskas, P. Dovydaitis, S. Kairys, P. Klimas, Donatas Malinauskas, P. Mironas, S. Narutowicz, Alfonsas Petrulis, K. Saulys, Dr. J. Saulys, J. Sernas, A. Smetona, J. Smilgevicius, J. Staugaitis, A. Stulginskis, J. Vailokaitis, J. Vileisis.

Now, the 1918 declaration should not be confused with the Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania, which was from the Soviet Union in 1990. In Lithuanian, its Lietuvos nepriklausomybes atkurimo diena. It is a national holiday celebrated on March 11.

Basically, Lithuania lost its independence in a backdoor pact between the Soviets and Nazi Germany in 1940, with the Soviets getting Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. In the late 1980s, the promotion of perestroika (openness) in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Gorbachev got the Lithuanians even more desirous of independence, prompting them to vote for self-rule in elections in February 1990, and the new democratically-elected parliament declared independence on March 11, 1990.

Naturally, the Soviets didnt like that, tried an economic blockage of Lithuania, then used violence against Lithuanians holding a protest vigil around government buildings in Vilnius on Jan. 13, 1991. Due to global outrage of those actions, the Soviets backed down and later that year recognized Lithuanias sovereignty and independence. Lithuania led the way to the eventual collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Take that Marx, Lenin and Stalin!

So while it may be late, have some kielbasi, toast with some boilo and enjoy whatever day you mark the holiday.

Aciu!!!



Here are a few Lithuanian proverbs:

 A man without a beard is like bread without a crust.

 A silent pig digs the deepest root.

 All that glitters is not gold, and all that is sticky is not tar.

 As one devil goes out, another one comes in.

 Dogs cannot make dreams come true  people must do that.

 Dont be too bold, or you will burn your eyes; but dont be too slow, or you will lose your share.

 Dont laugh when your neighbors oven is on fire.

 Even the hardest of winters fears the spring.

 Even the smallest drop is appreciated by the drunkard.

 Fear and love do not go together.



The simplicity of winter has a deep moral. The return of Nature, after such a career of splendor and prodigality, to habits so simple and austere, is not lost either upon the head or the heart. It is the philosopher coming back from the banquet and the wine to a cup of water and a crust of bread.

 John Burroughs,

The Snow-Walkers, 1866



Life is just like an old time rail journey: delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.

 Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008),

15th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints



THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS

 Dogs come when theyre called. Cats take a message and get back to you later.

 Cats dont like being baptized.

 Thousands of years ago, cats were worshiped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.

 A cat is always on the wrong side of the door.

 A cat will always sit on whatever youre trying to read.

 A cats purr: The most effective stress medicine known.

 Cats are quite good at domesticating humans.

 Anything not nailed down is a cat toy.

 Cats know Moms black suede gloves are giant tarantulas that need to be killed.

 Cats must attack their humans shoelaces when they are tying them.

 Cats must crawl into the dishwasher when it is full of clean dishes.

 Its always darkest before you step on the cat.

 Cats must rub against your legs while youre carrying two bags of groceries.

 Youre not a real person until youre ignored by a cat.

(Staff writer Usalis can be reached at

jusalis@republicanherald.com)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that 'building democracy was the big project in the Maldives', after meeting Maldivian Speaker Mohamed Nasheed.

"Delighted to meet Speaker Mohamed Nasheed. As always full of ideas and energy. Told me that building democracy was a big project in the Maldives. And that India is a valuable development assistance partner," tweeted Jaishankar.

EAM Jaishankar also met a delegation of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) leaders in the Maldives. "Met with a delegation of PPM and PNC leaders in the Maldives. Underlined that India is a long-standing and reliable partner of the Maldives in development and democracy," he tweeted.

Jaishankar is on a visit to the Maldives and will proceed to Mauritius on February 22-23.

Meanwhile, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih reciprocating to the bonhomie, said that it was a pleasure to meet Jaishankar and conveyed his thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assisting the Maldives during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Always a pleasure to meet my friend and Indian EAM Dr S Jaishankar. In our discussions today, I conveyed our thanks to PM Narendra Modi and the people of India for the generous assistance announced during the EAM's visit including an additional 100,000 doses of Covishied vaccine," tweeted Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Through the decades, India has rushed emergency assistance to the Maldives, whenever sought.

In 1988, when armed mercenaries attempted a coup against President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, India sent paratroopers and Navy vessels and restored the legitimate leadership under Operation Cactus.

The Maldives holds strategic importance for India under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's Neighbourhood First' policy due to its location in the Indian Ocean. However, the relation between the two countries was strained under the pro-China regime of their former President Abdulla Yameen.

Moreover, EAM Jaishankar reiterated India's support for a greater role for the Maldives in multilateral affairs stating that the Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid is "best equipped" to be the President of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Maldivian foreign minister, in his remarks, compared India-Maldives relations to the "synchronised motion" of two wings of a bird.

"A bird in flight, stays true on course, with not one but two wings in synchronized motion. Our two countries are just like those wings. We work in harmony, we work together, with the same interests, aiming to reach the same destination," he said.

(ANI)

Also Read: Facebook deletes main page of Myanmar military for 'incitement of violence'
Here's some good news for you folks! Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan are parents again. The celebrity couple welcomed their second child, a baby boy at around 8.30 am in morning today (February 21, Sunday) at Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai. Both the baby and the mother are said to be doing fine.

Saif Ali Khan officially announced the good news by releasing a press statement. "We have been blessed with a baby boy. Mom and baby are safe and healthy.Thank you to our well wishers for their love and support," reads the official statement.

Kareena Kapoor Khan's cousin and Ranbir Kapoor's sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni confirmed the news and took to her Instagram story to congratulate the new parents. She wrote, "Congratulations Bebo & Saif #itsaboy @kareenakapoorkhan."

Earlier, in an interview with Times Now, the Good Newwz actress had opened up about her second pregnancy and said, "I guess I am more prepared and confident this time around. I was quite nervous and jittery since I was going to turn a mother for the first time. This time, around, I am way calmer and thankfully, I am not going berserk yet."

Throughout the pregnancy, Kareena continued to shell out fitness goals, reinvent maternity fashion and complete her work commitments, just like how she did when she was expecting her first-born Taimur. Her actor-hubby Saif Ali Khan had expressed his excitement about becoming a father again in multiple interactions with the media. Saif was previously married to actress Amrita Singh with whom he has two kids- son Ibrahim and daughter Sara.

Last year, 'Saifeena' as the fans lovingly call them, had surprised everyone when they had made the pregnancy announcement during the COVID-19 lockdown. The power couple had issued a statement that read, "We are very pleased to announce that we are expecting an addition to our family!! Thank you to all our well-wishers for all their love and support- Saif and Kareena."

On a related note, Saif and Kareena fell in love on the sets of Tashan. After being in a live-in relationship for several years, the couple tied the knot on October 16, 2012. They welcomed their first child, son Taimur on December 20, 2016. The four-year-old kid is already an internet sensation with his adorable pictures and videos.

Also Read:

Saif Ali Khan On His Paternity Break: Who Likes To Work With A Newborn At Home?



Kareena Kapoor Khan On Her Second Pregnancy: Not Going 'Berserk' And A Lot More Prepared
Apparently, Adam Kinzingers family hates him now. Alexander Hamilton would not be surprised.

Like many in the generation of Americas founding, he saw political parties as something that grows naturally out of the rival passions of Men  but also as a threat to national cohesion. He called them a popular governments most common and  most fatal disease. Thomas Jefferson concurred. I am no believer in the amalgamation of parties, he said. And George Washington warned of their baneful effects. All feared the day loyalty to factions would supersede  or, if you will, trump  loyalty to the nation and its interests.

That that day is well and truly upon us is something to which Kinzinger, a six-term Republican representative from Illinois, could readily attest. After calling for Donald Trumps removal from office for inciting the deadly Jan. 6 rampage at the Capitol, he was sent an extraordinary letter by members of his family, who pronounced themselves thoroughly disgusted with him. The letter, published this week by the New York Times, begins as follows:

Oh my, what a disappointment you are to us and to God! We were once so proud of your accomplishments! Instead, you go against your Christian principals (sic) and join the devils army (Democrats and the fake news media.)

It doesnt get better from there.

Kinzinger, it should be pointed out, is no flaming liberal. He opposes reproductive rights and the Affordable Care Act and supports Trumps border wall and massive tax cut. But his fatal deviation from orthodoxy was to be clear-eyed and true about Trumps manifest unfitness. He later joined nine other House Republicans in voting for impeachment.

Though most have thus far been spared the indignity of public rebuke by their own kin, those 10 representatives  along with the seven GOP senators who supported Trumps conviction  have found themselves berated, condemned and even formally censured by their own party. What some of us see as moral courage, Republicans view as treason against the One. Pennsylvania party official David Ball perhaps said more than he knew when he said of apostate GOP Sen. Pat Toomey, We did not send him there to vote his conscience. We did not send him there to do the right thing 

It is instructive to note that, as this is going on, Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York, once lionized for offering straight talk about the pandemic while the White House was speaking babble, is being slammed for charges that his administration underreported COVID-19 fatalities for political purposes. Much of the incoming fire is from fellow Democrats.

Which invites a stark, if obvious, comparison. One party is willing to hold its hero to account for a self-serving lie. The other is unwilling to do so even after he nearly got many of them killed.

Cults are notoriously difficult to define. One womans cult, after all, is anothers religion. But if the word has any meaning, surely it applies here, to people so slavishly devoted to one man that theyll abandon family, conscience and country on his behalf. We are told that 120 former Republican officials recently met to discuss formation of a new center-right party. For their countrys sake, one hopes they hurry.

Because the danger the founders foresaw has come to chilling fruition in the moral rot of the GOP. More than Islamic radicals or Russian bots, these people are a clear and present danger. And the reason is simple. They believe in Donald Trump, which means they do not believe in America.

One wonders if they ever really did.

Pitts is a columnist for the Miami Herald

Non-COVID related health clearance checks on expatriates By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):

Sri Lankan regulations to carry out health clearance of expatriates resident or employed in the country, not related to the COVID-19 pandemic, have become the subject of discussion at the Board of Investment (BOI) since they are causing a strain on companies in the free trade zones.

FTZ Manufacturers Association General Secretary Dhammika Fernando told the Business Times that expatriate workers or owners of BOI firms have complained regarding the health clearance they are subject to upon arrival to obtain the residence visa. As a result a further payment of US$75 is being charged to carry out this health clearance check.

This has been made compulsory since June 2019 and this health clearance has to be carried out only at one location without which the Immigration and Emigration Department will not issue visas to these persons, he explained.

It is being carried out since authorities believe that a lot of workers carry diseases and are therefore being checked for HIV, malaria, and an eye test as well.

However, Mr. Fernando noted that there seems to be something wrong about the health clearance that they believe is not carried out fairly.

Owners, shareholders, Directors and CEOs of BOI companies return to Colombo from time to time and in addition to this health clearance are now subject to the mandatory quarantine as well but in this respect a limited time period of only 14 days at the hotel has been considered sufficient.

He also explained that they were to take up concerns regarding the prioritizing of vaccinations for employees at the factories in the BOI zones as well. While apparel firms and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce have agreed to fund the vaccination drive for their employees, most SMEs are said to be unable to do so.
Music fans from County Kildare feature in a new series on RTE One TV starting next month.

The second series of My Tribe  Mo Threibh charts the rise, fall and revival of music subcultures in Ireland from the break-dance loving hip hop scene to the indie kids and the much-maligned ravers to the long-haired metallers.

This bilingual series delves into the archives to reveal the origins of these subcultures while also meeting the modern-day members of these tribes.

Featuring will be mother-of-two Lorraine Ferguson from Newbridge who has been a super fan of heavy metal music since her teens.

Lorraine describes how she developed a love of hair rock in the 1980s, with bands like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Guns n Roses, which started her on a road to metal music.

Meditation

Meanwhile young drummer Claire Percival from Celbrige says that meditation to her is drumming with her metal band Dead Label, and that this scene has become like her family.

The innovative series is produced by Mind the Gap Films for RTE One with funding from the Broadcasting Authority.

A spokesperson for A Mind The Gap Films said: My Tribe  Mo Threibh, which is narrated by Peter Coonan, helps viewers to discover the real hip hop crews, indie kids, ravers and metallers and the passion, dedication and sense of belonging that their tribe gives them.

These are worlds that are rarely seen or experienced on Irish television, lifting the lid on the underground scenes of these fascinating subcultures.

Episode One at 7.30pm on March 8 focuses on the ever-evolving Irish hip hop scene.

In a country crippled by recession in the 1980s, hip hop, with its gritty urban rhetoric, spoke to Irelands youth.

DJ Eric Moore explains that seeing Malcolm McLarens ground-breaking Buffalo Gals music video was the start of his lifelong obsession with hip hop. We see Eric with his Clondalkin crew as they reminisce about breakdance battles.


Former Chiredzi General Hospital District Medical Officer (DMO), Doctor Tungamirai Rukatya has said there is no reason to take the Covid-19 vaccines as the benefits of taking them are outweighed by the attendant risks, TellZim News can report.

Zimbabwe received the first consignment of 200 000 SinoPharm Vaccine from the People's Republic of China on January 15, 2021.

The vaccine doses came as a donation and the country is also expecting another batch of the same type of vaccines which it has procured.

While making a review of the Zimbabwe National lockdown last Monday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said they expected more vaccines from Russia, India and the United Kingdom (AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines).

AstraZenecas vaccine was condemned by South African scientists after trials showed that it was not effective against a new Covid-19 variant which now accounts for over 90 percent of new infections in that country.

In an interview, Dr Rukatya said there was no ample time to scientifically prove the efficacy and side effects of all the Covid-19 vaccines available.

"It takes at least 5 to 10 years, scientifically, to conclusively say a vaccine works. In Zimbabwe, coronavirus has been there for some time and the mortality rate has largely been below 5 percent, meaning that there is no justified reason to risk taking the vaccine," said Doctor Rukatya.

Rukatya also said it was more prudent for Zimbabweans to fight other growing problems like malaria, poor governance and poverty and also use local remedies like zumbani in fighting against the virus.

"The benefit of taking the risk is outweighed by negative effects of the vaccine. This is not the case in Europe and America where the mortality rate was way above 15 percent which makes their case much different from ours.

We have climate on our side. Let's focus on our problems namely malaria, poor governance and poverty. So let's use zumbani for now and prevent being guinea pigs for no benefit," said Rukatya.

SinoPharm Covid-19 vaccine is a type of inactivated (verocell) vaccine to protect individuals against infection from SARS CoV 2 (the virus which causes Covid-19 Disease). It is given as a dose regimen, 2 to 4 weeks apart, through injections in a muscle (typically upper arm).

The jab is recommended for adults aged 18-60 years including those with chronic illnesses that are well controlled and is not recommended to those below 18 years of age.

The vaccine is not advisable to women who are presently pregnant or breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy within the next six weeks and to anyone with a history of serious allergy (anaphylaxis) requiring emergency care.

The jab is also said be not good for people with conditions that suppresses their immune systems for example those that are HIV positive, persons on steroid medications or receiving chemotherapy as well as people with uncontrolled epilepsy or other neurologic conditions.

It is also not recommended for people with uncontrolled chronic conditions for example uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, uncontrolled heart failure, late-stage kidney disease and uncontrolled asthma.

Government says the vaccine will be administered to those who want them and nobody will be forced to take it. TellZim News
Former President Donald Trump is getting back into it. Trump will make his first public appearance and lengthy address since leaving the White House on Feb. 28, when he will speak at next weeks Conservative Political Action Conference. Trump will address the future of the Republican Party and the conservative movement. Also look for the 45th President to take on President Bidens disastrous amnesty and border policies, a source told Politico.

CPAC, as the conference is commonly known, will take place Feb. 25-28 in Orlando, Fla. Trump has been a regular at the conservative conference since his first appearance in 2011. When Trump was president, the gathering, which is organized by longtime Republican strategist Matt Schlapp, was an unabashed celebration of his administration. In his appearance at the conference last year, Trump downplayed the threat from the coronavirus and insisted that his administration had everything under control (he also made out with an American flag). Two weeks later, the pandemic had turned into a huge crisis.

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Trumps former No. 2, Mike Pence, declined an invitation to speak at the conference. Although some organizers are apparently still hopeful theyll be able to convince the former vice president to make an appearance, others close to Pence say he plans to lay low for the next six months.

Although Trump has given a few interviews to friendly outlets and released statements since leaving the White House, this will mark the first time he will speak before an audience. Many will be eager to see how he follows up on his statement blasting Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who voted against convicting Trump in his Senate impeachment trial but still said the former president was to blame for the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Trump is apparently planning to play a role in next years midterms and has reportedly told advisers recently that he plans to run for president again in 2024 so the CPAC appearance makes sense considering the conference has served as a launch pad for candidates. Several potential presidential candidates are also going to be attending, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Sen. Tom Cotton from Arkansas, Sen. Ted Cruz from Texas, and Sen. Rick Scott from Florida, among others.
The Garda Ombudsman yesterday officially confirmed they have launched a probe following claims several gardai had been made aware of a threat to the life of Patrick 'Pappy' Lyons - more than 24 hours before he was shot dead.

It's understood the GSOC probe will also examine claims the three Ballymun-based-officers were initially involved in the murder investigation - but failed to disclose their knowledge of the threat to the investigation team until four days into the probe.

'Pappy' was shot once in the head and three times in the chest in an attack on February 11 that gardai described as 'baffling in its level of violence' as the deceased had no involvement in gangland crime.

The Sunday World understands it is claimed the team investigating Pappy's murder were not made aware of pre-existing knowledge relating to a threat to his life until Monday of this week - four days after his death.

Expand Close Flowers at the scene on Belclare Terrace where Paddy 'Pappy' Lyons was shot dead. Photograph by Gerry Mooney / Facebook

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Whatsapp Flowers at the scene on Belclare Terrace where Paddy 'Pappy' Lyons was shot dead. Photograph by Gerry Mooney

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In a statement yesterday, GSOC confirmed to this newspaper that the matter had been referred by An Garda Siochana to GSOC for investigation.

The Sunday World yesterday called to the family home of Mr. Lyons but the dead man's mother declined to comment.

"I won't be giving any statement to newspapers," she said.

Senior sources say gardai are now following a "definite line of inquiry" in relation to the murder.

It's understood the three gardai who allegedly knew of the threat to Pappy's life were key members of the murder investigation team and participated in murder case conferences throughout last weekend without disclosing the information until Monday.

Senior sources said that all three officers had now been taken off the case but have not been suspended from duty.

Gardai have refused to confirm reports that a Garda informer is at the centre of the 'murder tip-off' debacle and may have recorded his interactions with the officers in which the death threat information was given before Pappy was killed.

Gardai of the most senior level have been involved in the internal investigation which has led to the matter being referred to the GSOC, who confirmed yesterday they begun an investigation.

Sources said last night that senior gardai have been left "extremely concerned" about how information about a threat to his life was handled.

"In the first instance, it is perhaps understandable that the victim did not receive an official notification of a threat against his life because this information needs to be analysed and distilled before deemed to be credible," a senior source said.

"However, what is not acceptable and is completely wrong was that these officers sat there for days on end and did not disclose this information.

"Why did they not come forward with this information earlier? It beggars belief - it is shocking, it is wrong," the source said.
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Rush Limbaugh Impact: The American radio host and commentator Rush Limbaugh died this week at age 70 after a career that transformed American media and politics. Mike OSullivan looks back at the conservative icon.
In an interview on the day of Airbnbs initial public offering, Brian Chesky, the chief executive, acknowledged tensions with hosts but said the relationship had improved over the last year.

We have a lot of work to do, and frankly, theyre still hurting, he said.

Catherine Powell, Airbnbs head of hosting, said hosts views of their relationship with the company improved 17 percent between January 2020 and last month. Our relationship with hosts is incredibly important, she said. Our hosts are what powers Airbnb.

When $77,000 disappears

Airbnb hosts trace many of their issues with the company to March 14, three days after the World Health Organization declared the pandemic. That was when Airbnb enacted an extenuating circumstances policy.

The change angered many rental operators, who had previously chosen their own cancellation policies, including a nonrefundable option. The new policy allowed guests to cancel with a full refund, overriding some hosts preferences. Many saw their livelihoods disappear overnight.

Darik Eaton, who managed 50 properties in Seattle, laid off 10 employees after the change and has reconfigured his company to run leaner, including dropping some of the properties he managed, he said.

I watched $77,000 disappear from my bank account in one day, Mr. Eaton said.

In late March, Mr. Chesky apologized to hosts for how the decision had been communicated. We have heard from you, and we know we could have been better partners, he said in a video. The company set up a $250 million fund to cover some of the cancellation costs and a $10 million relief fund.
Adolfo Rivera, a retired Cuban mechanical engineer, ingeniously and austerely builds a wooden aeroplane in his building's small garage.

During the last eight years, screw by screw, using Cuban wood and with the contribution of his children who cooperate with glues and tools from abroad, Rivera, a 70-year-old mechanical engineer, manufactured his winged dream: a single-engine wooden two-seater aeroplane.

Neither the economic deficiencies of Cuba, where it is difficult to acquire steel cables, wheels or the waterproofing liquid for the wings or the bureaucratic procedures or prejudices from government offices, could stop his efforts.

"It is inexplicable, what you feel, the joy, the emotion, the love that you feel for these things", Rivera said as he proudly opened the metal gate in his apartment's basement and showed the plane with its propeller facing the sidewalk.

Rivera is a university professor who went to school in Hungary during the years of the alliance between the then-socialist country and the island.

This is his ninth attempt at building an aircraft, this project was preceded by several gliders, the first of which was built in the late 60s and which for lack of fabric for the wings, never flew and eventually deteriorated; now, only photos remain.

According to Rivera's estimates, his plane has cost him about 6,600 US dollars to date, a small fortune for a person on the island, where the average salary is about 100 US dollars a month, and there are no specialised stores.

On family trips abroad, instead of returning with suitcases full of clothes or shoes, he usually returned with manuals and parts.

The man received permission for the construction from the Civil Aeronautics of Cuba in February 2012, and for almost a year, he has had all the procedures in place to fly, although the COVID-19 pandemic delayed them in their plans.

"When this plane is assembled, I know that many more ideas will come out of this", said pilot Rene Gonzalez, president of Cuba's Aviation Club.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Bidens good start on China By Chris Patten, exclusively for the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka View(s): View(s):

LONDON  US President Joe Bidens new administration has begun to show its hand regarding its policy toward China. So far, three encouraging developments stand out, suggesting that the United States will regard the huge, Leninist surveillance state not just as a competitor, but as a determined threat to all free societies.

For starters, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the Chinese communist regime is committing genocide against Muslim Uighurs in the northwestern province of Xinjiang. Moreover, Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has highlighted Chinas failure to cooperate fully with the World Health Organisation mission investigating the origins of the coronavirus in Wuhan and perhaps elsewhere in the country. If the Communist Party of China (CPC) has nothing to hide, why has it once again refused to be open about the source of the pandemic?

Lastly, and most important, Biden himself has made clear his determination to work with partners to confront global problems. The CPC certainly falls into that category.

Despite former US President Donald Trumps chest-thumping mercantilism, Chinese President Xi Jinping would rather be facing a re-elected Trump than a Biden-led US. The reason is simple: the last thing China wants is for liberal democracies to come together to constrain its appalling behaviour.

Instead, China wants to pick off its critics one at a time. That is what it tried to do with Australia when Prime Minister Scott Morrisons government called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the pandemic. With Biden restoring American support for multilateralism and international partnerships, the worlds democracies should be better placed to halt the Chinese governments loutish bullying.

China will label any such coalition of liberal democracies an attempt to launch a new cold war. It is nothing of the sort. China has been the aggressor, and democracies should seek to restrict its damaging and dangerous behavior. We must underline the fact that the Chinese regime not only opposes the values that underpin free societies, but is also totally untrustworthy, breaking its word whenever doing so suits Xi.

Junes G7 summit would be a good forum to start building the partnership a better international order requires. The United Kingdom will chair the meeting, and should seek to show that it can still play a valuable international role even after its damaging decision to leave the European Union.

The G7 countries  the US, the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan  have invited India, Australia, and South Korea to join this meeting, and I hope they will attend subsequent meetings as well. After all, democracies share an interest in protecting themselves and other countries from the CPCs thuggish threats and breaches of international rules.

This new G10 partnership should discuss digital cooperation and collaboration in high-tech industries with a view to avoiding excessive dependence on Chinese exports. And governments could share information on how best to confront Chinese espionage, intellectual-property theft, and efforts to use research collaboration to steal knowledge useful to Chinas military and its surveillance state.

A new G10, with other countries as well, should work together more closely within United Nations agencies like the WHO, as well as in bodies dealing with human rights and development policy. We must point out collectively when China assaults freedom, as it has done so blatantly in Hong Kong, or human life itself, as in Xinjiang.

Likewise, we should quietly make it plain to Xi that we will not stand aside if China steps up its bullying of Taiwan. While challenging the one China policy today would not be wise, we should welcome more contacts with Taiwan and press to allow the island to take its place as an observer in the WHO assembly. Taiwan is a vibrant democracy with an excellent public-health record. Given the large financial contributions that democracies make to the WHO, and Taiwans successful early detection of the pandemic in China, it deserves to be treated decently by the organisation.

Those G10 countries that are members of NATO would also be wise to encourage the alliance, led by its secretary general, to develop policy responses to Chinas increasingly threatening behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.

Finally, although liberal democracies will not always have the same trade and investment priorities, they do have a joint interest in the World Trade Organisation working effectively to ensure adherence to its agreed and justiciable rules. The Biden administration could make a good start here by unblocking the appointment of new judges to the WTOs appellate body, which adjudicates trade disputes among member countries.

One hopes that EU member states will respond to proposals like these by showing some recognition of the threat that China poses to us all. The recently signed EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment will bring few benefits to European economies. Moreover, some EU members are deluded in thinking that the deal will improve labour standards in China and end forced labour there as well.

Unfortunately, European leaders in general, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in particular, are entrusting the development of a serious global role for Europe to the sales departments of Volkswagen and other large German carmakers. I fear that, as a result, the EU is making serious geostrategic blunders in relation to both China and Russia. Surely the Union retains some inkling of what its values are supposed to be.

Biden wants serious and committed partners not only to constrain the CPCs bad behaviour but also to cooperate with China when it is prepared to be constructive on issues like climate change and antimicrobial resistance. Working together on such matters is of course in everyones interest. For the worlds democracies, so is knowing where cooperation must end.

Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong and a former EU commissioner for external affairs, is Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2021.

www.project-syndicate.org
16:31 | Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios region), Feb. 21.





The official delegation also included Deputy Minister of Housing and Urban Planning Elizabeth Ananos and National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) Head Alfredo Murgueytio.





The activities scheduled for Sunday included a visit to three temporary shelters for families affected by the recent floods.





Humanitarian aid goods will be delivered in coordination with Indeci and the Regional Emergency Operations Center (COER).





The minister is slated to visit a provisional shelter in Huerto Infantil School, where 19 children from the National Family Welfare Program (Inabif) , as well as 11 young people and adults, are staying.





In addition, Quijandria is expected to visit a temporary shelter located at Faustino Maldonado School, which houses 248 victims; he will then visit a provisional shelter at Miguel Grau Seminario School, which holds 240 people who were affected by rains and floods.





Likewise, the government official will supervise the work carried out by the Ministry of Defense (Mindef) , which has recently transported mattresses, stoves, mosquito nets, and non-perishable food for victims in the Amarakaeri-Boca Inambari native community, whose members are housed in a temporary shelter at Javier Heraud School.





(END) NDP/TMC/RMB
After a winter storm forced widespread closures, COVID-19 vaccination sites in the Houston area are rescheduling appointments and resuming vaccinations.

Fort Bend County COVID-19 vaccine sites are open for scheduled second doses only, starting at noon. Appointments for this morning will be rescheduled.

If you have questions, email ahcovidvaccine@myaccesshealth.org.

Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health is resuming limited COVID-19 testing and vaccine operations today.

Second-dose vaccinations will take place from noon until 6 p.m.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Everything you need to know about getting your COVID vaccine in Houston

If you were scheduled for your second dose on Friday, please arrive at your scheduled time for vaccination, the department said in press release. All morning appointments were moved to a 12 p.m. start.

Harris County Public Health will resume its normal appointment schedule for both first and second doses on Saturday. All scheduled appointments will be honored.

The department is contacting people whose second dose appointments need to be rescheduled. It says that people who are due for second dose appointments will be contacted via email or text to schedule appointments next week.

To sign up for COVID-19 vaccinations through Harris County Public health, visit vacstrac.hctx.net or call 832-927- 8787.

Harris Health

Harris Health is currently contacting patients who had their first shots six weeks ago to reschedule, said spokesperson Bryan McLeod. After that, as supplies allow, other appointments will be rescheduled.

So far, he said, the system has had to limit appointments because vaccine supplies are limited. But a large shipment  20,000 doses  is expected next week.

Houston Health Dept.

The Houston Health Department announced that it will resume COVID-19 vaccinations this weekend, starting with second-dose appointments.

The health department said it will call today and Saturday to reschedule appointments with people who received their first dose from the department during the week of January 18-23. People who have not been rescheduled by Saturday afternoon should call (832)393-4220.

Next week the department will schedule new first- and second-dose appointments.

MORE FROM LISA GRAY: Vaccine supply chain expert reveals how Texas' winter storm could affect COVID vaccination efforts

The Houston Health Departments vaccine waitlist is open for people 65 and older; for people 60 and older who have chronic health conditions; and for people with disabilities. To register, leave a voicemail with your name and phone number at the Area Agency on Aging, (832)393-4301. As vaccine becomes available, calls will be returned for screening and scheduling.

People only need to leave one message, says a health-department statement.

Houston Methodist

The Houston Methodist system has resumed its normal vaccination schedule, said spokesperson Patti Muck.

Memorial Hermann

Memorial Hermann has resumed scheduled vaccinations, says system spokesperson George Kovacik. That includes todays drive-thru clinic at NRG Park for people who had to reschedule their second doses.

For more information, see Memorial Hermanns vaccine-info webpage.

St. Lukes Health

Vaccinations at St. Lukes Health are on pause for the rest of the week, according to spokesperson Vanessa Astros.

Scheduled appointments are expected to resume Monday at the clinics at Texas Southern University and on Baylor St. Lukes McNair Campus.

The drive-thru clinic at St. Lukes Health-The Woodlands will resume Tuesday.

The hospital system is contacting anyone whose vaccination has to be rescheduled.

UTHealth

All UT Physicians clinics at the UTHealth Vaccine Hub will return to normal business hours today, according to UTHealths Twitter account.

University of Texas-Medical Branch

The vaccination clinic at UTMBs Galveston campus is closed, says system spokesperson Chris Martinez.

But the vaccination clinic at UTMBs League City campus remains open, and is handling second doses originally scheduled for the Galveston hub.

Vaccination house calls continue as scheduled.

lisa.gray@chron.com
The coronavirus vaccine is so coveted that two women in Florida went to extremes Wednesday to get inoculated: They dressed as if they were elderly, health officials said.

The women, both younger than 45, wore bonnets, gloves and glasses to disguise themselves as older than 65, the age cut-off to be prioritised to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida, according to Raul Pino, the director of the health department in Orange County. He attributed the deception to growing interest in the vaccine.

This is the hottest commodity that is out there right now so we have to be very careful, Mr Pino said at a press briefing Thursday.

The geriatric guise is the latest instance of people trying to cut the line to get vaccinated from the deadly virus. Last month, authorities identified a wealthy Canadian couple who had posed as locals in a remote Indigenous community to take doses meant for elders.

Meanwhile, an Indiana health department issued a warning earlier this month against what they called a substantial lack of morality after people had lied to vaccination site workers about their addresses, jobs and ages.

The Florida womens costumes may have succeeded before  both had the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention card indicating they had received their first doses. Mr Pino said he did not know how they could have been previously vaccinated, but on Wednesday, workers at the site at the Orange County Convention Center caught on.

Once the staff at the site noticed the discrepancy with their birthdays listed on their drivers licenses, the women, 44 and 34, were referred to deputies, who issued trespass warnings against them, the Orange County Sheriffs Office said.

The women did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday evening.

They did not get their second shot, and security at the site was heightened in the wake of the incident, said Kent Donahue, a spokesman for the health department.

Mr Pino said there has been a few cases of people trying to trick health workers into getting vaccinated, including a man who had the same name as his elderly father.

As we are engaged in this process trying to move quickly, some people could squeeze in, so its probably higher than we suspect, he said of the number of people who might lie to get vaccinated.

Asked if it was frustrating to him that the two women skipped the queue, Mr Pino said it wasnt up to him to determine who should be next in line, referring to the priority scale set up by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican.

Our job as a health department is to vaccinate as many people as possible, he said.

Mr DeSantis was criticised this week after he unveiled a pop-up clinic offering vaccines in an affluent, mostly white neighbourhood of Manatee County.

The state has been allocated 3.4 million doses and administered more than 2.5 million first doses, according to data compiled by The Post.

Orange County has vaccinated more than 200,000 people, Mr Pino said, adding that the county is increasing its capacity to keep up with desire in the community.

Its great to see that demand, he said. We havent had any lack of willing arms to get vaccinated... we have people faking to be old to get vaccinated.
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Cairo's Talea (Avant-garde) theatre has reopened a comedy play dubbed 'Recycle' at the Salah Abdel-Sabour hall on Saturday.

This is the play's fourth season after it premiered last October.

Directed by Mohamed El-Sagheir, the play is a result of a four-month-long workshop held with amateur actors in 2020 who were trained by numerous artists known in the Egyptian theatrical scene.

Through the sketches, the show looks into a variety of social issues such as marriage, work, education, sexual harassment, etc., aiming to point at several fixed ideas that could be refreshed and 'recycled'.

The play's choreography was designed by Monadel Antar.

While the theatrical sketches have a fixed mise-en-scene, the play also incorporates improvisational elements with the professional stand-up comedian Salah El-Daly interacting with the audience.

The event, confirmed for Sunday and Monday at 7:30pm, will run while abiding by the countrys strict safety measures, including social distancing, obligatory facemasks, and sanitising, which have been imposed since the return of public cultural activities in July as part of the country's cautious reopening following the COVID-19 lockdown.

Programme:

Sunday 21 and Monday 22 February at 7:30 pm

Salah Abdel-Sabour Hall, Talea Theatre, El-Atabah

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

Short link:


TAMPA  Yankees manager Aaron Boone made it clear, once again.

Clint Frazier will be the teams starting left fielder.

But that doesnt mean the Yankees newest  or oldest, depending on how your look at it  acquisition wont get plenty of playing time.

Veteran Brett Gardner will still see plenty of action, even if Frazier now holds the job that Gardner manned in recent years, Boone said.

Obviously, a guy like Gardy is a guy that would play a lot, Boone said on a video press conference on Saturday, a third pitchers and catchers practice of spring training.

Late Friday, the Yankees and Gardner agreed to a one-year deal worth at least $4 million. It could balloon to $11 million if the Yankees pick up his team option for 2022.

Boone was asked what stands out when he thinks of Gardner, entering his 14th season with the Yankees, the lone holdover from their 2009 World Series winning club.

One of the things I look at is toughness, the ability to post, the ability to play through things, Boone said. The premium he puts on being ready to go each and every day. There is a blue-collar-ness to the way he goes about his business. I think that is infectious. Hes got a little bit of a chip on his shoulder that he plays with. I dont even know how old he is now, but hes got a young mans body; hes in great shape. He has aged very well. And I think youve seen him really adapt and apply information to continue to make himself in a lot of ways a better player, but certainly still a very relevant player.

Its likely the Gardner will still see time in left field but that hell also play some center field when Aaron Hicks needs time off. Also, Gardner could play left when Aaron Judge needs off and Frazier plays right field.

Plus, coming off a 60-game season and expanding back to 162 games, players are going to need more time off than usual.

Gardner had a rough July and August last year but ended on a high note. He hit .288 with a .874 OPS in 22 games in September. Then he hit .368 with a homer in 19 postseason at-bats.

First, were going to get elite defense, whether hes been in left field for us or in center field, Boone said. A guy that, even when you consider him with our lineup, hes been a guy thats hit for power. Hes been a guy that, as weve been a little bit more of a right handed dominant team, hes been a nice break in the lineup for us. Ive kind of hit him everywhere. Hes hit lead off, hes hit third. Hes hit sixth, hes hit ninth for us. And he really has thrived at different times in all of those roles and, again, with us being very right handed, hes been a guy that has given us a little bit of balance offensively on our lineup, which we like.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com.


Most public high school teachers in the United States never expected a school year like the current one. School buildings closed across the country in March of 2020. Education went online and distance learning has continued since.

Teachers around the country quickly found they would not be able to teach as much material as usual to their students. The educators had to make choices about what content to cover and what could be dropped.

So, over time, English teachers began cutting some books and writing projects from their teaching plans.

History teachers began to shrink their coverage of some periods.

Science teachers had to remove experiment-based work because school laboratories were no longer available.

While some students were able to keep up with their studies while working from home, many struggled without being at school. In the current school year, many teachers have not even met their students in person.

Alison Reeves is a Spanish teacher at a high school in Fairfax, Virginia, about 30 kilometers outside of Washington, D.C. She said by this time in a school year, she usually knows her students well. But this year is different.

I have gotten a good sense of who they are, but you learn different things virtually. I know their voices when they answer questions, but I dont know what their face looks like, per se.

She said distance learning is especially difficult for students in language classes.

At the start of a normal school year, she explained, some students can be shy about saying a word incorrectly in front of their friends. But after a while, they understand everyone in the class is learning a new language. At that point, they are not shy anymore.

But at home, Reeves said, the students are shyer. They worry about making mistakes in front of their parents.

Because of this, Reeves said, she has made speaking less of a priority this year than in past years. She is more centered on helping her students learn to write in Spanish. In addition, she usually has her students learning two different past tenses by now. This year she has centered more on the present tense.

Reeves is not the only teacher changing her teaching plan.

Tassie Zahner teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History at a high school in Silver Spring, Maryland, about 15 kilometers from Washington, D.C. She has been teaching for almost 10 years.

At the end of the school year, her students take a national history test. Colleges use the scores to help make admissions decisions.

Zahner cut how much time she spends on different parts of American history. For example, she usually spends 18 class periods teaching about the last part of the 19th century. That takes over three weeks. This year, she did it in four hours.

As a result, she thinks some of her students test scores will not show their true ability. Zahner said the leaders of her school are not that worried about the test scores this year. But her students are.

I have students who want that score on the exam. They do care very much. And not being able to give them the same kind of information and the same rigor that we do in the real classroom has been very difficult for me and for them.

Jake Stanford teaches English at Palm Springs High School in California. He has been teaching for 13 years. His school changed its schedule because of the pandemic.

That greatly affected writing projects he would normally give his students.

The writing projects require a lot of time. Students write and rewrite a paper several times before they are finished. Stanford said he normally asks students to write 24 papers over the year. But, not this year.

Its just not been realistic to try to expect that. And I have not been able to. And I think thats what Ive been hearing from colleagues as well.

Stanford said his students will do half the usual number of writing projects.

Cristin Espinoza teaches English in Denver, Colorado. She said she had to remove some of her favorite projects from her teaching plan this year. Class time used to be 90 minutes long, she said. Now she sees her students for about 20 minutes each class.

Some teachers, however, are also reporting educational successes within the new structure. Jake Stanford said some of his students are performing better than in the past. Due to the coronavirus health crisis, they dont have as many other things going on.

They are absorbing material and gaining a higher level of skill very, very quickly.

Alison Reeves said she hopes colleges will consider the pandemics effects on high school education when they make admissions decisions.

She is hopeful about the future for students, overall, even with less teaching time and subject coverage. They are learning how to deal with difficult educational conditions. That truly, she said, will take you much further than a lot of the content.

Tassie Zahner expressed similar thinking.

We have students at my school that are working and helping support their families and taking care of multi-generational households, and still showing up every day and going to class and doing their work. That's impressive.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. The Associated Presss Michael Melia contributed to this report. Caty Weaver was the editor.

What topic would you cut from your curriculum in a pandemic? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

What Lessons Will Students Learn From Reduced Class Time? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

virtual- adj. existing or occurring on computers or on the Internet

shy- adj. tending to avoid something because of nervousness, fear, dislike, etc.

per se- adv. by, of, or in itself  used to indicate that something is being considered by itself and not along with other things

rigor- n. the quality or state of being very exact, careful, or strict

schedule- n. a plan of things that will be done and the times when they will be done

colleague- n. a person who works with you : a fellow worker

absorb- v. to learn (something)

impressive- adj. deserving attention, admiration, or respect : making a good impression
Hicks: How did the Dawson deal go down? Quickly, quietly and without dissent.
A plane lost parts immediately after take off, injuring two bystanders and causing damage to cars and homes.

It happened yesterday afternoon in the Netherlands, in Maastricht.

The Boeing 747 of Longtail Aviation, a company based in Bermuda, took off yesterday afternoon towards Liege, but immediately after take-off suffered serious damage to an engine.

The turbine blades fell in the nearby village of Meerssen, slightly injuring two people and damaging several cars and houses. An elderly woman was shot, while a child burned his fingers trying to handle a piece of metal.

Aviation expert Joris Melkert says he "doesn't remember" such an incident in the Netherlands.

"The cause of the accident - he explains - is unknown. The engine may have aspirated something causing the turbine blades to break".

Authorities told citizens not to touch or move the debris. The Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid (Dutch Safety Board) has launched an exploratory investigation. The same vehicle also makes connections from the Netherlands to New York.

(Unioneonline / L)
New Zealand will use its platform as host of an Asia-Pacific trade group in coming months to seek a global approach to coronavirus vaccinations that would eliminate tariffs on goods needed to fight COVID-19.

Amid concerns that smaller nations may be left behind in vaccinating their populations, New Zealand - one of the most successful countries in curbing the pandemic - will make the proposals at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which it will host virtually this year.

"Our message is that to deal with a global pandemic like this we need more global participation," said Vangelis Vitalis, New Zealand's deputy secretary for trade and economy, who chairs the APEC2021 Senior Officials Meeting.

"Trade is not going to solve the crisis but trade can help," he told Reuters in an interview.

New Zealand proposes making shipments between the 21 APEC members of medicines, medical and surgical equipment, hygiene products an other goods tariff-free and easing other restrictions on their movement across borders.

The proposal would have to agreed on in the next couple of weeks to get approved at the APEC trade ministers' meeting in May, Vitalis said.

Some APEC nations committed last year to keeping COVID-19 supply chains open and removing trade restrictions on essential goods, especially medical supplies. But there has been no firm action since.

Only New Zealand and Singapore took this further, eliminating tariffs on more than 120 products they deemed essential.

"It's worrying that only two small countries have done that," Vitalis said. New Zealand wants a ministerial statement listing pandemic-essential products and services, he said.

It would also ease the movement of coronavirus vaccines through air and sea ports, which has been a growing concern amid smaller nations like New Zealand who fear larger economies will buy up and control medical supplies.

Despite efforts by the World Health Organization to ensure smaller nations get their share of vaccines, experts say richer nations have been hoarding vaccines and essential goods, leaving poorer and smaller nations at their mercy for these products.

New Zealand began vaccinating border workers on Saturday, but most of the country's 5 million people are not expected to get inoculated until the second half of the year.

Vitalis said "vaccine nationalism," which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern warned against last month, is in no one's interest.

Mutation risks mean a need to avoid "parts of the global population not vaccinated," he said.

Although vaccine tariffs are low, there are significant charges on equipment like syringes, needles and gloves, which may impede the inoculation process.

The consensus-based APEC has struggled to reach agreements in recent years amid then-President Donald Trump's trade war with China. Joe Biden, who succeeded Trump last month, has promised a more multilateral approach but is not expected to rush into trade deals with Beijing.

The trade-dependent host nation "would like to see APEC go broader on trade liberalisation, but we have to be realistic on what is achievable this year," said Alan Bollard, the New Zealand-based former executive director of the APEC Secretariat in Singapore.

"COVID-19 is an immediate concern - addressing it is also a chance to ride over ongoing trade barriers," said Bollard, a former head of New Zealand's central bank. (Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by William Mallard)

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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State police have called off the search for an alleged marijuana smuggler who tried to swim into Mexico following a vehicle pursuit in El Cenizo, authorities said.

A Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson confirmed that the search for the man was called off last week.
Chattanooga Police have charged Eric Lebron Woods in connection with a Wednesday afternoon shooting in East Brainerd that left two men with bullet wounds.

Woods, 23, was charged with two counts of attempted criminal homicide, reckless endangerment and aggravated assault.

Police said several customers were at the Storm Car Wash on Mackey Avenue cleaning their vehicles when shots rang out. The customers began diving for cover and hid behind their vehicles.

At least two windows of the business and several customer cars were struck by bullets.

Lawarren Smith Jr. was shot in the chest and was taken into surgery. Ira Thomas was shot in the leg in the incident just before 5 p.m.

Police found numerous spent shell casings from four different type ammunition in groupings on the ground. Those included 9 mm, 5.728,, .300 Blackout and .40 caliber.

Witnesses said there were two SUVs and a Ford Explorer with the occupants firing from inside the vehicles.

Surveillance video showed a silver GMC Terrain with a Florida tag and a white GMC Terrain. A black male wearing a blue shirt is seen driving into the car wash and backing into a spot. He then rolled down the window and began firing a handgun into a black Mercedes Benz occupied by the two victims. The silver Terrain then flees the scene.

Police were advised that Eric Woods is known to drive one of the vehicles at the scene.

Woods was interviewed and acknowledged being at the car wash. He said gunshots began coming from several vehicles and he said he began firing his 8mm Glock toward the black Mercedes Benz.

Police said a gun in possession of Woods was matched to shell casings from the scene.
Several University of Illinois Chicago faculty members have addressed the issue of how to ethically conduct research with Black populations.

In their paper "Ethics of Research at the Intersection of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter: A Call to Action," authors Natasha Crooks, an assistant professor, Phoenix Matthews, a professor, both of the UIC College of Nursing, and Geri Donenberg, director of the Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science at the UIC College of Medicine, highlight the historical issues that impact research involving Black populations. They also provide recommendations for researchers to ethically engage Black populations in research. The article is published online in the Journal of Medical Ethics.

"Our recommendations include understanding the impact of ongoing trauma, acknowledging historical context, ensuring diverse research teams and engaging in open and honest conversations with Black populations to better address their needs," they said.

The authors call for new standards to engage continued research with Black communities, fully understanding the need for strategies that avoid "re-traumatizing or perpetuating violence of Black lives as disposable at every point of the research process."

"It will also require research institutions to change how we engage Black populations, commit resources to diversify our workforce and enact antiracist programs and policies to foster greater sensitivity to these issues," the paper states.

The paper includes three areas targeting change: ensuring research settings are emotionally and physically safe; sharing research findings with communities to facilitate trust and encourage feedback into interpreting results; and having honest conversations with Black participants about how they feel about participating in research, including the risks, strengths and barriers.

Each recommendation includes examples to help implement changes including asking research participants pointed questions regarding safety, concentrating on the participants' experience, using mixed method approaches like open-ended questions and interviews, and sharing research findings transparently.

"Researchers must engage in open and honest conversations with Black participants about how they feel participating in research during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the risks, strengths and barriers," the paper states. "Then, researchers must listen, adjust timelines, protocols and objectives based on the information provided."

Crooks, who conducts research in Black communities frequently, said she has found ways to engage with potential research subjects by adding a personal perspective.

The most useful thing for me has been going to Black organizations and introducing myself, putting a face to the research. I spend time telling them my story about becoming a Black doctor and how I became interested in this area of research. I give them the space to ask me any questions to help build trust. It's critical to get groups exposed to participating in research and making them feel comfortable with the research process." Natasha Crooks, Assistant Professor, UIC College of Nursing
In a 2015 report, the Family Defense Center highlighted the case of a woman with three young children who once left her 8-year-old child home to watch her 16-month-old for 20 minutes while she drove her middle child to school. Though she had no prior history of leaving her kids unattended, she was indicted for inadequate supervision, according to the report. Illinois Appellate Court judges later ruled that child welfare workers misapplied its policies when labeling her neglectful, according to the report.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made it absolutely clear that the U.S. militarys top priority is not facing external threats, such as the Chinese or Irans aggressive strategy in the Middle East or foreign terrorist groups. Instead, Austin sees the main threat as coming from within the U.S. military. In his confirmation hearings, Austin said that he would make it his priority to combat racism and extremism in the United States military. Once confirmed as defense secretary, he ordered a two-month stand-down of the American military in order to examine the problems of extremism among military personnel.

National defense is supposed to be a bipartisan endeavor, yet never before has a defense secretary made such overt moves to politicize the military. Austins order to remove all Trump appointees to the 42 Defense Department advisory boards is unprecedented and downright stupid. I have some experience with advisory boards in a military organization and find them very useful. Advisory boards are a second set of eyes from outside the organization to review policies, planning or course curricula and offer suggestions. Often outside advisors spot a problem your organization overlooked or offer good ideas for better policy implementation. And its useful to have a diversity of ideas for policy review. But cutting off all input from anyone connected to Trump (representing 74 million voters) and accepting advice only from Biden loyalists will ensure only party line thinking will be allowed in the military. Two notable defense secretaries were famous for not listening to advice or tolerating debate on policy as they insisted it was their way or the highway in defense decisions. Those secretaries were Robert McNamara and Donald Rumsfeld, and both led our armed forces into military disaster. Lloyd Austin seems bent on choosing the worst defense secretaries in our history as his leadership models.

Defense readiness is clearly not a priority for Austin. The deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to Washington, which will last until March, will cost the Defense Budget $483 million. This is an awful lot of money to spend on pure political theater against a nonexistent threat. Yet withdrawing $483 million from the militarys operations and training budget means that in this next year many National Guard unit exercises will be either cut or cancelled completely. Note that higher unit training is a requirement for maintaining unit efficiency and readiness. So, we can expect a major downturn in our military capabilities.

An especially troublesome feature of Austins focus on extremism is the preference of the military and the FBI to employ the ultra-left Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as their authority on extremism. According to the SPLC, numerous groups that hold traditional views on Christian faith, or which lobby on political issues, are classified as extremist. For example, the SPLC describes the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), which has a large membership and lobbies for more restrictive immigration policies, as extremist. Yet, according to the latest Rasmussen polls, a strong majority of Americans favors more restrictions on immigration.

Conservative Christian groups such as the Family Research Council, the Ruth Institute, and the Alliance Defending Freedom are listed as extremists. Yet such groups simply adhere to mainstream, 2,000-year-old Christian doctrines concerning human sexuality. Consequently, they oppose gay marriage, argue there are two, not 52, sexes, and oppose homosexual ideology from within the Christian tradition. All the aforementioned groups are completely peaceful, do not advocate violence, and operate within the American democratic system. The positions they hold may be unpopular with the Biden administration, but they represent the core beliefs of tens of millions of Americans including all social classes and millions of minority voters as well.

A very disturbing new tendency is the call by some Democrat leaders to investigate the personal civilian lives of members of the Reserve Forces and National Guard. Ever since the founding of the modern Reserve/National Guard system at the turn of the twentieth century, the relationship between the part-time citizen-soldier and the military has been carefully regulated by the Constitution, by law, and by tradition. It allows for a part-time citizen-soldier to maintain a civilian life separate from life in uniform -- including civilian involvement in politics. National Guard and Reserve members of all services have full freedom to run for political office, to make statements, and propose policies in their civilian political lives without either sanction or punishment from the military. It is when they put on the uniform and serve on active duty that they are no longer politicians and must conform to the military regulations and act in a fully apolitical manner. In fact, this system has worked very effectively for over a century.

Take the example of Senator Barry Goldwater in his election campaign against Lyndon Johnson in 1964. Senator Goldwater, in his campaign literature and speeches, made an issue of President Johnsons business relationship with Texas con man and big-time crook Billie Sol Estes, and his very close relationship with the incredibly sleazy Robert Gene Bobby Baker, who served under Johnson as Secretary of the U.S. Senate. Goldwaters charges of Johnsons corruption (and Johnson was a very corrupt politician) were fair and fully within the tradition of United States politics. However, Barry Goldwater was, at the time he ran for president, also a major general in the Air Force Reserve. Goldwater, who had the very tough and dangerous duty of serving as an Army Air Forces transport pilot over the Himalayas to China during World War II, had moved up through the Air Force ranks by merit. He had thousands of flight hours and was by all accounts an exceptionally capable pilot and a competent unit commander. Yet, in the American tradition of the citizen-soldier, when he put on his uniform and carried out his military duties, he left politics behind, as was right and proper. In 1964, despite the heated nature of the election, it would have been unthinkable for the military to have punished or sanctioned Senator Goldwater in his military status for making strong statements against the president as a politician.

But will that tradition of the citizen-soldier, currently allowed under law and the Constitution, be allowed to continue under Secretary Austin? The current use of the FBI to examine the civilian lives and social media of 25,000 mobilized National Guardsmen, and the call by Democrats to likewise investigate the social media and civilian life of prospective military recruits, sends the dangerous signal that ones political life as a citizen is likely to be cancelled in Lloyd Austins Defense Department.

Austins steps to politicize the military to a degree never seen before means a culture war on the conservative half of America. That might make Austin extremely popular with Biden, but it will make recruitment and retention for the armed forces pretty difficult. The U.S. military comes disproportionately from the politically/socially conservative states (especially the South) where the military is respected. If Austin bans conservatives from the military under the SPLC definition of extremism and takes away the constitutional rights of citizen soldiers in the Reserve and Guard, hell never get enough recruits from the liberal states.

James S. Corum PhD is a military historian, author and co-author of 14 books, and is a retired lieutenant colonel in the US Army Reserve.

Image: NY National Guard
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Several New Mexico businesses will be breathing new life into Old Town come late spring.

Noisy Water Winery out of Ruidoso, and Sheehan Winery in Albuquerque, will each open tasting rooms in Plaza Don Luis.

The wineries will be joined by Outpost Brewing and Taproom, recreation retailer Happy Hiker, Texas-style barbecue joint Fat Ts BBQ, Lapis Room art gallery, pH Bar spa and salon, Flying Roadrunner Bakery and others.

An Airbnb operator will be part of the development and provide lodging.

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A space is also being reserved for the New Mexico Wine & Grape Growers Association, now known as New Mexico Wine. Its presence would allow smaller New Mexico wineries to be represented, as well as bring awareness to the New Mexico wine industry as a whole, according to Noisy Water owner and winemaker Jasper Riddle.

The projects concept is the brainchild of Riddle and a few of his friends and family that purchased Plaza Don Luis, and the Old Town Basket And Rug Shop.

I think what was really for me is that I have a good group of like-minded people that are small business owners that see Old Town as a real opportunity, Riddle said.

And weve been looking (to come to Albuquerque) and when I came to this project I realized I was no longer looking for myself. Im looking at a huge space thats gonna take a lot of unique people, and a lot of love, and a lot of money. So that was something where I started reaching out just to the small network of people I had and it was crazy how quickly people started jumping on board.

Riddle hopes to have a soft opening by Memorial Day and a grand opening in conjunction with the annual Christmas tree lighting in the plaza. For the time being, he plans to spruce up Plaza Don Luis.

Were going to do some really big improvements to it, Riddle said. You know obviously keeping what is the beautiful backbone of it and the property in its entirety itself. Its not like anything would be torn down or changed, but painting improvements and really giving it some love and just kind of putting new legs on it.

And then the hope is that well be able to have events and different things, reasons for people to come.

It is important to Riddle to maintain the plazas historic aesthetic

Were wanting to keep the historical integrity of the place because its such a culturally significant plaza and (its) buildings and it tells a story about Albuquerque, he said. What we want to do is be able to better it to where people can eat, drink, and shop locally, truly local with New Mexico-based businesses and New Mexico-based products.

Riddle has met with current tenants in Plaza Don Luis who are excited about the wineries and other businesses moving in.

They just give you goosebumps and it makes you happy to hear it, Riddle said of the existing tenants enthusiasm. And then youre talking to people in their 70s saying like, We needed this. We needed young energy. Old Town was old. We needed something young to come in. And thats what we want to hear.

Riddles 92-year-old grandfather has invested in the project.

Hes like, I used to love coming into that plaza and I want to see this happen for Albuquerque. I want to be involved,  Riddle said of his grandfather. And you know, it melts your heart a little bit. But you know, its kind of cool to see how many people were excited about this.

Riddle is ecstatic to be part of such a historic part of New Mexico.

You cant duplicate Old Town, he said. It is something that is truly remarkable and its such a piece of New Mexico history. I think that personally, you know, no bias, but I think (Plaza Don Luis) is the best plaza in New Mexico.

I guess that all being said, not that its lost its luster, but I think its time for Old Town to have new hope.  I think its pretty cool that youre talking all New Mexico-based businesses coming in and making this happen together.
The United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres has thanked the Indian External Affairs Ministry for offering a Covid-19 vaccine to all UN peacekeepers - nearly 95,000 troops in 12 missions around the world.

"UN secretary-general thanks EAM for offering 2,00,000 Covid vaccine doses for UN Peacekeepers," TS Tirumurti, India's permanent representative to UN, was quoted as saying by ANI.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had made the announcement regarding the gift earlier last week at the United Nations Security Council open debate on Implementation of Resolution 2532.

"Keeping in mind the UN peacekeepers who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 2,00,000 doses for them. Our contribution has also supported SAARC Covid-19 Emergency Fund," he said.

Jaishankar had also called for cooperation within the framework of COVAX, which is trying to secure adequate vaccine doses for the poorest nations.

Stop 'Vaccine nationalism'; indeed, actively encourage internationalism, he stressed. "Hoarding superfluous doses will defeat our efforts towards attaining collective health security," the minister said.

Pointing this out, the UN secretary-general has said: "India has been a global leader in pandemic response efforts. Appreciate efforts to strengthen COVAX facility ensuring equitable access to vaccines."

India's gift of vaccine

Twenty-five nations across the world have already received Made in India vaccines and Forty-nine more countries will be supplied in the coming days, ranging from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands, Jaishankar said at the UNSC debate.

"The Bhagavad Gita states 'do your work with the welfare of others always in mind'. That is the spirit in which India approaches the Covid challenge and urges this Council to work collectively to address its different dimensions," he said.

In its most recent effort, India on Saturday handed over 1,00,000 additional doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the Maldives.

Maldives was the first country to receive Covid-19 vaccines from India when India gifted 1,00,000 doses in January.

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Amara Raja Batteries, the country's second-largest automotive battery maker, has opened the country's maiden technology hub to develop lithium-ion cells, at its Tirupati facility in Andhra Pradesh.

The advanced lithium-ion technology research hub, the pilot project located at its headquarters in Tirupati, will become the country's first lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility in the private sector over the next few years, CEO S Vijayanand told PTI.

The company has a technology transfer agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) since early 2019.

Vijayanand said Amara Raj has already invested Rs 20 crore into the hub, excluding technology transfer and bidding fees paid to the ISRO in January 2019 when the company along with nine others won competitive bids from the national space agency.

The agreement with ISRO for the lithium-ion cell technology transfer is without any royalty payment, he said. Ten that got the technology licence have to pay only the bidding fees and technology transfer fees that have already been paid by Amara Raja, he said.

Despite pushing lithium-ion cell development, Vijayanand feels lead-acid batteries will continue to grow at least for a few more decades and that lithium cells used in electric vehicles will take time to get commercial traction. Currently, the electric vehicle (EV) makers import the cells mostly from China.

Electric mobility will be led by three-wheelers and two-wheelers here to begin with, primarily because of the higher cost of ownership for an EV four-wheelers, he said.

Vijayanand expects that by 2025, two-and three-wheelers penetration will touch 20-25 per cent in the country. The numbers are skewed towards more three-wheelers as they are commercially more viable and such level of penetration can give the critical mass for EV adoption.

The second phase will see the EV industry and the attendant ecosystem maturing with passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles going electric, and this should happen during 2025-30. "As I see it, private four-wheeler adoption should begin by 2025-27," he said.

In January 2019, ISRO named 10 from a list of 141, to which it proposed to transfer the technology to manufacture lithium-ion cells developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thumba, as part of the government's effort to push electric mobility. The VSSC originally developed it for using in launch vehicles and satellites.

The 10 that got the tech licence are Amara Raja, Bharat Electronics Pune, Carborundum Universal Kochi, Exicom Tele-Systems Gurgaon, GOCL Corporation Hyderabad, Jyoti CNC Automation Rajkot, Nalcom Bhubaneswar, Sukhbir Agro Energy Delhi, Tata Chemicals, and Thermax.

However, none of them have started manufacturing, and Amara Raja is the first to set up the development hub towards the same.

Under the tech transfer, ISRO will help these companies set up lithium-ion cell manufacturing units and train their staff.

Vijayanand also said EV development in general and lithium-ion batteries in particular should get a boost with Rs 18,000 crore of government subsidies under the Rs 1.6-lakh crore local production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme announced last November.

The PLI scheme has earmarked Rs 18,000 crore towards the advance cell chemistry, which aims at bringing on line at least 50 gigawatt (GW) of lithium-ion batteries to the market.

"We will see the success of the scheme over the next two-three years," he added.

On the raw material availability to push local manufacturing of lithium cells, he said more than two-thirds of them are domestically available and only critical minerals have to be imported. For this, the government is already in talks with a few Latin American countries along with Australia which have these minerals aplenty.

Meanwhile, according to reports, Tata Chemicals, which also has a licence form ISRO, is likely to soon start work on its proposed lithium-ion cells manufacturing facility at Dholera in Gujarat.

Exide Industries, which is the market leader in lead-acid storage batteries and has not won the licence from ISRO, has also entered the space with a tie-up with Leclanche, a global energy storage solutions provider, to build a lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Gujarat.

(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.)
India and China are likely to issued a joint statement on outcome of the meeting.  PTI file photo

NEW DELHI: India and China Corps Commanders on Saturday held their 10th round of talks to discuss disengagement from Depsang plains, Gogra-Hot Springs and Demchok friction points in Ladakh, following the disengagement of the two sides on the north and south banks of Pangong Tso lake.

The meeting was held in Moldo on Chinese side and started at around 10 am and was going on till reports last came in at 9.30 pm.

The Indian delegation was led by 14 Corps commander Lt Gen. P.G.K. Menon. Naveen Srivastava, joint secretary (East Asia) from the ministry of external affairs was part of Indian delegation.

India and China are likely to issued a joint statement on outcome of the meeting.

It is expected that India and China will first be able to reach an agreement on Gogra-Hot Springs.

In the Depsang plains, Chinese troops are blocking Indian patrols from going to Patrolling Points 10 to 13. A Major General level meeting was also held on August 8 last year at Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) to discuss disengagement at the Depsang plains.
Irena Srbinovska has paid tribute to boyfriend Locky Gilbert while admitting there have been 'obstacles' in their relationship.

In a post shared to Instagram on Sunday, The Bachelor star, 31, thanked Locky, 31, for their 'extraordinary' time together.

Alongside a photo of the pair atop a mountain in Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania, she wrote: 'Someone took my toast last year on the show, literally.

Reality: On Sunday, alongside a photo in Cradle Mountain National Park shared to Instagram, Irena Srbinovska paid tribute to boyfriend Locky Gilbert while admitting there have been 'obstacles' in their relationship. Both pictured

'I did say "here is to climbing many mountains together" but it was meant metaphorically...

'We have overcome many obstacles and hurdles so far in our relationship. You have continued to be there for me, support me and lift me up when I need it.

'Life isn't easy but together I know we make an extraordinary team and life is just better with you by my side.

She wrote: 'We have overcome many obstacles and hurdles so far in our relationship. You have continued to be there for me, support me and lift me up when I need it. Life isn't easy but together I know we make an extraordinary team and life is just better with you by my side'

'Also thank you for pushing me up this actual mountain, wasn't an easy climb up the rock face but we did it!!'

It comes after Locky set the record straight on the persistent rumours the couple are secretly engaged.

He brushed off the speculation last week, telling Now To Love: 'Going off all the tabloids, I've proposed to her every single day.'

Oh well: It comes after Locky set the record straight on the persistent rumours the couple are secretly engaged. He brushed off the speculation last week, telling Now To Love, 'Going off all the tabloids, I've proposed to her every single day'

Locky clarified that a viral photo of Irena seemingly with a ring on her wedding finger wasn't anything to write home about.

The ring, featuring a large purple gem flanked on each side by marquise-shaped jewels, was in fact the same commitment ring he gave her in the Bachelor finale.

He explained the ring is often confused with an engagement ring because images are reversed when taking selfies on an iPhone.

Not quite! Locky told Now To Love this viral photo of Irena seemingly with a ring on her wedding finger wasn't anything to write home about. The ring, he said, was in fact the same commitment ring he gave her in the Bachelor finale

The former Australian Survivor star, who is travelling around Australia with Irena, went on to say his girlfriend was definitely marriage material.

He said: 'We're just travelling at the moment, we're still getting to know each other.

'I definitely want to marry Irena but when the proposal comes everyone will have to wait for that one.'

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in December, Locky referred to Irena as his 'soulmate' and said they 'will get married' in the future.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 16:27:54|Editor: huaxia

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NIAMEY, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Voting for the second round of Niger's presidential election began at around 8:00 a.m. local time (7:00 a.m. GMT) on Sunday.

More than 7.4 million Nigeriens are called to the polls on Sunday, to choose the successor of outgoing President Mahamadou Issoufou, between Mohamed Bazoum, candidate of the ruling Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, and Mahamane Ousmane of the Democratic and Republican Renewal, an opposition party.

Voters will cast their ballots in 26,000 planned polling stations in 16 electoral constituencies across the country. The polling stations will be closed at 7:00 p.m., according to the Independent National Electoral Commission. Enditem
The United Nations-Secretary General Antonio Guterres has condemned the use of 'deadly violence' by the forces in Myanmar that left two dead and over 140 critically injured. The Myanmar police on Saturday allegedly opened fire on atleast 1,000 shipyard workers in Mandalay who were part of a demonstration against the house arrest of Myanmar President Win Myint and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, as per global media.

The demonstration was against the military in Myanmar as it overthrew the government on February 1. The police have also arrested a Myanmar actor Lu Min who was part of the demonstration. The police have allegedly accused Min of provoking civil servants to join the protests. He is set to face a trial where if convicted, he will be imprisoned for two years.

READ | Woman Shot During Protest Against Myanmar Coup Dies

Guterres has criticised the dastardly violence on the workers and has called for a collective action via diplomacy from international communities, that can be initiated against those responsible for this violence. Taking to Twitter, the UN Secretary-General wrote, "The use of lethal force, intimidation and harassment against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable." Here's the tweet:

I condemn the use of deadly violence in Myanmar.



The use of lethal force, intimidation & harassment against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable.



Everyone has a right to peaceful assembly. I call on all parties to respect election results and return to civilian rule.  Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 21, 2021

The shipyard workers marched out on the streets halting work and the Myanmar police allegedly used live ammunition to force them back to their jobs. While the police also used rubber bullets to push back the agitators, live rounds fired injured many who are now being treated in various hospitals, said The Bangkok Post.

READ | Myanmar Coup: Internet Blackout For Second Consecutive Day; Services Now Restored

Ko Kyaw Lin who is a volunteer with a charitable organisation said that he attempted to rescue a few protestors, but he couldn't get close enough as the police were firing live rounds at the crowd, regardless of who it was. "They shot everyone no matter who they were." Lin was quoted as saying by New York Times.

US State Department's Spokesperson, Ned Price said that "The US will continue to make efforts to galvanise the international community into collective action against those responsible for the coup." Here's the tweet

We are deeply concerned by reports that Burmese security forces have fired on protestors and continue to detain and harass demonstrators and others in Burma. We stand with the people of Burma.  Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) February 20, 2021

In the meantime, an activist group in Myanmar  Assistance Association for Political Prisoners on Saturday confirmed that 569 people have been arrested or sentenced on charges of being part of the protests.

READ | Myanmar Coup: Internet Partially Restored Amid Ongoing Demonstrations

READ | Myanmar Coup: Viral Video Shows Woman Doing Aerobics As Military Lays Siege At Parliament
Dr Rosler said she was relieved to have received the vaccine. I think in a couple of weeks, its really going to kick in, she said. I think Im a little bit more emotional than I thought that I would be. Professor Ben Cowie, senior medical adviser for the COVID-19 vaccination program, said Victorians could have confidence in the Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs, which were safe, effective and free. He pointed to the success of Israel, which has the highest vaccination rate in the world, where more than 49 per cent of people have received at least one dose of Pfizer. Israels health ministry at the weekend said studies revealed the risk of illness from the virus had dropped 95.8 per cent among people who have had both doses of the the Pfizer vaccine. So the early evidence [from Israel ... is firstly that the actual rates of infection in those vaccinated are going down, Professor Cowie said.

It protects against infection, it certainly protects against serious infection, and furthermore were seeing the first evidence that even amongst those infected, it reduces its ability to spread to others. There are now 25 active cases of COVID-19 in Victoria, a number that is unchanged from Sundays total. More than 8000 tests were processed on Sunday. The states Health Department also confirmed that there had been no new cases in hotel quarantine over the past 24 hours. Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said two indeterminate test results were received on Sunday for hotel quarantine workers at the Novotel and Pullman hotels, but in follow-up tests the pair tested negative.

This just goes to show the risk-averse nature in which those daily test results are dealt with, he said. Dr Chris Quinn, who has been working in hotel quarantine, receives one of the first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines at Austin Health, administered by nurse Jessica Amalfi. Credit:Mark Stewart Dr Janine Trevillyan, from Austin Health, said about 30 staff would be inoculated on Monday, with plans to scale up to 350 vaccinations per day. Our vaccine arrived yesterday and I have never seen a box be greeted with such joy and reverence at a hospital before, Dr Trevillyan said. In the next couple of weeks, well be opening a much larger clinic at our repatriation hospital, and it will be able to do 10,000 doses a week.

Victorias deputy chief health officer Allen Cheng said on Monday morning he hoped the vaccine rollout would be the beginning of the end of Australias long battle with the coronavirus pandemic. Theres still a lot of work to do and it feels like its taken a long time to get to this starting line but I think it really gives us hope that you know this is starting to not be so much of an issue that it has been last year, Professor Cheng told ABCs Radio National. Loading Professor Cheng said health authorities were hoping to deploy around 50,000 doses of the vaccine in the first month of the rollout in Victoria.

That will cover the vast majority of phase 1A and that includes some paramedics and hospital staff as well as some of the vaccination clinic staff. Professor Cheng said that new variants of COVID-19, such as the South African and Brazilian variants, appear to be more resistant to the AstraZeneca vaccine, which most Australians will receive, and that represented some concern for authorities. It looks like there may be some protection but it may not be quite to the same degree [as the other strains], Professor Cheng said. The Victorian government on Sunday announced a $143 million recovery package aimed at helping businesses affected by last weeks circuit-breaker lockdown.
Debris from a United Airlines plane fell onto Denver suburbs during an emergency landing Saturday after one of its engines suffered a catastrophic failure and rained pieces of the engine casing on a neighborhood where it narrowly missed a home.

The plane landed safely, and nobody aboard or on the ground was reported hurt, authorities said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that the Boeing 777-200 returned to the Denver International Airport after experiencing a right-engine failure shortly after takeoff. Flight 328 was flying from Denver to Honolulu when the incident occurred, the agency said.

United said in a separate statement that there were 231 passengers and 10 crew on board. All passengers were to be rebooked on a new flight to Hawaii, the airline said.

The Broomfield Police Department posted photos on Twitter showing large, circular pieces of debris leaning against a house in the suburb about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Denver. Police are asking that anyone injured come forward.

Passengers recounted a terrifying ordeal that began to unfold shortly after the plane full of vacationers took off.

The aircraft was almost at cruising altitude and the captain was giving an announcement over the intercom when a large explosion rocked the cabin, accompanied by a bright flash.

The plane started shaking violently, and we lost altitude and we started going down, said David Delucia, who was sitting directly across the aisle from the side with the failed engine. When it initially happened, I thought we were done. I thought we were going down."

A piece of commercial airplane debris is surrounded by police tape where it landed along Midway Boulevard in Broomfield, Colo., as the plane shed parts while making an emergency landing at nearby Denver International Airport Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Delucia and his wife took their wallets containing their driver's licenses and put them in their pockets so that in case we did go down, we could be ID'd," said Delucia, who was still shaken up as he waited to board another flight for Honolulu.

On the ground, witnesses also heard the explosion and were scared for those on board.

Tyler Thal, who lives in the area, told The Associated Press that he was out for a walk with his family when he noticed a large commercial plane flying unusually low and took out his phone to film it.

While I was looking at it, I saw an explosion and then the cloud of smoke and some debris falling from it. It was just like a speck in the sky, and as Im watching that, Im telling my family what I just saw and then we heard the explosion, he said in a phone interview. The plane just kind of continued on, and we didnt see it after that.

Thal was relieved to learn no one was injured or killed from what he saw.

Video posted on Twitter showed the engine fully engulfed in flames as the plane flew through the air.

Kirby Klements was inside with his wife when they heard a huge booming sound, he said. A few seconds later, the couple saw a massive piece of debris fly past their window and into the bed of Klements' truck, crushing the cab and pushing the vehicle into the dirt.

He estimated the circular engine cowling at 15 feet (4.5 meters) in diameter. Fine pieces of the fiberglass insulation used in the airplane engine fell from the sky like ash for about 10 minutes, he said, and several large chunks of insulation landed in his backyard.

If it had been 10 feet different, it would have landed right on top of the house, he said in a phone interview with the AP. And if anyone had been in the truck, they would have been dead.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

Police tape blocks a street where debris fallen from a United Airlines airplane's engine lay scattered through the neighborhood of Broomfield, outside Denver, Colorado, on February 20, 2021. (Photo by Chet Strange / AFP) (Photo by CHET STRANGE/AFP via Getty Images)

Aviation safety experts said the plane appeared to have suffered an uncontained and catastrophic engine failure. Such an event is extremely rare and happens when huge spinning discs inside the engine suffer some sort of failure and breach the armored casing around the engine that is designed to contain the damage, said John Cox, an aviation safety expert and retired airline pilot who runs an aviation safety consulting firm called Safety Operating Systems.

That unbalanced disk has a lot of force in it, and its spinning at several thousand rotations per minute ... and when you have that much centrifugal force, it has to go somewhere, he said in a phone interview.

Pilots practice how to deal with such an event frequently and would have immediately shut off anything flammable in the engine, including fuel and hydraulic fluid, using a single switch, Cox said.

Former NTSB Chairman Jim Hall called the incident another example of cracks in our culture in aviation safety (that) need to be addressed.

Hall, who was on the board from 1994 to 2001, has criticized the FAA over the past decade as drifting toward letting the manufacturers provide the aviation oversight that the public was paying for. That goes especially for Boeing, he said.

Despite the scary appearance of a flaming engine, most such incidents don't result in loss of life, Cox said.

The last fatality on a U.S. airline flight involved such an engine failure on a Southwest Airlines flight from New York to Dallas in April 2018. A passenger was killed when the engine disintegrated more than 30,000 feet above Pennsylvania and debris struck the plane, breaking the window next to her seat. She was forced halfway out the window before other passengers pulled her back inside.

In that case, the breakdown was blamed on a broken fan blade in an engine of the Boeing 737. The Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to step up inspections of fan blades on certain engines made by CFM International, a joint venture of General Electric and Frances Safran S.A.

In 2010, a Qantas Airbus A380 suffered a frightening uncontained engine failure shortly after takeoff from Singapore. Shrapnel from the engine damaged critical systems on the plane, but pilots were able to land safely. The incident was blamed on the faulty manufacturing of a pipe in the Rolls Royce engine.

The flames scare the hell out of everybody. But they are the least of the problem because youre going to get them put out and youre going to shut off everything that can burn, Cox said.
PITTSFIELD  A Missouri man shot by police before his arrest following a two-state police pursuit was being held in the Pike County Jail awaiting extradition.

Pike County sheriffs deputies were asked to assist Louisiana, Missouri, police after a vehicle they were pursuing crossed into Illinois early Saturday.
The settings for the weather app on my phone means the temperature in Cancun is always just a swipe away.

I've kept it that way since our Christmas family vacation to Mexico shortly before COVID-19 struck to remind me of a pledge to my wife and children that we would return again to the Mayan Riviera once it was safe to do so. Throughout the lockdown, I cant tell you how many times I've checked out Mexicos weather as I imagined what it would be like to again escape to the beach, to lounge poolside, to swim with sea turtles.

I checked it again as I sat down to write this nightly newsletter and saw Cancun was 25 C  which is muchas warmer than either Winnipeg or Texas.

I lumped in Texas with Winnipeg's polar vortex misery because one of its senators, Ted Cruz, didn't wait until it was safe to do what I've been dreaming of for much of the pandemic. With his state reeling from a lack of electricity and power, with both the U.S. State Department and the Centres for Disease Control warning Americans to avoid travel to Mexico because of COVID-19, Cruz decided to hop on a plane with his family to Cancun.

As tempting as it is to focus on Ted's Excellent Adventure, I will leave it up to others take aim at the man whose campaign slogan once boasted he was "tough as Texas." For instance, Jimmy Kimmel who joked: "Snake on a plane, right there? Headed, ironically, to the very place he tried to build a wall around."

Instead, I want to talk about those who stayed behind to help Texas weather the polar vortex, those prepared to roll up their sleeves to make a difference despite the chill and COVID.

As the temperatures plunged along the Texas Gulf Coast, thousands of endangered sea turtles were suddenly at risk. The extraordinary deep freeze left the cold-blooded turtles stunned and motionless, bobbing on the surface of the water in danger of drowning. Fortunately, volunteers armed with nets took to the sea in boats to rescue the turtles and get them to safety on shore in make-shift hospitals.

"It's the true definition of community," one of the rescue volunteers said in an interview with NBC's Today. "We are all coming together to help out one other."

I've thought a lot about community over the course of the pandemic; how weve defined and distinguished ourselves. Time and time again, I've marvelled at the willingness of collective sacrifice for the greater good. Despite the social distancing, there's no shortage of people nearby willing to put themselves at risk, to do whatever needs to be done. Despite lockdown fatigue, the wellspring of kindness and caring from friends, neighbours and co-workers keeps flowing.

Fortunately, those heartwarming definitions of community outnumber the tales of community leaders from here to Texas who used their privilege, standing and exemptions to vacation afar while everyone else was told to stay home.

We will get through this because of those willing to come together to help each other out. We will get through this in spite of those, like Cruz, who when the going got tough, decided to turtle.

 Paul Samyn, Winnipeg Free Press editor

THE LATEST NUMBERS

Note: Manitoba and Canada figures may not match due to differences in data sources.

THE LATEST IN MANITOBA

 Provincial health officials announced 92 new cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths in Manitoba Friday. There are 1,169 active cases in the province, with 213 people in hospital, 27 of them in intensive care. The deaths reported are a man in his 80s from the Winnipeg health region and a woman in her 90s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the Golden Links Lodge outbreak. Of the new cases announced, 35 are in the Winnipeg health region; two are in Southern Health; two are in InterlakeEastern; three are in Prairie Mountain; and 50 are in the Northern Health region. The five-day test positivity rate is 5.7 per cent in Manitoba, and 4.2 per cent in Winnipeg after 2,389 tests were completed Thursday.

 The province reported three confirmed cases of the B.117 COVID-19 variant first identified in the U.K. All three cases were connected to international travel and the people infected have since recovered. The new cases brings the total number of confirmed cases of the variant in Manitoba to four.

 The Manitoba government has expanded its eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccination to include all people working in licensed personal care homes without age restrictions. Staff providing direct patient care born on or before Dec. 31, 1965, are also eligible. Based on principles of equitable access, First Nations people 75 years of age or older will also be able to book appointments next week when the province opens up appointments to members of the general public who are 95 years old or older, health officials clarified on Friday.

 For the latest information on current public health orders, restrictions, essential items and other guidance, visit the provincial government's website.

THE LATEST ELSEWHERE

 The federal government sought Friday to get ahead of a looming benefits panic, announcing plans to add extra weeks of income support for unemployed workers and parents at home with children because of the pandemic. The government plans to add 12 weeks of eligibility to the $500-a-week Canada Recovery Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit, raising the maximum number of weeks available to 38 from 26. The federal sickness benefit will be expanded to four weeks from two so workers can stay home if they're feeling ill or have to isolate because of COVID-19. Employment insurance eligibility is also promised to be stretched to allow people to receive up to 50 weeks of benefits, rather than 26, for any claims filed since late September.

 A union for pork plant workers in central Alberta says it is exploring legal options to ensure they are paid during a shutdown brought on by a COVID-19 outbreak, while the company is working to ease a backlog that has pinched Prairie hog farmers. Olymel indefinitely closed its hog slaughtering, cutting and deboning operation in Red Deer earlier this week. As of Thursday afternoon, Alberta Health had been notified of 389 cases linked to the outbreak, 197 of which were active. One worker had died. The president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401 believes laying off workers without pay during the temporary closure contravenes its collective agreement with the company and may also violate Alberta employment standards.

 New data indicate the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and German partner BioNTech could be stored for two weeks without the ultracold storage currently required, potentially making its use a bit easier. The companies said Friday theyve submitted findings from ongoing stability testing to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has authorized the vaccines emergency use in the U.S., and will send the data to regulators around the world in the next few weeks. The companies want regulators to update temperature requirements to state the vaccines can maintain their potency for two weeks if kept at -25 C to -15 C, as an additional option. Freezers and refrigerators used in many pharmacies and hospitals commonly chill to those temperatures, but not to the temperature range currently authorized, from -80 C to -60 C. The vaccine can remain stable at those temperatures for up to six months.

 Africa has surpassed 100,000 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 as the continent praised for its early response to the pandemic now struggles with a dangerous resurgence and medical oxygen often runs desperately short. The 54-nation continent of 1.3 billion people has barely seen the arrival of large-scale supplies of COVID-19 vaccines, but a variant of the virus dominant in South Africa is already posing a challenge to vaccination efforts. In a significant development on Friday, an African Union-created task force said Russia has offered 300 million doses of the countrys Sputnik V vaccine, to be available in May. The AU previously secured 270 million doses from AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

QUOTE, UNQUOTE

"We are at a critical point in the pandemic and our efforts have begun to tip the balance in our favour. Protecting our progress and limiting the impact of variants of concern will require stronger action."

 Canada's chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam

LOCAL NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

COVID-19 BASICS
Firefighters try to put out the fires on Mount Nochu in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, Sunday. Courtesy of Korea Forest Service



A wind-fed forest fire that broke out in the northeastern county of Jeongseon has been put out after 18 hours, authorities said Sunday.



The fire, which broke out on Saturday, was put out as of 9:40 a.m. after affecting an estimated 12 hectares of mountain land, according to the Korea Forest Service. No casualties have been reported.



The authorities have deployed 14 helicopters and 421 personnel from the Korea Forest Service, fire services and the military as part of mop-up efforts to ensure safety.



The fire started Saturday on Mount Nochu in the county, some 210 kilometers east of Seoul, at around 3:50 p.m., and efforts to put it out were hamstrung by winds of up to 6.2 meters per second and rough mountain terrain, officials said.



The forestry authorities plan to investigate the exact cause of the accident and damage with the local government and fire services, saying the fire is presumed to have started at a farmland close to private homes near the forest. (Yonhap)
Sex and nudity is part of human existence Tharindu By Susitha Fernando Tharindu Ramanayaka; Young filmmaker who dares to be different View(s): View(s):

A promising young filmmaker Tharindu Ramanayaka, the first Sri Lankan student to study cinema at the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, has taken a bold approach to cinema. Specialised in direction and screenplay writing, this young filmmaker won the Best Short film award for his film Krimikosh (Cocoon) at the Agenda 14 short film festival held in January last year.

Hailing from Nittambuwa, Tharindu initially studied mathematics medium for his Advanced Level but soon realised that it was not his line. So he changed to the arts stream. He studied for six months, got three As and was selected to enter the Sri Palee Campus of the University of Colombo. While awaiting university entrance Tharindu received a full scholarship to follow Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Drama at the Rabindra Barathi University in India. Studying in India, Tharindu learnt more languages such as like Hindi, Bengali and Tamil. Having returned to Sri Lanka the young film enthusiast worked in film and drama projects and also served as a teacher of drama and mass communication.

I wanted to study cinema and realised that there was no proper film school here. So applied for my second scholarship at the Satyajith Ray Film and Television Institute, Tharindu said. I got the scholarship, thanks to my language ability which was an added qualification. I was selected for an extensive three-year Post-Graduate diploma course in cinema. In the first year we all studied six main areas of filmmaking and from the second year onward I mastered direction and screenplay writing. The extensive study for five long years helped us to study theory of cinema and also the practical side. After eight to 10 hours of work everyday we were made to watch cinema in theatres at the Film school, Tharindu said, describing his experience in India.

The short film Krimikosh, one of his film projects won the Best Film award at 9th Agenda 14 Short Film Festival in Sri Lanka and it was also screened at the 21st International student Film Festival in Tel Aviv. His other short films and documentaries won rave reviews. His short film Weeping Angel was selected as the Official film at the 3rd South Asian Short Film Festival last year. Aagadhi a music video he directed and acted in was selected for screening at the Cefalu Film Festival in Italy in 2019, Music Shorts Film Festival Dublin 2019, Bangaluru International Short Film Festival 2019 and Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival in 2019.

After Tharindu, the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute has awarded the scholarship to another Sri Lankan cinema student this year to study cinematography.

This will be a great opportunity to many young Sri Lankan filmmakers of tomorrow, Tharindu said.

While being a filmmaker Tharindu also wants to share whatever he learnt in India and Sri Lanka but traditional and administrative obstacles have prevented him from doing this. We see that there are practical filmmakers whose knowledge is not used in the academic field while there are many academic experts who dont make films, said Tharindu stressing the importance of both practical and theoretical knowledge in cinema.

My main target is to share my knowledge. I represented Sri Lanka in several countries and

I like to share my knowledge. I want to make films and I have already written about ten scripts, said Tharindu while adding he still has a lot to learn in cinema and he plans to do his Phd as well.

As a filmmaker Tharindu has taken a bold approach in subject matter and the presentation. His cinema stresses on vivid pictures and colours to achieve his objectives. At the same time Tharindu views sex and nudity a part of life and they should be used to use to bring out powerful audio-visual messages.

My mainstream is art film not commercial films. Should I get down to the level of the audience or as a filmmaker should I try to get the audience to my vision? I think my role should be to try for the latter. Film is an expression of the filmmaker, says Tharindu highlighting the importance of art house cinema.

My themes are based on existentialism and I use it with surrealism, explained the young filmmaker. When we talk about existentialism we cannot avoid talking about sex and nudity because human existence is there only because of sex. We are all born because of sex and I dare to show nudity in my films, he said.

However, Tharindu admits that the problem is not only in Sri Lanka but in India, one of worlds largest filmmaking countries.

His short film Krimikosh, was acclaimed as one of the best short films there but it was banned few hours after it was released. This was mainly based on the nudity scenes featured in the film.

This is hypocrisy and result of the Victorian culture imposed on us, said Tharindu.

The young filmmaker has completed an Indian production based in Sri Lanka. For this he has deployed a number of Sri Lankan artistes like Kaushalya Fernando, Niranjani Shanmugaraj, John Dinesh Sandaruwan and Koralage Saman. His longer short film titled Underja has completed post production.

Tharindu is getting ready for his debut feature film with the producer U. A. Palliaguruge and it would be a controversial film.
A heroic couple who rescued a missing dog that had been lost in snow-covered mountains for two weeks has been reported to the police for supposedly breaking lockdown rules.

Ciara Nolan and Jean-Francois Bonnet found eight-year-old golden retriever Neesha near a summit in the Wicklow Mountains, Ireland, on February 6.

They wrapped the dog, who had been reported missing two weeks earlier, in a coat before Jean carried her on his back for six miles to reach level ground.

Ciara Nolan and Jean Francois Bonnet found the pooch, an eight-year-old golden retriever named Neesha, near the summit of a peak in the Wicklow Mountains, Ireland, before carrying her back to safety

In the clip, recorded on February 6 and posted on TikTok the following day, Neesha can be seen dangling from a make-shift harness - created using a scarf - on Jean's back as they make their way across the uneven terrain.

After the video went viral a member of the public reported the couple for breaching non-essential travel rules, and the Gardai - Ireland's police force - is now making enquiries.

One of Neesha's owners, Erina O'Shea Goetelen, said they had started to give up hope before Ciara and Jean stumbled across the pooch by chance.

After being reunited Erina took Neesha to the vets who said the family pet had lost a third of her body weight during the two weeks away from home.

After the video of the rescue went viral a member of the public reported the couple for breaching non-essential travel rules, and the Gardai - Ireland's police force - is now making enquiries

The dog (pictured during the rescue) had been reported missing two weeks earlier after she ran off while chasing deer

She had also developed dermatitis - a skin irritation - but concluded that Neesha would soon be back to her usual self.

A force spokesman told Dublin Live: 'Gardai in Wicklow are carrying out enquiries in relation to premises in the Donard area of Wicklow.

'The premises in question remain closed pending the outcome of the garda inquiry.

'The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020, as amended, are currently in force.

'In supporting the COVID-19 public health guidelines and regulations, An Garda Siochana has and will continue to adopt, a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent. This has seen Gardai engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce.

'Where Gardai identify potential breaches of the public health regulations a file is prepared for the DPP in each case or a Fixed Payment Notice is issued where appropriate.'
Broomfield, Colorado: David Delucia was settling back into his airplane seat and starting to relax on his way to a long-awaited vacation when a huge explosion and flash of light interrupted an in-flight announcement and put him in survival mode.

The Boeing 777-200, headed from Denver to Honolulu on Saturday with 231 passengers and 10 crew aboard, suffered a catastrophic failure in its right engine and flames erupted under the wing as the plane began to lose altitude.

Debris from a commercial airliner forced into an emergency landing is scattered in the front yard of a house in Broomfield, Colorado. Credit:AP

As Delucia and his wife prepared for the worst, people in this Denver suburb reacted in horror as huge pieces of the engine casing and chunks of fibreglass rained down on a sports fields and on streets and lawns, just missing one home and crushing a truck. The explosion, visible from the ground, left a trail of black smoke in the sky, and tiny pieces of insulation filled the air like ash.

The plane landed safely at Denver International Airport, and no one on board or on the ground was hurt, authorities said. But both those in the air and on the ground were deeply shaken.
Hello, sucker.

Being a good Waco boy in my growing-up years, I never greeted anybody that way, and, as far as I know, was never greeted that way myself. In the early decades of the 20th century, though, a fellow Wacoan who called herself Texas Guinan made Hello, sucker her trademark, and her good-natured jibe made her the toast of Prohibition-era New York City. Leo Trachtenberg, writing in a 1998 issue of City Journal, maintained that the wise-cracking woman from Waco was as much a symbol of her era as Lucky Lindy, Babe Ruth and Silent Cal.

Why Texas Guinan this week? Maybe its everything we went through last week, last month, last year. I was looking for something different, and Guinan was certainly that. She was the quintessential blonde blizzard.

She was born Mary Louise Cecilia Guinan  pronounced GUY-nun - in either 1883 or 1884, on a farm outside Waco. Known as Mamie as a child, she was educated at the Sisters of Sacred Heart Convent in Waco, where she was wild as a hare, a classmate recalled for a Waco newspaper. She kept things pretty lively for us and the Sisters. . . .

Dismissing Waco as a sucker town, Guinan ran away from home at 14 to perform in a circus Wild West act. She also starred in a couple of silent Westerns made in New York before World War I. In Hollywood she produced more than 30 two-reelers of her own, usually featuring her astride a galloping horse firing a six-shooter at the bad guys.

Early in her career, Wacoans were impressed. On April 13, 1912, Miss Birdie Duer Horn of Herring Avenue reported on the society page of the Waco Morning News that she had received a letter from a friend in Los Angeles, who reported that Miss Mamie Guinan, who lived on North Fourth Street when a small girl. . . has developed into a magnificent young woman. She has chosen the stage for her profession and has just played a star engagement in Los Angeles.

Allegedly - and almost everything you write about Guinan has to include allegedly - she got her start as Manhattans marvelous nightclub maven a few years later, when her Hollywood career stalled. Invited to a stuffy party at the club connected to the Beaux Arts Hotel on West 35th Street, and still wild as a hare, she took it upon herself to liven things up by singing, dancing, telling jokes and leading party-goers in a sing-along. The club owner immediately hired her to liven things up every night. Thus, at 39, a star was born. As New Yorks first female mistress of ceremonies, she helped put the roar in the Roaring 20s.

Not long afterward, she transformed a Manhattan warehouse into a night club, with the backing of a mob boss she had met named Larry Fay. Worth an estimated $5 million in 1924, Fay was known around town for organizing the first taxi-club monopoly in New York City, while making millions as a big-time bootlegger and nightclub owner.

Guinan herself was allegedly a teetotaler and lived in a Greenwich Village apartment with her parents, her brother and a number of pets. She married and divorced at least three times. Its having the same man around the house all the time that ruins matrimony, she observed.

Fays investment in Guinan paid off, until a machine gun-toting mobster filled him full of holes. Until that sad demise, his fellow mobsters rubbed shoulders in Guinans smoky speak-easies with movie stars, millionaires and society swells. Her clientele happily paid a steep cover charge to guzzle bootleg rum at $25 a bottle, ogle the pretty girls and eagerly anticipate the next teasing bon mot from the blonde, bejeweled female P.T. Barnum and Mae West seductress rolled into one, to quote the writer Leslie Zemeckis.

You may be all the world to your mother, but youre just a cover charge to me, she liked to say, perched on a stool at the center of it all. She soon owned her own club -- or succession of clubs, since the cops were frequent, uninvited visitors.

Bursting in and gathering up liquor bottles hastily stashed under tables, the law would padlock the place and haul the wise-cracking Guinan to a paddy wagon outside, while her band played The Prisoners Song. The next morning shed buy the cops breakfast at the Waldorf Hotel, and the next week or the next month, she would open up another club under a different name at a different address. Those in the know knew that the El Fey Club or the Del Fey Club or the Club Argonaut or the Club Intime or the 300 Club were Texas Guinans.

Her father often sat in her clubs enjoying his raucous daughters performance while her mother sat with a glass of milk, Zemeckis writes. She read voraciously while incense burned in her beloved home. She claimed not to eat meat and favored wearing red stockings.

In the spring of 1933, Guinan was in Chicago, where she was held up by three ruffians outside the hotel where she was staying. They got away with jewelry, a fur coat and a scarf worth a total of $40,000.

The fellow in the back was a youngster, she told police. I said, Ill give you $1,000 if you leave my stuff.

He said, Ill give you two minutes to peel off them rocks and furs before I blow your head off. I ought to get an autograph too.

I said, Well, I guess Im the sucker today.

That same year, Guinan organized a troupe of 33 dancing girls and musicians and sailed for Paris. Her reputation arrived first. Authorities refused to let the group off the boat. After a melancholy five days spent in a detention hotel in Havre, France, the New York Times reported, she gave up and sailed home.

The reason for the unexpected bar to her entry was not quite clear, the Times noted, except that Miss Guinan said that scores of club and restaurant owners in Paris had petitioned the government to exclude her on the ground that she would undoubtedly take away all the night-life trade in Paris.

Also, French customs agents found a set of fierce looking bowie-knifes in her baggage.

What do you do with these knives? an agent asked.

I throw them at the girls, Guinan replied. Back home, she toured the country with her show, Too Hot for Paris. She told the Times the abortive trip cost her $50,000 and that she intended to recoup her loss by suing the French government.

She didnt live long enough to sue France. On Nov. 5, 1933, she died in Vancouver, British Columbia, of ulcerated colitis. She was 49. A month after her death, Prohibition was repealed.

In his City Journal article, Trachtenberg quoted from a New York Herald Tribune editorial noting that Guinan was both a master showman and an accomplished psychologist. "She had ability too, the newspaper observed, and would have been successful in any one of a dozen more conventional fields. To New York and the rest of the country Texas was a flaming leader of a period which was a lot of fun while it lasted."

More than 12,000 people showed up at Frank Campbells Funeral Chapel on Broadway to see her off. Wearing a white beaded chiffon dress, a diamond ring and a necklace, a spray of faux orchids pinned to her shoulder, she was laid to rest in a silver coffin.

She was a long way from Waco.

djholley10@gmail.com

Twitter: holleynews
The risk of illness from Covid-19 dropped 95.8% among people who received both shots of Pfizer's vaccine, Israel's Health Ministry said on Saturday.

The vaccine was also 98% effective in preventing fever or breathing problems and 98.9% effective in preventing hospitalizations and death, the ministry said.

The findings were based on data collected nationally through Feb. 13 from Israelis who had received their second shot at least two weeks previously. According to the Health Ministry's website, about 1.7 million people had been administered a second shot by Jan. 30, making them eligible to be included.

Israel's ambitious vaccination drive has made it the largest real-world study of Pfizer's vaccine and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday he expects 95% of Israelis age 50 and over to be vaccinated in the next two weeks.

Previous reports from individual health care providers also showed positive results, spurring Israel to remove restrictions on the economy after weeks of lockdown. On Sunday, schools and many stores will be allowed to reopen.

The Health Ministry has also rolled out a "Green Pass" app, linked to personal medical files, which people who have been fully inoculated or deemed immune after recovering from Covid-19 can show to stay at hotels or attend cultural or sporting events.

Also read: Russia approves third COVID-19 vaccine - CoviVac
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will on Monday call for the United Nations to be given "urgent and unfettered" access to Xinjiang to investigate reports of abuses in the Chinese region.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will also mark Britain's return to the U.N. Human Rights Council as a voting member by condemning the rights record of fellow council members China and Russia and will raise concerns about Myanmar and Belarus, his office said.

On China, Raab will refer to reports of abuses in Xinjiang, including torture, forced labour and forced sterilisation of women. "They are taking place on an industrial scale," he will say, according to his office.

"The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, or another independent fact-finding expert, must  and I repeat must  be given urgent and unfettered access to Xinjiang," he will say.

China has been widely condemned for setting up complexes in Xinjiang that Beijing describes as "vocational training centres" to stamp out extremism and give people new skills. China's critics have called them concentration camps.

The United Nations has said at least 1 million Uighurs and other Muslims have been detained in Xinjiang.

Raab will also raise the "disgraceful" treatment of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, the crisis in Myanmar and the situation in Belarus. He will set out steps Britain has taken to address these issues, such as sanctions, and encourage others to follow.

(Reporting by Kate Holton; Editing by Edmund Blair)
Three people including alleged shooter Joshua Jamal Williams were killed during the shooting

The 27-year-old New Orleans man who opened fire inside a Louisiana gun store Saturday afternoon before being shot dead has been pictured.

Three people including alleged shooter Joshua Jamal Williams were killed after he walked into Jefferson Gun Outlet  a store and indoor shooting range - in Metairie with his brother at around 3pm, carrying a pistol with an extended magazine unholstered.

When staff approached him to ask him to unload his weapon, Williams fired off a warning shot and then fatally shot 47-year-old store clerk Noah Fischbach, police sources told NOLA.com.

Several armed patrons inside the gun outlet then began exchanging gunfire with Williams.

Williams and a woman, 59-year-old Veronica Billiot, were fatally hit during the melee.

The suspect died in the parking lot as he was attempting to flee the scene, the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office said.

Billiot was shot dead near the stores glass front door, which was shattered.

A female victim of Saturday's shooting in Metairie was shot dead in the doorway of Jefferson Gun Outlet

Store clerk Noah Fischbach (above), 47, was also shot dead. He was killed by Williams moments after the argument over his unholstered weapon began

59-year-old Veronica Billiot was shot dead near the stores glass front door, which was shattered

The suspect died in the parking lot as he was attempting to flee the scene, the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office said

Two others were also injured the hail of gunfire, one of whom was Williams brother.

His brother and the other victim were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Speaking to NOLA.com, a relative of Williams questioned the polices account of what happened in the moments before the shooting.

The relative, who wished to remain anonymous, said they doubted Williams, who had, according to them, gone to the gun store for target practice while spending time with his brother, would show up looking for a gun fight.

They said the Jefferson Gun Outlet is a well-known hangout for off-duty law enforcement and ex-military personnel.

That would be a death sentence, the relative said.

A woman who identified herself as Williams mother similarly wrote to Facebook: My son did not go into that gun range shooting!, according to NOLA.

Joshua ... was fired at by ... employees of the gun range and other folks in the gun range! He was murdered! (Rest in peace) my love, you will be forever in my heart!

A man cries out 'Where is my son?' at the scene of a multiple fatality shooting at the Jefferson Gun Outlet in Metairie

Witnesses told FOX8 they felt thankful to walk away from the shooting alive, describing the incident inside the store as being like a war

A gun matching the description of one Williams was carrying is seen next to the curtains in front of a dead body

Fischbach has been identified as a married father, with his social media profile describing him as a as a special effects technician and armorer for film and television productions.

'Noah Fischbach was my favorite person in this store,' wrote Heather Devall wrote in a tribute on Facebook. 'He made my knowledge of firearms and cartridges much better but constant conversations in our interactions buying what we have from him.

He will never know the impact he made on our lives and while we didn't make it in often anymore. We will definitely miss him.'

In a press conference from the scene yesterday, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto said: We had one initial shooter here at the scene who hit two victims inside the location, both of them have been identified as deceased at this location.

It appears that several individuals ended up engaging that suspect, whether inside or out here in the parking lot.'

Two separate shields had been set up in the parking lot, which are typically used to block bodies from view.

A woman sat in a folding chair around 15-feet away from the store was seen crying and calling out, Josh this is Momma. I love you.

Another man was pictured crying out 'Where is my son?' at the scene of the shooting.

Two separate shields had been set up in the parking lot, which are typically used to block bodies from view

A Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Chaplain comforts two women by a Taco Bell drive thru window next door to the scene of a multiple fatality shooting

Witnesses told FOX8 they felt thankful to walk away from the shooting alive, describing the incident inside the store as being like a war.

It was a lot it was a lot like you could tell it was a gunfight. It was a gunfight, thats all I knew, Wanetta Joseph said.

The whole ground was moving. It felt like they were going to shoot through the wall, you could smell the gunsmoke, thats how crazy it was. We felt like we were in a war.

Joseph said she was in an upstairs classroom for a conceal carry class when the shooting started.

She laid on the floor as the gunshots volley out beneath them.

It was over we thought we were over like we thought we didnt know if there were multiple gunmen we didnt know if the gunman was down we had no idea what was going on.

People console one another across the street from the Jefferson Gun Outlet as investigators with the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Department work the scene

According to its website, the Jefferson Gun Outlet is 'the premier firearms outlet for the Greater New Orleans Area' and offers 'FULL AUTO Machine Gun Experiences' at its indoor 25-yard firing range with 14 lanes

According to its website, the Jefferson Gun Outlet is 'the premier firearms outlet for the Greater New Orleans Area' and offers 'FULL AUTO Machine Gun Experiences' at its indoor 25-yard firing range with 14 lanes.

Guns and ammunition are sold in the front of the outlet that faces a main thoroughfare through Jefferson Parish. Customers who want to frequent the gun range generally go around to the side entrance of the building. Staff who work there often wear a sidearm.

The shootout comes just months after a deadly Christmas Eve shooting left two men dead in Metairie, Fox News reported.

During that encounter, cops responded to reports of possible gunfire and found the victims dead in a car outside an apartment building, according to the outlet.

Four men were shot, killing two of them, in Metaire two weeks before the Christmas Eve incident.
The Van Zyl Slabbert Commission on Electoral Reform has proposed a new electoral system, as the Constitutional Court found the current electoral process unconstitutional.

This is according to the City Press, which referenced a report compiled by the commission that recommended major changes to the election of members of the National Assembly.

The main recommendation of the report was that 300 out of the 400 members of the National Assembly be elected in constituencies and only 100 according to the current system of party representation.

In June 2020, the current electoral system was found to be unconstitutional and Parliament was ordered to amend the law relating to the election of ministers by July 2022.

The changes proposed by the commission would provide far more voter representation and reduce the sway political parties have over the composition of the National Assembly.

This could also create room for more independent candidates elected from their various constituencies.

These proposed changes follow a draft bill tabled earlier this month by the Congress of the People (Cope) that aims to deal with the same problem.

This bill also recommended the election of the inclusion of independent candidates in elections.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has continued working on possible solutions that will amend the law in line with the court ruling against the electoral system last year.

Whatever new electoral system is approved by Parliament, this will be implemented for the next parliamentary election in 2024.

New voting machines

Many other changes have been proposed for improving the efficiency of elections in South Africa  including general national elections.

The IEC recently confirmed it was procuring new voter ID scanning devices for use during registration and voting, as well as electronic voting booths.

In November 2019, the IEC said it would soon be issuing a tender to procure 60,000 portable devices to replace the ageing existing registration devices popularly known as zip-zip machines.

The zip-zip machines are purely to help election officers quickly match a voter to the roll at particular stations by scanning their ID documents barcode.

However, this machine is not linked to a larger database of all voters, which means it is useless for preventing double-voting.

The IEC wanted new devices that offered two major benefits  ensuring voters are registered at the correct stations and preventing double voting.

These features are enabled by geo-location mapping and GMS connectivity support on the new devices.

Electronic voting booths

The IEC is testing an electronic voting machine that will print a receipt reflecting the voters choices.

This would provide a voter-verifiable audit trail system, as once the voter has double-checked that the information is correct, the receipt will be validated with a unique stamp before being placed in a ballot box.

The counting of these receipts, and votes in general, is set to remain a manual process, the IEC has stated.

This is due to the visual guarantee it gives political parties, which the IEC maintains makes it the best possible system for counting votes in an election.

Now read: Government close to choosing private partner for new SAA
The night before elections, Marion Medalis worried the most.

Medalis, who retired Feb. 2 as Lackawanna County director of elections, lost plenty of sleep over the years, wondering if she and her staff prepared properly for Election Day.

You always worry about your election. You do. Leading up to the night before, the day, the morning of, Medalis said. I mean, you dont want an election to go badly.

Most people dont understand the detailed preparations that go into an American election  entering paper voter registration applications into a computer, processing applications for mail-in and absentee ballots, ensuring returned ballots reach the right vote-counting machines, creating accurate voting lists, finding inspectors and judges of elections and other poll workers to staff polling places, finding new polling places when necessary, making sure ballot scanners work properly.

Medalis understands the endless complexity. When she hears claims of dead people voting, she shudders.

It goes right through me, she said.

Most people dont understand election bureaus get lists of deceased voters twice a month from the state Department of Health and remove their names from voter rolls, she said.

A lot of people have the misconception that we only work twice a year, which is not true, Medalis said.

Medalis, 66, an Old Forge resident, started working on county elections in 1974 as a temporary worker in the county voter registration office. The county hired her through a federal program meant to train workers for public service jobs.

A 1972 Old Forge High School graduate, she earned an associate degree in business from Lackawanna Junior College in 1974. As she looked for a job, a friend suggested the county.

For six years, she faced losing the job if the federal money ran out. She turned down an offer as a claims processor for the Social Security Administration in Wilkes-Barre.

I just liked the work and I just ended up staying (at the county), she said. Every election was different, unique, and, you know, you met a lot of different people, too.

In January 1980, the county officially added her to its payroll. In early 2001, longtime director of elections Victor DePasquale retired and the county commissioners hired Medalis to replace him. In 2008, new majority commissioners hired someone else as director of elections, and bumped Medalis to deputy director of voter registration. When the new director resigned after a significant vote-counting problem in the November 2009 election, Medalis took over again. After that, she only enhanced her reputation for openness and getting things right.

While Medalis was always eager to hear a little political gossip, observers said that curiosity never affected her duties.

County Democratic Chairman Chris Patrick and county Republican Chairman Lance Stange Jr. disagree a lot on politics, but not on Medalis. In an age when millions of voters question the validity of a presidential election, neither questions Medalis work.

So much in politics is adversarial, but I never had that with Marian, Stange said. She never acted in a partisan manner, always demonstrated a strong grasp of the election code and was attentive to the requirements of the office and the voters she served. I believe she was a true professional, and shell be missed.

Patrick called her a model public employee.

You never heard anything bad about her, Patrick said. She treated everybody the same. I could tell you I didnt get any better treatment than Lance Stange. And he didnt get any better treatment than me. ... And if she didnt have an answer for me, shed get me an answer and shed get me an answer quick.

Work a job for 46 years and you see a lot of change. When she started, the office regularly had 10 to 15 employees because paperwork dominated the process. With computerization, that dropped to four employees, including Medalis, though the county sometimes supplemented before elections. The state added a centralized computer system that tracks voter registration statewide. The county elections office, now in the county government center on Wyoming Avenue, moved three times. Last year, Pennsylvania offered no-excuse mail-in balloting for the first time as a pandemic enveloped the world.

COVID-19 forced the state to move the primary election to June, and mail-in ballots swamped counties. For Lackawanna County, counting them all took a couple of days. Medalis learned a machine could open mail-in ballots faster, so the county bought one. In the presidential election, the county finished counting on Election Day, just like a typical election.

Medalis said she never felt threatened like elections officials in other states who got death threats after the 2020 election. She watched protesters outside the government center claim the election was stolen from President Donald Trump, but it didnt phase her. She knew the countys vote count was right. President Joe Biden won the county.

I was confident in what I was doing, she said.

She thought about retiring before and after the primary election last year.

Then I felt like I wasnt ready to go right at that time, she said. I felt like there were just too many things that were still left open.

After the election, the timing finally felt right. She plans to spend more time with family and friends and travel once COVID-19 is under control.

I had a long and rewarding journey and Im satisfied my role as the director of elections ended on a high note, she said.
NASAs Mars Work Plan: Flying in the Spring, Sampling in the Summer

Feb. 20 , 2021 (EIRNS)NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory has released an exciting, high-resolution still image of Perseverances descent onto Martian soil, taken from video footage of the entry, descent and landing (EDL) which is still being relayed to Earth and processed. In the post-landing briefing, members of the team said they hoped those videosthe first ever to provide a front-row seat for an EDL on an astronomical bodywill be ready for release as soon as this Monday.

Note that, unlike with past rovers, the majority of Perseverances cameras capture images in color.

Jennifer Trosper, Deputy Project Manager in charge of Surface Development and Operations for the Perseverance mission, outlined the general schedule of activities for the rover and its Ingenuity helicopter planned from now until Septemberwith the obvious caveat that everything is subject to change. The first four to five Sols (Martian days, only about 40 minutes longer than an Earth day) are being spent stabilizing power, thermal and communications systems: orienting the high-gain antenna, ensuring all the critical path infrastructure is coordinated and in good working order. That accomplished, new upgraded software worked out while the spacecraft was flying to Mars, will be uploaded, hopefully around Sol 4, and then several days are required to transit to that new softwarevery carefully, she emphasizedto ensure there are no glitches. After a few other steps, the first drive will be undertaken, this one, only some 5 meters, and then backperhaps some three weeks (Martian time) from now.

Those preliminaries met, Percy will set out to find a good heli-site, which provides the conditions needed (flatness, rock-size, etc.) to test Ingenuity. Since the helicopter is stored underneath the rover, blocking use of the auto-navigation system, helicopter testing is the missions first task, and traversing to the testing site must be done carefully. Since where an appropriate site will be found is, of course, unknown at this time, when it will be reached is also unknown. Once arrived at, it might take up to 10 Sols to release Ingenuity, move the rover away, etc., and then some 30 Sols are expected for carrying out the five planned tests of Ingenuity.

After the rovers auto-navigation system is then tested, Percy heads off to wherever the Science Team chooses to begin the first sampling of the mission.

Trosper summarized the plan: to be flying in the spring, and sampling in the summerbut not to be surprised if the tasks go slower or faster.

Around the conjuncture in September, when communication with the spacecraft will be lost because the Sun will be between Earth and Mars, she added, the JPL team will finish off some new software to boost Percys efficiency and operational capabilities, which when uploaded, should make the rover more autonomous and smarter, and speed up its activities further.
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They share five children together and have been married for over 24 years.

And Gordon and Tana Ramsay spent the day in London on Sunday without their family as they loaded furniture into their car.

The acclaimed chef, 54, cut a casual figure in a navy jacket and straight-leg trousers while his wife, 46, rocked a black and white shacket.

Hard at work: Gordon Ramsay's wife Tana loaded furniture into their car on Sunday as they were spotted in London

Gordon stood aimlessly, his blonde tresses swept over to the side in a short hairdo.

Meanwhile Tana did the heavy lifting in black leggings as she was seen carrying a table.

The couple are the proud parents of five children  twins Holly and Jack, 21, Megan, 23, Matilda, 19 and little Oscar, 22 months. They also lost a baby boy, Rocky, when Tana was five months pregnant in 2016.

Earlier this week, Gordon revealed he had to cancel over 22,000 bookings for his restaurants in December before England was plunged into its third lockdown.

Winter style: The acclaimed chef, 54, cut a casual figure in a navy jacket and straight-leg trousers while his wife, 46, rocked a black and white shacket

The chef, who owns 35 restaurants across the UK, said the effect Covid has had on the hospitality industry is 'devastating,' but he remains optimistic his business could re-open by Easter.

Speaking on The Graham Norton Show Gordon said he's planning to open up even more restaurants when lockdown is eased, following reports the government plan to allow pubs and restaurants to re-open in May.

Gordon admitted that thousands of bookings across his business were removed when Tier 3 restrictions in December forced many restaurants to close just weeks after re-opening following the second lockdown.

Weeks later the government placed the entire country in lockdown, with no set date as to when pubs and restaurants can re-open.

Couple: Gordon stood aimlessly, his blonde tresses swept over to the side in a short hairdo while Tana did the heavy lifting in black leggings

Shocking: Earlier this week, Gordon revealed he had to cancel over 22,000 bookings for his restaurants in December before England was plunged into its third lockdown (pictured on The Graham Norton Show)

He told Graham: 'It's devastating. When you think about breaking bread and having fun with friends and family, it's just tragic not to have that.'

The Hell's Kitchen star added: 'When we reopened last July, the atmosphere was monumental and electrifying, we didn't even need music, so to be shut backdown was tough.

'In December, our most important month, we cancelled 22 and a half thousand reservations, but I have always been optimistic.

'It is tough but we will come out of this  we've re-created, re-developed and researched new ideas so when we come out of this lockdown we will open up as new restaurants. We are hoping we will re-open at Easter. It would be a dream.'
GREENVILLE  The wait has been excruciating for die-hard, pregnant-giraffe voyeurs  but finally the Greenville Zoo has welcomed its newest addition.

The baby girl Masai giraffe, born Feb. 21, has yet to be named.

The birth moment, broadcast online across the world to thousands of dutiful viewers, came two months later than originally expected.

That's because zookeepers say mother Autumn and father Miles had another consummation that the staff wasn't aware of.

The calf was born at 2:28 p.m. and 40 minutes later was standing on its own, city spokeswoman Beth Brotherton said in a news release.

The birth was broadcast via webcam. Viewers can monitor the live feed to see Autumn and her new calf interact.

The baby will nurse for nine to 12 months and will start eating foliage in about two months. Born about six feet tall, baby giraffes double in size within the first year.

The birth is part of the Greenville Zoo's participation in the breeding program sanctioned by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The "species survival plan" ensures genetic diversity of the endangered species and involves giraffes being transferred to different zoos to breed.

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The Union for Conservation of Nature in 2019 declared the Masai giraffe endangered, with only 35,000 believed to exist now, half the number of 30 years ago.

This is the sixth pregnancy for 15-year-old Autumn, who came from Boston in 2007 when the Greenville Zoo created its exhibit and just last month celebrated a birthday.

At the time, she was matched with male partner Walter, and in 2012 she gave birth to her first baby, Kiko. In 2014, her second calf, Roho, was stillborn. Her third pregnancy was successful in 2016 with the birth of Tatu.

After the birth of Tatu, a new partner, Miles, came from Houston to join Autumn and has fathered two offspring, Kiden in 2018 and Kellan the following year.

Currently, only Kellan and Miles remain in Greenville.

Last November, the city of Greenville, which owns the zoo, announced Autumn was pregnant and would give birth in mid-December.

The time came and went  and it was a matter of some human assumptions. The parents apparently didnt try just once, James Traverse, the zoos general curator, told The Post and Courier in December.

In the past, the observation is that Autumn has conceived the first time shes been able. A subsequent copulation event was likely responsible for the delay, he said.

The next task will be to put the naming of the giraffe to a public vote.
Florence Pugh and Zach Braff have been in a relationship for nearly two years. But outside of a few social media posts, theyve kept their relationship out of the public eye. Still, unlike the majority of Hollywood romances, this one appears to be the real deal.

In fact, rumors are starting to swirl that Pugh and Braff have secretly tied the knot.

Florence Pugh | Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Florence Pugh starred in Zach Braffs short film In the Time It Takes to Get There

The Black Widow star and Braff reportedly met in late 2018 when she starred in his short film for Adobe Creative Cloud titled In the Time It Takes to Get There. Not long after the films release in April 2019, cameras caught the couple holding hands in New York City.

Four months later, the duo appeared together on Instagram for the very first time when actress Sydney Morton posed a pic of her and fellow actor Preston Boyd hanging out with Braff and Pugh on a boat in Spain.

In October 2019, Pugh made her first appearance on Braffs Instagram page when he posted a pic of four friends. In the caption, Braff wrote, People I love.

However, they avoided walking the red carpet together at Pughs Little Women premiere in NYC in December of that year. But that same month on social media, Pugh made her first public comment about her relationship with Braff.

The Black Widow star defended the Scrubs alum against negative comments about one specific detail that some fans seemed to have a problem with.

The couple has received criticism about their age difference

Braff is 21 years older than Pugh, and this has apparently ruffled the feathers of some fans. When the rumors were swirling that something was going on between the two, Pugh spoke up about her relationship with Braff for the first time in a December 2019 Instagram post.

Pugh posted a pic of herself standing outside an LA deli, and in the caption she wrote, first pit-stop, Matzo Ball soup. #curingjetlag101. In the comments, Braff posted a princess emoji. This prompted a fan to respond to Braff, and they wrote, Youre 44 years old.

In response Pugh told the critic, And yet he got it. Later, she told Elle magazine that her comment was necessary.

People need to realize that its hurtful. I have the right to hang out and be with and go out with anyone I want to, she said.

RELATED: Black Widow star Florence Pugh Could Not Care Less What Fans Think About Her Romance With Zach Braff

In early 2020, more pictures started to emerge that proved Braff and Pugh were an item. It was also clear that they were self-isolating together amid the pandemic. But, it wasnt until April that they made it official on social media.

Unfortunately, the haters came out en masse, forcing Pugh to turn off her comments and post a video defending her relationship.

I am 24 years old. I do not need you to tell me who I should and should not love. And I would never in my life, ever, ever, tell anyone who they can and cannot love. It is not your place and really, it has nothing to do with you, Pugh said. The abuse that you throw at him is abuse that you are throwing at me, and I dont want those followers.

Did Zach Braff and Florence Pugh get married?

For the second half of 2020, Pugh and Braff laid low. They visited her parents in England. And, during the holiday season, Pugh enjoyed her first Hanukkah with Braff. It also seems that they secretly got married around that same time.

On January 3, 2021, Pughs friend Trevor Tutle posted a sweet tribute to Pugh on Instagram for her 25th birthday. And there appeared to be a clue that indicated she and Braff were married.

Tutle posted a pic of Pugh dancing, and in the caption he wrote, Happy birthday to this shining shaker! Your spirit is infectious, your laugh hilarious. Youve made this awkward year kinda delightful with your pizzas and antics. Much love FPB!

Immediately, fans started asking if FPB stood for Florence Pugh Braff. They didnt get any answers. But, an insider on the celebrity gossip page @DeuxMoi  who claims to live in the same neighborhood as Pugh and Braff  shared a major scoop.

Theres a high chance Florence and Zach are actually engaged/married and it happened over the lull between Christmas and NYE, the source claimed. Trevor Tutle, who posted with the caption FBP is their next-door neighbor whos extremely close to them.

The source went on to say that Braff is fully in love with Florence and shes been living with him for the past year.

I see them all the time walking their dog around, those two are probably the most solid Hollywood couple. During the first months of lockdown our neighborhood did driveway concerts and those two were always hand in hand of arms wrapped around. And they are extremely close with each others family and friends, the source dished.


Last week, China's Ministry of Public Security released figures that showed a 15-percent drop in the number of newborns recorded in the country's household registration system during 2020. While not the official birth rate, expectations are for a further decline after the number of babies born in 2019 struck a record low in the country's history.





"Statistically, both the number and the proportion of women of childbearing age have been shrinking, which constitutes a direct cause for the decline in birth rates," said Lu Jiehua, professor of sociology at Peking University.

But this is far from the only reason, he told CGTN. "China's one-child policy has left a profound imprint on our society. Especially for those born in the 1980s and 90s, the concept of one-child families is deeply ingrained in their mind."

In 2016, China revamped its decades-long one-child policy, and families were allowed to have two children, but birth rates did not bounce back and are expected to continue to fall. This trend, if continued, could dampen the country's economic growth.

"People are simply not motivated," Lu noted.

In a 2017 survey, more than 50 percent of families said they had no intention of having a second child, and financial considerations were cited among the key reasons for not doing so. The survey also found that in rich provinces where the cost of raising a child is high, the reluctance to having more than one baby was also stronger.

Elchole, mother of a one-year-old son living in Beijing, said having one child is enough.

Elchole and her husband have a combined annual income of about 350,000 yuan ($54,113). But on top of having to pay off a mortgage, they also need to support their parents, who are over 60 years old and have reached a stage where support is needed.

"My son is still pretty young. Now we don't have to spend too much on him. But when he grows up, it will cost us a lot more," Elchole told CGTN.

In China, education is a matter of the highest importance for a standard middle-class family, and which school their children enter and what they are going to learn off-campus dominate discussions between parents.

Elchole and her husband are determined to give their son every support they can, but this could drain their savings.

While China's public school system ensures that each student gets a place for free, parents are not always satisfied with the school to which their child is assigned. So they pay school selection fees to send their child to a better school. Due to growing demand, these fees can reach hundreds of thousands of yuan, putting a financial strain on families like Elchole's. The price that parents have to pay to fulfill their vision for the children has generated doubt about the wisdom of bringing another child into the world.

For Elchole's family, whose annual income is already above average in Beijing, these financial considerations are a top concern. The couple is among millions of Chinese who have moved from their hometown to first-tier cities to pursue better jobs. But making a living in these cities isn't easy, as living costs have to be met and real-estate prices are rising faster than personal incomes.

"Each year we are not left with much. We are consumed by the fear that anything bad would happen and we might not be able to afford the cost," says Elchole.

Besides these financial pressures, a breakdown of China's traditional way of life has also made couples reluctant to bring more children into the world.

Feng Yuanyuan, a young mother who gave up her career to raise her firstborn child, said she is not at all eager to get pregnant again, even though she can ensure a good-quality education for her child.

Feng and her husband own a school district house that is close to a top-notch school. "Since this would also apply to my second child if I have one, many people ask me why I'm not seizing this opportunity." In major cities like Guangzhou, where Feng lives, school district houses are hard to come by, as property prices are often linked to the school's quality in the neighborhood.

Yet this still does not motivate the young mother to add a new member to her family. Feng says she has become a full-time mother since her son was born, which has made her "an outcast from society."

"Spending most of my time doing household chores and taking care of my son has deprived me of the pleasure of being a working woman. I want to return to society and be able to work again." She is now preparing for exams to become a licensed teacher, and that has become her new passion.

Like Feng, an increasing number of Chinese women have begun prioritizing their careers and want a life outside of the home. And this may have translated into doubt about bearing more children.

"People used to view having children as a way to make sure there is someone to count on when they get old, but this way of thinking is being phased out as social security improves," said Lu. "On top of that, young people's life choices are also more diversified. Starting a family is becoming less significant in their lives. We have learned from statistics that many people are pushing back getting married, which has certainly raised the prospect of a population implosion."

Since 2013, China has begun seeing an annual decline in registrations for marriage. In the past, marriage was seen as the only path to stability, something that everyone had to go through in life. But Chinese millennials are increasingly finding alternatives to getting married.

Staying single and relishing this freedom has become a cause for celebration. While many Chinese are still under family pressure to get married, their parents' "commands" are not as effective as they used to be. Defiance of parents' marriage push and resistance to family-arranged matchmaking are becoming a recurring theme in conversations between young people. Other than that, families are also increasingly learning to respect children's life choices.

These trends are likely to continue, Lu said. "People are not going to have more children if they are not motivated to do so. We should have more government incentives in place, and that's what will make a difference."
The pulse oximeter has been an essential tool for medical professionals amid the coronavirus pandemic, however, the small device may not work for people with dark skin, according to multiple studies and health agencies. On February 19, the US Food and Drug Administration warned that the pulse oximeters, which have increased in use during the pandemic, may yield inaccurate results. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also updated its coronavirus clinical guidance to warn doctors and nurses that data from several studies suggest skin pigmentation can affect the accuracy of the device.

Pulse oximeters are small clamp-like devices that attach painlessly to a patients finger and constantly monitor the amount of oxygen in their blood. According to a study, the researchers have analysed data from over 1,000 patients. For each patient, they compared the oxygen levels recorded by a pulse oximeter to those measured by arterial blood gas, which is a much more accurate, but painful procedure.

The researchers found that in white patients, the pulse oximeter gave a misleading number 3.6 per cent of the time. In Black patients, it was 11.7 per cent of the time. Dr. Michael Sjoding said that pulse oximeters were three times as likely to miss significantly low oxygen levels in Black patients. The study also suggested that one in every 10 Black patients may be getting deceptive results.

READ: Another New Coronavirus Variant Now Detected In 13 Countries

READ: New Study 'finds Evidence' Over Coronavirus Origin: 'Started In Wuhan Lab'

FDA to review data

The physicians have explained the reason behind the inaccurate readings. According to CNN, experts have said that pulse oximeters work by sending two types of red light through the finger. A sensor on the other side of the device picks up this light and uses it to detect the colour of the blood. If the device isnt calibrated for darker skin, the pigmentation could affect how the light is absorbed. Doctors have said that dark nail polish can also cause a similar effect.

Now, as public attention seems to be picking, the FDA has said that it will carefully review the available data to determine whether additional guidance or studies from the agency are needed. It is worth noting that the FDA is responsible for approving any medical pulse oximeters before they go to market. As per reports, the agency currently requires pulse oximeters to be tested on a variety of skin tones, meaning at least two darkly pigmented test subjects or 15 per cent of the subject pool, whichever is larger.

READ: Researchers To Develop 'all-in-one' Vaccine As Mutations Of COVID-19 Continue To Threaten

READ: Pfizer Coronavirus Vaccines Can Be Stored In Normal Medical Freezer


A victim of a horror mugging who was beaten over the head 40 times with his own crutch and had three coins forced down his throat has blasted his attacker's jail sentence.

Former All-Ireland winner Seamus Troy today releases shocking images of the injuries inflicted upon him by thug Adam Sheehan, just hours after Seamus got out of hospital.

Sheehan was sentenced to three years and nine months in jail for the attack.

Now, Seamus (47) is calling for a radical overhaul of sentencing guidelines where unprovoked attacks leave victims with life altering injuries.

The courageous father-of-four, who has since been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), told the Sunday World he sustained a broken eye socket, broken nose, a broken bone in his neck and required 27 staples to the head after being viciously attacked just hours after he left Cork University Hospital following an operation.

Earlier this month, attacker Sheehan (26) was given a 'headline' jail sentence of five years in prison for the attack, but because he automatically qualifies for 25 per cent remission, his real sentence for the near fatal attack is just three years and nine months.

"The sentence is wrong," Seamus, who won All-Ireland minor and under-21 hurling medals with his native Tipperary in 1989 and 1991, told the Sunday World.

Expand Close Seamus shared with the Sunday World these shocking photos of the aftermath of the attack. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Seamus shared with the Sunday World these shocking photos of the aftermath of the attack.

"It's not enough and I told the detective investigating my case that when he rang me after the case. He said he is going to contact the DPP to appeal the sentence.

"I have a letter from the detective who arrived first at the scene and it says when the guards arrived, they thought at first they were dealing with a murder scene because of the amount of blood I had lost.

"The injuries I suffered were horrific.

"He left me with a broken eye socket, a broken nose, 27 staples to the head, a broken bone in my neck and he put three coins in my mouth when he knelt on top of me and forced them into my stomach.

"He shouldn't even have been on the streets when he did this to me. There was a warrant out for his arrest when he attacked me but the guards couldn't find him."

Recalling the events of the day of the attack, Seamus said: "I had just left the hospital ... I'd been in having an operation.

Expand Close The aftermath of the attack / Facebook

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"I had gone and had a burger and then I got a taxi up to the bus station to get a bus back to Limerick and they told me to go around the back.

"But he followed me around and grabbed my bag. I said 'come back with my bag' and I went to ring 999. And then he did come back and he pushed me to the ground.

"He took my crutch and beat me with it. He hit me at least 40 times over the head.

"He kept beating me with it until the crutch broke. I remember I looked up at him and said: 'I have kids, please stop.'

"But he just said: 'I don't give a f**k what you have,' and he just kept beating me and beating me over the head and across the face.

"My eyes were closed for six weeks, I had a big lump on my neck and my nose was broken from it. I had to go back to hospital afterwards because of the coins he left lodged in my stomach.

"The doctors did an MRI in Cork and that had to be forwarded on to my doctor and he sent me straight to the hospital to have the coins removed."

Expand Close Adam Sheehan had been to a headshop before the attack / Facebook

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Whatsapp Adam Sheehan had been to a headshop before the attack

Appearing before Cork Circuit Court earlier this month, Sheehan, from Seamus Murphy Place in Mallow, pleaded guilty to robbing Seamus on Railway Lane, off Brian Boru Street in Cork city centre on May 20 last year.

Garda Padraig White told how gardai found Seamus lying on the ground covered in blood on Railway Lane before they spotted Sheehan with blood on his clothes nearby.

They arrested Sheehan, who was quite intoxicated, and brought him to Mayfield Garda station for questioning and he admitted mugging Seamus and stealing his phone, rucksack and 80 in cash.

Sheehan's barrister, Peter O'Flynn, said that his client had apologised for what he had done during an interview by gardai.

Mr O'Flynn said he was not offering it as an excuse but Sheehan had consumed a headshop drug called spice, thinking it was cannabis.

He said the drug was recognised as having psychotic effects on users.

He said while Sheehan had 20 previous convictions including for burglary and arson, he had no previous convictions for such violence and he believed it could be attributed to consuming spice.

Judge Sean O Donnabhain said it was an appalling offence where a vulnerable man just out of hospital was mugged in such a heartless fashion and beaten repeatedly with his own crutches.

He said that Sheehan's behaviour was clearly psychotic on the day and while he may have taken a drug which affected his mood, it did not excuse his behaviour in committing such a violent mugging.

"This was a merciless attack without compassion, necessity or purpose," he said. He sentenced Sheehan to seven years in jail but suspended the final two years of the prison term.

Asked about Sheehan's claim he had acted under the influence of psychotic drug, Seamus said: "I don't believe his excuses.

"What he said to me that day was he wanted money for vodka. And only for James Christie Dunne, who saw me being beaten and intervened, I believe he would have killed me.

"I have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because of what he did to me.

"I'm still waiting for word from a clinic on an operation to fix the bone in my neck.

"This had a huge impact on my kids as well.

"I'm 47 and I have four children, Becky is 26, James is 24 Nicole is 21 and Karla is 14.

"James, when he came to the hospital, said 'that's not my father' when the nurse pointed me out. My own son couldn't recognise me.

Arson

"This has caused me unreal damage in my life and that's being honest about it. I can't drive my car - and I don't like to leave the house.

"My son comes out to me to bring me for a drive and I won't go. And that's the PTSD, the feeling of non-stop anxiety.

"Adam Sheehan was charged under section 14 of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Act and it carries a sentence of 10 years.

"He got away with less than half of that.

"This is a man who has previous convictions for burglary, arson and possession of a knife.

"It's not right. The courts need to recognise the long term effects these attacks have on the people who are injured. The offence carried a sentence of 10 years - that's what he should have got."
Why petrol, diesel rates are rising in India? Petroleum minister explains

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 21: Amid criticism, India has urged the OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and OPEC plus countries to not go for a production cut as that is impacting the fuel price in the country.

"There are two main reasons behind the fuel price rise. International market has reduced fuel production and manufacturing countries are producing less fuel to gain more profit. This is making the consumer countries suffer," Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Sunday.

Petrol price on Saturday touched an all-time high of Rs 97 per litre in Mumbai while diesel rate crossed Rs 88-mark. This was the 12th straight day of price hike and the largest daily increase since oil companies started to revise rates on a daily basis in 2017.

The increase pushed the petrol price to Rs 90.58 a litre in Delhi and to Rs 97 in Mumbai.

International oil prices have been on the boil since Saudi Arabia pledged additional voluntary output cuts of 1 million barrels per day in February and March under a deal between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies including Russia, a group known as OPEC.

'Historic, unsustainable' high: Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi over rising fuel prices

This has resulted in oil prices rising to USD 63 per barrel, the highest level in more than a year, leading to retail pump rates in India breaching the Rs 100 a litre mark.

Opposition parties including Congress have criticised the price hikes, blaming it on the Modi government raising taxes to scoop out the benefit that arose from international oil rates plunging to a two-decade low in April/May last year. While global rates have rebounded with pick up in demand, the government has not restored the taxes, which are at a record high.
Libya's powerful interior minister in the UN-recognised government on Sunday escaped an assassination attempt on a highway near the capital Tripoli, an official from his inner circle told AFP.

The convoy of Fathi Bashagha "was fired on from an armoured car while he was on the highway. His police escort returned fire. Two of the assailants were arrested and a third is in hospital, ' the source said, adding that "the minister is fine'

Short link:


Legacy in undergraduate admission

Harvard: 

"Fitzsimmons also said that Harvard's undergraduate population is comprised of approximately 12 to 13 percent legacies, a group he defined as children of Harvard College alumni and Radcliffe College alumnae."

https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2011/5/11/admissions-fitzsimmons-legacy-legacies/

Yale: 

"legacies  students with one or both parents who attended Yale College, graduate or professional schools  have a hook in the admissions game."

https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2005/02/16/legacies-still-maintain-edge-in-admissions/

Princeton: 

To be a legacy, a student must have a parent or step-parent who attended Old Nassau. Undergraduate and graduate alumni ties hold the same weight. While admissions staff are aware of applicants who have siblings at Princeton, they dont receive preferential treatment and need to be competitive in their own right.

Yet as Dan Lee said, not all legacies are created equal. He explained that top universities  including Princeton  rank their legacy applicants. The children whose parent contributed more time or money to their alma mater are prioritized over those who gave less. 

https://www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2020/06/princeton-admissions-legacy-athletics-recruitment-testing-waitlist

Stanford: 

"At Stanford, legacy applicants are defined as the children of Stanford graduates at either the undergraduate or graduate level. With respect to philanthropy, Stanford does not document in admission files the donor status of all applicants' families. However, some applicants' files may contain a notation about their familys giving. In the large majority of these cases, the parents of the applicants are also graduates of Stanford. Philanthropy plays a significant role in supporting the opportunities available to all students at Stanford, including the ability to attend the university through our program of need-based financial aid."

https://provost.stanford.edu/2020/06/26/admissions-considerations/#:~:text=At%20Stanford%2C%20%E2%80%9Clegacy%E2%80%9D%20applicants,status%20of%20all%20applicants'%20families.?

MIT: Legacy

"Just To Be Clear: We Don't Do Legacy"

https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/just-to-be-clear-we-dont-do-legacy/
Radio 2 Jo Whiley appeared on The Andrew Marr Show today saying the last seven days - following her younger sister Frances contracting Covid in her care home - had been 'the worst week of my family's life'.

She urged the government to better protect those with learning disabilities after she was offered a vaccine before her sister, despite her sister being vulnerable.

Frances has severe learning difficulties and diabetes, is currently in hospital in Northamptonshire after she tested positive for the virus. The 53-year-old suffers from a rare genetic syndrome called Cri du Chat - a chromosomal condition that results in delayed development.

Whiley, 55, said she 'desperately' wished her sister had been vaccinated first and called on the government to 'forget the classifications' when it came to the vaccine.

She said her sister's condition had deteriorated on Saturday before her oxygen levels had increased again last night. Visibly emotional, she told presenter Marr: 'It's been the worst week of our lives without a shadow of a doubt.'

She shared that Frances had been 'so terrified' about being admitted to hospital that she 'rampaged and people couldn't contain her' leading to security guards being forced to restrain her.

Scroll down for video

The visibly emotional DJ, 55, told Andrew Marr that Frances, who has severe learning difficulties, had been so distressed at being admitted to hospital that she rampaged through the building (The sisters pictured at the star's parents home in Northamptonshire)

Radio 2 star told The Andrew Marr Show that the family had been forced to discuss palliative care after Frances' condition deteriorated yesterday - but said her oxygen levels had rallied as the day went on

Jo told Andrew Marr her parents 'hadn't slept for days' but that she's hopeful of a recovery for Frances, who's an 'amazing fighter'

What is Cri du Chat syndrome? Cri du Chat syndrome, also known as '5p minus' syndrome, is a chromosomal condition that results when a piece of chromosome 5 is missing. This is because of one of its key identifying symptoms is a cat-like cry that those with the condition make as children. Other symptoms include severe cognitive, speech and motor disabilities and behavioural problems such as hyperactivity, aggression, outbursts and repetitive movements. There are also physical symptoms, with those who have the syndrome often having smaller heads and widely-spaced eyes (hypertelorism). Diagnosis is primarily based on the distinctive 'cat cry' and accompanying physical problems The syndrome affects around 1 in 50,000 live births and is slightly more common in women than men. The condition is not treatable, though children can undergo speech and physical therapy to help with some of the symptoms. Advertisement

The star described how her younger sibling's health had taken a turn for the worse, saying: '24 hours ago we were talking palliative care - yesterday, she rallied round and we are seeing her oxygen levels rise so we have hope.

'She is an amazing fighter and always has been an amazing fighter.'

Speaking in a recorded interview ahead of the live show, Jo said she wasn't aware how her sister was this morning, which left her 'anxious', saying: 'waking up to having no news is a scary thing.'

The star also revealed that her elderly parents hadn't slept for days, but were allowed to be with their daughter, and detailed the difficulties in trying to get an oxygen mask on Frances and the challenge of sedating her.

The broadcaster said the fact she'd been offered the jab and not her sister felt like the 'cruellest twist in the world' after she'd been wanting her sibling to get it, 'to be protected', for almost a year.

She tweeted after the appearance: 'I felt I owed it to the LD community to explain the unique challenges they face with this horrific virus & to let them know they are not forgotten or of less value in society.'

Last week, the DJ, was forced to cancel her Radio 2 show after her sister Frances' illness left her feeling 'very scared' on Thursday.

She shared on social media: 'I cant do my @BBCRadio2 show this evening.

'My sister Frances is v poorly in hospital with Covid.

'I dont feel shiny or happy tonight, I feel very scared. However Ill be listening to @willyoung who I know will light up our kitchen in the depths of our darkness.'

After her appearance on the BBC show, she said: 'I felt I owed it to the LD community to explain the unique challenges they face with this horrific virus and to let them know they are not forgotten or of less value in society.'

On Thursday, Jo cancelled her Radio 2 evening show after her sister Frances' illness left her feeling 'very scared'

Frances (pictured), 53, suffers from a rare genetic syndrome called Cri du Chat - a chromosomal condition that results in delayed development

She tweeted on Thursday: 'I cant do my @BBCRadio2 show this evening. My sister Frances is v poorly in hospital with Covid'

The radio presenter previously blasted the Government's vaccination program after she was offered a coronavirus jab before her sister who lives in a care home.

'Fit and healthy' Whiley said it was 'mind boggling' she was offered a jab before her younger sister Frances - who has diabetes and complex learning difficulties.

She said she would give up her vaccine 'in a heartbeat' in favour of it going to those in a situation such as her younger sister.

Frances was moved into residential care in Northamptonshire in 2015 after her 'challenging behaviour' resulted in her needing specialist care.

But the former Radio One DJ said her 'blood ran cold' when she and her family were informed of a Covid outbreak at the care home.

Jo, pictured with her sister Frances, told followers that her sister had been left 'distressed and confused' by a Covid outbreak at the care home where she lives

She called for the Government to prioritise those with learning difficulties for the vaccine.

Ms Whiley also believes Frances, who is due to be vaccinated in priority group six as part of the 'all adults at risk' group, should have been vaccinated in group four due to her diabetes.

Speaking to Radio 4's Today Programme, Ms Whiley said: 'We've done everything we can to try and facilitate the vaccine getting to people who need it most.

'She (Frances) is in group six but she also has diabetes quite bad diabetes, which should put her in group four.

'I would have thought she should have received it, but she hasn't. I just want to speak up for people like Frances, who have been overlooked, because this happens so often with people with learning difficulties, who haven't got a voice.

'I can't tell you how frustrating it is and how horrendous it is. It's the stuff of nightmares.

'Then ironically I got a message to say I was due to have my vaccine, before my sister, who has learning disabilities and underlying health conditions, go figure.'

Ms Whiley, who thinks she has been offered the vaccine due to her status as a carer for her sister, added: 'My mind is boggling, it really is, and I would give up my vaccine in a heartbeat for my sister and any of the residents in that care home.'

The radio presenter has been vocal on her social media platforms about trying to get her younger sister Frances, who has diabetes and learning difficulties, the vaccine.

The broadcaster said it had been a 'long, anxious weekend' after there was an outbreak of Covid at Frances' care home in Northamptonshire.

NHS England officially moved onto the next stage of the roll-out on Monday, inviting over-65s and adults with underlying conditions. The national guidance up until now was to focus on the four priority groups  over 70s, NHS staff, care home residents and workers, and seriously-ill adults.

But over-60s in some areas leading the way in the vaccine roll-out have already been contacted. NHS bosses say local health teams can make their own way down the list of nine priority groups, so long as they have attempted to reach everyone above them.

Official figures suggest that more than 2million Brits in the top four priority groups have still yet to be vaccinated, despite ministers saying they have all been offered a jab.

Meanwhile, figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), reported as part of the Radio 4 interview, showed how 6 in 10 people who died of Covid up until November last year had a disability.

Ms Whiley told her followers: 'Still no vaccination for Frances and now theres an outbreak of COVID in her care home.

'Staff are doing all they can to keep everyone safe but its the stuff of nightmares.

'Shes distressed and confused, my parents and I never more scared and sad for her.'

In a later post, revealing she had been offered the vaccine, she wrote: 'Blimey, the irony. Ive just been asked to book my vaccine.

'I desperately wish my sister had been offered the vaccine before me. I am fit and healthy. She has learning disabilities and diabetes.'
The family of three young siblings who died alongside their grandmother in a house blaze after using a fireplace to keep warm have hit out at officials 'who should have been prepared' for the Texas storm.

Olivia, Edison and Colette Nguyen and their grandmother Le Loan, 75, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning at their Sugar Land home in during the statewide blackouts.

It is unclear how the fire started or the fuel being used; the fireplace was downstairs, the home's bedrooms upstairs.

The children's aunt, Vanessa Kon, told The Daily Beast: 'We don't know what happened. We don't know why the lights went out like that. The city should have been prepared for it. Why was the power off? If the power wasn't off, this wouldn't have happened.'

Olivia was 11, Edison, 8, and Colette was 5. The childrens father, Nathan Nguyen, is separated from Jackie; he didn't live with them, according to the Beast.

Kon's comments come as Joe Biden's press secretary on Sunday confirmed the president may visit Texas 'as soon as this week'.

Jen Psaki said the president is 'eager' to help but added: 'Hes also very mindful of the fact that its not a light footprint for a president to travel to a disaster area. He does not want to take away resources or attention.

'And were going to do that at an appropriate time in coordination with people on the ground. Could be as soon as this week.'

Biden had declared a major disaster in the state where 14million were without water at one point with towns cut off from the electricity grid for seven days.

The move - announced on Saturday - makes federal funding available to individuals across the state, including assistance for temporary housing, home repairs and low-cost loans for losses on uninsured property.

Olivia, center, Edison, left, and Colette, right, Nguyen and their grandmother Le Loan, 75, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning during the blackouts

Firefighters were called out around 2 am and tackled the blaze but the four victims were confirmed dead. The children's mom Jackie Nguyen and a friend were also injured and taken to hospital

The family had been without power at their Sugar Land home for eight hours when the fire broke out

Firefighters were called out around 2 am and tackled the blaze but the four victims were confirmed dead. The children's mom Jackie Nguyen and a friend were also injured and taken to hospital.

The family had been without power at their Sugar Land home for eight hours when the fire broke out.

Mom Jackie is said to have been restrained by first responders from going back into the house to try and save her children.

At least 30 lives were lost in the Lone Star state.

Volunteers prepare to load food into cars during the Houston Food Bank food distribution at NRG Stadium on Sunday. Thousands of people lined up to receive food and water at a mass distribution site for Houston residents who are still without running water and electricity following winter storm Uri

Shoppers are seen wandering next to near empty shelves in a supermarket in Houston, Texas following winter storm Uri on Saturday

The Houston Food Bank is pictured Sunday. Joe Biden's press secretary on Sunday confirmed the president may visit Texas 'as soon as this week'

Other victims of the crisis include 11-year-old Cristian Pavon, who perished of hypothermia in his family's mobile home in Conroe, near Houston, a day after he was pictured enjoying the snow - the first he had ever seen in his life.

Another man reportedly froze to death in his recliner chair with his 'nearly dead' wife by his side and a mother and daughter died from carbon monoxide poisoning as they bundled in their car in a garage.

Two older men were also found dead in their homes in the small West Texas town of Buffalo Gap in Taylor County, officials said.

Texas is the only state in the continental United States with an independent and isolated grid. That allows the state to avoid federal regulation - but also severely limits its ability to draw emergency power from other grids.

ERCOT, which operates the grid, saw 4.5 million of their customers without power during the cold snap.

Texas had experienced a similar, though less severe, disruption during a 2011 cold snap. Still, Texas power producers failed to adequately winter-proof their systems.

Vehicles drive down East 7th Street amid power outages in East Austin, Texas on Wednesday

Before dawn on Monday, the states grid operator was 'seconds and minutes' away from an uncontrolled blackout for its 26 million customers, ERCOT CEO Bill Magness has said.

More than 14.5 million Texans endured a related water-supply crisis as pipes froze and burst. About 65,000 customers remained without power as of Saturday afternoon, even as temperatures started to rise, according to website PowerOutage.US.

Senator Ted Cruz has been mocked for sharing photos of himself handing out bottled water in a 'shameless' photo-op just days after he jetted off to Cancun with his family.

Late on Saturday night Cruz posted a series of pictures of himself on Twitter showing him delivering water to those in need together with the hashtag #TexasStrong.

The senator was forced to return from his Mexican beach resort vacation while millions of fellow Texans were left dealing with horrendous conditions.

At one hospital, workers stood outside to collect rainwater. Others stood in line at a running tap in a park. A mother of three took her children to shelter in a furniture store after she could see her breath forming in the familys trailer. University professors fundraised so their students could afford meals.

Senator Ted Cruz tweeted a photo op late on Saturday night with the hashtag #TexasStrong. It only served to generate further anger online from those furious at the senator's recent behavior that saw him leave Texas for the beach in the midst of a crisis

It comes after Cruz decided to take take a trip to Cancun while his state was in crisis - he returned after a day

Senator Cruz caused himself a huge backlash from people for leaving the Lone Star State for sunnier climes during an unprecedented winter event which shut down most of the state for five days and left at least 30 dead

The states Republican leadership has been blamed for ignoring warnings that winter could wreak the havoc that it did, and for not providing local officials with enough information to protect residents now.

Power outages spiraled through the day Monday, ultimately cutting off more than 4 million people. Grocery stores shut down, and hotel rates skyrocketed.

Things got worse Tuesday; by Wednesday, some started to get their power back, but a new shortage emerged - drinkable water.

Frozen pipes burst across the state. And the water that did come out of taps was often undrinkable due to dangerously low water pressure levels. At one point, an estimated 13 million people were under a boil-water order, nearly half of Texas population.

At weeks end, as the cold weather began to loosen its grip, the power came back for most Texans.

But the effects linger: Some Texans on variable-rate power contracts faced electric bills in the thousands of dollars, leading the governor to hold an emergency meeting Saturday with lawmakers.

As Heidi marched out of the Houston airport with her kids and an unidentified boy - all of whom were wearing masks - at 6pm on Saturday night, DailyMail.com asked her several questions, all of which she refused to answer

For Italian retail investors looking for their version of [hotlink]GameStop[/hotlink], the venerable Tuscan bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena looked like a good starting point.

Founded in 1472, MPS as it is known, is the worlds oldest continually operated bank. But the past few years have been its toughest. Heavily in debt after making an ill-advised 9 billion acquisition of a rival bank just before the 2008 global financial crisis hit, Monte dei Paschi has absorbed hundreds of millions in state bailouts. In 2016, it was the only major lender to fail European regulators system-wide stress test.

By this year, the banks financial situation had stabilized, and it was still a top 10 bank in Italy in terms of capitalization and assets under control. It had jettisoned most of its nonperforming loans. Still, its share price was near an all-time low.

At first glance, MPS seemed like it might be a good idea because its general financial situation seemed to fit the profile of an underappreciated stock ready for liftoff, Luca Discacciati, a full-time trader with Investire.biz who runs a YouTube channel on investing, told Fortune.

Then we saw short positions were less than 5% of the capitalization, compared to 170% for GameStop, he said. How can anyone hope to orchestrate a short squeeze on a share where the short-sellers were less than 5% of the float?

Pennies on the euro

European investors are learning how to identify the next local GameStopbut its somewhat slow going. Discacciati said Italian traders eventually found some lower-profile, small-cap targets, including Internet services company Tiscali; ePrice, an Italian rival to Amazon; and Digital Bros, a developer and seller of digital games. The most dramatic results came from Clabo, a penny stock which nearly tripled to 2.06 in unusually heavy trading between Jan. 27 and Feb. 4. As was the case with GameStop, day trader interest in Clabo has since slipped, and the share price has given back half its gains.

Story continues

Elsewhere, a number of European stocksstonks in the parlance of meme-savvy tradersbriefly got caught up in last months Reddit rally. They included Finnish telecom company [hotlink]Nokia[/hotlink], German battery maker Varta, and Polish game developer CD Projekt. It helped that some of these listings trade on exchanges on both sides of the Atlantic, or are otherwise accessible to U.S. investors. Steve Sosnick, chief strategist for Interactive Brokers, said the frenzy reminded him of a wolf pack seeking out the weakest member of the herd.

By all indications, that wolf pack is growing in Europe.

According to French markets regulator AMF, the number of retail investor accounts in the country soared between late 2019 and the end of last year, averaging nearly 770,000 active traders per quarter for the five quarters ending in December, compared with 480,000 per quarter for the five quarters before that. In Italy, it's becoming as easy to buy stocks online as it is to order a case of Chianti. As of last October, nearly 250 firms were offering online brokerage services, a jump of 83 percent in an 18-month period. Not surprisingly, trade volume from online accounts grew by nearly 200 percent during the same period.

The retail trading zeitgeist has hit Germany, too. In Europe's biggest economy, the word aktie (German for stock or share) has replaced sex as the fastest-growing search term over the last year, a period in which 1.5 million new online brokerage accounts opened.

Social media warnings

Its not quite the size of the army of retail investors found in Americahouseholds account for more than one-third (36%) of the $57 trillion U.S. equities marketbut even so European regulators are eager to avoid the kind of GameStop mayhem that rocked the markets in January. Earlier this week, ESMA, the European Securities and Markets Authority (the equivalent of Americas Securities and Exchange Commission), issued a warning notice to investors that social media forums can be dangerous places to look for stock-picking advice.

The ESMA warning was promoted by what we saw in the States with GameStop, David Cliffe, a spokesman at the agency, explained. These days, what starts in the U.S. can cross over quickly, especially with the social media being so prevalent.

There are more built-in brakes that prevent the kind of trading volatility that sent GME on a rally, as the day traders say, to the moon.

For traders in Italy, in Europe, its much harder to move a share price of strictly European shares than it is for investors in the U.S. and looking at U.S. exchanges, Biagio Milano, a Calabria-based investor whom an Italian publication in 2019 identified as one of Italys top traders, told Fortune. There are rules working against investors trying to make what happened with GameStop happen here.

Milano, who made his first big profit betting on Tiscali at a time when it briefly surpassed Italian carmaker Fiat in market capitalization in the late 1990s, said automatic systems that temporarily halt trading in securities that rise 10% in a session, and then again at 5% increments, can kill emotion-driven rallies. Furthermore, there are local laws that seek to limit public online forums from being used to overtly rally interest in specific securities.

Then theres the Italian psychology that makes it hard for investors to trust people they dont know.

Traders vs. scalpers

It would be difficult to have a situation like the one in the U.S. where people hold their positions as the pressure builds, Milano noted. He said he advises the people he talks with to be tradersthe Italian term for investors who hold the shares they buy for at least a few days before selling. Those who hold shares for far briefer periodsscalpers in the Italian parlanceusually win or lose based on luck, he cautioned. And those who hold shares for weeks or months or even longerthe cassettista, or drawer operators as the Italians call themare missing too many opportunities.

But there are small, under-the-radar groups of mostly young Italian investors who have been newly inspired by the GameStop headlines, thinking they too can make a quick euro. They communicate via group chats on digital communication platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram to avoid rules against nonprofessionals publicly advocating buying or selling specific shares. They even have a different lingo. What Milano calls a scalper they call an espresso investornot just because the trades are fast, but because its a way to share in a kind of joke on the old-timers.

My father drinks espresso, said 21-year-old Matteo, a part-time student who has worked in coffee bars and at a bus depot selling tickets. I prefer a can of Monster or Red Bull.

Matteo, who asked that his last name not be used and who lives in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, told Fortune he is part of a self-styled group of around 60 traders communicating via WhatsApp and calling themselves I Cavalieri (The Knights). Only a few of them know each other in real life, though everyone in the group has to be recommended by another member before they can join. They are mostly unemployed, and they spend their time online, scouring stock charts looking for opportunities based mostly on some of the same kind of technical analysis the pros use: They look for undervalued stocks for established companies with trading volume on the rise, something they see as a combination that presages an upward pop in price.

Matteo said his group helped add momentum to a Feb. 1 rally in shares for Atlantia, an Italian infrastructure company embroiled in a battle between the European Commission and the Italian government over penalties for a deadly 2018 bridge collapse in Genoa.

Matteo said his total portfolio is worth a little over 12,000, almost 50% more than at Christmas. For Italian retail traders, thats a decent-size short-term return. Another difference with his counterparts in the U.S.: His investing budget wont be fueled by stimulus stimmy checks. The cash-strapped Italian government hasnt been nearly as generous with fiscal relief.

Matteo said he started out with a sum hed inherited from a relative. Another person in the group, Matteo said, sold a car he could no longer use because of coronavirus travel restrictions. Another cashed in a savings account hed started as a child.

They may not have the funds to fuel the next great stonk rally, but their enthusiasm and numbers are growing.

More must-read finance coverage from Fortune :

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

Some politicians have strange ideas about accountability for the insurrection that killed and maimed police officers, defiled the Capitol and brought our democracy low last month. Take the California Republican Party officials who are eager to use their convention this weekend to censure the man they deem most culpable in the national disgrace.

Former President Donald Trump? No, San Joaquin Valley Rep. David Valadao, the only Republican member of Californias House delegation who possessed the courage to vote for Trumps second impeachment. Some of the state conventions most misguided participants  which is saying a lot  are pushing to censure Valadao for his supposed betrayal of the former president, who, in the words of no less a ruthless Republican partisan than Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day  no question about it.

Going into the convention, California Republican leaders remained divided over the harebrained idea of condemning precisely the wrong person for Trumps high crime  that is, the only representative in their ranks who was brave enough to call it what it was. Thats more than can be said for many party organizations: Six of the seven Republicans who voted with a majority of senators to convict Trump on the impeachment charge have been censured by state or local parties or are facing that prospect. The most revealing synopsis of this collective moral implosion came from a Pennsylvania GOP official who said of Sen. Pat Toomey, We did not send him there to do the right thing.

All of this demonstrates a continuing existential threat to the countrys constitutional order. Owing to damning facts and a skillful prosecution by House managers, Trump became the first president to be impeached twice and the subject of the most bipartisan votes for impeachment and conviction in American history. But because of the two-thirds threshold required for conviction and the cowardice of McConnell and others, the trial fell short of extracting any practical penalty for his transgression. Trump could therefore seek the presidency again, and too many of his fellow partisans have signaled their willingness to resort to any antidemocratic means to enable him.

This is, in other words, no time for timidity on the part of the remaining officials and institutions with the will and power to hold Trump and his enablers accountable.

Speaker Nancy Pelosis proposal last week to form a 9/11 Commission-style body to investigate the insurrection has bipartisan support, is a good start and promises a full accounting of the attack well beyond the scope of the expedited impeachment and trial. But its only a start.

State investigations in New York and Georgia reportedly are considering criminal charges related to Trumps finances and his bullying of election officials, while federal officials are conducting a broadening investigation of those who planned and executed the attack on the Capitol. But the Justice Department must further investigate Trumps role in inciting the riot and failing to respond quickly and appropriately to the violence.

President Biden, like his predecessors other than Trump, has expressed misgivings about prosecuting former leaders, the concern being that targeting political opponents for punishment is a hallmark of authoritarian drift. But we have more to fear at this point from failing to prosecute and thereby normalizing a case of clear-cut authoritarian lawlessness.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
The four people who died had all been in one vehicle, a blue 2019 Ford Fiesta that had been stopped on the right side of the road before it was struck by a black 2018 Jeep Wrangler. Killed were Herlanda Harris, 47, a 6-year-old boy from Chicago, Stacy Harris, 45, and a 17-year-old boy from Schaumburg, according to state police. The medical examiners office had not released the names of the deceased Sunday and state police did not release the boys names because they were juveniles. Officials did not say whether some or all of those who died were related.
Finance Minister



on Sunday accused Union Home Minister of providing misinformation about disbursement of funds by the Centre to the state during a political rally and challenged him for a debate.

He said the state government had received Rs 1.13 lakh crore from the Centre in the last six years, which is "nothing more than one-third of what the Union minister claimed".

Shah, in his recent visit to the poll-bound West Bengal, had reportedly said the Centre provided Rs 3.59 lakh crore to the state.

"He has given wrong, misleading and politically-motivated information. The Centre, as a part of the federal structure, collects taxes from states and shares. We had received only Rs 1.13 lakh crore in the last 6 years (FY14 to FY20)," Mitra told reporters.

Referring to his estimate, Mitra said the Centre might have collected around Rs 5 lakh crore in these years in the form of direct and indirect taxes from and sent only Rs 1.13 lakh crore through central schemes.

Mitra said the government had spent Rs 3.1 lakh crore in these six years in different projects, which are fully sponsored by the state, apart from expenditures like salary, pension and other administrative expenses.

(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.)
Security forces in Myanmar opened fire on protesters in the city of Mandalay on Saturday, killing two people and wounding dozens, according to witnesses.

The shootings occurred as authorities were trying to force workers back to their jobs at a local shipyard. They were among hundreds of thousands of workers across Myanmar who have walked off their jobs to protest the militarys Feb. 1 coup and its ouster of elected civilian leaders.

More than 1,000 demonstrators gathered at the shipyard to block police, leading to a tense standoff that lasted much of Saturday afternoon. Authorities used water cannons, rubber bullets, tear gas, slingshots and ultimately live ammunition to break up the crowd, witnesses said.

At least 40 people were wounded, according to volunteer medics at the scene.

The Myanmar military, or Tatmadaw, which has ruled the country for much of the past 60 years, staged a predawn coup Feb. 1, forcing out elected leaders and placing the head of the civilian government, Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest.

The military also detained many leaders of her party, the National League for Democracy. More than 500 political figures and critics of the military are now being held, many without charges.

The coup immediately prompted protests throughout the country and spurred a growing civil disobedience movement with widespread labor walkouts. Among the key targets of the work stoppages are entities that help the military collect revenue, including tax offices, the government electricity ministry and private banks.

Saturday was the bloodiest day of protests so far. The clash began when police tried to force several workers to sail a ship from Mandalay to the city of Bhamo.

The men refused, and a crowd of supporters gathered in the neighborhood of dirt roads and food stalls near the small Yatanarpon shipyard. Men rolled barrels into the street to build a barricade to hold back police.

Videos showed police chasing protesters, striking some with their batons and arresting those they could catch. Some police officers used slingshots to shoot rocks and other projectiles at the protesters. They also scattered spiky clusters of screws on the street to cut the feet of sandal-wearing protesters as they ran.

As the afternoon wore on, police became more aggressive and began firing live bullets. A volunteer with a local medical charity, Ko Kyaw Lin, said he had been helping rescue wounded protesters but could not get close enough to some of them because security forces were shooting at people in the crowd.
SHARJAH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 21st Feb, 2021) International Publishers Association (IPA) President, Bodour Al Qasimi, has encouraged Ivory Coasts publishers to remodel their businesses as part of an IPA drive to rebuild publishing as a more resilient and sustainable sector.

Al Qasimi was in Abidjan meeting members of lAssociation des Editeurs de Cote d'Ivoire (ASSEDI, Ivory Coast Publishers Association) to discuss current challenges and ways book publishers can adapt to new industry dynamics.

The publishers briefed the IPA President on how COVID-19 had brought their national industry to its knees, sending book sales through the floor due to stringent virus containment measures, such as school closures and cancellations of book fairs.

Rethinking business models will be paramount to the survival of Africas book sector, where a near-total reliance on textbook production leaves it vulnerable. In addition, more African governments are entering the educational publishing arena, and remote education is fast becoming the norm.

Addressing ASSEDI officials and local publishers, the IPA President said: Lasting solutions to Africas publishing, literacy, and book accessibility challenges will require African ownership, African innovation and African energy. While these are very testing times for publishers, this is also an opportunity to think big and to design new business models and strategies with a focus on international, as well as national, markets.

 In Abidjan, Al Qasimi also met Albert Nsengiyumva, Executive Secretary of the Association of the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), to explore potential IPA-ADEA collaborations to champion quality, inclusive education across Africa.

Ivory Coast - the third leg of Al Qasimis tour - followed visits to Egypt and Kenya. At each stop, the IPA President has gathered frontline market intelligence from the national publishers associations and listened to their fears about the deep socioeconomic uncertainty.

Al Qasimi has also been presenting IPAs 2021 vision to develop effective, research-based strategies to regenerate global publishing as a resilient, future-proof sector. This will entail engineering robust business ecosystems within which thriving publishers can enhance their essential contribution to education, social development and knowledge economies.

The IPA President was also received by Kandia Camara, Minister of National Education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training. They agreed that how academic publishers in Ivory Coast need to pivot to producing digital courseware to improve their prospects for growth.

Shipping industry wants ECT fast-tracked View(s):

Sri Lankas shipping industry has requested authorities to fast-track the operationalisation of the East Container Terminal (ECT) in a bid to overcome the perception that Colombo Port is congested and can accommodate vessels without berthing delays.

Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) Chairman Iqram Cuttilan said they had written to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) last week requesting authorities to fast-track the operationalisation of the ECT.

Raising concerns of efficiency at the ECT, Mr. Cuttilan said they hoped the ECT will be operated faster as they fear should the SLPA handle operations at this new terminal it could lead to lower efficiency levels compared to the other privately-run terminals like the South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT) and the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT).

Both SAGT and CICT operate at a 40-50 per cent higher rate of efficiency compared to the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) run by the SLPA, he said.

Loading and discharging is around 30 movements per hour (MPH) at CICT and SAGT but at JCT it is only 20 MPH, he noted. Another concern is the challenge the authorities would face in raising around US$560 million for the purchase of equipment like ship to shore gantry cranes and RTG gantry cranes that would take about a minimum of 18 months to place the order and deliver. In addition to this there is also the concern that the government procurement procedure too has to be carried out that is also a time consuming process, he noted.

Moreover, Mr. Cuttilan pointed out that the perception of the Colombo Port as a congested port could be overcome should they operationalise the ECT in order to inform shipping lines that there would not be any more delays.

In order to do so however, the industry needs to be given a timeline on the operationalisation of the ECT, he said.

Mr. Cuttilan said they hoped the ECT will be run on a new model with the establishment of a Computer Terminal Operating System as opposed to the manual systems adopted.

Meanwhile, the ECT has an outsourced cadre with overseas Sri Lankan returnees and retirees but what is needed is a set of people that will ensure a high level of efficiency to act in competition with the other terminals, he noted.

During the third quarter there is likely to be a general pick up in the number of vessels calling at the Colombo Port as a result of which the port needs to be ready, he said adding that otherwise there could be tight situation that Colombo would have to face up to. (SD)
If everything goes according to plan, much of California could come close to herd immunity levels of vaccination by late summer. Within weeks, the effects could be dramatic: very low case rates, people comfortably allowed to gather again, maybe even some looser rules around mask-wearing.

Of course, little about this pandemic has stuck to the plan.

Between the emergence of new coronavirus variants, unreliable vaccine supplies and uneven access to the doses available, it may take months or even years longer than anyone would like to hit herd immunity. Its possible California, the nation and the world may never get there.

That would be unfortunate, but not necessarily disastrous. The vaccines at hand are powerfully good at preventing severe illness, even with the variants that appear to be somewhat resistant, and they can be retooled to match the virus as it mutates. Vaccines will almost certainly reduce hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19, and that could make the pandemic much more tolerable in the coming months, long before its technically over.

Im hopeful we will be vaccinating the general public in a broader perspective by early summer. And we should see correspondingly wonderful impacts by early fall, said Dr. Catherine Blish, a Stanford infectious disease expert.

Blish is still optimistic about herd immunity  even if she, like most of her peers, has no idea how long it will take to get there. The important thing to remember is were going to need to be patient, she said.

Herd immunity occurs when enough of a population is immune to a virus that it is no longer able to spread. Measles is a good example: Enough people in the United States are vaccinated that the virus causes a problem only when cases are brought in from other countries and happen to reach communities that are under-vaccinated, leading to local outbreaks.

Stephen Lam / The Chronicle

Its not clear exactly how many people will need to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity with the coronavirus; Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, has estimated 70% to 85%. But its a moving target, based on how protective vaccines are against new variants and other factors, including the effectiveness of the vaccines on children and how long immunity lasts. Children are unlikely to be eligible for shots until early next year, but studies have found that they are not driving the pandemic.

Regardless of what the final percentage is, and assuming vaccine supply becomes more reliable, many parts of the U.S. could get close to herd immunity in six to eight months.

Along the way, counties should see a continued, notable decrease in hospitalizations and deaths. Some experts believe the vaccines are already helping, with fewer outbreaks in nursing homes in particular. The effects should become more apparent in the next month if counties continue to reopen the economy and hospitalizations dont climb again  though theres a risk of a fresh surge in cases if more-infectious variants get a foothold, public health officials warn.

Once communities reach herd immunity, new cases should fall fast. If the Bay Area were an island, after it had vaccinated about 80% to 90% of residents, then the pandemic could be over in two weeks, said Dr. George Rutherford, a UCSF infectious disease expert.

But global ties mean that even after the region or the state, or even the country, hits herd immunity levels, the coronavirus will remain a threat  but a less life-altering one. If communities can drive cases down to just a handful a day, then they can quickly isolate and contain new infections that are imported and prevent outbreaks.

How would we live if there were 10 or 20 cases a day or even 100 cases a day in the United States? We would be enjoying life considerably, said Dr. John Swartzberg, a UC Berkeley infectious disease expert. The U.S. currently reports well over 50,000 cases a day. Thats what we can get to with herd immunity.

Assuming herd immunity is achievable, there are several variables that could slow it down. One unknown is how long immunity lasts after people are vaccinated. Some infectious disease experts fear immunity could start to wane in just a few months, which would mean the first round of people to be vaccinated will need boosters before the final groups get a single dose. But most experts believe immunity probably lasts longer than that, maybe years.

Variants could complicate things and could even make herd immunity an impossible goal if the virus mutates too fast for vaccines to keep up. But even in that case, the vaccines probably would prevent most serious illness and the coronavirus could end up similar to influenza, in terms of how it affects day-to-day living and the impact on health care systems.

The most concerning variants so far are from South Africa and Brazil, both of which have been identified in small numbers in the United States; two cases of the variant from South Africa have been found in the Bay Area. Those variants reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, and they also may be able to evade natural immunity from previous infection. That may mean more people need to be vaccinated or need boosters for the population to reach herd immunity.

The current vaccines will still make a dent. They just maybe cant tout the 95% effectiveness necessarily, said Shannon Bennett, chief of science at the California Academy of Sciences. But I would take 60% in a heartbeat.

The bigger concern with variants is whats to come  if the ones that already have emerged are able to partially evade vaccines, what happens if future variants escape completely? That reasoning is part of the rush to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible, because the less the virus can circulate, the less it can mutate into something more dangerous.

The vaccine rollout has been notoriously bumpy in the United States. Many county and city leaders have said they have the staff and other resources to be able to reach nearly all of those approved for vaccination by late summer. But those plans are based on supply, which is ramping up but has been hampered by everything from government disorganization to winter storms. Its also unclear what proportion of the population will decline to take the vaccine, even if it is eligible.

Many public health experts are ramping up calls to prioritize vaccine for communities hit hardest by the pandemic. Focusing on those neighborhoods is important for two reasons: to protect the people who have already suffered the most, and to speed up the climb toward herd immunity.

You want your vaccinations to break cycles of transmission, said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, vice dean for Population Health and Health Equity at UCSF. The virus has not been hiding. We know where its been. So go there and vaccinate everyone there.

The slow vaccine rollout, the rise of the variants, and then this extremely uneven distribution makes me really think we wont reach effective herd immunity in the short term, or maybe ever, she said.

Public health officials said theyre aware of the need to vaccinate communities with the highest case rates, and many counties have opened clinics in those neighborhoods. Last week, health officials opened a one-day-a-week pop-up vaccination clinic in Gilroy, which has the highest rate of infections in Santa Clara County.

Gilroy resident Patricia Lugo, 57, showed up with her 83-year-old mother Wednesday so they both could get vaccinated; Lugo qualifies as her mothers primary caregiver. Lugo said shes kept them extremely isolated to avoid infection, but she was nervous about the vaccine being so new and about side effects. Shed made two previous appointments for the shot and canceled.

The arrival of the variant from South Africa in the Bay Area finally convinced her. Plus, she wants to set an example for her four adult sons, who have reservations about getting vaccinated. She knows that until theyre all vaccinated she cant hug her children and grandchildren. And her community, too, cant recover.

I want everybody to get it so were all safe and our lives can get back to normal, Lugo said a few minutes after getting her first shot. Today I decided to get over my fear. This is what I need to do.

Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday
It wasnt until she saw her cousins, rights activists Salwa and Iman, leading a daring protest outside a courthouse in Benghazi that Hala Bugaighis realised something truly huge was happening.

It was February 2011. Hosni Mubarak had stepped down in neighbouring Egypt just the week before and that revolutionary fervour had spilled over the borders into Libyas second city.

Hala Bugaighis, then a 31-year-old commercial lawyer, was more than 1,000km west in Tripoli, a stronghold of Muammar Gaddafi who had ruled the country with an iron fist for more than 40 years.
TMC Birbhum president Anubrata Mondal to be under strict EC surveillance from 5 pm till Fri 7 am: Official

High drama in Kolkata: TMC workers pelt stones at CBI office over arrest of Bengal ministers

CBI is only ally of BJP left: TMC on notice to Abhishek's wife

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Kolkata, Feb 21: The Trinamool Congress hit out at the Centre on Sunday, alleging political vendetta as the CBI served a notice to party MP Abhishek Banerjee's wife, asking her to join the probe in the coal pilferage case.

In a statement, the party said that people will give a befitting reply to the BJP over this during the polls.

So predictable. So desperate. All BJP allies have left them. So the only loyal allies are CBI and ED," it stated.

"CBI is the only ally of the BJP left," it added.

The party said it was not scared and will fight it out.

Bengal Polls: Dilip Ghosh's convoy attacked; TMC party office vandalised

Abhishek, a TMC MP from Diamond Harbour, is the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Trinamool Congress spokesperson and MP Sougata Roy alleged the CBI visiting Abhishek''s house was nothing but political vendetta.

"The way BJP was targeting Abhishek for the last few days prove that they were up to something," he said.

The BJP said the TMC was trying to politicise the matter.

"If someone has committed any wrong, then the law will take its course. Those who are culprits should be punished. No one should try to politicise the matter," BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told PTI.

The CBI team is likely to question Abhishek''s wife Rujira Banerjee in connection with the case at her residence, sources said.

The developments come month ahead of the assembly elections in West Bengal, which are likely in April-May.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 16:19 [IST]
Last week we celebrated Saint Valentine, in a normal year the newspaper would be full of special Staycation offers. This year for obvious reasons the takeout dinner was the top seller. My family had our first take out dinner for this year on Saturday and really enjoyed it. A new concept that has been born this last year is The Coordinated Zoom dinner event. You have a dinner theme for example gala dinner and all participants dress up and set the table the same way, and then you eat together on Zoom. Now if you want other courses, I have seen companies that offer the whole kit. Dinner pack delivery with aperitif, 3 course menu, wine pairing and even matching table decorations and a special playlist that goes well with the type of food all as a package, all you have to do yourself is reheat the food and connect to Zoom, very 2021.

So, Tuesday the Scandinavians had our famous Semla dag or Fat Tuesday, and as I walked through Santa Catalina I saw a large queue outside the Palma Bread outlet. I must admit I did have one and it was amazing. After the fluffy bun I went straight to my Speed fitness class. Just like me most people need to have a balance between discipline and leisure, to feel good and this is where the Swedes would say we need Lagom. Lagom should be translated to not too little not too much, just right and that is what we would like to suggest as the life lesson of today. Have your Semla and then do some exercise and you will be alright.

For the north of Europe, the challenge has always been the connectivity to the rest of the world, we have been spoiled for years with direct flights to most European destinations. The news this week that Vueling will start to fly from Denmark to Mallorca and other destinations from June, was the happiest news I have seen for a long time.

Just as I sat down with the news, I got a call from Denmark; Jessika what is going on with the restrictions in Mallorca? Can we book and come to see you now? This guy is a new client, so I had to take a few minutes with him to sum up what is happening on the island. It is confusing even for me, despite speaking the language close to perfectly and having heaps of experience, the rules keep changing every week and it is a jungle. Things are getting better; Yes, shops are opening but some businesses are being completely discriminated against by the Government. No, I do not recommend someone to come over to Mallorca right now for holiday. The way things are here now is not the way I want to welcome visitors to Mallorca. It is so sad, but how can you suggest to someone to go to Palma on a restricted visit where we cannot even offer a public toilet in these conditions. The only thing I know for sure, is that no matter what the Government inform on next BOIB, we still have our 300 days of sunshine a year.

Its been a sad couple of days in my village, as Ive seen one of my friends locking up her life dream a cute little restaurant for the last time and returning the key. Another place that has been a part of her and our life for a few years going to the grave. Before she left she made sure to donate all the leftover food and drinks to a local charity that help all the families in need. I have volunteered for several different Associations in Mallorca even before this pandemic hit. Some of my fellow volunteers comment about the current situation, that its true that the queues for a food packages have never been this long as they are right now. Never have we have so many helping hands, volunteers and companies that involve helping others. According to the national standard Mallorca is on the top for the ratio of help organizations. No other place in Spain has as many helping hands as us. That is something I feel very proud about.

Simple Smart Food in Santa Catalina in Palma

Simple Smart Food in Santa Catalina is owned by the entrepreneur couple Frida Garby (Swedish) and Lorenzo Torrens (Mallorcan) their cafe offers a new concept of smart fast food. Healthy, easy, tasty and balanced handmade in front of you. The Scandinavian designed local is under normal circumstances frequently visited by locals from all over the world. Best sellers are smoothies and the poke bowls. You can find Simple on Instagram where you also have an updated menu.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will be holding a summit of world leaders on Tuesday to debate climate change and its implications for world peace, an issue on which all its 15 members have divergent opinions. The session has been called by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and will be conducted by video-conference. Moreover, it comes just days after the United States President Joe Biden formally rejoined the Paris climate accord of 2015.

Currently, Britain holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council and the UK Prime Minister will be addressing the forum along with US climate czar John Kerry, French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the prime ministers of Ireland, Vietnam, Norway and other countries, diplomats have reportedly said.

Read - Biden Asserts US Leadership On Pandemic, Climate

Read - Kerry: Time Running Out On Climate Change Fix

Global leaders applaud US formal return

While Biden told the virtual gathering of European leaders Friday that the world can no longer delay or do the bare minimum to address climate change, the world leaders hailed the US return to Paris accord. As per reports, they also said that they expect the US to show leadership in the battle against global warming by setting strong targets for carbon pollution cuts by 2030. Biden rejoining America formally to the climate accord came after the Trump administration abandoned the agreement in 2019 that took effect in November 2020.

"This is good news for the United States  and for the world."



On Friday, @antonioguterres officially welcomed the USA back into the #ParisAgreement on climate change. https://t.co/HjUhpmYPyp #ClimateAction pic.twitter.com/OlqdkisWtl  United Nations (@UN) February 20, 2021

Laurence Tubiana, Frances Climate Change Ambassador and Special Representative for COP21 and CEO of the European Climate Foundation hailed the US re-entry but added a note of caution that the climate crisis is deepening. Stressing that they did not have time to celebrate, she said that the climate crisis was deepening adding that they needed all major polluters to deliver plans for a safe, clean and prosperous future. The US needs to come to COP26 with a strong commitment: the urgency of the crisis is clear, and this means a new US target of at least 50% GHG cuts on 2005 levels by 2030, ideally more, she told media reporters.

Read - UN Chief Welcomes US Return To Paris Climate Agreement

Read - French Soccer League Slams 'climate Of Hate' On Social Media
Americans who don't support "forever wars" in the Middle East in service of the "liberal world order" are simply showing their "intolerance," so says PNAC co-founder Robert Kagan in Foreign Affairs magazine.







From Foreign Affairs, "A Superpower, Like It or Not," subheadline, "Why Americans Must Accept Their Global Role":

That Americans refer to the relatively low-cost military involvements in Afghanistan and Iraq as "forever wars" is just the latest example of their intolerance for the messy and unending business of preserving a general peace and acting to forestall threats. In both cases, Americans had one foot out the door the moment they entered, which hampered their ability to gain control of difficult situations.

Shame on you, America!



Opposing the wars in Afghanistan is also an attack on women's rights, as the Washington Post noted last week:





Washington Post, which gave us the Afghan Papers, demands the US stay to defend gains it "has fought for over nearly 20 years," which are "rights for women, a vibrant civil society and the rudiments of democracy." Who doesn't join the US military for that?https://t.co/ZchHM12kdp pic.twitter.com/CGOdo55ZcX  Richard Hanania (@RichardHanania) February 15, 2021



The left and right agree, we need to stay in the Middle East forever to advance liberalism!





By withdrawing our troops from Afghanistan you are condemning millions of women to the Stone Age. No education, no choice about who they marry. They will become property when the Taliban takes over. Is that what you really want Ro? https://t.co/7VR9ZJUz8W  Howard Dean (@GovHowardDean) December 21, 2018



This is what wokeness demands of us!



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A Labor-aligned think tank with a history of forecasting the partys policy is urging all workers to be given paid holidays and sick leave even if they are independent contractors or casuals.

In a report to be released on Monday, the McKell Institute argues that universal paid sick leave will avoid the spectre of people with symptoms of the coronavirus or other future pandemic diseases feeling pressure to go to work to earn a living.

Portable entitlements already exist for some workers in industries such as construction through union-negotiated agreements. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The proposal is similar to one Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese raised in broad terms earlier this month, which the Morrison government claimed would cost businesses $20 billion annually, forcing Labor to distance itself from the idea.

Businesses employing casuals, who already receive a typical 25 per cent loading, would have to pay for their days off under the McKell plan. Platforms like Uber or customers would bear the cost in the case of independent contractors.
The seizure of phone records belonging to Leo Varadkar and his friend Maitiu O Tuathail over the Tanaiste's leaking of a confidential copy of the proposed new GP contract is being discussed by senior gardai.

According to Garda headquarters, the force is still carrying out preliminary inquiries into a complaint over the Tanaiste's leaking of the document.

However, gardai say a full investigation into the controversy has not been launched at this stage.

"An Garda Siochana has received correspondence which is currently being assessed to determine what if any Garda action is required," it said in a statement.

"We have no further comment at this time," it added.

Assistant commissioner John O'Driscoll, who oversees Special Crime Operations, is conducting an extensive review of the complaint.

The senior officer heads the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which is tasked with examining the complaint.

Former Minister for Health Simon Harris has already provided a written statement to gardai over the controversy.

He is not suspected of any wrongdoing.

It is currently being examined whether the leak can be investigated under a breach of the Official Secrets Act.

The official complaint, made by a whistleblower at the Department of Health, centres around the leaking incident which took place in April 2019.

A well-placed source told the Sunday Independent there have been "discussions" by senior officers about seizing of phone records belonging to Mr Varadkar and Dr O Tuathail as well as Government officials involved in drafting the proposed GP contract.

There is also no suggestion that Dr O Tuathail or any Government official involved in the drafting of the document has acted in any way inappropriately.

While headquarters say an official investigation is not under way, the fact that an assistant commissioner is overseeing the inquiries signals how seriously the force is taking the matter, said another source.

Mr Varadkar apologised in the Dail last November after it emerged that he provided a confidential copy of the proposed new GP contract to his friend Dr O Tuathail in April 2019.

The document, which was marked confidential, had been agreed between the Irish Medical Organisation and the Government, and was shared by Mr Varadkar with Dr O Tuathail, who was then the head of a rival GP group, the National Association of General Practitioners.

Last Monday, Mr Varadkar offered to meet gardai to help them with their preliminary inquiries into the leaking of the confidential document.

The Tanaiste said his legal advice was that he had "committed no offence" and that he was willing to provide a "full statement" on the circumstances surrounding the leaking of a copy of the document.

"I am aware that a complaint was made against me last November," he said.

"This was widely reported at the time.

"The gardai have to do their job and investigate that complaint. I would expect nothing else. They have not been in contact with me about the matter but I have, through my solicitors, made contact with them and I have offered to meet with them, answer any questions they may have, and provide a full statement on the matter.

"The facts are no different to those set out by me in the Dail last November.

"My legal advice is that I have committed no offence.

"I look forward to the matter being concluded. Given the circumstances, I won't be making any further comment."

Mr Varadkar survived a Dail motion of no confidence tabled by Sinn Fein in November on foot of the controversy.

At that point, Mr Varadkar acknowledged that what he did was "not best practice" and an "error of judgment".

He told the Dail: "There was nothing selfish, corrupt, dishonest or illegal in what I did."
The World Health Organization says it welcomes the recent pledges of coronavirus vaccines from several Western countries to the international health group that will help ensure an equitable allocation of vaccines to countries around the world.

There is a growing movement behind vaccine equity, and I welcome that world leaders are stepping up to the challenge by making new commitments to effectively end this pandemic by sharing doses and increasing funds to COVAX, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said recently. COVAX is the global mechanism WHO established for the global distribution of coronavirus vaccines.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday the pandemic will not end until the world is vaccinated. In remarks after the video conference of leaders of the G-7, the group of the largest, developed economies, she said Germany and other wealthy countries may need to give some of their own stock of vaccines to developing nations.

French President Emmanuel Macron told the conference that Europe and the United States must quickly send enough COVID-19 vaccine doses to Africa to inoculate the continent's health care workers or risk losing influence to Russia and China.

The coronavirus death toll on the African continent surpassed 100,000 Friday, as African countries struggle to obtain vaccines to counteract the pandemic.

South Africa alone accounts for nearly half of the confirmed deaths in Africa, with more than 48,000, according to data from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The country, which is facing its own variant of the virus, also accounts for nearly half the confirmed cases in the region, with more than 1.5 million. Total cases across the African continent are more than 3.8 million.

The 54-nation continent of about 1.3 billion people reached 100,000 deaths shortly after marking one year since the first coronavirus case was confirmed on the continent, in Egypt on Feb. 14, 2020.

The actual death toll from the virus in Africa is believed to be higher than the official count as some who died were likely never included in confirmed tallies.

Russias deputy prime minister said Saturday on state television that Russia is on target to produce 88 million coronavirus vaccine doses in the first six months of 2021. Tatiana Golikova said 83 million of the doses will be the Sputnik V vaccine.

Russias prime minister, also speaking on state television Saturday, said that Russia has approved a third coronavirus vaccine for domestic use.

Mikhail Mishustin said the first 120,000 doses of CoviVac, produced by the Chumakov Centre in St. Petersburg, will be released in March.

Californias governor says his state will set aside 10% of its vaccines for teachers and school employees, beginning March 1. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged U.S. school districts to reopen, teachers' unions have pushed back against the action, saying safety precautions, such as vaccines for school staff, need to be in place first.

Denmark is imposing stricter regulations at some of its border crossings with Germany and has temporarily closed others because of a COVID-19 outbreak in the German town of Flensburg.

Therefore, we are now introducing considerably more intense border checks and closing a number of smaller border crossings along the Danish-German border," Danish Justice Minister Nick Haekkerup said in a statement.

Johns Hopkins reported early Saturday that there are 110,747,370 global COVID-19 cases. The U.S. has more cases than any other country with 28 million, followed by India with 10.9 million and Brazil with 10 million.

A major publishing company has picked up a self-published childrens book, illustrated with simple line drawings, about a little boy struggling with all the changes in his life due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Can I Go Back To School was written by Anna Friend, a theater director, about her son Billy. She told The Guardian newspaper, I wrote the book to try and understand what was happening to him.

She asked Jake Biggin, a friend who is an artist, to do the illustrations. They started selling the book on Amazon and now they have a deal with Scholastic.
Patna: Nearly a year after the Centre imposed a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, the Bihar government has decided to reopen schools for primary classes from March 1, 2021.

Nitish Kumar-led BJP-JDU government in Bihar has issued guidelines, which need to be strictly followed, for the schools in the state. The government also revealed that an inspection of students will be carried out in the schools after 15 days of reopening, and it will act as the deciding factor for the future course.

"We have decided to reopen the school for junior students from March 1. A progress check after 15 working days will decide the continuance or discontinuance of the classes," said Bihar Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar in a statement.

All schools, colleges and educational institutions were closed following Prime Minister Narendra Modis announcement of a nationwide lockdown in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as the nation enters a relatively stable ground, with a dip in active COVID-19 cases, the Ministry of Home Affairs allowed schools and colleges to reopen in a "phased manner".

Earlier in Bihar, the state government had reopened schools for higher secondary classes, 9 to 12, from February 4. Followed by reopening of secondary classes, 6 to 8, in the same week.

The state government has emphasised upon the importance of COVID-19 protocols and has made it mandatory for schools to follow them.

Additionally, It has also been revealed that classes will be held in shifts and only 50 per cent of students will be allowed to visit the schools.

"We have also requested the health department for random testing of students and teachers in the schools. Wherever any case is detected, the schools have to be closed immediately. We want the schools to run, but there will be no leniency in following the Covid protocol," the state government said.

Live TV
Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is far from perfect. I cringe when he attacks reporters for asking what he, Cuomo, thinks is a stupid question; and, as we have recently seen, Cuomo is often less than forthcoming when asked for information that may reflect poorly on him.

However, in spite of some possible mistakes at the start of the pandemic, when we didnt know enough about how the virus spread or how to best control it, Cuomo has lead New York through the pandemic using science-based decisions that reversed the early spike in cases and deaths and that he delivered to New Yorkers in a calm and reassuring manner.
After having an unbelievable breakout year in 2020, Megan Thee Stallion is only looking onward and upward. One of her goals for 2021 doesnt even have anything to do with music: she plans on breaking ground on an assisted living facility in her native Houston.

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion performs live onstage for The Legendary Nights Tour at Jiffy Lube Live on September 17, 2019 in Bristow, Virginia | Brian Stukes/Getty Images

Megan Thee Stallion was in college when her career blew up

Before becoming the superstar rapper we know and love today, Megan Pete was a student at Prairie View A&M University, a historically Black university in her hometown of Houston. She first launched her rap career at this time under the name The Stallion and uploaded videos of her freestyles to YouTube.

Megan Thee Stallion took after her mother, who was a rapper herself. After her mothers death just as her career was beginning to take off, the WAP rapper knew she had to work even harder to achieve her dreams  both in and out of music.

After taking time off to work on music, Megan Thee Stallion enrolled in part-time classes at Texas Southern University with a major in health administration.

Megan Thee Stallion performs at Rolling Loud festival at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 28, 2019 in Oakland, California | Miikka Skaffari/WireImage

Megan Thee Stallion balanced being a superstar rapper and a college student

Megan Thee Stallion was hard at work in 2019 and early 2020 in every sense of the word. She was almost constantly on tour, performing at concerts around the country. At the same time, she was also making sure her homework assignments were getting turned in on time.

In August 2019, at the height of #HotGirlSummer, Megan shared a video on Twitter that showed just how dedicated she is to both her rap career and her schoolwork.

Finishing my homework before my after party, she said, with the hashtag #HotGirlSemester.

Megan Thee Stallion attends 47th Annual AMA Awards  Arrivals at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019 in New York City | David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

RELATED: Shots Fired: Megan Thee Stallions Powerful Response to Tory Lanez Samples a Classic Hip-Hop Diss Track

Megan Thee Stallions surprising first goal after graduating college

In a July 2020 interview with People, Megan opened up about how she had to juggle her academic life with her professional one.

I really wanted to be an administrator over a hospital, but I knew I still wanted to be Megan Thee Stallion. I was like, What can I do? the Hot Girl said. I was like, You know what? Im gonna open an assisted-living facility and use the money that I make from rapping to open it. Then Im gonna let my classmates run it.

If people thought she was joking or that that goal had fallen off her to-do list as a result of her exploding music career, shes let them know that her plans havent changed.

In February 2021, a Twitter follower mocked her saying, I cant believe she was gonna end up in the health field; thank god she chose rapping.

Megan responded and corrected her, confirming that she still planned on opening an assisted living facility once she completes her degree.

Maam Im about to graduate in the fall and still gonna open my facility, the Shots Fired rapper said. Hope you get them retweets doe.

In a follow-up tweet, Megan took a minute to laugh in her haters faces. They swore I wasnt gone get that degree, she said with laughing emojis. SIKE!


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The Government and the President, Nana Akufo-Addo is unaware of practices of homosexuality in the country as well as the opening of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) office in Tesano in Accra therefore cannot close it down.



Nana Akufo-Addo is not the one who asked the people to open their office. The President is against homosexuality which is alien to Ghanaian culture, however, he cannot close down any individual office, Ghanas Consulate General to Congo Brazzaville, H.E. Atta Boafo has said.



The LGBT group has organized a fundraiser which was attended by several diplomats including the Australian High Commissioner who pledged to support the group.



Speaking to the development on Kumasi-based Angel FM monitored by MyNewsGh.com, H.E. Atta Boafo said Ghana does not believe in same-sex marriage and the President, Akufo-Addo will not entertain the practice in Ghana.



Everyone has a right and freedom of association and you cannot blame the President for someones right to form an association, the Ghanaian Diplomat told host, Kwame Tanko during panel discussion.



Meanwhile, the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values has reacted to the LGBTQ setting up such an office in Accra.



They are demanding an immediate closure of the administrative office for homosexuals.



According to the National Coalition for Proper Human Rights and Family Values, the presence of the LGBTQI office disregards the cultural values and sanity of the country.



The coalition held a media briefing on Wednesday highlighting the looming dangers and threats of the activism of the LGBTQ in Ghana.









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ayensuano Constituency in the Eastern Region have appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remove the District Chief Executive (DCE), Madam Florence Govina, from office, with immediate effect.

They accused the DCE of campaigning against the immediate past Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Ayeh-Paye, in the December 7 polls which also led to the abysmal performance of the NPP in the constituency during the elections.



DCE



But the DCE, however, told the Daily Graphic in a telephone interview that she had not done anything wrong.



According to her, she would respond fully to the statement made by the constituency executives of the party.



"I did not campaign against Mr Ayeh-Paye during the December 7 general election. I cannot not do that to my own party. I'm not the cause of the defeat of the MP for the area," she said.



Press conference

Addressing a press conference at Coaltar, the constituency headquarters last Tuesday, the Constituency Communications Officer, Mr Budu Yaw Asamoah, said the DCE allegedly told party members to vote skirt-and blouse.



That, he said, led to Mr Ayeh-Paye losing the seat while the party's votes for the President also dwindled.



Mr Asamoah also accused the DCE of not distributing items meant for party supporters before the election but did so after the elections.



"We do not want the DCE again. She is behind the skirt and blouse that took place during the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections in the constituency," Mr Asamoah said.



Mr Asamoah said the President should appoint a unifier and development-oriented person to administer the district to win votes for the party at the 2024 general election.



No wins



The party, the communications officer explained, could not win even one polling station in the DCEs electoral area, including her own polling station in both the presidential and parliamentary elections, particularly the D/A Primary School at Govinakrom.



For instance, Mr Asamoah said in the D/A Primary Govina and D/A JHS polling stations, the NPP obtained 122 votes as against 303 votes by the NDC in the presidential elections while in the parliamentary elections, the NPP polled 129 votes as against 296 votes by the NDC.













Source: Graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Charleston, WV (25301)

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Areas of patchy fog early. Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High near 75F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable.
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Police have identified the victim of a fatal shooting Saturday afternoon on the North Shore that ended with a car crash and a large emergency response in Stapleton.

Latiff Dudley, 26, of Farragut Avenue in Graniteville, was pronounced dead at Richmond University Hospital, after he was found behind the wheel of a vehicle on the 300 block of Van Duzer Street with multiple gunshot wounds, authorities said.

Police suspect Dudley was shot moments prior and about a mile away near the 100 block of Osgood Avenuewhich borders Clifton and Stapletonthen drove the black Infiniti to a semi-commercial section of Van Duzer Street where he crashed into an unoccupied SUV, according to a written statement by the NYPD.

Dudley was believed to be the sole occupant of the car at the time authorities were alerted, while two male suspects were being sought over the weekend, a source with knowledge of the investigation told the Advance/SILive.com.

Public records indicate Dudley lived in the Stapleton Houses apartment complex prior to moving to Graniteville about 8 years ago. Police cite a lengthy arrest record dating back to 2012 that include assault and criminal possession of a loaded firearm.

A motive for the shooting Saturday wasnt immediately certain.

Police have responded twice over the past month to the Stapleton area for reports of young men shot and killed, with crime scenes unfolding in the afternoon and evening hours and within feet of homes and businesses.

Investigators gathered Sunday morning outside Demonlow Studios on Van Duzer Street in Stapleton, where a 23-year-old man was shot and killed hours earlier, in an incident police say involved an assault rifle. (Staten Island Advance/Kyle Lawson)

In January, a 23-year-old was shot at a recording studio on the 900 block of Van Duzer Street in what appeared in surveillance video to be a premeditated attack by two unidentified gunmen.

That investigation remained ongoing Sunday, as investigators have eyed multiple suspects and motives in what police sources have described as a highly-involved case.
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Denton, TX (76205)

Today

Rain showers in the morning with thunderstorms developing for the afternoon. High 79F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavier rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening will give way to steady rain overnight. Low 66F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Locally heavier rainfall possible.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21)  Seventeen Chinese nationals were denied entry in the Philippines for misrepresenting the purpose of their trip, the Bureau of Immigration said.

In a statement on Sunday, BI said the Chinese nationals were held by immigration agents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday afternoon.

First to be intercepted were 16 Chinese nationals from Zhengzhou, China, who were allegedly sponsored by a local technology firm.

Its intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr., however, said they failed to establish their purpose of travel as well as their relationship with the alleged sponsor.

Their purpose was very doubtful, and they gave conflicting statements. Hence they were denied entry to the country, Manahan was quoted as saying in the statement.

A Chinese man from Bangkok, Thailand, who claimed to be connected with a solar energy company in the Philippines, was also barred from entering the Philippines for the same reason.

The BI boarded the 17 Chinese nationals on the next flight back to their port of origin. Their names were also included in the blacklist.
Bars and pubs will each receive a $3000 payment and travel vouchers will again be offered to Victorians under a $143 million government recovery package aimed at helping businesses affected by last weeks circuit-breaker lockdown.

Industry Support and Recovery Minister Martin Pakula said events, arts, accommodation, tourism and hospitality businesses, as well as selected retailers, would be eligible for the support.

A total of 50,000 businesses, including sole traders, would be assisted via the scheme, he said while announcing the package on Sunday morning.

Mr Pakula said the regional travel voucher scheme would be rebooted, with a further 10,000 vouchers offered. Under a new scheme, 40,000 vouchers worth $200 each would also be available for travel within greater Melbourne.
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A handful of reality TV stars reunited for a wild night on Queensland's Surfers Paradise on Friday.

Locky Gilbert's rejected Bachelor contestants Kaitlyn Hoppe, Marg Zogoulas and Charley Bond were spotted bar hopping during a night out on the Gold Coast.

At one stage, newly single Charley, 25, was spotted getting cozy with Married At First Sight 2020 groom Ivan Sarakula, 30.

Reality stars go wild! Married At First Sight's Ivan Sarakula (right) was spotted packing on the PDA with Bachelor reject Charley Bond (left) on Gold Coast's Surfers Paradise on Friday

The pair were photographed sharing steamy kisses with drinks in hand, as they and hung out with other TV stars on their night out.

One witness told Daily Mail Australia that Charley and Ivan 'couldn't keep their hands off each other'.

The former Bachelor ladies flaunted their toned figures in revealing ensembles as they club hopped between The Bedroom, SinCity and Havana.

Fun: Locky Gilbert's rejected Bachelor contestants Marg Zogoulas (left) and Gemma White (centre) Charley Bond (right) were spotted bar hopping as they enjoyed a night out on the town

Who knew they were friends? At one stage, newly single Charley, 25, (left) was spotted getting cozy with Married At First Sight star Ivan Sarakula, 30 (right))

Get a room! The pair were photographed kissing and hanging out together during the night out

Charley showed off her incredibly fit physique in a sparkly black two-piece which consisted of a crop top and matching skirt.

She wore her blonde tresses up in a high ponytail and accessorised her look with hoop earrings.

Meanwhile, Marg, 24, looked sensational in a tangerine sleeveless crop top which she wore with matching pants.

Getting cozy: Charley appeared to be sitting on the reality star's lap during the outing, with Ivan keeping a firm hold of her waist

Something to tell us? One witness told Daily Mail Australia that Charley and Ivan 'couldn't keep their hands off each other'

The pint-sized star added height by wearing strappy white heels.

At one stage, Kaitlyn was seen looking rather animated as she chatted to her close girlfriends.

The 26-year-old blonde bombshell looked every inch the reality star in a plunging sequin dress.

Is everything okay? At one stage, Kaitlyn was seen looking rather animated as she chatted to her close girlfriends

Playful: The 26-year-old blonde bombshell looked every inch the reality star in a plunging sequin dress. At one point of the night she was seen with her arms around a friend's neck

She was all glammed up for the outing and wore a face full of makeup.

The dating show rejects were joined by Gemma White and her boyfriend, Pascal Wallace, who also failed to find love on the Channel 10 franchise.

Pascal and Gemma confirmed their romance on January 5.

Speaking to Hollywood Treatment, Pascal said: 'We're doing the long distance dating and are 100 per cent obsessed with each other.'

According to the publication, Pascal packed up his bags and relocated to Brisbane to be with Gemma.

'They only met a few weeks ago and Pascal hasn't been able to get Gemma off his mind,' a close friend of Pascal's said.

Cute couple! The dating show rejects were joined by Gemma White (right) and her boyfriend, Pascal Wallace, (left) who also failed to find love on the Channel 10 franchise
Bachelet report emerges as UNHRC Resolution Core group to finalise draft and hand it over to Council Secretariat tomorrow View(s): View(s):

A zero draft Resolution on Sri Lanka by the United Kingdom and others in the core group draws heavily from the Report of the UN Human Rights High Commissioner Michele Bachelet.

In Colombo, diplomatic sources said the core group hopes to finalise the Resolution during the weekend. If that happens, the agreed text would be handed over to the Human Rights Council Secretariat in Geneva on Monday (tomorrow), these sources said.

One of the key operative provisions says the Council recognises the importance of preserving and analysing evidence relating to violations and abuses of human rights in Sri Lanka with a view to advancing accountability and decides to strengthen the capacity of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to consolidate, analyse and preserve information and evidence and develop possible strategies for future accountability processes for gross violations of human rights or serious violations of international humanitarian law, to advocate for victims and survivors, and to support relevant judicial proceedings in Member States with competent jurisdiction.

The core group comprises the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, and Malawi.

The gravamen of the UN Human Rights High Commissioners Report has been encapsulated in an operative paragraph which reads that the UNHRC expresses serious concerns over emerging trends over the past year, which represent clearly early warning signs of a deteriorating human rights situation in Sri Lanka, including the accelerating militarization of civilian government functions, erosion of the independence of the judiciary and key institutions responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights, ongoing impunity and political obstruction of accountability for crimes and human rights violations in emblematic cases, policies that adversely affect the right to freedom of religions or belief, surveillance and intimidation of civil society and shrinking democratic space, arbitrary detention, allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment and sexual and gender based violence, and that these trends threaten to reverse the limited but important gains made in recent years and with the recurrence of policies and practices that gave rise to the grave violation of the past.

Among the other highlights:

* Expresses further concern that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on freedom of religion or belief and exacerbated the prevailing marginalization and discrimination suffered by the Muslim community, and that the Government of Sri Lankas decision to mandate cremations for all those deceased from COVID-19 has prevented Muslims and members of other religions from practising their own burial religious rites, and has disproportionately affected religious minorities and exacerbated distress and tensions.

* Stresses the importance of comprehensive accountability process for all violations and abuses of human rights committed in Sri Lanka, including those by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, as highlighted in the OISL(OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka) report of September 2015. (Note: It is not clear how the LTTE could be made answerable)

* Taking note of the passage and operationalization of the twentieth amendment to the constitution of Sri Lanka while stressing the importance of democratic governance and independent oversight of key institutions, and also encouraging the Government to respect local governance including holding of elections for provincial councils, and ensure that all provincial councils are able to operate effectively in accordance with the thirteenth amendment to the constitution of Sri Lankan

* Requests the Office of the High Commissioner to enhance its monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, including progress on reconciliation and accountability, and to present a written update to the Human Rights Council at its forty-ninth session, and comprehensive report including further options for advancing accountability at its fifty-fifth session, both to be discussed in interacive dialogues. (Note: this diminishes Sri Lankas hopes that the issue would be closed).

ALSO SEE POLITICAL COMMENTARY ON PAGES 10 AND 11

Indore, Feb 21 : Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath had a narrow escape after a lift he boarded at a hospital here on Sunday suddenly came crashing down.

The incident happened as Kamal Nath, who is also the state party chief, and other Congress leaders were in the DNS Hospital to visit ailing party leader Rameshwar Patel.

"Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath and other party leaders had gone to DNS Hospital to inquire about the condition of Rameshwar Patel. They had boarded the lift when it crashed down around 10 feet and was engulfed with dust and smoke. The lift doors got automatically locked and it took 10-15 minutes before instruments were found to open the lift's doors," Kamal Nath's media coordinator Narendra Saluja said.

Kamal Nath and all the other leaders were safe, he said, however, adding that the incident was a grave security lapse. Those hospital administration must take a stern view of the issue and those responsible must be punished.

Those accompanying Kamal Nath included former ministers Sajjan Verma and Jitu Patwari, MLA Vishal Patel and city Congress chief Vivek Bakliwal and security personnel.

Tweeting after the incident, Kamal Nath said: "Hanumanji ji ki kripa sada se rahi hai... Jai Hanuman (the grace of Lord Hanuman has always been with me... Praise to Lord Hanuman."
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Her daughters are Jennifer  already middle-aged, briskly capable, played by Kate Winslet  and Anna, a flakily unreliable aspiring dancer played by Mia Wasikowska. There are partners, a grandson, and Lilys lifelong friend Liz, played by Lindsay Duncan. An all-star cast, in other words, mostly female, in a charged domestic drama. Sam Neills Paul seems at peace, digging good bottles of wine out of the cellar and tactfully picking up things Lily drops, until he suddenly isnt.

Hes just so wonderful, says director Roger Michell. Hes so self-effacing; his performance is so modest. It has a perfect tone to it; its not over-reaching. It has moments of emotion which are shocking because they come out of this character who seems to be very calm and has spent his life around these strong women who are quite difficult. I imagine he spends quite a lot of time down in the tomato greenhouse. I tell Neill this. He laughs. I have made a career out of being self-effacing, he says.

I worry now that people are less part of their community than they were 20 years ago. Sam Neill

Both Michell and Neill say this is not a film about euthanasia. Whatever arguments one might have about the subject, says the director, have taken place in this family well before we enter the story. Neill agrees. It touches on it, but I think its more about life and love and family. Its a story I relate to on a very human level. His own family convened when his father was dying of cancer for a similar sort of farewell. A lot of that was very vivid and extraordinary, very sad but funny as well, so what I was reading seemed to speak to me. Its a film for grown-ups about grown-up things.

His family had never contemplated assisted dying. But my mother died with dementia. She was a brilliant woman  lively, funny, beautiful, an extraordinarily charismatic person  but she died with no dignity at all. I know she would have said right, thats enough of this; I dont want to die like this. It was humiliating. He certainly supports New Zealands End of Life Choice legislation, due to come into force in November. I think it should be considered a human right. So does he have a game plan? Not yet, no. I hope Ive got another three decades!
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The production cost for the Sokil-300 project is far less expensive an option compared to similar drones manufactured elsewhere.

Ukraine's military export agency, Ukrspecexport, which is part of the Ukroboronprom defense giant, has unveiled the Sokil-300 (Falcon-300) strike drone at the biennial International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in UAE.

The Sokil-300 surveillance and reconnaissance UAV with strike capabilities has been developed by the Kyiv-based LUCH Design Bureau for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Defence-Blog.com reports.

The Sokil-300 is armed with four guided missiles with a range of up to 10 km. It is able to bear a payload of up to 300 kg, it has a maximum takeoff load of 1,225 kg, and boasts of a max speed of 335 kmh.

Read alsoUkroboronprom, UAE's companies strike deals worth over US$1 blnThe drone is 8.57m-long, with a wingspan of 14m.

As noted by the LUCH designers, the UAV's baseline version includes the MC-500B engine manufactured by Zaporizhia-based Motor Sich, while an advanced version features the Austrian, turbo-charged Rotax 914 engine with a maximum flight time of 26 hours, a range of 3,300 kilometers (2,050 miles).

Earlier in November 2020, LUCHs chief designer, Oleh Korostyliov, said the project's total development costs are expected to reach 40-45 million Ukrainian hryvnias ($1.4-1.6 million), a far less expensive option than for the similar drone systems produced elsewhere.

Memo

Ukrspecexport is an authorized state-owned intermediary dealing with exports and imports of military and special products and services.

IDEX is the only international defense exhibition and conference in the MENA region demonstrating the latest technology across land, sea, and air sectors of defense.

Reporting by UNIAN
Stanley Tucci continues his tour of Italy in part two of Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. This time, the actor heads to Italys capital, Rome, in search of the four famous pastas.

HOW TO WATCH: LIVESTREAM CNN via fuboTV by clicking here (Free 7-day trial). Episode two airs on Sunday, February 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

While in Rome, Tucci orders rigatoni allAmatriciana, samples carbonara and tries a selection of cheeses and sausages made from the sheep and pigs farmed in the region.

"Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy" heads to Rome in episode two airing on Feb. 21 on CNN. (Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive)

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy is a six-part CNN original series following Academy Award nominee Stanley Tucci as he travels across Italy to explore regional cuisines and Italian cooking. While there, he will immerse himself in the countrys rich history and culture.

LIVESTREAM CNN via fuboTV by clicking here (Free 7-day trial).

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American Idol judges love Michigan teens extravagant jacket, but not his singing voice

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By Danish Siddiqui

BARNALA, India (Reuters) - More than 100,000 farmers and farm workers gathered in India's northern Punjab state on Sunday in a show of strength against new farm laws, where union leaders called on supporters to amass outside the capital New Delhi on Feb. 27.

Tens of thousands of Indian growers have already been camped outside Delhi for nearly three months, demanding the repeal of the three reform laws that they say will hurt them and benefit large corporations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, which introduced the laws last September, has offered to defer the laws but refused to abandon them, arguing that legislation will help farmers get better prices.

Both sides have met for several rounds of negotiations but failed to make any headway, and farmers' unions have vowed to carry on the protests until the laws are rolled back.

At Sunday's rally at a grain market in Barnala, a town in Punjab, union leaders outlined plans to mobilise farmers and farm workers from across the northern state and move to a protest site outside Delhi later this month.

"We came here to make Punjab's farmers aware of the movement in Delhi. We came to tell them what's happening there and what will happen next," prominent farmer leader Joginder Ugrahan told Reuters.

A sea of supporters, including tens of thousands of women, began gathering in Barnala early in the day, riding in on buses, tractors, trailers and cars. Local police estimated a crowd of between 120,000 and 130,000 eventually gathered, comprising one of the largest rallies against the laws.

Baljinder Singh, a 52-year-old farmer, said he had travelled 30 kms (18.6 miles) to attend the rally. "Our objective is that the black laws enacted by the Modi government are repealed," Singh said, tightly grasping a flag of a farmers' union.

In New Delhi, a senior official from Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party blamed opposition parties for attempting to prolong the agitation but said the government was open for further talks.

(Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Reports from eastern Bosnia-Herzegovina suggest that many Bosniaks boycotted a rerun election in the city of Srebrenica on February 21 after local authorities claimed fraud in November voting.

The results were almost certain to be challenged and exacerbate already high political tensions in the area.

Ethnic Serbs dominated the balloting in November. But Bosnia's Central Election Commission concluded that irregularities like multiple voting and caches of pre-marked ballots before voting began had compromised its legitimacy.

Bosnian Muslims had vowed to boycott the rerun in Srebrenica because, they said, officials hadn't done enough to rectify the problems.

Moreover, the Bosniak parties complained, officials weren't including mail-in ballots in the new election. Many diaspora Bosnians were unable to vote in November after mail-in ballots were distributed late.

They vowed to appeal to Bosnia's Constitutional Court to contest the new voting.

"We expect the BiH Constitutional Court to uphold our appeal, which would allow all Bosniaks from Srebrenica to vote, wherever they may be," Sadik Ahmetovic, president of an initiative uniting Bosniak parties called Moja Adresa (My Address), told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. "In this respect, we expect new elections to be called in which every citizen of Srebrenica would have the right to choose their [preferred] candidates. That's the only way the elections in Srebrenica will be legitimate and democratic."

Bosnia comprises two entities: the Muslim and Croat federation and the Serb-dominated Republika Srpska.

Srebrenica is regarded as a potential flashpoint for ethnic tensions because it was the scene of the murder of around 8,000 Muslims by Bosnian Serb forces late in the Bosnian War. The massacre was the most notorious act of genocide in post-World War II Europe.

The country continues to struggle domestically and internationally under an ethnically based deal that ended fighting among the sides in 1995.

A rerun of the November voting was also being held in the northern city of Doboj in February 21.
New Delhi, Feb 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address a meeting of the BJP's national office-bearers in the national capital's NDMC convention centre.

This is the first party's meeting of the national office-bearers post Covid-19 outbreak.

Besides, national office-bearers, state in-charge and co-incharge, state unit president and state general secretary (organisation) will e attending the meeting.

BJP chief J.P. Nadda will chair the meeting.

A party leader said that the organisational strategy for the upcoming Assembly polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry is likely to be discussed in the meeting.

A party insider said that two resolutions -- political and economic -- will be passed.

"While the political resolution is about the upcoming Assembly polls in the five states, the economic resolution is about this year's Budget and new farm bill," he said.

State unit of BJP will also submit a detailed report on recent organisational activities.

On Saturday, Nadda chaired a meeting of national general secretaries at party headquarters to discuss the upcoming Assembly polls.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the poll-bound states Assam and West Bengal on Monday (February 22, 2021), announced the Prime Minister's Office. According to PMO, Prime Minister Modi will dedicate to the nation important projects of the oil & gas sector in an event organized at Silapathar in Dhemaji, Assam at around 11:30 AM. He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for engineering colleges during the event.

Subsequently, at around 4:30 PM, PM Modi will dedicate to the nation and inaugurate several railway projects in West Bengal's Hooghly.

PM Narendra Modi in Assam:



Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation the INDMAX Unit at Indian Oils Bongaigaon Refinery, Oil India Limited's Secondary Tank Farm at Madhuban, Dibrugarh and a Gas Compressor Station at Hebeda Village, Makum, Tinsukia. He will also inaugurate the Dhemaji Engineering College and lay the foundation stone for Sualkuchi Engineering College.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, these projects will usher in an era of energy security and prosperity, and open bright avenues of opportunity for local youth. They are in line with the Prime Minister's vision of Purvodaya to drive Eastern India's socio-economic growth.

The projects to be dedicated to the nation from Dhemaji include: INDMAX Unit at Indian Oils Bongaigaon Refinery. Oil India Limited's Secondary Tank Farm at Madhuban, Dibrugarh. Gas Compressor Station at Hebeda Village, Makum, Tinsukia. pic.twitter.com/4PcU0lDUpT  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 21, 2021

The INDMAX unit at Indian Oil's Bongaigaon Refinery leverages the technology developed indigenously by Indian Oil-R&D to produce a higher LPG and high-Octane Gasoline yield from heavy feedstocks. The unit will increase the Refinery's crude processing capacity from 2.35 MMTPA (million metric tonnes per annum) to 2.7 MMTPA. Its commissioning will also significantly enhance LPG production from 50 TMT (thousand metric tonnes) to 257 TMT and the Motor Spirit (Petrol) production from 210 TMT to 533 TMT.

Oil India Limited's Secondary Tank Farm has been built for safe storage of about 40,000 Kilo Litres of Crude Oil, and the separation of formation water from Wet Crude Oil. The Rs 490 crore project will also have a Dehydration unit with an operating capacity of 10,000 Kilo Litres per day.

The Gas Compressor Station at Makum, Tinsukia will increase the nation's crude oil production capacity by nearly 16500 Metric Tonne per annum. Built at Rs 132 Crore, the station comprises 3 Low-Pressure Booster Compressors and 3 High-Pressure Lifter Compressors.

The Dhemaji Engineering College has been built on 276 bighas of land, at the cost of about Rs 45 Crore. It is the seventh Government Engineering College in the state and will offer B.Tech courses in Civil, Mechanical and Computer Science. The Sualkuchi Engineering College, whose foundation stone will be laid, will be built on 116 bighas of land at a cost of about Rs 55 crore.

The Dhemaji Engineering College would be inaugurated. The foundation stone for the Sualkuchi Engineering College would also be laid. These development works will bring an era of prosperity for the people of Assam.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 21, 2021

PM Narendra Modi in West Bengal:



Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the extension of Metro Railway from Noapara to Dakshineswar, and flag off the first service on this stretch.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, this 4.1 km extension has been constructed at a cost of Rs 464 crore, fully funded by the Central Government. It will decongest road traffic and improve urban mobility.

From Hooghly, the extension of Metro Railway from Noapara to Dakshineswar will be inaugurated. This project is special because it will improve access to the sacred Maa Kali Temples at Kalighat and Dakshineswar. These temples are vibrant symbols of Indias great culture. pic.twitter.com/ojHnc8Ab1P  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 21, 2021

This extension will ease out access to the two world-famous Kali Temples at Kalighat and Dakshineswar, for lakhs of tourists and devotees. The two newly built stations namely Baranagar and Dakshineswar have modern passenger amenities and are also aesthetically designed and decorated with murals, photographs, sculptures and idols.

You would be happy to know that the two newly built stations of Baranagar and Dakshineswar have many modern facilities that will further Ease of Living. They have also been designed aesthetically. pic.twitter.com/jgHbmsiYv7  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 21, 2021

Prime Minister will also inaugurate the third line between Kalaikunda and Jhargram over a stretch of 30 km of the 132 km long Kharagpur-Adityapur Third Line Project of South Eastern Railway, which was sanctioned with an estimated cost of Rs 1312 crores.

The four stations between Kalaikunda and Jhargram have been redeveloped by constructing four new station buildings, six new foot over bridges and eleven new platforms, along with the renovation of the existing infrastructure. It will help ensure seamless movement of passenger and freight trains on the Howrah-Mumbai Trunk route.

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the doubling of Azimganj to Khargraghat Road section, which is a part of Howrah  Bandel  Azimganj section of Eastern Railway, which has been laid at a project cost of about Rs 240 crore.

Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the fourth line between Dankuni and Baruipara (11.28 kms) of Howrah  Bardhaman Chord Line and the third line between Rasulpur and Magra (42.42 kms) of Howrah  Bardhaman Main Line, which serves as a principal gateway of Kolkata. The third line between Rasulpur and Magra has been laid at a cost of Rs 759 crores, while the fourth line between Dankuni and Baruipara has been laid at a project cost of Rs 195 crores.

Other projects being inaugurated include: 3rd line between Kalaikunda and Jhargram. Doubling of Azimganj to Khargraghat Road section. 4th line between Dankuni and Baruipara of Howrah  Bardhaman Chord Line 3rd line between Rasulpur and Magra of HowrahBardhaman Main Line.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 21, 2021

The Prime Minister's Office stated that these projects will ensure better operational fluidity, less journey time and enhanced safety of train operations, as well as boost the overall economic growth of the region.

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A DRUNKEN woman taunted a garda about the shooting dead of a colleague when the officer called to her Dublin home to investigate a complaint.

Jean Bergin (58) told the garda that slain Co Roscommon detective, Colm Horkan was a fool who had been shot "with his own gun.

She also got close to him and said f**k Covid-19 and she didnt give a s**t when he asked her to step away.

Judge Bryan Smyth found Bergin guilty of public order offences but dismissed the charges under the Probation Act.

Bergin, with an address at Griffith Court, Marino, pleaded not guilty to public intoxication and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

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Garda Kevin OBoyle said he called to the accuseds home at 6.40pm on June 23 last year following a complaint call and spoke to Bergin at her front door.

She was acting in a very irate, aggressive and volatile manner and he asked her to calm down and go back inside.

She roared and shouted in the direction of a neighbours house and told gardai to go away and f**k off, saying they were fools and morons.

Gda OBoyle again asked her to return to her house and he walked out onto the main road. She followed him out to the patrol car and continued to say: f**k off, you are fools, you are morons, the garda continued.

She approached him quite close and he asked her to step back in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines.

Expand Expand Previous Next Jean Bergin leaving Dublin District Court Close Jean Bergin (58), of Griffith Court, Marino, leaving Dublin District Court Jean Bergin (58), of Griffith Court, Marino, leaving Dublin District Court / Facebook

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Whatsapp Jean Bergin (58), of Griffith Court, Marino, leaving Dublin District Court

Bergin told him: f**k Covid-19, you fool, I dont give a s**t. On five different occasions, Bergin made reference to the passing of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was shot dead while responding to an incident in Co Roscommon a week earlier.

Bergin was slurring her words and unsteady on her feet when she was arrested. She shouted in the direction of a neighbours house: Im going to get that bitch next door.

When charged, she said: they are all lies.

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Bergin completely and utterly denied being aggressive, shouting or saying anything about Covid-19 or the deceased garda, her barrister Donal Pattison said.

Bergin claimed in evidence there was a personal vendetta against her by the gardai, who were picking on her.

She said she was brought out in handcuffs in her bare feet. She accepted she was agitated but did not remember saying anything about the garda who passed away.

She said it was her birthday the day before and she had a glass of wine at lunch.

Judge Smyth said he believed Bergin harboured some resentment to a garda and was more upset on the day than she realised.

There was some pent up frustration that was misdirected at the gardai," he said.

Mr Pattison said the accused, who had no prior convictions, lived with her son and had worked at the Revenue Commissioners, was stressed and emotions were high after three months of lockdown.

The judge found the facts proven but said there were extenuating circumstances and applied the Probation Act.




Debris from a United Airlines plane fell onto Denver suburbs during an emergency landing Saturday after one of its engines suffered a catastrophic failure and rained pieces of the engine casing on a neighborhood where it narrowly missed a home.

The plane landed safely, and nobody aboard or on the ground was reported hurt, authorities said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that the Boeing 777-200 returned to the Denver International Airport after experiencing a right-engine failure shortly after takeoff. Flight 328 was flying from Denver to Honolulu when the incident occurred, the agency said.

United said in a separate statement that there were 231 passengers and 10 crew on board. All passengers were to be rebooked on a new flight to Hawaii, the airline said.

The Broomfield Police Department posted photos on Twitter showing large, circular pieces of debris leaning against a house in the suburb about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Denver. Police are asking that anyone injured come forward.

Passengers recounted a terrifying ordeal that began to unfold shortly after the plane full of vacationers took off.

The aircraft was almost at cruising altitude and the captain was giving an announcement over the intercom when a large explosion rocked the cabin, accompanied by a bright flash.

The plane started shaking violently, and we lost altitude and we started going down," said David Delucia, who was sitting directly across the aisle from the side with the failed engine. When it initially happened, I thought we were done. I thought we were going down."

Delucia and his wife took their wallets containing their driver's licenses and put them in their pockets so that in case we did go down, we could be ID'd," said Delucia, who was still shaken up as he waited to board another flight for Honolulu.

On the ground, witnesses also heard the explosion and were scared for those on board.

Tyler Thal, who lives in the area, told The Associated Press that he was out for a walk with his family when he noticed a large commercial plane flying unusually low and took out his phone to film it.

While I was looking at it, I saw an explosion and then the cloud of smoke and some debris falling from it. It was just like a speck in the sky, and as Im watching that, Im telling my family what I just saw and then we heard the explosion," he said in a phone interview. The plane just kind of continued on, and we didnt see it after that."

Thal was relieved to learn no one was injured or killed from what he saw.

Video posted on Twitter showed the engine fully engulfed in flames as the plane flew through the air.

Kirby Klements was inside with his wife when they heard a huge booming sound, he said. A few seconds later, the couple saw a massive piece of debris fly past their window and into the bed of Klements' truck, crushing the cab and pushing the vehicle into the dirt.

He estimated the circular engine cowling at 15 feet (4.5 meters) in diameter. Fine pieces of the fiberglass insulation used in the airplane engine fell from the sky like ash" for about 10 minutes, he said, and several large chunks of insulation landed in his backyard.

If it had been 10 feet different, it would have landed right on top of the house," he said in a phone interview with the AP. And if anyone had been in the truck, they would have been dead."

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

Aviation safety experts said the plane appeared to have suffered an uncontained and catastrophic engine failure. Such an event is extremely rare and happens when huge spinning discs inside the engine suffer some sort of failure and breach the armored casing around the engine that is designed to contain the damage, said John Cox, an aviation safety expert and retired airline pilot who runs an aviation safety consulting firm called Safety Operating Systems.

That unbalanced disk has a lot of force in it, and its spinning at several thousand rotations per minute ... and when you have that much centrifugal force, it has to go somewhere," he said in a phone interview.

Pilots practice how to deal with such an event frequently and would have immediately shut off anything flammable in the engine, including fuel and hydraulic fluid, using a single switch, Cox said.

Former NTSB Chairman Jim Hall called the incident another example of cracks in our culture in aviation safety (that) need to be addressed.

Hall, who was on the board from 1994 to 2001, has criticized the FAA over the past decade as drifting toward letting the manufacturers provide the aviation oversight that the public was paying for." That goes especially for Boeing, he said.

Despite the scary appearance of a flaming engine, most such incidents don't result in loss of life, Cox said.

The last fatality on a U.S. airline flight involved such an engine failure on a Southwest Airlines flight from New York to Dallas in April 2018. A passenger was killed when the engine disintegrated more than 30,000 feet above Pennsylvania and debris struck the plane, breaking the window next to her seat. She was forced halfway out the window before other passengers pulled her back inside.

In that case, the breakdown was blamed on a broken fan blade in an engine of the Boeing 737. The Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to step up inspections of fan blades on certain engines made by CFM International, a joint venture of General Electric and Frances Safran S.A.

In 2010, a Qantas Airbus A380 suffered a frightening uncontained engine failure shortly after takeoff from Singapore. Shrapnel from the engine damaged critical systems on the plane, but pilots were able to land safely. The incident was blamed on the faulty manufacturing of a pipe in the Rolls Royce engine.

The flames scare the hell out of everybody. But they are the least of the problem because youre going to get them put out and youre going to shut off everything that can burn," Cox said.

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Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, an autonomous and not-for-profit institute is promoted by apex financial institutions  the IDBI Bank Ltd., IFCI Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd., and the State Bank of India (SBI), with support from the Government of Gujarat.

It is the first national resource institute in entrepreneurship training, research, education and institution building, and has successfully brought about a change in the way entrepreneurship is perceived. The Institute has earned regional, national and international recognition for boosting entrepreneurship and start-ups across segments and sectors through innovative models and by intermediating creatively among stakeholders such as; new age potential entrepreneurs, existing entrepreneurs, incubation centres, and venture capitalists.

The Institute has taken entrepreneurship to a large number of schools, colleges, science and technology institutions, and management schools in several states by including entrepreneurship inputs in their curricula. To broaden the frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research, EDII has also established a Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CREED), to investigate a range of issues surrounding the small and medium enterprise sector, and establish a network of researchers and trainers by conducting a biennial seminar on entrepreneurship education and research.

EDII Academic Session (2021-2013) admissions open for full-time PG courses

The Institute with the tagline Innovate, Create, Generate has announced admission to its new academic session (2021-2023) for two of its prestigious courses:

PGDM-Entrepreneurship (PGDM-E), and

PGDM - Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Venture Development (PGDM - IEV).

PGDM -E is a two-year, full-time, AICTE approved programme launched in 1998 and encompasses the entire New Enterprise Creation process from idea generation to preparation of a detailed project report. The students receive comprehensive knowledge of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Course Highlights

New Enterprise Creation specialization to develop first generation entrepreneurs

Family Business Management specialization to ensure sustenance and growth of family business by ensuring a 5-year growth cum diversification plan.

PGMD-IEV is a two-year, full-time, AICTE approved course launched in keeping with the Government of Indias Start Up Initiative and fosters technology based innovation in business. The curriculum is outcome-oriented and enables students to validate ideas, innovate, test markets and build a successful technology driven start up.

Course Highlights

Experiential learning through Technology based Incubator at EDII

Exposure to innovation and technology commercialization.

EDII gets Start up support to promote entrepreneurial assistance

EDII is involved in varied activities to boost the start-up culture in the country

EDII has been nominated by the Government of Gujarat as the Nodal Institute for Start ups under the Start ups/innovation scheme. The Institute has been providing counselling and mentorship support in the fields of agri-business, food processing, biotechnology, chemicals, plastics, and manufacturing.

Student Start-up and Innovation Policy (SSIP) of the Government of Gujarat aims to create an integrated, state-wide, university-based innovation ecosystem to support innovations and ideas of young students, and provide a conducive environment for the optimum harnessing of their creative pursuit. The Directorate of Technical Education, Govt. of Gujarat has shortlisted EDII for receiving a grant under SSIP.

Centre for Advancing & Launching Enterprise (CrADLE) an on-campus technology business incubator, is catalysed and supported by the DST, National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board, Govt. of India. The TBI has been guiding, supporting and mentoring start-ups in four niche segments of manufacturing, food processing, renewable energy and healthcare.

Empresario start up summit is the flagship event of the institute. An exclusive platform for start-ups, new age mentors, industry experts, investors, and the student community to come up at one place and share their entrepreneurial experiences, gain insights, and commit to becoming an inevitable part of the start-up ecosystem of India. The fest witnesses start-ups from all sectors and participants from every part of the country.

EDII is successfully inspiring GenNext who has an inbuilt urge to innovate, rise and shine. Nearly 78% alumni have chosen entrepreneurial career paths. Of these, 54% have joined family businesses, 23% have created new ventures and one percent have set up social enterprises.

'Gujarat' and 'Entrepreneurship' are synonymous to each other. The state is considered to be a paradise for entrepreneurs. Through regular entrepreneur interactions and industry visits, students get first-hand experience of 'Doing Business'. Traits of strategic thinking, knowledge and innovative perspectives, that the Gujarat Growth Model also exhibits, are imbibed naturally by students, over the two-year duration of the course as the curriculum is uniquely tailored from time to time within the stimulating entrepreneurial milieu of Gujarat.

For more information, click here (www.ediindia.ac.in)

Disclaimer: No Deccan Chronicle journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for this content.
Saturday Night Live took a jab at Texas Senator Ted Cruzs recent trip to Cancun in a cold open.

In a sketch hosted by Chloe Fineman playing Britney Spears, Aidy Bryant portrayed vacation-style Cruz wearing cornrows and beard.

Hola, everyone! Cruz said.

Hey there, Ted. You look tan! said Spears.

Im not tan. I just cried myself red over my fellow Texans. Thats why I drink in their honor.

When pressed for an apology from Spears, Cruz replied, Yeah it's real bad... And now I'm in a little bit of hot water, which I'm told is a thing that nobody in Texas has.

The whole trip was the girls idea! They love Cancun, Bryant as Cruz continued. Theres so much for kids to do  the topless beach, shots at Senor Frogs, swimming with sick dolphins. They love it.

Cruz has come under fire for heading to Cancun while a historic winter storm plunged his state into chaos.

Outed by Twitter users when he was pictured in the airport on Wednesday, he returned to Texas on Thursday, admitting he had made a mistake.

In a statement released 12 hours after he was seen boarding the flight, Mr Cruz said that he took a spontaneous trip to appease his daughters. But purported text messages sent by Ms Cruz painted a different picture from the one offered by her husband.

In the texts obtained by the New York Times, Heidi Cruz reportedly told neighbours on a group thread on Wednesday that her home was FREEZING as she invited them to join the Cruz family on a trip to the Ritz-Carlton resort in Cancun, adding that they had stayed there many times.

Offering an explanation for flying out amid the winter weather crisis in his home state, Senator Cruz admitted to reporters that it was obviously a mistake.

SNL took another shot at the Texas Senator during the shows Weekend Update segment, where co-anchor Colin Jost joked that if you hate Ted Cruz, this is a pretty fun week.

Cruz initially released a statement saying he only went on vacation because his daughters made him go, continued Jost. And if you think it was bad to throw his daughters under the bus, Cruz would like you to know that that statement was his wife's idea.

Jost kept going, skewering the Senators choice of face covering on his way back from Cancun. I just love that after he abandoned Texas, he came back in a Texas flag mask like nothing happened, Jost said. That's like Jared and Ivanka walking down Fifth Avenue in I Love New York shirts.
While assaults on people of Asian descent have risen in New York City, there has also been an increase in support from the community against the targeted crimes.

Video Transcript

- We will not tolerate anybody in our communities being assaulted, disrespected, because of whatever form of racism those individuals might have in their system, or in their bodies. Not too long ago, a couple of days ago, a young lady was assaulted just standing not far from here, at a bakery. Assaulted as a New Yorker, just standing there doing a New York thing is not to be tolerated by individuals who are coming out here to hurt them.

We're all in agreeance with the understanding that we do not support, in any shape, form, or fashion, any kind of violence in our community. The violence in New York City is at an all time high. If you're not getting assaulted on the subways, you're getting assaulted standing on the line just to get bakeries. This has to stop. And we're all coming together to say that we need to unify. We need to make sure that we're all culturally sensitive and understanding of what each community is about by bringing all of us together.

Where's our leadership to do that? We have folks that we've elected into office to say to them, clearly, we need you to stand up to make sure that all New Yorkers are standing together, respectfully, and understanding of each other's culture, and respecting each other for who they are and what they represent. And that's what New York is about.

I'm joined here by several people, and I'll start by having my co-partner who helped put this together, Mr. Phil Wong, out of the community, and basically, have him make some introductions, and we're going to hear from a couple of people. Because we're all feeling the same way. We don't want our police forces defunded so that way, we can get these individuals off the street. We have to make sure that they identify with bail reform. Bail reform is good, but there's problems with it. It has to be tweaked. We're letting folks commit crimes, and they're getting a pass to get out of the jail before the ink is even dry on the complaints, only to come back out and hurt somebody else. That has to stop.

So we're saying to New York legislators, we're saying to New York City council, we're saying to the mayor, get on your job, protect New Yorkers so that we can walk down these streets and feel safe.
New India in making, infrastructure to be no less than US, Europe in 5 years: Nitin Gadkari

Delimitation exercise part of BJP's plan to divide, pit communities against each other: Mehbooba Mufti

India

pti-Madhuri Adnal

Srinagar, Feb 21: The delimitation of assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir is a part of the BJP's "larger plan to divide and pit" regions, religions and communities against each other, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti alleged.

Taking to Twitter, Mehbooba on Sunday said the Centre was "railroading" delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir with a "tearing hurry", raising serious apprehensions about the motives of the exercise.

"The tearing hurry with which GOI (the Government of India) is railroading delimitation in J&K has raised genuine & serious apprehensions about the motives of this exercise. It's a part of BJP's larger plan to divide & pit regions, religions & communities against each other, she said.

PDP demanding restoration of pre-August 2019 status for J&K: Mehbooba Mufti

The Delimitation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir was constituted by the Centre on March 6 last year. The commission held its first meeting on Thursday to seek suggestion/views on the process of delimitation in respect of the union territory.

The meeting of the commission was attended by two of the five associated members - Union Minister Jitendra Singh and BJP leader and MP from Jammu, Jugal Kishore Sharma. The other three associated members of the commission - National Conference MPs Farooq Abdullah, Mohammad Akbar Lone and Hasnain Masoodi  did not attend the meeting.

The NC MPs informed the commission that they would not be participating in its proceedings as the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status was pending adjudication before the Supreme Court. In a letter to Chairperson Delimitation Commission Justice (Retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai, they expressed their inability to associate with the commission. They also urged the chairperson not to go ahead with the delimitation process as the J-K Reorganisation Act, 2019 is under judicial scrutiny in the Supreme Court.

"In our view, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 is palpably unconstitutional and has been enacted in disregard and violation of mandate and spirit of the Constitution of India and therefore not to be acted upon," the MPs said.

"We have thrown challenge to constitutional validity of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, exercise of powers where-under the meeting in question is proposed to be held," they said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 05:07:32|Editor: huaxia

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ALGIERS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Saturday reported 164 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of cases in the North African country to 111,764.

The death toll from the virus in Algeria rose to 2,958 after four new fatalities were added, said the Algerian Ministry of Health in a statement.

Meanwhile, 143 more patients recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of recoveries in the country to 77,000, the statement added.

China and Algeria have offered mutual help in the fight against the pandemic. In February 2020, Algeria sent medical donations to help China combat the coronavirus. In return, China has sent several batches of medical aid to Algeria.

In addition, a Chinese team of medical experts arrived in Algeria on May 14, 2020 for a 15-day mission to help fight the coronavirus, by sharing China's experience in curbing the spread of the contagious disease. Enditem
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The Niger State government said it has secured the release of the abducted passengers of the state Transport Authority (NSTA).

Mary Noel-Berje, chief press secretary to Governor Sani-Bello, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Minna, the state capital

No fewer than 18 passengers on the NSTA bus were on February 14 abducted by bandits in Kundu village near Zungeru in the Yakila District of Rafi Local Government Area of the state.

The passengers were said to be heading to Minna from Kotangora when the incident happened.

Few days after the incident, this newspaper also reported the abduction of some students and staff of Government Science Secondary School, Kagara, by bandits.

As of the time of filing this report, none of the abductees has been freed though the state government in collaboration with the federal government said it was working hard to secure the release of the students.

Addressing a Munich Security Conference, US President Joe Biden on Friday said that the US must work in collaboration with European allies, and global partners to curb Iran's "destabilizing" nuclear ambitions. In his first direct address on Irans nuclear policies, the US President stressed that his administration was ready to work and reengage in negotiations with the UN Security Council on Irans nuclear framework, The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "We must address Iran's destabilizing activities across the Middle East. We will work with our European and other partners as we proceed," Biden told Munich Security Conference.

Shortly following Bidens address, the US White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters that the United States had no plans to retrieve from the snapback sanctions imposed on Iran. Psaki made remarks as Biden boarded Air Force One for the Munich conference with his European allies. Meanwhile, the US State Department spokesperson Ned Price in a statement said that the US was prepared to accept an invite from the European Union's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy to attend a meeting of the countries that signed the 2015 nuclear agreement  Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China, and Iran  "to discuss a diplomatic way forward on Iran's nuclear program, Prices statement was followed by a tweet from EUs deputy secretary-general for political affairs, Enrique Mora, who called the Iran accord at critical point, and invited the participant countries for "an informal meeting to discuss the way forward."

Read: Chinese Foreign Ministry Comments On Canada, Iran

Read: Earthquake Of 5.6 Magnitude Hits Southwest Iran's Sisakht; At Least 25 Reported Injured

US, EU, Germany France to hold meeting

Earlier, the EU, the US, France, and Germany diplomats said that they would hold talks to discuss the revival of Irans nuclear deal, ahead of the deadline set up by Iran that could hamper the commitments to preserve the JCPOA. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told a presser that he will host his German and British counterparts in Paris, while the US secretary of state said he will join French diplomats on a video conference, Frances Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement. The meeting's announcement came ahead of the UN nuclear watchdog chiefs travel to Iran planned for this weekend to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Iran nuclear deal.

Read: Netanyahu Says He Spoke To Biden About COVID, Iran

Read: Satellite Pics Of Iran-Afghan Border Show Over 500 Oil Tankers Were Destroyed In Fire
Sacha Baron Cohen moved Down Under with his Australian wife Isla Fisher last year.

The pair have settled into their new home, blending in with the locals as they enjoyed a day out with their children in Sydney on Sunday.

The Borat star, 49, and his Wedding Crashers actress wife, 45, headed out to a small, secluded beach.

Beach babes: Sacha Baron Cohen moved Down Under with his Australian wife Isla Fisher last year. The pair have settled into their new home, blending in with the locals as they enjoyed a day out in Sydney on Sunday

Taking advantage of a hot and sunny weekend, the couple got comfortable as they lay towels down on the sand and enjoyed a picnic they'd brought in a cooler bag.

Isla shaded her famous face with a large, wide-brimmed straw hat and a pair of sunglasses.

She wore a simple black T-shirt, which was tucked into a pair of floral patterned Lycra tights in a three-quarter length.

Nice views: The Borat star, 49, and his Wedding Crashers actress wife, 45, headed out to a small, secluded beach

Looking good: Isla shaded her famous face with a large, wide-brimmed straw hat and a pair of sunglasses

The star completed her look with a pair of black sneakers and skipped the accessories.

Isla wore her red hair down and straight under her hat, and went makeup free for the casual outing.

As she walked along the sand with her comedian husband, the stunner carried a tiny pair of black sneakers belonging to one of their children.

Casual: Isla completed her look with a pair of black sneakers and skipped the accessories

Settling in: Taking advantage of a hot and sunny weekend, the couple got comfortable as they lay towels down on the sand

Munchies: They later settled down to enjoy a picnic, which they'd brought in a cooler bag

Safe: Sacha kept COVID-safe with a white face mask, which he wore during his time on the beach, as well as back to the car upon departure

Pants man: The Ali G star wore a long-sleeved blue shirt and a pair of grey jogging bottoms, which he rolled partway up his legs

Barefoot beauty: He completed his look with a black cap and a pair of sneakers in the same colour, which he took off while walking on the sand

Sacha kept COVID-safe with a white face mask, which he wore during his time on the beach, as well as back to the car upon departure.

The Ali G star wore a long-sleeved blue shirt and a pair of grey jogging bottoms, which he rolled partway up his legs.

He completed his look with a black cap and a pair of sneakers in the same colour, which he took off while walking on the sand.

Anyone thirsty? Isla offered her family bottles of water as she sat on the sand

Minder: She held onto a unicorn tote bag which belonged to one of her children

Locals: Isla and Sacha relocated from Los Angeles to Sydney in December

Isla and Sacha relocated from Los Angeles to Sydney in December last year.

And while it's been widely speculated that they moved Down Under to escape the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the US, new reports claim they were actually fleeing America's tumultuous political climate.

'They didn't want to raise their kids in Trump's America,' an insider told The Sydney Morning Herald of the couple's decision to move to Australia on Sunday.

The couple have since enrolled their three children at a school in Sydney.
1. Roads. The citys roads are a mess. Significant resources are needed to fix them.

2. Public safety. The crime rate is too high. Police pay and resources come first.

3. More city programs. The city must invest more in city programs and services.

4. Comprehensive plan. The city needs to focus on rebuilding and rebranding.

5. Cut city spending. City officials must get serious about trimming the budget.

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Now we are going to attach your properties. Staff can't wait endlessly for salaries and pensions: HC to North MCD.

Delhi HC asks North MCD to give its list of assets, bank balance to look into issue of non payment of salaries and pensions to employees.

Centre cannot force an officer to join it without consent of state government: Mamata on letter asking Bengal chief secy to state government: Mamata on letter asking Bengal chief secy to report to Delhi.

Our chief secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay retired today; he will continue as chief advisor to CM for next three years: will continue as chief advisor to CM for next three years: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

Reason for calling Bengal chief secretary to join Centre not mentioned in letter to me: CM Mamata Banerjee. mentioned in letter to me: CM Mamata Banerjee.

Centre replied to my letter; asked chief secretary to join North Block tomorrow: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. North Block tomorrow: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.
United States officials are investigating whether Roger Stone and Alex Jones played a role in the January 6 Capitol breach, it has been reported.

Investigators with the Justice Department and FBI are investigating the high-profile conservatives, as well as others, in a quest to understand what rioters were thinking and who influenced their beliefs, the Washington Post reported.

People familiar with the investigation told the outlet that the investigation between their ties to the rioters does not mean people who may have influenced rioters will be prosecuted.

Investigators hope to determine if anyone who influenced those who breached the Capitol could face criminal charges for conspiracy or aiding the effort, officials told the outlet emphasizing 'that prospect is still distant and uncertain.'

Investigators hope to determine if anyone who influenced those we breached the Capitol could face criminal charges for conspiracy or aiding the effort

Members of the Oath Keepers provide security to Roger Stone, right, at a rally the night before groups attacked the U.S. Capitol

Radio show host Alex Jones, center, walks by as people gather in support of President Donald Trump and in protest of the outcome of the 2020 presidential election in December

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6

People shelter in the House gallery as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on January 6

Rather, officials said, understanding the beliefs of the rioters and who might have influenced them 'could be critical to showing their intentions at trial,' according to the Washington Post.

'We are investigating potential ties between those physically involved in the attack on the Capitol and individuals who may have influenced them, such as Roger Stone, Alex Jones and Ali Alexander,' one of the sources told the outlet.

None of the three stepped foot in the Capitol during the riot.

Alexander is an organizer of Stop the Steal and helped to plan one of several rallies that preceded the storming of the Capitol.

Stone, a long time friend of President Donald Trump, served as a longtime advisor to the president but was convicted in 2019 for making false statements, obstruction and witness tampering in connection with Robert Mueller's investigation.

He was sentenced to 40 months in prison, but was pardoned by Trump in December before he left office.

Jones, known for claiming the Sandy Hook school shooting didn't happen, is a right-wing conspiracy theorist who is the publisher and director of the InfoWars website and radio show.

Before the Capitol riot, all three amplified unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 election was illegitimate.

Radio show host Alex Jones, center, walks by as people gather in support of President Donald Trump and in protest the outcome of the 2020 presidential election in December

Trump confidant and advisor Roger Stone, center, is pictured with Donald Trump supporters ahead of the U.S. Congress certification of the November 2020 election on January 5
KYODO NEWS - Feb 21, 2021 - 10:43 | All, Japan, Feature

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has commuted to his office from a nearby apartment complex rather than moving into the leader's official residence since assuming his post, drawing criticism that he could be slow to respond in event of a crisis.

Days after a major earthquake struck northeastern Japan late in the evening of Feb. 13, former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan urged Suga to move into the prime minister's residence, located next to the premier's office, calling him "selfish" for resisting.

"A minute or two means a lot when it comes to crisis management," said Noda, who lived in the residence during his 2011-2012 tenure.

Noda warned an earthquake could damage roads in the capital and it may take more than 20 minutes for Suga to get to the office even though it is within a stone's throw of the parliamentarians' designated lodgings.

Suga responded at a House of Representatives' Budget Committee meeting, saying he is "prepared to respond to crises even in the current situation."

Suga similarly defended his decision not to move into the residence in late January, saying "Just because I am living in the apartment, it does not mean I cannot fulfill my responsibility as prime minister."

The apartment complex for lower house members in Tokyo's Akasaka district is about 250 meters in a direct line from the prime minister's office in the Nagatacho district, next to Akasaka.

The 72-year-old prime minister said shortly after taking office in mid-September that he is considering moving into the residence, and even refurbished at a cost of 4.39 million yen ($41,417). But he later changed his mind.

The spacious residence, with its 5,183-square-meter floor space, is fully equipped to enable the prime minister to work at any time of the day and has a resident physician when it is occupied. Maintenance fees totaled 160 million yen ($1.5 million) for fiscal 2020, even without Suga living there.

Suga has been using the residence on limited occasions including holding teleconferences with foreign leaders or when he is receiving weekend coronavirus briefings.

People close to Suga have speculated he is unwilling to move as his wife Mariko wishes to remain out of the spotlight.

When Suga became chief Cabinet secretary in December 2012, he considered moving into the top government spokesman's residence in the premises of the prime minister's office, but decided to stay at the apartment to accommodate his wife's wishes.

The prime minister's wife has been cooking meals for him recently as he has not been dining out, according to the people close to him. In December, Suga faced criticism for attending dinner parties despite the government's warning to the public to refrain from dining in large groups to prevent spreading the coronavirus.

The official residence, originally constructed in 1929 as the prime minister's office, has hosted seven leaders after remodeling in 2005, including Suga's predecessor Shinzo Abe.

But Abe, who largely lived in the residence during his short stint as leader between 2006 and 2007, commuted 15 minutes from his home in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward on his second go-round as prime minister between 2012 and 2020.

Abe also took flak for the decision, particularly when it took him 40 minutes to get to the office when North Korea fired ballistic missiles in July 2017.

Still, an executive of Suga's ruling coalition said he empathizes with the prime minister's situation.

"I can understand that he cannot relax when his workplace and residence are close together, and he must also be considerate of his wife," the executive said.
It has always been possible to love Frank Zappa and what he stood for even if you didnt love his music. And lets face it, nobody but Frank loved it all. Some of it was jangly and fussy and tuneless, some of it was brilliant, funny and influential. But you have to love a man who could put out 62 albums in his lifetime and still leave enough for 53 more since he died in 1993.

If there is one American musician who was overdue for a comprehensive documentary, thats Zappa  and this one doesnt disappoint. Its as messy as his music in parts, but that fits. It lacks an overall thesis, but thats neither compulsory nor even useful with Frank: his creative energy seemed inexhaustible.

Director Alex Winter (yes, that guy from Bill and Ted) ranges all over the map, with apparently free access to the archives: film, animation, sheet music, home movies, never-released home recordings, and of course, interviews with Frank and family and some of his most important collaborators.

Among rock musicians, Zappa was unique: no-one else was this prolific for so long, and without the use of hard drugs, and no-one else was as political, nor as smart and funny. Yes, he could be like a naughty school boy, but he fought like a wounded bear when Washington moved to impose censorship on albums. His interviews could be golden and not just oppositional, unlike so many of his cranky contemporaries. He liked debate.

What the film doesnt do is penetrate his emotional coldness, nor really evaluate his music. Some critics called him a joke; others said he was a visionary. Winter settles for he was great because he was his own man. If Zubin Mehta and the Kronos Quartet and John Lennon thought he was great, then he was great. Some of the hundreds who went through the Mothers of Invention thought he was great, too, until he sacked them; others continued to love him despite that.

A few things become clearer: he was precociously gifted, teaching himself to compose, arrange and notate at high school. He was a prodigious guitar player. His range of composition was extraordinary, from experimental rock to jazz fusion to classical. Winter doesnt ask how much of it will be played in a hundred years. He just assumes it will be, because Frank was great. He may be right.
The duo relocated to Miami in 2010 after being offered the opportunity to sign with Grammy-winning super producer Jim Jonsin (Lil Waynes Lollipop, TIs Whatever You Like, Beyonces Sweet Dreams) who was starting his own publishing company at the time. This is way before people were networking on Instagram and stuff like that. Instagram didnt exist, so for us the move overseas was necessary, the pair explain. That was our initial foot in the door but it took many more years of hard work and commitment to reach the point were at now, where weve got our hands in so many projects. Based in Los Angeles for almost five years now, FnZ are currently working with a grab bag of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Kanye, Kid Cudi, Pusha T and Denzel Curry, whose acclaimed 2019 album Zuu they largely oversaw. Perth production duo Finatik N Zac (FnZ). Miraculously, Rohaim  who says hes been making beats since he was four, experimenting with the musical instruments his dad, a keyboard player for renowned Egyptian guitarist Omar Khorshid (the Santana of Arabia, says Rohaim), left lying around the living room  has achieved much of his international success while still based in Sydney.

He initially made his mark with multi-platinum hits for local Sony artists such as Jessica Mauboy and Justice Crew, but he says the pivotal moment in his career was when he linked up with Nicholas Audino and Lewis Hughes, co-founders of Australian production crew Twice As Nice, whod formed a relationship with US hitmaker DJ Mustard. Loading There was a sound I pioneered, an evolved version of what Mustard was already doing, which involved incorporating vocal chops and vocal melodies into the beat, he says, a technique which can be heard in his contributions to Needed Me and Ty Dolla Signs Saved. Buoyed by new connections fomented following the US breakthrough of The Kid Laroi, hes looking to move to Los Angeles this year to work on new material from rappers Polo G, Trippie Redd and late star Juice Wrld, as well as pop stars Justin Bieber and Demi Lovato. I think Id do better if I was overseas, he says. Being here has been hard, really hard. What Ive been able to do from here, its near impossible.
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg expects the European Union to adopt new sanctions against Russia over the case of opposition politician Alexei Navalny.

A step likely could be taken when European foreign ministers meet on February 22, he said in an interview with Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

"We will discuss at the Foreign Affairs Council appropriate reactions to the case of Navalny," Schallenberg said.

This would likely include targeted measures against individuals and organizations under the bloc's newly created sanctions instrument to punish human rights violators.

Schallenberg said he expects "a broad majority of support" for sanctions among the EU's 27 members, but added the sanctions "have to be politically smart and legally watertight."

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Twitter on February 21 that EU actions will be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on February 22.

Borrell said the courts in Russia continue to ignore a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) asking the Russian government to free him.

A Moscow court on February 20 upheld Navalnys prison sentence relating to his embezzlement conviction, but reduced the sentence by about 50 days considering time served. Later in the day, Navalny was fined a large sum on charges of insulting a World War II veteran.

Both trials were decried as politically motivated.

Navalny was arrested last month on his return from Germany where he was recovering from nerve-agent poisoning that he and supporters say was ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Based on reporting by dpa and Reuters
Freed loyalist killer Michael Stone is subject to strict licence conditions that could see him returned to prison for the smallest breach.

Before being released from Maghaberry Prison, the Milltown Cemetery gunman - pictured strolling by the sea in Co Down last Wednesday - had to sign up to a Multi-Agency Review Arrangements (Mara) deal.

This means the 65-year-old, who suffers from a heart condition and the rare debilitating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2F, which affects his mobility, has his sole mobile phone constantly monitored by police.

Stone is also on a night-time curfew from 10pm-7am, wears a security tag, needs permission to stay outside his north Down home, and is banned from attending public rallies or talking to the media.

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Mara's English equivalent Mappa (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements) is used to monitor Isis and al-Qaeda members after they have been freed from prison.

Sources say the licence conditions for the hitman, who was convicted of six sectarian murders and served 27 years behind bars, show how the State continues to see him as a threat.

"Stone thinks the conditions are draconian, but he has signed up to them and is going to stick by them," revealed a friend.

"He knows he is getting on in life and wants to spend the rest of his days with his family. His war is over."

Expand Close Michael Stone takes no chances out for a walk with Karan and bulldog Johnny / Facebook

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Stone was pictured walking with his wife Karan, who is his registered carer, in the coastal village of Millisle. The killer was seen wearing a bulletproof jacket, union flag face-mask, with an electronic tag around his arm.

"Stone has had several warnings from the PSNI that he is a target for dissident republicans," insisted his friend.

"When he was in Maghaberry jail he was held on the Bush 2 loyalist wing which is opposite Roe House where the republicans are held. They were always shouting threats at him across the yard.

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"Stone doesn't want to take any chances, that's why he always wears the bulletproof jacket any time he is out." Stone's release from jail last month is being opposed by relatives of his victims who have mounted a court action to have him returned to prison.

Deborah McGuinness, whose brother Thomas McErlean was shot dead at Milltown, has taken a judicial review of the decision to free the killer. Her lawyers also want parole commissioners to reveal the reasons behind the ruling. Even former loyalist pals of Stone have turned on him, with exiled ex-UDA chief Johnny 'Mad Dog' Adair branding him a "psycho".

Expand Close BROTHERS IN ARMS: Michael Stone and Johnny Adair were pals once / Facebook

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However, friends of the mass murderer say he is having the last laugh, revealing how he has called his pet bulldog Johnny because it's a "daft dog".

The same slogans were spray-painted on walls in nationalist areas after Adair talked himself into a directing terrorism conviction in 1995. Stone's friend said: "Karan bought Stone the bulldog last year as a birthday present. He calls it Johnny because it's a daft dog, a bit like its namesake."

Last year, Stone told this newspaper that the Ruger revolver he used to kill three people in the 1988 Milltown Massacre was given to him by a serving police officer the night before.

Arrested after the cemetery gun and bomb attack, he was convicted of six sectarian murders and jailed for a minimum of 30 years.

Stone was freed under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement in 2000 but returned to jail in 2006 for trying to murder Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at Stormont.

He was released again last month on health grounds after the high court said keeping him behind bars until 2024 would "constitute an interference with the physical liberty of the prisoner and could only arise under clear authority of the law."

cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk
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The 42 persons kidnapped by bandits from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State, were yet to be released Sunday night, an official said.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Niger governor, Mary Noel-Berje, had earlier at about 10:30 p.m. told PREMIUM TIMES they had been released.

After we published the story of the release of the students and workers, Ms Noel-Barje got back to say those released were not the students but other kidnapped victims. She said she was referring to some passengers whose release by their abductors PREMIUM TIMES had reported about five hours before her initial confirmation.

A total of 27 students, three staff members and 12 members of their family were abducted after the attack on the Kagara school in the early hours of Wednesday.

The state and federal governments have expressed hope that the students will be released unhurt as negotiations were ongoing with the bandits.

Kidnapping for ransom has become rampant in many parts of Nigeria. In Niger and many other states in North-central and North-west Nigeria, armed bandits kill and kidnap at will despite the efforts of security agencies.
Nigeriens will go to the polls on Sunday, to vote in the second round of the country's presidential elections, after none of the 28 candidates won a majority during December's vote. Former foreign affairs minister Mohamed Bazoum from the country's leading party will face off with former president Mahamane Ousmane. Bazoum won 39% of the vote in round one, while Ousmane won nearly 17%, according to the National Independent Electoral Commission.

Niger's President, Mahamadou Issoufou, will step down after two terms, paving the way for the West African nation's first peaceful transfer of power between two elected presidents since gaining independence from France in 1960.

The country has also seen four coups. Around 7.4 million Nigeriens registered to vote in the parliamentary and presidential elections in December and turnout was approximately 67%.

Niger's next president will have to deal with major problems, including rising attacks linked to Islamic extremists. In January, at least 100 people were killed when extremists staged attacks on two villages near the border with Mali. Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced, despite the presence of thousands of regional and international troops.

Image: AP

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
New Delhi: Congress party's Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday (February 21) to support boatmen who were allegedly harassed by local police.

Priyanka, general secretary in-charge of Congress in Uttar Pradesh, recently took a holy dip at the Sangam, a confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Sarswati river, on Mauni Amavasya where she had performed puja after which she travelled in Sujit Nishad`s boat.

She had later posted a video where she was seen assisting Nishad in rowing the boat.

       

       -    A special thanks to our boatman Sujeet Nishad for the joyful ride pic.twitter.com/xrU5kVzxPP  Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) February 13, 2021

Sujit had informed Priyanka about issues that boatmen belonging to the Nishad community were facing, including brutality against them by police whom he alleged had destroyed their boats. The boatman requested her assistance in raising their voices against the oppression to which she agreed, ANI quoted party sources saying.

According to the program released by the party, Priyanka is scheduled to reach Prayagraj at 11 AM and will be visiting Banswaar village in the trans-Yamuna area of the district to meet members of the fisherman community.

Sujit said that several boats belonging to the Nishad community, an OBC (other backward class) caste, were damaged by police and administrative officials.

The Uttar Pradesh government banned the use of boats in sand mining across the state on 24 June 2019. Suddenly millions from the Nishad community became unemployed.

Many of them depend on rivers for their livelihood in Uttar Pradesh. In 2013, the NGT prohibited the extraction of sand from rivers using machines, but mining companies continue to extract it with Pokeland machines and the government levies tax.

(With inputs from ANI)

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Loading The Scot has a finely tuned political and business antenna following stints as editor of Rupert Murdochs The Sunday Times, chairman of The Spectator and in the presenters chair at the BBC. He also helped Murdoch launch Sky TV in Britain in 1989. He will chair the new channel but also host a primetime show which Frangopoulos hopes will usher in a new era of appointment viewing in British news. Unlike the BBC and Sky, GB News will not be a rolling service but news intertwined with opinion-led shows. People have found other ways to get their breaking news  that changed many, many years ago, Frangopoulos says. The old news on the hour every hour format has been totally disrupted by digital media. In a twist, Frangopoulos and Neil are in a race to launch before Murdoch  their former boss  beats them to it. The moguls own channel, News UK TV, will also go live this year, although its initial offering will be more limited.

Loading The new entrants and their potential to disrupt the established media landscape have the industry on high alert. Talent is being poached and audiences are up for grabs. We are a speedboat in an ocean of supertankers and quite frankly that is a terrific, empowering position to be in, Frangopoulos says. Neil has likened GB News to a David among Goliaths, the underdog in a crowded market. Critics of GB News and its News Corp rival claim the new players will end Britains reputation for impartial broadcasting. While the countrys newspapers are shouty and tribal, TV news has largely shunned opinion-based programming because of impartiality rules set and policed by the regulator Ofcom. Frangopoulos says GB News will easily adhere to the rules: The impartiality rules here in the UK are a lot more overt and a lot more watched than what they are in Australia. The regulations are very strict and that is something we will embrace at GB News. But we are really confident that the impartiality rules actually are there to encourage debate and discussion.

Those reassurances are not enough for Stop Funding Hate, an activist group which applies public pressure to advertisers and is opposed to GB News. Richard Wilson, a director of the group, says its supporters have studied the content aired by Sky News Australia and do not want the model exported to Britain. Its examples like Sky News Australia that make people very, very worried, he says. Our whole approach is to challenge the business model. The thing we are most concerned about is that this toxic business model which has been implemented in Australia and the US would come here. And I think its probably the case that a lot of brands are asking themselves big questions about whether they want to be defined as anti-woke brands. Frangopoulos isnt fazed by the campaign and could be forgiven for wondering it might actually be good for publicity.

Sky News Australia is an incredibly successful media business and under [Frangopoulos successor and former editor of The Australian] Paul Whittaker has grown even more, he says. But GB News will not be a Sky News Australia and it will not be a Fox News. It will be GB News, because the UK is a different market and we have a very different dynamic here. And the more noise there is, the more it justifies the fact there is actually a case for that debate and conversation to be had. And we will be inviting these voices onto GB News to have these debates with us. Frangopoulos and his executives have been culling 2000 applications for 140 new positions as executive producers, producers and journalists and have ruffled feathers by poaching some big names. Dan Wootton, a New Zealand-born executive editor at The Sun who broke the news that Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, would split from the royal family, has jumped ship from the Murdoch empire. Wootton has been a prominent opponent of woke culture and critic of Boris Johnsons coronavirus lockdowns. Acclaimed journalist Colin Brazier has defected from Sky to anchor a daytime show, while respected Euronews political editor Darren McCaffrey will lead political reporting at the new station.

Behind the scenes Gill Penlington, a former director of news programming at CNN and editor of the BBCs equivalent of the ABCs Q&A, will be a senior executive producer. The one thing that is really exciting about this venture is that we are hiring 140 people during a really tough time in the media and these are all jobs for reporting on Britain, by Britons, Frangopoulos says. Neil, though, will be the biggest drawcard; viewers on the left and right of politics have long taken great delight in watching politicians self-destruct under his questioning. Andrew Neil interviews then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn during the 2019 election campaign. Boris Johnson refused to be interviewed by the veteran broadcaster. Credit:BBC In a nod to Brexit and debate over the governments handling of the pandemic, Neil recently wrote in an opinion piece that the appetite for gloom, doom, blame and division is waning and that the public feels battered and exhausted by it.
During a series of hectic talks between Cairn Energy and the Indian government over the $1.2-billion award in favour of the former last week, a slew of options was proposed by the two sides, including computation of capital gains and participation in the Vivad se Vishwas (VsV) dispute resolution scheme.

The government is likely to go ahead and appeal against the award by a Permanent Court of at The Hague before March 21, indicated finance ministry officials.

Cairn Energy Plc on Sunday said it was hopeful that an acceptable solution to its with the Indian government could be found to avoid prolonging and exacerbating the negative issue for all parties. The company said it was clear it should continue to take all necessary steps to protect the interests of its shareholders.

The energy major is learnt to have raised concerns over the tax computation of the 2006-07 deal, which it felt should have been computed on a long-term capital gains (LTCG) basis instead of short-term capital gains (STCG), resulting in a tax liability of Rs 1,800-2,000 crore, instead of the Rs 10,500-crore tax demand.

The government has emphasised that while it welcomed Cairns move to reach out for a resolution, any dispute resolution to be sought by Cairn will have to be within already existing laws.

Sources pointed out that Cairn invested in India in 1998 and exited in 2006-07, which would have attracted LTCG at the rate of 10 per cent or 20 per cent, including indexation.

However, in order to circumvent this liability, Cairn created layers of subsidiary firms in reorganising its India business through the creation of Cairn UK Holdings (CUHL) in 2006, but ended up attracting STCG tax. Cairn had earlier raised this in its argument at the income-tax appellate tribunal (ITAT), which it subsequently lost. The solution could lie in re-computing the tax demand on LTCG basis, informed a source.

ALSO READ: BS Annual Awards 2020: Stellar jury picks the best 7 in India Inc

Notwithstanding and without prejudice to our rights under the international arbitration award, we have discussed a number of proposals with the aim of finding a swift resolution that could be mutually acceptable to the Government of India and the interests of Cairns shareholders. Assuming such a resolution can be achieved, we look forward to being able to move on to further opportunities to invest in India, which continues to import a majority of the energy sources it consumes, said Cairn Energy in a statement.

The Government of India, on its part, asked it to come under the VsV scheme  the window for which is open till February 28 after four extensions. The scheme provides for settlement of disputed tax, disputed interest, disputed penalty or disputed fee in relation to an assessment or reassessment order on payment of 100 per cent of the disputed tax and 25 per cent of the disputed penalty or interest or fee. The taxpayer is granted Immunity from levy of interest, penalty, and institution of any proceeding for prosecution of any offence under the I-T Act in respect of matters covered in the declaration.

In fact, in 2016 the government had offered Cairn Energy settlement of the retrospective through its one-time resolution scheme, which provided for waiving interest and penalties if the principal amount was paid.

The most reasonable solution for Cairn will be to participate in the VsV scheme. The window is still open. They can come and declare under the scheme, said a government official. The company, however, has in the past ruled out coming in as part of this scheme.

The case pertains to the Rs 24,500-crore tax demand on capital gains made by the oil major in reorganising its India business in 2006-07.

CAIRN & ABLE June 26, 2006: Cairn first created Cairn UK Holdings (CUHL). Indian assets transferred to it June 30: It got 221.44 million shares of CUHL September 1: It got another 29.78 million shares for sale of 29.78-million debt

Tax department treated this as short-term capital gains (STCG)

Cairn argued it was holding shares for a longer period March 9, 2017: Income-tax appellate tribunal confirms levy of Rs 10,247-crore STCG tax

The Indian government had lost an international arbitration case to energy giant Cairn Plc under the retrospective tax legislation amendment in a verdict on December 21.

The firm said the freezing of its assets in 2014 to enforce a retrospective tax measure had been extremely negative for all parties, and that it was very keen to be able to put this legacy matter behind and move forward positively.

An international arbitration seated at The Hague and constituted under the terms of the UK-India bilateral investment treaty (BIT) has ruled conclusively on the matter and issued a final and binding award in Cairns favour, ordering the refund of the value of the assets taken, being $1.2 billion, plus significant interest and costs, noted the company.

That arbitration also ruled decisively that this matter falls within the jurisdiction of the UK-India treaty, having heard arguments from the parties on that subject. We have had cordial and constructive discussions in Delhi over the past few days with officials from the Ministry of Finance, it added.

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Cairn said it enjoyed a long and successful history operating in India, investing billions of dollars and the business it created in India has generated more than $20 billion in revenue for the government.

On June 26, 2006, Cairn first created CUHL and transferred the Indian assets to it. In return, it got 221.44 million shares of CUHL on June 30, 2006. It got another 29.78 million shares for sale of 29.78-million debt on September 1, 2006.

The tax department took a view that STCG tax should apply, given CUHL had acquired 251.22 million shares of Holdings at the cost of 251.22 million in August-September 2006. The same was then sold to the newly created within a few months. The STCG of Rs 24,503 crore at the hand of CUHL was confirmed by the ITAT in March, following which a demand note was sent, seeking Rs 10,247 crore.

While both sides hardened their stand, with Cairn Energy filing for enforcement of the December arbitration award against the Indian government, Indias revenue department has been readying to file an appeal against the award. It is likely to file an appeal at The Hague by March 10 and is in talks with senior Dutch lawyers. New Delhi has time till March 21 to file an appeal in accordance with the 90-day window.

The award will likely be contested on two key grounds  jurisdiction and international public policy. Cairn Energy Plcs Chief Executive Officer Simon Thomson had, however, in a video message last week, expressed willingness to meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, but she passed it on to Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey.

Cairn Energy has filed a case in a US district court to implement the arbitration award. Earlier, the Edinburgh-based company had filed a similar case in a Dutch court.

In the appeal, India is expected to take a stand that the government has the sovereign right of taxation and private individuals cannot decide on that.

According to the Centre, the award falls outside the domain of BIT and beyond the jurisdiction of international arbitration.

Also, the government is likely to invoke international public policy, arguing that Cairn did not pay tax in any jurisdiction across the globe.
The Union health ministry had issued a set of revised guidelines for international arrivals amid the spread of mutant variants of coronavirus in many countries. There are fresh guidelines for all international travellers coming/transiting through flights originating from the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East. The new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will come into effect from 23.59 hours on February 22 till further orders.

"Attention Travellers! To reduce the risk of importation of mutant strains of SARS-CoV-2, SOPs for International Passengers arriving in India have been updated. Make sure you take all the necessary precautions and follow all the guidelines while travelling," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a tweet.

Attention Travellers!



To reduce the risk of importation of mutant strains of SARS-CoV-2, SOPs for International Passengers arriving in India have been updated. Make sure you take all the necessary precautions and follow all the guidelines while travelling. pic.twitter.com/5lZtsk17Mv  MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) February 20, 2021

Guidelines for international arrivals effective 22 February

1) All international travellers will have to submit self-declaration (SDF) for Covid on the online Air Suvidha portal before the scheduled travel.

2) They will also have to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report on the online portal www.newdelhiairport.in.

3) The test should have been conducted within 72 hours prior to the journey and each passenger will also have to submit a declaration with respect to the authenticity of the report, as per the guidelines.

4) At the time of boarding the flight, only asymptomatic travellers will be allowed to board after the thermal screening.

5) International travellers arriving through seaports/land ports will also have to undergo the same protocol, except that facility for online registration is not available for such passengers currently, as per the civil aviation ministry guidelines.

6) Airlines should identify the international travellers arriving from/transiting through the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa (during the past 14 days) and segregate them in-flight.

7) All the travellers arriving from/transiting through flights originating in the United Kingdom, Europe or the Middle East shall be mandatorily subjected to self-paid confirmatory molecular tests on arrival at the Indian airports concerned (port of entry).

8) All travellers from Europe and the Middle East shall give samples at the designated area and exit the airport. If the test report is negative, they will be advised to self-monitor their health for 14 days. If the test report is positive, they will undergo treatment as per standard health protocol.

Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Overseas flights to and from India are currently operated as per air bubble agreements with various countries. Domestic flights resumed in India from May 25 after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown.

















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New Delhi, Feb 21 : Four more persons have been held in connection with the Rinku Sharma murder case taking the total number of arrested persons to nine, Delhi Police Crime Branch said on Sunday.

The Crime Branch, which took over the case last week, identified the four as Deen Mohd, Dilshan, Faiyaz and Faizan.

25-year-old Rinku Sharma, who was working at a private hospital, was stabbed to death by some men from his locality in Delhi's Mangolpuri area on February 10.

The police have already arrested five accused in connection with the case -- Danish, Islam, Zahid, Mehtab and Tajuddin.

Earlier the police said on February 10 some youth went to a restaurant to celebrate a birthday party. During that time, a scuffle broke out over some business rivalry related to the shutting down of a restaurant. After that some boys involved in the fight reached Rinku's house and stabbed him.
Posted Sunday, February 21, 2021 7:44 am

Could this actually be the year?

Since at least 2015, Democratic lawmakers or Gov. Jay Inslee have proposed a tax on capital gains. Democrats see it as a 2-for-1 deal: a way to raise more revenue for priorities such as education while reshaping Washington's regressive tax system.

Republicans have in turn condemned the concept as unconstitutional and not necessary for a state budget that has grown by sizable amounts over several years.

Yet, despite Democratic majorities in the House and Senate and years of debates and campaigning and discussions, the capital-gains tax hasn't gained enough traction in Olympia. That's been most notable in the state Senate, where a handful of moderate Democratic senators in previous years have opposed the idea.

So it seemed notable last week when lawmakers on the Senate Ways and Means Committee voted to approve Senate Bill 5096.

Sponsored by Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, the bill would implement a 7% tax on the capital gains of the sale of assets  like stocks and bonds  above $250,000. It includes a host of exemptions, such as retirement accounts, sales of real estate, livestock, timbers and certain agricultural lands. Also exempt is the sale of sole proprietor businesses with a gross revenue of up to $6 million and in the sale of certain automobile dealerships.

In an interview, Robinson said the bill will need some more tweaks "before we pass it off the floor."

Robinson and Sen. Christine Rolfes, the Senate's chief Democratic budget writer, both said they believe Senate Democrats may have the votes this year to pass it out of the chamber.

Still, the bill faces a series of hurdles. If it passed the Senate, and then the House, it would almost surely face a legal challenge by conservatives who argue that it is a tax on income, and thus violates the state constitution.

"We have to remind ourselves that the IRS says that this is an income tax ... and a very volatile one at that," said Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, before the bill got voted out of committee.

Given a legal challenge, "My concern there is the cost to the state and the taxpayers," added Wilson.

She and other GOP lawmakers have also criticized the emergency clause attached to the bill that would make it take effect immediately  and prevent any efforts to put it on the ballot as a referendum.

Voters could still weigh in by gathering signatures for an initiative to overturn the law.

If enacted, SB 5096 would raise about $550 million per year, starting in fiscal year 2023. To address the volatility of the tax, Robinson's proposal would dedicate only a portion of that money each year  $350 million  into a budget fund that pays for education.

"The need to invest in early learning and child care is real, and is something that we feel strongly about wanting to do," said Robinson.

The remainder of that money would go into a new account that would be used for taxpayer relief.

Inslee and Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, have introduced their own versions of the tax.

Asked last week about Robinson's capital-gains proposal in a regularly scheduled news conference, Inslee declined to comment. The governor's proposed tax on capital gains sets a higher rate  at 9%  and taxes more people by setting the threshold for gains at above $50,000 for joint filers or $25,000 for individuals.

That would help fund Inslee's proposed $57.6 billion, two-year budget proposal, which focuses on public health programs and recovery initiatives for the economy and education in the wake of the pandemic.

That's an increase from the $52.4 billion two-year budget approved by the Legislature and governor in 2019.

Meanwhile, House Democrats this year have floated a proposal for a flat tax of 1% on some intangible assets  such as cash, stocks and bonds  aimed at billionaires. Under House Bill 1406, the first $1 billion of such assets would be exempt.

Republicans point to the growth during Inslee's tenure  the two-year operating budget approved in 2015, for example, was about $38.2 billion  as a sign that no new taxes are needed.

Meanwhile, House and Senate Republicans have released their own proposed two-year budgets to build their case for how the budget could be written without new taxes.

Those spending blueprints depend on counting the distribution of federal COVID-19 aid dollars the Legislature recently approved in a $2.2 billion package. Inslee is expected to approve that measure, which includes hundreds of millions for K-12 schools, public health programs, rental assistance and small-business aid.

The House Republican proposal would spend $55 billion for the 2021-23 budget cycle.

"It continues to grow the budget, but on a much more responsible glide path," said Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, in a news conference announcing the bill.

House Republicans touted their spending blueprint as a way to reopen schools, address housing issues and implement a long-stalled tax refund for working families.

With Republicans in the minority, the proposals are not likely to go anywhere.

But the proposals are a way for voters to "compare and contrast the different approaches that each caucus would take, depending on who's in charge," said Stokesbary.

The Senate Republican budget proposal is similar in size, spending $55.2 billion over two years. GOP lawmakers touted the money it puts into mental-health services and transportation funding.

The GOP proposals arrive as Democratic House and Senate budget writers prepare in the coming weeks to unveil their new operating budget proposals. Those spending blueprints fund everything from Washington's schools, parks and prisons, to mental-health and foster-care services.

In a statement, Rolfes, the Democratic budget writer in the Senate, said she welcomed the proposals.

"I welcome all ideas and solutions as we continue our work crafting a smart and sustainable budget that will guide state spending over the next two years," said Rolfes. "I appreciate the proposal from my Republican colleagues and I will certainly consider their priorities as we move forward in the process."

___

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 14:08:04|Editor: huaxia

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A staff member carries bottled water to a local resident's car at a water distribution center in Plano, northern suburban city of Dallas, Texas, the United State, on Feb. 20, 2021. After an extended winter storm brought low temperatures, snow and rolling blackouts to the southern U.S. state of Texas, local residents are tackling food and water shortages and price spikes, as temperatures are rising and road conditions improving. (Photo by Dan Tian/Xinhua)

HOUSTON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- After an extended winter storm brought low temperatures, snow and rolling blackouts to the southern U.S. state of Texas, local residents are tackling food and water shortages and price spikes, as temperatures are rising and road conditions improving.

According to PowerOutage.US, a website that tracks, records and aggregates power outage across the United States, as of Saturday afternoon, over 54,000 customers in Texas remained out of power due to the severe winter weather.

While half of the Texas population is impacted by water issues, including over 150,000 with no water or with nonoperational systems, Texas Commission in Environmental Quality officials said the situation is improving.

"I understand the public is extremely frustrated right now, and I understand your frustration. My family, my dog, my eight chickens are on day four without water at my house," said Toby Baker, executive director for the Texas Commission in Environmental Quality. "We are Texans, too, and suffering through the same things that you are."

During a news conference on Saturday, state officials said that Texas has ordered nearly 10 million bottles of water and more than 5 million ready-to-eat meals to deliver to people in need. There are also 331 warming centers available in the state.

In Texas' big cities such as Houston and Dallas, multiple groups have organized free water or food distribution events.

As families are trying their best to find reliable water and food, some are worried about their abnormally high electricity rates.

Customers of the electric company Griddy found their bills unbelievably high.

A customer from northern Texas told Fox News that he got an electric bill of 17,000 U.S. dollars over five days of use, even though his family did what they could to conserve. In Houston, a Griddy customer told KTRK TV station that her bill this week totaled 5,500 dollars.

Griddy urged their customers last week to switch companies before the winter storm because of a high price forecast, but customers found they were unable to change, either because they couldn't find a provider that took new customers, or because the switch time would take at least a week.

In a statement to KTRK on Friday afternoon, Griddy said it is asking the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission, which oversees ERCOT, for relief for its customers.

Besides electricity, many Texas residents found that prices for hotels, gasoline and even bottled water have increased.

The extreme winter storm that brought a massive blackout to millions of residents is providing an opportunity for some unscrupulous merchants to take advantage by charging exorbitant prices for essential supplies, Texas officials said.

On Wednesday, Houston set up a system for people to report incidents of price gouging. Over 450 complaints were received in less than 20 hours, said Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee.

"The main types of things we're seeing is hotels setting prices at ridiculous rates," local media quoted Menefee as saying. "We've seen allegations of packs of water being sold for two to three times the normal price, or packs of water being divvied up and the individual bottles being sold at excessive prices."

According to Texas law, price spikes for fuel, food, medicine, lodging, building materials or other necessities during a state or federal disaster declaration are illegal. The Texas Attorney General's Office urged residents to report such price gouging.

Across Texas, deaths related to the winter storm continued to increase. While dozens of deaths have been reported, experts believed the death toll is likely far larger. And it could be weeks or months before the true magnitude is known.

"It's a slow process. We may have preliminary information in weeks, not days," Chris Van Deusen, spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services, told The Texas Tribune.

A statewide survey of deaths caused by the storm is underway, he said. But the state won't have a good indication until death certificates are filed.

The winter storm also delayed the delivery and injection of hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccines. Public health officials in Dallas, Houston, Austin and other cities postponed planned vaccination events or individual appointments, saying injections would restart once travel conditions were improved.

U.S. President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in Texas so as to allow the federal government to provide more resources and assistance to the state, the White House said on Saturday. Enditem
PHILIPSBURG:--- Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel is extremely concerned about complaints he has received about the tendering process to award new waste disposal contracts. Emmanuel said if some of the "very worrying" information he has received is true, legal challenges and consequences could follow casting doubt and suspicion over the entire tendering process.

The MP said over the past week complaints have ranged from the process being rigged in the favor of some, to bids being changed illegally and no transparency extended to companies. The situation has reportedly also resulted in at least two senior VROMI officials on the bid evaluation team distancing themselves from the process in writing. All bids had to be submitted by February 2 by 10:00 am.

"If any bid was changed internally after that time, it would constitute a punishable illegal act," the MP said, adding that it behooves the Minister of VROMI to provide clarity to the public and be transparent about who were awarded the bids as well as indicate beyond a reasonable doubt that all documents are in place and no changes were made after the fact. There are reports that orders to change bids came from the top. These are serious charges to make. I am not accusing anyone of anything. But people have questions and they must be addressed to protect the integrity of the process, this includes the Council of Ministers speaking to the members of the bid evaluation team from the Ministry of VROMI the MP said.

Another point of contention for some companies was the reported removal of certain bid criteria, then having the same criteria re-inserted. These alleged inconsistencies leading up to the bid have contributed to the suspicion of wrong-doing in the process. I would assume that the tender terms of reference and other documents were vetted prior to the start of the process. So why all the reported inclusions and exclusions, the MP said.

One such issue is the performance guarantee requirement. This guarantee calls for the companies to obtain a guarantee from a lending institution (so a bank) indicating that the company has the required money on hand. It is stipulated in the tender documents that the company should have a minimum of 10% of the bid amount in its bank account. So if the bid is, for example, US $5million, then the company must be able to show that it has 10% of that (500,000) in the bank.

In the information meeting about the tendering process, it was stated that this performance guarantee requirement would not be included. This was welcomed by the smaller and newer companies. However, when the minutes of the meeting were presented two weeks later, VROMI indicated that it would indeed be included in the terms of reference. The smaller companies saw this as a disadvantage as it created an unfair playing field for newcomers.

MP Emmanuel recommends that the Council of Ministers should seek to "freeze all movement of those tender documents" and conduct its own inquiry to settle any suspicion. "This is important because if indeed bids were tampered with, it would not be fair to most of the entire tender has to be re-done. Pricing at this point would be known by all for specific bids. An independent firm should also be commissioned to look at the bids to assure ultimate transparency and if the process was followed correctly," the MP said.

The MP said allegedly companies are already mobilizing to execute contracts after having been informed that they won the bid. There has been no public announcement or information from the Minister of VROMI or the VROMI Ministry about the awarding of contracts. In the meantime, others are still waiting on the word and they want to be able to be shown or told why they were not chosen and why others were, the MP said.

Additionally, the complaints to the MP included companies saying that they were informed by VROMI personnel that they won a bid for garbage collection for a particular district, only to hear later that it was awarded to a different company.

Also of concern is how many contracts/parcels can be awarded per family or per household. Going into the bidding process it was stipulated that only one parcel/contract per family or household could be granted. If this stipulation was to change, it would require a decision of the Council of Ministers. The MP said he understood from the complaints expressed to him that this provision was entirely removed. It is unclear if the Council of Ministers approved this change or if the change was made by the Minister alone. This particular point remains an issue of contention due to several parcels being awarded to family members in the past. "There are concerns that these stipulations were not followed," the MP said.

Commonly called "garbage collection contracts," the contracts are valued in the millions of guilders and awarded among various solid waste collection companies. The tendering process is supposed to be very strict and detailed with disqualifications commonplace due to lack of documents and missed deadlines.

The current contracts for the collection of solid waste in St. Maarten came into effect on April 1st, 2016 for a period of five (5) years (ending March 31st, 2021). For these contracts, St. Maarten was divided into eight (8) parcels to execute the work. The scope of the works of the current contracts includes the collection of solid waste as well as the cleaning of the public areas and neighborhoods.

According to the Terms of Reference for this new bid, the eight (8) parcels have been changed to seven (7) for better management, efficiency, and control of the execution of the works.
Joe Barrera, Ph.D, is the former director of the Ethnic Studies Program at UCCS. He is a long-time community activist and a combat veteran of the Vietnam War.
GLEN CARBON  Mayor Jackstadt announced his candidate Friday to replace Susan Jensen on the villages board of trustees.

I am very pleased to announce that I will ask the Glen Carbon Village Board to appoint Mr. Victor Smith to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Susan Jensen. If approved, Smith will complete the rest of Jensens term, which ends in April 2023.

Smith is currently chairman of the Glen Carbon Police Commission. Prior to that office, he served 10 years as a member of the Glen Carbon Planning and Zoning Commission, including one year as chairman. Smith ran for trustee in 2019, too.

Smith obtained his bachelors degree in electrical engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix and received his Juris Doctorate from the Saint Louis University School of Law.

He has lived in Glen Carbon for 20 years and has been married for 28 years to Dr. Cornelia Smith, who is the director of human resources and student services in District 7. They have two adult children and one granddaughter.

I am excited to utilize my background, education and experience as a Glen Carbon Trustee, Smith said. I have served Glen Carbon for many years and am grateful for the opportunity for continued service as a trustee on the village board.

I am impressed with Victors intelligence and ability to analyze issues and make independent decisions based on what is right for all Glen Carbon residents, Jackstadt said. I am very confident and comfortable with my selection. I believe Victor Smith will be a great addition to the village board.

Jensen resigned from the board, effective Feb. 1, when she was appointed assistant states attorney under Madison County States Attorney Thomas Haine.

The village board will vote on Smiths appointment at its next meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child know how to write thrillers in tandem. Many have been bestsellers. Theyre back with their latest propulsive thriller The Scorpions Tail: A Nora Kelly Novel.

It is set in the present in various locales in New Mexico, though the center of the action is in the fictional ghost town of High Lonesome. A desiccated corpse is found in the cellar of an abandoned building in the dust-encased town.

The reader is introduced to the dead man when the sheriff arrests a local relic hunter just as hes pulling out the cranium and part of the right forearm. The town is on Bureau of Land Management land east of Socorro. The dead man, probably a gold prospector, is identified as James Gower. His face and body show that he died in agony. But why? Was he murdered?

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Albuquerque FBI Special Agent Corrie Swanson is assigned the case. Swanson enlists the help of Santa Fe archaeologist Nora Kelly to properly excavate the long-dead remains of the man found with a dead pack animal in a nearby corral. Their probe leads Kelly to wonder out-loud: The fetal position of the corpse is very strange, as if he were poisoned or maybe freezing to death. Or, perhaps, hallucinating  .

When they move the body, they find a heavy object about the size of a hand, wrapped in leather. Opening it, theyre astounded to see a heavy, worn gold cross encrusted with gems. Further analysis shows the New World-made object may pre-date the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Gower probably died about 1945, the year of the atom bomb test at the Trinity Site on what is today the White Sands Missile Range. High Lonesome is just north of the missile range and the Jornada del Muerto. The story digs, literally, figuratively and excitedly, into the states history, legends and landscapes.

Preston said the idea for the novel germinated 25 years ago when he did a story for New Mexico Magazine on the 50th anniversary of the Trinity test.

The missile range commander accompanied me. It was interesting to see the range from an area no one sees, not just from the Trinity Site but the whole sweep of the land  Preston said in a phone interview. Also how pristine the landscape was. It looked like Africa because the land had returned largely to when it was before there was cattle, sheep and horses. I thought it would be a wonderful entrance for a story. And I got to see Victorio Peak and heard the legend of the treasure.

These remembrances have been percolating in his head since then. So he talked with Child about using kernels of those recollections for a novel. The journey from an idea to a plot is very complex and difficult. A lot of people who arent authors dont realize that, Preston added.

The journey of this thriller takes the reader through an array of characters who artfully slip in and out of the narrative, from the trespassing relic hunter digging up human bones  to a young quick-draw sheriff to an army general illegally searching for treasure to a relative of Gowers living near Magdalena  to a reclusive Mescalero Apache, who could shed light on the last days of Gower, his long-ago partner. If hes still alive.

This is a thriller with as many delicious plot and subplot turns as the road to the remote High Lonesome. When eventually revealed, the cause of Gowers death may astonish readers. It astonished me.

Im very fond of this story. I put my love of the knowledge of the landscapes, the people and the history into it, said Preston, who lives part of the year in Santa Fe.

The Scorpions Tail has been ranked as high as No. 2 on the New York Times bestseller lists for Hardcover Fiction and for Combined Print and E-Book Fiction, Preston said.
The foreign minister emphasised that testing is a necessity in light of new variants, but every effort needs to be made to ensure that cross-border workers are able to commute in.

Asselborn also stressed that Luxembourg is dependent on workers who are resident in neighbouring countries. Sixty percent of hospital, care home and retirement home staff commute in from across the border. If these people were not allowed to travel to Luxembourg, the countrys healthcare service would collapse, according to Asselborn.

All non-essential travel remains discouraged, but Asselborn asserted that cross-border workers should not be impeded from travelling to work.

The foreign minister remains hopeful that border closures can be avoided. This notably happened during the spring of 2020 when France shut the border to Luxembourg virtually overnight.
The local government watchdog has accused a Sydney mayor of an abuse of power for using a council vote to quash allegedly defamatory comments about him and others on social media.

Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne is fighting potential suspension over allegations he failed to declare a significant non-pecuniary interest during a motion to force an apology from two councillors regarding the Facebook posts he claimed painted him and other councillors as corrupt.

Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne is fighting allegations he breached conflict of interest rules. Credit:Edwina Pickles

Office of Local Government barrister Matthew Cobb-Clark told a NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing into the alleged breach and other related claims, that by moving the March 2019 motion, Councillor Byrne sought to use his public office to obtain a private benefit in procuring an apology from the pair after his lawyers had already sent them legal letters over the posts.

The personal benefit that mayor Byrne gained ... wasnt simply just the restoration of his reputation in an abstract sense, it gave him tangible advantages in defamation proceedings foreshadowed by him, Mr Cobb-Clark told the tribunal on Friday.
Britain's best known dealmaker admits a big realisation has dawned on him since Covid struck almost a year ago: he had been dashing around the world unnecessarily.

Guy Hands, one of the few high-profile faces of the lucrative and powerful world of private equity, explains: I shouldve spent far more time with my kids, but I spent my time rushing around. I was a busy-bee travelling, boasting that Id slept three nights a week on planes.

I thought I was being really productive but what Covid has allowed me to see is that wasnt that necessary or useful. What it means is that physical meetings  Ive only had four since last March  are really important.

Fallout: Guy Hands owned the troubled Four Seasons care homes group

In fact, it was returning from a now rare business trip which almost left him stranded. He was flying back from a visit to a property venture in Cyprus when his adopted Guernsey  home for tax reasons since 2009  went into lockdown after seven Covid-free months.

I convinced them to let me return, he says. My wife was halfway through a haircut, she was worried they werent going to blow-dry it. My appointment was cancelled, he adds, sweeping a hand through his trademark mop.

A large vase of yellow tulips and giant daisies looms on his desk in our Zoom call. He laments theyll be his last for a while amid local restrictions.

Hands is boss of Terra Firma, the firm he set up in 2002, which has inked billions of pounds in deals, including buying and selling Odeon and William Hill.

His disastrous takeover of music label EMI and subsequent legal dogfight with Citigroup blew a 1.75billion hole in his fund and almost pulled him under.

The Covid crisis has hit several of his assets  from restaurants to hotels. And it has highlighted the fragility of a sector he recently bailed out of: care homes.

Hands bought the Four Seasons chain for 825million in 2012 before losing control to its largest creditor in 2017. Critics have argued private equity firms are too short-termist to invest in care homes.

The house you need now is different

Hands says the model is broken and has reached a stark conclusion: The industry either needs to be nationalised or paid for by the NHS. We just couldnt give the quality of service in a care home that we wanted to at a price that would enable us to make a profit.

The Government needs to be realistic about what care homes are: the view that people have of nursing homes being where you go to play bridge and sit around and watch TV together is a 1970s view.

These are actually places filled with people in their mid-80s suffering serious diseases and physical illness who need constant care.

Nursing homes are a cheap way of providing the specialist care that hospitals could. The only way we made money was by charging private patients more because local authorities didnt pay enough.

Care homes: Guy Hands says the model is broken and that the industry 'either needs to be nationalised or paid for by the NHS'

Guy Hands, 61, jazz lover Family: Married to Julia with four children between the ages of 23 and 33. Lives: Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Education: Mansfield College, Oxford  PPE. Classic: All That Jazz from 1979 Best investment: Angel Trains. Worst investment: Music label EMI. Lockdown high: Spending all but four days of last year with my wife. Lockdown low: Not seeing the rest of my family. Favourite music, film and TV: The Stranglers, All That Jazz, The Brothers. Dream UK Government policy: Integrating social care and health care together.

Such strong views from a former titan of the care industry are likely to spark debate about how Britains care homes should be funded as the nation emerges from the pandemic with an intense focus on healthcare. Elsewhere, Covid has reinforced Hands faith in one of his long-time investment classes: property.

The house you need now is different from a year ago. I believe there will be Covid flare-ups and lockdowns for years, so people will have to get used to, at times, working from home, home schooling, and they will need more space for leisure and accept longer commutes.

Increasing tax will not solve the problem

So how will he act on this? I think its investing in companies that have land banks, have buildings and its about how we make those buildings fit for purpose today.

He wont be drawn on reports hes keen to snap up Kiers 110million housebuilding arm.

Newly released accounts for Terra Firma Capital Partners, which acts as an operating company for Terra Firmas collection of investment funds, showed turnover fell 31 per cent to 15.9million in the year to March 31 compared to 2019, while profits dropped from 2.3million to 1.5million. A dividend of 5million was paid to its parent, ultimately owned by Hands, after two years without a payout.

Hands began his career as a Goldman Sachs bond trader, before moving to Japanese bank Nomura and later setting up Terra Firma.

It has been a chaotic year for his varied portfolio which spans Australian beef production, military housing and modular school buildings. His 19 UK country house hotels he runs with his wife Julia, and German hotel chain Welcome, have been knocked by lockdowns.

Guy Hands also holds the franchise for McDonalds in the Nordics and  despite pressure from competitors  kept the restaurants open for drive-thru and takeaways

Hands also holds the franchise for McDonalds in the Nordics and  despite pressure from competitors  kept the restaurants open for drive-thru and takeaways. In Sweden they were no less exposed to Covid but the government there said its your responsibility to deal with it. A lot of our competitors said, We cant operate but we adapted quickly and thats the attitude were taking with all of our businesses.

Its like with Brexit, theres no point grieving and being bitter. You have to accept it and adapt. Terra Firmas make-up business, Talika, which was focused on airline and duty free business also faced a Covid crunch. The management adopted some entrepreneurial spirit and quickly did info-commercials focusing on eyebrows and eyelashes, because everyones wearing masks and the eye is the new smile, and sales of mascara have rocketed.

Hands is keen that the Government is as fleet of foot in investing to revive the British economy. Margaret Thatcher talked about Tina  There Is No Alternative  sometimes there is no alternative, we need to spend, spend, spend.

Politics divides, we can bring people together

Im no Corbyn supporter, but [spending] is what is needed. Increasing taxation wont solve the problem. We do need to increase expenditure on infrastructure, the NHS and education. Otherwise, well have five million unemployed and enter a cycle like the 1960s and 1970s thats difficult to get out of.

He says investment is needed in cities which have become expensive, dirty and dangerous, notably in transport. In the markets, a much anticipated wave of private equity deal-making is now materialising, as companies which held back cash splash out.

Its sparked a wave of SPACs, or so-called blank cheque companies, raising huge sums with no assets. It doesnt matter whether you look at Spacs, whether its [retail investment platform] Robinhood. Its ways of people saying I have got money, Im not earning anything on it being in the bank, what do I do with it?

Beyond housing, Hands says hot areas for investment include technology  in which I dont understand how to pick the winners  and markets where technology can disrupt how they work.

The latter is his forte, and what he claims was the plan at EMI as Spotify and its rivals revamped the industry. We said the CD is dead, and started on our plan which focused on the digitalisation of music, but unfortunately we didnt get the time.

If I look at valuations now, it wouldve been the best deal weve ever done. But if I look at the values now compared to how little I paid in 2007 it would be pretty difficult to go back and buy again.

The arch-Remainer says his biggest hope is to make a success of his Engage Britain venture. The charity aims to bring ordinary people with disparate political views together to discuss how to improve the country. Politics divides people, he says. If Engage can come up with solutions to make Britain better, Ill be far prouder than anything else Ive achieved.
BJP wants double engine govt in Bengal to siphon off public money: Abhishek Banerjee

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Nagrakata (WB), Feb 21: Senior TMC leader and MP, Abhishek Banerjee, on Saturday criticised the BJP's slogan of "double engine government" (same party rule in Centre as well as state) in poll-bound West Bengal, alleging that the saffron party wants this mechanism to misappropriate public money.

The slogan also proved that the BJP-led government at the Centre has not been helping West Bengal as the party is not in power in the state, claimed Banerjee, also the president of the Trinamool Congress youth wing.

BJP leaders are harping on the "double engine government" saying it will spur growth and development in West Bengal where the assembly election is likely to be held in April-May.

The saffron party is trying to bribe voters by promising them money under the PM Kisan Scheme, the Diamond Harbour MP, who is also the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleged.

"The BJP is saying that they want a double engine government in the state. Why do they want a double engine government in the state? So that they can siphon off public money and go scot-free," he said while addressing a rally at Nagrakata in North Bengals Jalpaiguri district.

"They (the Centre) did not do anything for Bengal as there was no double engine government in West Bengal. This is the character of the BJP government. They don''t do anything for non-BJP ruled states," he said.

During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, they had promised to give Rs 15 lakh to every citizen but people did not get a single paisa in the last seven years, Banerjee said.

"Now they are trying to bribe the people of the state, the farmers, by saying that if they come to power, Rs 18,000 will be given to them. This is just another attempt to fool the masses," he said.

The BJP has been saying that if voted to power in the state, it will ensure that each farmer of the state gets Rs 18,000 in arrears under the PM-KISAN scheme.

Referring to the TMCs newly launched poll slogan -- ''Bangla Nijer Meyekei Chaye'' (Bengal wants its own daughter), portraying Mamata Banerjee as the daughter of Bengal, he said, "We will never bow our heads before people sitting in Delhi. The people of Bengal will have faith in their daughter Mamata Banerjee," he said.

On the party''s "Jai Bangla" poll cry which the BJP says is a slogan used in Bangladesh, the youth leader said that if it was so, from where the saffron party leaders got the "Sonar Bangla" (golden Bengal) slogan.

He reminded the people that the national anthem of Bangladesh is "Amar Sonar Bangla".

BJP leaders frequently say they want to make "Sonar Bangla" after ousting the TMC government from the state in the assembly election.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 8:26 [IST]
As freezing air engulfed Texas, Ashley and Levi Barnard considered themselves lucky.

On Feb. 12, they had finally brought their new baby home.

Cash was born in December, more than two months early. He weighed less than 3 pounds. He spent the first 70 days of his life fighting to survive in a neonatal intensive care unit in Odessa before doctors let the Barnards take him home.

As the snow approached, the couple werent too worried. Theyd moved to Midland from Houston for work in September and had already experienced months of West Texas winter.

They had a warm house. Plenty of food. Everything theyd need for the complicated regimen of supplemental oxygen and medical treatments to nurture Cashs underdeveloped lungs: the suitcase-size air concentrator, which filters and purifies Cashs air supply. A pulse oximeter, to monitor his oxygen levels. The nebulizer, for the treatments he required every six hours. Gallons of breast milk. A weeks supply of oxygen, just in case.

But just before 2 a.m. Monday morning, a shrill alarm rang through the house. Theyd lost power.

A continent-size mass of frigid air had crept south from the Arctic, cutting across the Great Plains and sending temperatures throughout Texas plummeting. Forecasters had warned of a week of cold, but the Barnards thought they knew what to expect.

We did not think it was going to be that bad, said Ashley, as Cash gave a quiet cry in her arms.

Neither did practically anyone else in the Lone Star State. As temperatures plunged, Texans cranked up their heat. Demand quickly overwhelmed the power grid, plunging millions into darkness.

In tens of thousands of homes, pipes froze, then burst. The lack of power left millions huddling in misery, desperately trying to get warm. But for thousands of medically fragile Texans, power outages became a matter of life and death.

Premature newborns such as Cash need electricity to power their oxygen machines. Many special needs children require machines to help regulate breathing, swallowing and regulating their temperature. And thousands more Houstonians rely on regular treatments such as dialysis or supplemental oxygen to stay healthy or treat chronic, life-threatening conditions.

The Cheeverses

Caroline Cheevers knows what it takes to keep her children alive. She and her husband, Stan, have four children with serious special needs: Tyler, 12, Hailey, 10, Justin, 10, and Ava, 7.

The couple moved to Houston in 2007 and adopted the children after serving as foster parents to another special needs boy.

All four have suffered prior abuse or have genetic conditions, and use ventilators to help them breathe. They all need help with bodily functions including receiving nutrition, swallowing or regulating body temperature.

Caroline, 47, and Stan, 45, started getting ready for the storm.

They called the nursing provider to make sure theyd have help. They stockpiled food and water. They made sure they had plenty of batteries for their lanterns. Caroline had extra batteries for the ventilators, gas in the van, piles of blankets and a week of the vital prescriptions that help keep the kids healthy.

The plan was simple: Stan would stay at home with Hailey, Justin and Ava. Caroline would stay at Texas Childrens Hospital with Tyler, whod been there since January with a bladder infection.

At the familys Meyerland home, Stan had everything under control with Hailey, Justin and Ava. While power cratered across the state, the lights stayed on in Meyerland all day Monday.

Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Everyone seemed safe, Caroline said.

She was sitting in Tylers hospital room hours later, however, when her phone lit up.

Theyd lost power, Stan said. And a pipe had burst, sending water spewing throughout their home on Willowbend Boulevard. The temperature was dropping fast.

Panic tugged at her. Hailey suffers from shaken baby syndrome and cant regulate her own body temperature. If her body got too cold, her blood pressure would crash, her breathing would slow and she would become nonresponsive.

Caroline worried Hailey was going to end up in the emergency room, or worse. She and Stan began looking for a place to take the children.

But all their friends had lost power. The hotels were booked. And because of COVID-19, Texas Childrens couldnt let them bring Hailey up to Tylers room.

There was nowhere to go, Caroline said.

Ronald Waynes

When Ronald Waynes saw the forecast, he wasnt particularly worried. The New Jersey native had been through plenty of snowstorms. A couple of inches of snow didnt sound like it would stop him from making his regular dialysis appointments.

But as the temperatures dropped, the Conroe man didnt see road crews salting the streets or applying de-icer like they would have back home.

Waynes, 56, is one of some 54,000 Texans with kidney disease  and one of 12,000 in the Houston region  the result of a lifelong struggle with high blood pressure, which began when he was just 12. Waynes, who is now disabled, spent 14 years working at Mens Wearhouse.

Three times a week, he wakes at 3:30 a.m., makes breakfast then drives with his wife, Kimberly, to a clinic for a four-hour dialysis treatment. The process, which filters toxins from his blood, requires electricity and dozens of gallons of water per treatment.

With the storm approaching, Waynes went to his clinic Sunday then went home to wait out the storm.

At first, the power seemed to be holding. But on Monday, as he was loading the washing machine with laundry, the room went dark.

The dialysis clinic called on Tuesday. The facilitys pipes had burst, so his Wednesday appointment was off. Theyd call with more information when they could.

When patients such as Waynes cant get dialysis, their bodies swell with fluid and toxins fill their blood. Breathing gets more difficult, and as the condition worsens, it can make patients hearts stop.

Waynes wasnt alone, said Tiffany Jones-Smith, CEO of the Texas Kidney Foundation.

During the height of the storm, power failures and burst pipes knocked about half of the 750 dialysis clinics across Texas offline, she said. The network collapsed like a house of cards. Without power or water, the clinics were unable to function.

You dont realize how fragile the system is until something goes markedly wrong, Jones-Smith said.

Waynes waited as the hours ticked by, hoping the power would come back on. That evening, he and Kimberly decided it was time to leave.

They packed their two Jack Russell terriers, Dog and Ginger, bundled into their car and headed to his sisters home in The Woodlands. She still had power, at least.

Thats when he started to worry. The roads looked like a sheet of ice.

People here dont have respect for the ice, he said.

But as the hours passed, the pressure on his chest gradually increased. He tried to drink as little water as possible  thats what would send his kidneys into overload  but breathing became harder and harder.

The Barnards

In Midland, the squealing alarm that jerked Levi Barnard awake early Monday morning  and sent his adrenaline spiking  was from Cashs air concentrator. Working properly, the machine released a puff of air every few seconds. With its power supply cut off, it sent out a shrill warning.

He and Ashley rushed to Cash, switching his air supply from the concentrator to their reserves of bottled oxygen. The pulse oximeter had a battery  but it died just a couple hours later.

He fired off a text to friends soon after.

Cashs monitor is dead now, he wrote. We cant see his pulse ox or HR, so Im sitting here with my cell flashlight staring at him.

Days before, theyd called Direct Energy to make sure they were registered as critical customers. But the power company had told them theyd need to wait for a form to arrive in the mail, which theyd have to fax elsewhere.

Now, Levi had to figure out how to keep Cash warm and breathing.

He scrolled through every Midland-area hardware store and farm supply store website he could, looking for places to buy generators. Finally, just before 6 a.m., he grabbed his car keys and headed to the Home Depot a few miles away.

There was one left, a garish yellow Ryobi generator, stuck on the shelf with anti-theft wires. He stood by the generator, hand on the machine, yelling for an employee to come help.

Im a passive person, he said. But I was already preparing myself for a physical altercation if needed. I felt I was having to save my sons life.

The Cheeverses

Caroline and Stan Cheevers made a decision.

Hotels were full. Friends didnt have power. Because of COVID and the kids fragile medical conditions, crowded warming centers such as the George R. Brown Convention Center werent an option.

But Texas Childrens had called: It was opening up a tower for technology-dependent children. There was a spot for Hailey if the Cheeverses could get her to the hospital, which has cared for more than 11,000 medically fragile children over the past year.

It was time to split the kids up. A close family friend drove to their home to pick up Ava and Justin. Caroline would have to stay at Texas Childrens with Tyler. Stan would bring Hailey there as well.

Stan packed a large duffel bag, with Haileys medicine, diapers, formula and other critical supplies, then wheeled her into the familys van.

Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

They arrived at the hospital just before 1 p.m. Tuesday. Haileys temperature had already fallen a few degrees.

On Wednesday, the tower where she and Tyler were staying lost water. On Thursday, the power failed, forcing generators to kick on.

Her two other children, meanwhile, stayed with a family friend. They were confused, but they were with someone they knew.

After it all, Caroline breathed a sigh of relief.

She cant stop thinking just how close the situation came to being a huge catastrophe. She cant stop thinking about the bitter cold. The burst pipes. About what would have happened if she couldnt keep the kids warm.

During Hurricane Harvey, the problem was too much heat. But even without power, she could at least cool the kids off.

This was 100 times worse, she said. There are only so many layers you can put on a child that cant move.

Ronald Waynes

By Wednesday morning, the pain was too much. Ronald Waynes brother-in-law dropped him off at the emergency room at Houston Methodist Hospital-The Woodlands.

He tried not to worry too much  something hes learned from a lifetime of serious health problems. But he was worried about his wife, Kimberly, and his dogs.

At the hospital, he had to go in alone because of COVID restrictions.

Doctors performed a stress test, then moved him upstairs to begin dialysis. He got about 1 hours through the treatment before blood clots forced them to stop.

They tried again on Thursday, with the same problems. The doctors wanted him to visit a specialist in Houston to figure out what was causing the issue. But he was stuck for now.

I cant leave here till this works, he said.

He is looking forward to going home. To his routine. To evenings with Kimberly, and walking Dog and Ginger.

The Barnards

Levi Barnard raced out of the Home Depot with the generator hed bought Monday morning. At home, Ashley was waiting in the dark with Cash and his 18-month-old brother, Wells.

She was starting to worry. What would she do if Levis car wouldnt start? What would she do if he lost control on the icy roads? How would she carry Cash, with all his wires and equipment, and Wells?

Levi was so focused on Cash that he didnt have time to be worried about the driving. And the ranch house was getting cold.

He plugged in Cashs pulse oximeter first, to make sure the baby was getting enough oxygen. With power, he was also able to turn on the gas-powered fireplace in the living room. A friend texted, checking up on him.

Just keeping everyone alive, he replied. Barely.

He used gas from his lawnmower to power the generator but soon realized he would need much more.

He took Wells, and they headed out to look for more. They traveled 20 miles  to at least 15 gas stations  before they found one that had fuel. Even then, it was 45 minutes in line before he could fill their gas can.

The lights came on for a few hours later that night, enough time to get the central heat going to try to warm the house. It was just long enough that Levi thought the worst might be over, and he decided to turn off the generator.

About 10:30 p.m., they lost power again, alarms once again filling the house. Levi vowed to keep the generator running until he could trust the grid wouldnt fail again. But his gas can could hold only a few gallons of gas. On Wednesday morning, he went back to Home Depot.

A few minutes later, he sent Ashley a text. They were in luck.

Gas cans at HD! he wrote. 2 Gal, but beggars cant be choosers.

They would spend the next day camped out in their living room by the white fireplace, trying to stay warm and preserve power.

On Thursday, he woke up and noticed that the microwave hadnt reset  theyd gone the whole night without losing electricity. That morning, he bundled Ashley, Wells and Cash into his SUV and headed to the doctor, for Cashs first post-hospital appointment with a pediatrician.

Everything they heard was as expected. The infant had significant challenges ahead, but nothing out of the ordinary or made worse by the storm.

When they returned from the doctors appointment, Levi wrapped up the extension cords after finally disconnecting the generator.

st.john.smith@chron.com

twitter.com/stjbs

An animal lover who's a real-life Dr Dolittle says she's saved nearly 200 animals - including cows, pigs, ferrets and alpacas - from being abandoned or mistreated.

Adri Rachelle, 33, from Athens, Georgia, rescues any animal that needs her help and runs the Wild Things Sanctuary from her farm in the Deep South.

Every year, she says she spends around $50,000 ensuring the animals that she looks after 'thrive, not just survive' and that her home has turned into a menagerie for animals.

Adri Rachelle, 33, from Athens, Georgia, rescues everything from cows to ferrets and now has 200 rescue pets on her farm in the Deep South

Adri has rescued many species, from ferrets to cows and from piglets to alpacas, there's a place for everyone in her sanctuary

Every year, she spends tens of thousands of dollars to keep the animals well-cared for with an average feed bill of $1,300 a month

Bored Panda reports that Campbell founded the rescue company after spending years rescuing animals and realising it was no longer a hobby but a calling. Adri credits her parents Larry Jacobs, a retired natural resources specialist, and Cynthia Selby, a retired nurse, for her animal-loving nature.

She told the publication: 'Animals that are broken and in danger have always seemed to cross my path.

The J.R.R. Tolkien fan, who names most of her animals after characters in the author's Lord Of The Rings trilogy added: 'Knowing that I'm offering them a safe place to heal gives my life a purpose and that reward far outweighs all of the time, money, and sadness running an animal sanctuary can bring.'

Adri cares for the animals every day, not taking vacations and working from morning until night, but says that she 'loves every minute of it'.

Adri cares for the animals every day, not taking vacations and working from morning until night, but says that she 'loves every minute of it'

She said that when animals come to the sanctuary, they may at first be terrified of her but they learn from the others that the home is safe

She said that when animals come to the sanctuary, they may at first be terrified of her but they learn from the others that the home is safe.

Adri said: 'A dog may be terrified of me at first, but it learns form the others here that this home is safe, and takes comfort and joy from the other dogs. A feral pig doesn't have to face its fear of humans, it gets its social needs completely fulfilled by the other pigs.

'The parrots can spend an entire day conversing and interacting with other parrots, which is really more fulfilling of their natural needs.'

She said she doesn't want to just meet their basic needs, but said she always exceeds their basic requirements for living, wanting them to be spoiled and 'thrive instead of just survive'

She said she doesn't want to just meet their basic needs, but said she always exceeds their basic requirements for living, wanting them to be spoiled and 'thrive instead of just survive'.

Adri added: 'It's my heaven on Earth... but it is technically very demanding. This is especially true because the residents are generally either neglected, seniors, unhealthy or unhandled.'

She has spent around $50,000 in materials over the last year for the sanctuary, with an average feed bill of $1,300 a month and vet care around $10,000 on a yearly basis.

But she said that she will not be opening her sanctuary to the public, despite it being a source of income, because she believes it is stressful for the animals.

Adri hopes to share them on social media enough that they will receive donations from people who fall in love with them.

Must be dinner time! Adri shared an adorable photo as the dogs waited outside the door for their food

Adri said that she will not be opening her sanctuary to the public, despite it being a source of income, because she believes it is stressful for the animals

She shared a picture of the cows walking around the sanctuary in single file and said: 'Ducks are not in a row, but my cows are. Does that count?'

Adri also cares for pigs and piglets, as she shared an adorable snap of two piglets, which she said were around four months old, snuggled up under a blanket

Her cats were curled up in a basket together when Adri said the 'pigs kept trying to figure out a way in'

Adri shared a picture of her highland cows and said: 'It's chilly out today so I took my coffee and a blanket outside and sat with them... I'm not able to pet them but Mom accepts the animal cookies I throw in her direction'

Adri said the piglets can't wait to climb on the dog Hodor for their daily nap, sharing an adorable pic on Instagram she said: 'The piglets can't climb on top of him for their daily nap fast enough! As soon as he's finished his meal and I open the door it's a race to start the cuddling'

Three dogs called Arwen, Frodo and Sam are pictured leaving the house to 'patrol their new farm'

Adri said she couldn't believe how much her tegu grew in the few months she'd had her and added: 'At two years old she was less than half this current size'
US President Joe Biden returns to his vehicle after visiting Holy Trinity Church in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC on February 20, 2021.(MANDEL NGAN / AFP)

In testimony prepared for his confirmation hearing on Monday and Tuesday, federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland indicated he wants to remove the taint of political interference left on the department by Trump.

He said that if confirmed, he would reaffirm "policies that protect the independence of the department from partisan influence in law enforcement investigations (and) that strictly regulate communications with the White House."

He also promised to create clear guidelines for FBI investigations, amid allegations that the agency strayed deeply into politics in investigating Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016 and then Trump in 2017-2018.

In an apparent reference to the Black Lives Matter movement, Garland also said that enforcing equal justice for people of color remains an incomplete and "urgent" task, 150 years after the Justice Department was founded following the Civil War.

Minorities still face discrimination in housing, education and the jobs market, and suffer more than others the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, Garland said in his statement.

"The Civil Rights Act of 1957 created the Department's Civil Rights Division, with the mission 'to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, particularly some of the most vulnerable members of our society,'" Garland said.

"That mission remains urgent because we do not yet have equal justice."

Garland also said the country faces a serious threat of extremism, as exemplified by the deadly January 6 attack by Trump supporters on the US Capitol, which shut down the legislature as lawmakers met to certify Biden's election win.

The Justice Department has already charged some 230 people in that event and is investigating hundreds more, with the possibility of charging some with seditious conspiracy.

"If confirmed, I will supervise the prosecution of white supremacists and others who stormed the Capitol on January 6 -- a heinous attack that sought to disrupt a cornerstone of our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power to a newly elected government," Garland said.

Garland, 68, worked in the Justice Department before becoming a judge nearly 24 years ago.

Seen as a moderate liberal, in 2016 he was nominated by then Democratic president Barack Obama to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court.

But Republicans determined to turn the high court to the right stalled the nomination, allowing Trump in 2017 to put forth a conservative nominee.

Garland, who must be confirmed by the evenly split Senate, is expected this time to gain enough support from Republicans for his nomination to go through.
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has signed an agreement to set up a joint venture with U.S. firm Lockheed Martin to enhance the kingdom's defence and manufacturing capabilities, the state-owned Saudi company said on Sunday.

SAMI, which is owned by the Saudi state's Public Investment Fund (PIF), will own 51% of the venture.

"The new agreement will develop localised capabilities by transferring technology and knowledge, and by training a Saudi workforce in manufacturing products for, and providing services to, the Saudi armed forces," the statement said.

Saudi is one of the world's largest buyers of foreign arms.

SAMI was formed in 2017 to develop local defence manufacturing, help cut spending on imports and create more local jobs. The country's economic plan, Vision 2030, aims to localise 50% of government military spending by 2030.

Lockheed Martin in involved in a project to install a $15 billion missile defence system in Saudi Arabia, part of a $110 billion arms package the administration of former President Donald Trump said it negotiated with the kingdom in 2017.

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China's express delivery giant SF Holding reported notable revenue growth in its core business in January.

The courier giant saw its express delivery revenue rise 39.8 percent year on year to about 15.59 billion yuan (about $2.41 billion), according to a report SF Holding filed with the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

Its business volume saw a 59.54-percent jump from a year earlier to about 903 million pieces of mail.

During the period, its supply chain business revenue came in at 797 million yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 66.74 percent.
President Biden's appointment of Brett McGurk as the National Security Council's Coordinator for the Middle East has already caused alarm in Turkey. McGurk is considered a staunch critic of the Turkish government's Middle East policies and an outspoken supporter of America's partnership with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Kufan Kanao, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Syria (KDPS), agrees, saying, "The election of McGurk is good and important news for the Kurds. At one time he was a great help to the People's Defense Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces. The US relationship with the Kurds has been exclusively military. We want this relationship to change, so that the US will focus on the political and diplomatic efforts of the Kurds." Yet, according to the U.S. special representative to the International Coalition against ISIS, William Roebuck, the U.S. does not support the creation of a Kurdish state, either on the territories of Iraq or Syria, while Syria is "not a priority" for Biden. Americans are accustomed to speaking of the Kurds as if they were a single, united group, yet several Kurdish factions are located both in Syria and Iraq, including Turkish Kurds exiled across the border, and these warring groups do not get along  at all.

Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan recalls that as President Trump's special envoy to combat ISIS, Brett McGurk was directly involved in the creation of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an Arab-Kurdish alliance that includes Kurdish People's Self-Defense Units. The Kurds were America's main ally "on the ground" in Syria. Yet in Turkey, the Kurdish People's Self-Defense Units are considered a terrorist organization. Turkey's dissatisfaction with McGurk can also be explained by his repeated accusations that Ankara did nothing as thousands of foreign fighters crossed Turkish borders into Syria in order to join ISIS and other terrorist groups. A January 18 Turkish government op-ed on McGurk's appointment described him as "the McGurk thorn in Turkish-American relations."

Russia, Turkey, and Iran participate in the Astana Format, a peacekeeping forum dedicated to ending Syria's civil war. An invitation was sent to the United States to participate in the Astana Format's latest conference at Sochi on February 1617, but it was refused. The Biden government announced that it was "busy with internal affairs and had not quite decided on its line regarding Syria." In America's absence, Russia, Turkey, and Iran decried U.S. support for the establishment of a Kurdish state, announcing their "rejection of all attempts to create new realities on the ground, including illegal initiatives for self-government under the pretext of fighting terrorism [and] separatist plans in the Trans-Euphrates." From Sochi the Astana Format issued a second statement denouncing America's "illegal" seizure and transfer of oil revenues in northeastern Syria because those oil fields "properly" belong to the Syrian Arab Republic. This is an allusion to a deal sealed in August 2020 between Delaware-based Delta Crescent Energy and the Kurdish authorities to restore the oil fields of eastern Syria to benefit the Kurds  as well as the United States.

As Russkaya Vesna (Russian Spring) observes, the Kurds are far from united so that so-called Kurdistan is actually a mishmash of territories controlled by competing groups with well armed coalition forces. Since being defeated in Turkey, the PKK have relocated their bases to Syria. They now claim that the Iraqi Peshmerga Kurds are preparing to war against them. The Americans and Turks are aiding the Peshmerga, and the U.S.-established International Coalition against ISIS continues to involve itself in the conflict. Moscow accuses, "Washington supplies both sides of the conflict, fighting for power and oil."

According to the Syrian Kurds, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) is controlled by the Barzani family, rulers of the Iraqi Kurds. They insist that the KDP works closely with Ankara, sharing intelligence, logistics, and propaganda. Ankara maintains that a third Kurd faction, the People's Self-Defense Forces (YPG), is actually the Syrian wing of the PKK, which Turkey treats as a terrorist group. Ankara used this as an excuse to invade Rojava last October, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians. According to Iraqi Kurdish news agency Rudaw, while the YPG admits being "inspired" by PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan, they deny any ties to that party. The Peshmerga attacked the oil pipeline running to Turkey in late October, suspending oil exports from Kurdistan. Then, on 4 November, according to the Iraqi Kurds, clashes broke out between their Peshmerga forces and the PKK near the Chamanke oil fields in Duhok, Iraq.

According to SDF General Mazlum Abdi, on December 15, a Syrian Kurd unit was ambushed and attacked by Peshmerga military police. Said Abdi, "The gains of the Kurdish cause are now being nullified. We call for an end to the attacks and a solution to the problem through peaceful dialogue." The Iraqi Kurds, for their part, dismiss Abdi's call for peace, claiming, "SDF leader Mazlum Abdi served for decades as a fighter for the Kurdistan Workers' Party [PKK], which has fought for decades with Ankara for Kurdish rights in Turkey." Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) deputy minister for Peshmerga affairs Sarbast Lazgin said in response to Abdi's tweet, "We want to solve problems peacefully through dialogue, but it seems that Rojava cannot deviate from Qandil's ideology, and this can be seen in Mazlum Abdi's tweet," accusing him of supporting the PKK. According to the Iraqi Peshmerga, on December 16, "we were attacked by a group of fifty to sixty armed men who arrived from Rojava in northeastern Syria." They claim that the People's Self-Defense Forces (YPG) crossed the border near Syhela to attack Peshmerga bases and positions near the border.

Now Kurdistan P.M. Masrour Barzani is calling upon the International Coalition against ISIS "to ensure that the YPG does not repeat this act of aggression. You cannot allow the YPG to use your foreign aid to attack our territory. Any repetition will cause serious damage to regional security." Meanwhile, Iraqi Kurd forces continue to be deployed to the Syrian front, and Turkish combat drones may be seen crossing the sky above them, while oil tankers continue to be seen in Kurd waters. Some tankers have been captured by the PKK.

On January 8, Turkish state-controlled news service TRT World described the re-appointment of McGurk, Obama's former special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS, as "the comeback tour that no one sane who values protecting civilian life in the Middle East would want." TRT observed, "What we seem to be getting is essentially a second coming of the Obama-Biden era, one that saw the erosion of America's influence with its allies, and a rash of terrorism the likes of which the modern world has never experienced. McGurk was a key player in that erosion, and it now seems like he is back to finish the job."

Lynn Corum is a translator of Russian who studies developments in the Russian press that affect America's national interests. She has been researching and writing on Putin's stated plans since 2009, and is a world expert on Project Russia, the Kremlin's published state ideology.

Image: Marc Nozell via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
A father has filmed the moment he freed a Tasmanian Devil after the animal became stuck on his verandah late at night.

Dan Witts, 43, and his family were sound asleep at their Huon Valley home, in southern Tasmania, on February 7.

Mr Witts said he was woken up to the sound of scratching coming from outside, and got out of bed to investigate, armed with only his phone.

He followed the noise to an empty plant pot in the corner of the verandah.

A father has filmed the moment he freed a Tasmanian Devil after the animal became stuck on his verandah late at night

Mr Witts slowly pulled the pot out of the corner where he found the Tasmanian Devil wedged between the railing and floorboards.

'On inspection, I could see that he was stuck under the railing with quite a drop off the deck behind him,' he said.

Mr Witts tried to safely grab the Tasmanian Devil by the back of the neck, to help wedge it free.

The frightened animal tried to bite him a few times before it finally relented.

Mr Witts pulled the animal free before setting down on his front lawn, allowing it to run away.

Mr Witts tried to safely grab the Tasmanian Devil by the back of the neck, to help wedge it free

Mr Witts pulled the animal free before setting down on his front lawn, allowing it to run away

The father posted a video of his late night adventure to Facebook where social media users were quick to praise him.

'He nearly had your fingers, but well done,' one person commented.

Tasmanian Devils can only be found in Tasmania, after the marsupial went extinct on mainland Australia around 3,000 years ago.

Although Tasmanian Devils do not naturally attack people, they will defend themselves if they are attacked or feel threatened.

They have the most powerful jaw bite of any animal, proportional to their size.

The average strength of a human bite is 162 pounds per square inch, while the Tasmanian Devil's is 1,200.
Employees of big technology firms were a key source of contributions for Joe Bidens presidential campaign, newly released campaign finance records show, eclipsing donations from employees at traditional Democratic fundraising sources such as banks and law firms.

Employees of Googles parent, Alphabet Inc., and Microsoft Corp., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc. and Facebook Inc. were the five largest sources of money for Mr. Bidens campaign and joint fundraising committees among those identifying corporate employers, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of campaign finance reports.

Mr. Bidens presidential campaign received at least $15.1 million from employees of those five tech firms, records show. The companies declined to comment.

The previous Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama also received large contributions from tech company employees, but their top sources of employee donations extended beyond the tech sector.

Mrs. Clintons biggest sources of funds from those identifying corporate employers in 2016 included employees of the personal injury law firm Morgan & Morgan and JPMorgan Chase & Co., along with Google, Microsoft and Apple, according to election records compiled by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.

Four years earlier, Mr. Obamas top sources of corporate employee contributions included Microsoft and Google but also Deloitte, Time Warner, now part of AT&T Inc., and the law firm DLA Piper.

While corporations are prohibited from giving directly to campaigns, their employees are free to give as individuals and in the aggregate provide a window into the leanings of workers who are politically active enough to donate across different industries.

The top sources of money from corporate employees to the Republican incumbent Donald Trumps 2020 presidential campaign were employees of American Airlines Group Inc., Boeing Co., Bank of America Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp. and Wells Fargo & Co., according to the Center for Responsive Politicss analysis.

The findings come as Republicans have asserted that the big tech companies are biased against them, including allegations that companies with online platforms such as Facebook and Google censor online content to favor liberal views.

There is a disconnect between the tech industry and many Republicans," said Doug Heye, a former spokesman for the Republican National Committee. We dont like Silicon Valleyand they dont like us."

Facebook, Google and other tech platforms have in the past denied that the politics of their employees affects how they run their businesses.

Some Democrats believe that the companies have grown too large and that their platforms have permitted the spread of false political information that helped Mr. Trump.

Google, Facebook and Amazon are already targets of antitrust investigations, and there is bipartisan support in Congress for measures that could diminish their clout. Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter Inc. CEO Jack Dorsey and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai are set to testify before a House of Representatives panel next month.

Mr. Biden has signaled that he supports rescinding the broad legal immunity that tech firms currently enjoy for information carried over their networks.

As the Biden administration settles in, tech companies are awaiting key picks for the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Departments antitrust division head. The appointments could determine how aggressively the government handles existing investigations or bringing about new ones, advisers to the companies said.

The Journals analysis is based on the latest Federal Election Commission data covering the 2020 election cycle for Mr. Bidens campaign, two joint fundraising committees and individual donations to those committees made through the online donation platform ActBlue. The Journal examined campaign-finance data to compile a list of companies whose employees donated the most money.

The analysis relied on a standardized version of the self-reported employer information on each donation and should be treated as an estimate because some of the public records are incomplete or flawed.

Because online donation platforms that itemize even the smallest contribution werent as widely used in 2016 and 2012, data for previous years include information only on donors who gave more than $200 to a campaign.

About two-thirds of the money in presidential races is donated to candidates from individuals, who could give up to $2,800 to a candidate for the recent election. Those who donate $200 or more are required to disclose the names of their employers.

While corporations are prohibited from making financial donations to candidates for national office, many companies operate political-action committees, or PACs, which are employee-funded accounts that companies use to donate money to favored candidates. Relatively little money in presidential elections comes from corporate PACs. Labor unions spend millions of dollars each election to support Democratic candidates.

Technology employees made donations to other political entities that worked to elect Mr. Biden and other Democrats, including Future Forward USA PAC, which spent millions of dollars on the 2020 election.

Mr. Bidens campaign, according to the Journals analysis, received $3.7 million from employees of five of the largest Wall Street firms: Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Citigroup Inc., Bank of America, Wells Fargo and JPMorgan. In prior elections, those firms ranked among the top sources of money for the Democratic presidential candidate, records show.

That was less than the total contributed to Mr. Biden by employees of Alphabet, who donated $5.3 million, making the tech company the No. 1 source of money, the Journal analysis shows.

Google employees were the top source of donations to Mrs. Clintons 2016 campaign and the second-largest source of money for Mr. Obamas 2012 race.

Employees of Amazon contributed a total of $2.8 million to Mr. Bidens campaign. Amazon was the third-largest source of money among companies to Mr. Biden in the election. The company hadnt been a big source of campaign money for prior Democratic candidates, records show.

Microsoft employees have long been a top source of money for Democratic presidential candidates. Microsoft employees donated $3.2 million to Mr. Biden in the election.

Facebook employees have emerged as a top source of money, donating $1.9 million to his campaign, records show.

Other top sources of money for Mr. Biden were employees of Lowercase Capital, Oracle Corp., Netflix Inc., Saban Capital Group and Morgan & Morgan, the data analyzed by the Journal shows. Lowercase Capital is a venture-capital firm that was an early investor in Twitter, Uber Technologies Inc. and Instagram, now part of Facebook.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and MPA- Sindh Firdous Shamim Naqvi on Saturday alleged that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) did not properly scrutinize candidates for upcoming Senate elections particularly in Sindh

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Feb, 2021 ) :Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and MPA- Sindh Firdous Shamim Naqvi on Saturday alleged that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) did not properly scrutinize candidates for upcoming Senate elections particularly in Sindh.

He expressed these views this while holding a press conference here at Insaf House.

He claimed that when they went to register their objections, these were not entertained.

Firdous Shamim Naqvi alleged that PPP candidate Khairul Nisa has not paid tax on her car Hilux since 2017. There is no record of the vehicle written in the papers by PPP candidate Shahadat Awan, and there is no vehicle in the name of Farooq H Naik.

Another PPP candidate, Jam Mehtab Dahar, has not paid his car tax since June 2012. Rakhsana Bibi also does not have any vehicle, he pointed out.

He said that they have decided to file a constitutional petition against the Election Commission of Pakistan.

'We will not let this matter end here. We will take this matter and the present evidence further.'He further said that an important issue is also related to by-elections that they have requested that all by-elections should be held on holidays.

He said that PPP won by-election under a conspiracy in Malir. He further said that their party leader's car was shot at and an FIR was registered against him.
When Covid-19 shut down the U.S. economy in March, Elon Musk had a rocket to launch.

The billionaires space exploration venture, SpaceX, was planning to blast a crewed spacecraft into the sky in May and wanted to stay on schedule. That meant finding a way to keep facilities safely open and limit the spread of Covid-19, a challenge when tests were in short supply.

To monitor the prevalence of the virus among SpaceX workers nationwide, Mr. Musk and the rocket companys top medical executive worked with doctors and academic researchers to build an antibody-testing program. More than 4,000 SpaceX workers volunteered for monthly blood tests.

This week the group published its findings, which suggest that a certain threshold of antibodies might provide people lasting protection against the virus. Mr. Musk is listed as a co-author of the peer-reviewed study, which appears in the journal Nature Communications.

People can have antibodies, but it doesnt mean they are going to be immune" to Covid-19, said Galit Alter, a co-author of the study who is a member of the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard. Individuals who experienced fewer, milder Covid-19 symptoms generated fewer antibodies and were therefore less likely to meet the threshold for longer-term immunity, the study found.

The idea is one that other researchers are exploring as they and public-health officials try to understand Covid-19 immunity.

To really nail this down at a public-health level would require doing reinfection studies and following people for reinfection" over time, said Joshua T. Schiffer, associate professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centers vaccine and infectious-disease division.

As vaccines roll out slowly across the globe, the scientists who studied SpaceX workers say their findings could be used to inform who is most vulnerable to the virus and should be vaccinated first. For example, those with no antibodies in areas with high case counts could get priority, Dr. Alter said.

Companies fromAlphabet Inc.s Google to Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and Tyson Foods Inc. offer Covid-19 diagnostic tests to get a moment-in-time snapshot of who is infected. Few businesses have regularly tested worker blood samples for antibodies.

Representatives for Space Exploration Technologies Corp., the official name of the closely held Southern California company, declined to comment on the testing.

Mr. Musk, who is chief executive officer of SpaceX and of Tesla Inc. and has decried shutdown orders, took a personal interest in the research and had the scientists brief him and top SpaceX executives during the pandemic on how antibodies and vaccines work, Dr. Alter said.

Mr. Musk in November said he tested positive for the virus. Mild sniffles & cough & slight fever past few days," he tweeted at the time.

Dr. Alter, who studies immunology and the molecular mechanisms of how antibodies fight diseases, created at the start of the year high-throughput Covid-19 antibody testing. Her work attracted investments from the hedge-fund manager Nancy Zimmerman, former Soros Fund Management CEO Mark Schwartz and his wife, Lisa Schwartz, as well as a host of philanthropies (among them the Musk Foundation) and government agencies.

In April 2020, when Covid tests were scarce, SpaceX contacted Eric Nilles, an infectious-disease expert at Harvard, and he enlisted Dr. Alters help.

Together with SpaceXs medical director, Anil Menon, they built a testing program. SpaceX recruited workers from California to Florida who were willing to have their blood tested monthly starting in April.

Before the pandemic, Dr. Menon had set up medical facilities at SpaceX worksites across the country. SpaceX has sent astronauts and aims to eventually send civilians into orbit. He used some of those facilities to quickly scale up blood-drawing stations and recruited medical interns from local hospitals to collect samples.

In May, SpaceX launched a successful test flight of its Dragon capsule in Florida carrying two astronauts.

In June, samples Dr. Alter processed from local workers foretold worsening cases in Texas. Instead of a typical 3% positivity rate for the virus, 12% of the samples suggested infection. She reran them multiple times and confirmed that they were correct, which led the company to send infected workers home and advise them to isolate.

Of the roughly 4,000 SpaceX workers tested multiple times, 300 became infected with Covid-19. Researchers had enough data on 120 people to dig deeper into their infections and subsequent levels of antibodies to draw conclusions in the study.

The median age of that small sample was 31, and 92% of them were male, which the authors acknowledge might skew their findings because people of different ages and backgrounds present different immune-system responses. The study included test results between April and June.

The good news is most of the vaccines induce [antibody] levels way higher than these levels" for people who get both doses, Dr. Alter said. So far it is pretty clear that we are hitting levels that are orders of magnitude higher with vaccination."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that having antibodies may provide some protection, but it is unknown how long it may last. Researchers and diagnostic companies are working to understand what level of antibodies confers immunity.

It would be great to have a clear numerical cutoff to sayabove this level [of antibodies] youre protected, below youre not, but we dont have such a cutoff right now," said Philip Dormitzer, Pfizer Inc.s viral-vaccine research-and-development chief.

SpaceX and its research partners continue testing each month and are now monitoring for reinfection, particularly as mutations spread, researchers involved in those efforts said. So far, they have observed some reinfection among workers who were found to have low levels of Covid-19 antibodies in past testing.

In November, the company launched four astronauts into orbit as part of its first operational mission with humans on board.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday described the opposition Congress-led 'Mahajoot' as an "unholy alliance", saying it will not be acceptable to the people of the state as one of its constituents, the AIUDF, espouses the cause of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Sonowal said during the five-year rule of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, peace was restored in Assam after uprooting insurgency and a corruption-free administration has been delivered.

"The so called 'Mahajoot' led by the Congress is an unholy alliance. It is not an ideological alliance but an opportunist alliance. The AIUDF is a communal party which has always espoused the cause of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. How can the right thinking people of Assam accept it," he said in an interview to PTI.

The Congress stitched the alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), the Left parties and a regional party to fight the Assam assembly elections likely to be held in April-May.

The AIUDF is headed by Dhubri MP Maulana Badruddin Ajmal. "Whatever alliance the Congress has formed will not have any impact on the BJP or its allies. People will reject them," the 58-year-old chief minister said.

Sonowal, the BJP's only tribal chief minister in the country, also said that the two recently formed regional parties -- Asom Jatiya Parishad and Raijor Dal -- will not be able to dent the prospects of the BJP-led alliance comprising the saffron party, Asom Gana Parishad and few ethnic groups.

"The people of Assam are not ready to experiment with some new political parties at a time when the BJP has been providing them efficient and responsive governance," he said.

Asked about the biggest achievements of his government, the chief minister said, peace was restored and insurgency uprooted in the state. "Assam has seen worst kind of terrorist violence during the tenure of previous governments. But in the last five years, there has not been a single major incident of shootout or blast," he said.

Sonowal said that he has been able to deliver corruption-free administration and all recruitments in the state under him have been clean and transparent.

"There were many financial scams under previous governments. The recruitment process was full of scandals. There was hardly any job which one could get on merit. We have ended all these malpractices and brought hope to the people, especially the younger generation," he claimed.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continuous support, Sonowal said though the year 2020 was very challenging for the country, the prime minister has always been kind to Assam and provided liberal financial assistance and granted several mega infrastructure and industrial projects to the state.

"Only a few days ago the prime minister laid the foundation stone for a Rs 5,000 crore bridge over Brahmaputra and it will be longest bridge (19 km) in the country," he said.

The chief minister said his government has come out with a comprehensive new land policy and distributed land 'pattas' (land rights) to over 3.35 lakh indigenous landless families.

Moreover, the government has taken up exhaustive measures to boost organic farming and as a result area under organic farming increased from 6,000 hectares in 2015-16 to 43,000 hectares, he said.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
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A mass took place on Sunday in the town in Northern Italy where the country's first case of the coronavirus was discovered a year ago.A service was held at San Biagio Church in Codogno, where a priest said prayers for the victims.

The mass took place as Italy marked the anniversary of the country's first case.It was at a hospital in Codogno, a year ago to the day, that an Italian man aged 38 was confirmed as having the virus - the first known locally-transmitted case outside Asia.

In the year since the first case was identified, Italy has lost more than 95,000 people to the virus, the second-highest death toll in Europe.More COVID-19 anniversary commemorations were scheduled across the country on Sunday.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The government has decided to cut taxes on and price by one rupee a litre effective Monday midnight.

finance minister, Amit Mitra, said that despite Amphan, Covid-related stress and dues from the Centre running into Rs 77,000 crore, the state government has decided to cut and prices by one rupee a litre. This will bring marginal relief to the people, especially farmers who use diesel, he said.





"To reduce the common man's burden, the state government has decided to allow rebate of Re 1 per litre on sales tax payable on sales of and w.e.f the end of midnight of 22nd February, 2021 till 30th day of June, 2021, " Amit Mitra tweeted.

On Saturday, at an interaction with Chennai Citizens Forum, Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, had said that she was in a Dharm Sankat situation due to

She also said that it was a matter for both the Centre and state governments to work together and see whether there was a way to fix the issue.

Commenting on it, Mitra said, the Centre should bring down its taxes and then there could be a discussion. We are reducing taxes by Re 1 from February 22 midnight, he added.

Mitra also pointed out that cess accounts for a major part of the Centres levies in petrol and diesel, which is not shared with the state.

Illustrating with an example, Mitra said, on February 20, the price of petrol in Kolkata stood at Rs 91.77 a litre out of which the Centre took Rs 32.90 as tax and cess; on diesel, it took Rs 31.80 as the price stood at Rs 84.55 a litre.

Of the Rs 32.90 of Centres levies on petrol, Rs 20.50 was cess, which is 62 per cent; on diesel, it was Rs 22 of Rs 31.80, or, 69 per cent.

As we all know cess is not given back to the states and the Centre is deducting a major amount as cess, Mitra pointed out and added, In taxes, states get back 42 per cent as devolution and hence the Centre is acquiring a major portion as cess instead of tax."

He also said that when the Modi government came to power, total aggregate cess was eight per cent of gross tax collections and now it has increased to 14.5 per cent.

That is why the CAG has questioned the central government on why they are increasing cess and not tax. This is a direct attack on the federal structure.

Mitra also challenged Home Minister, Amit Shahs allegations of corruption at a recent rally in Kolkata on Centres aid of Rs 3.59 lakh crore to

Mitra said that in six years, between 2014-2015 to 2019-2020, central schemes and centrally sponsored schemes totaled Rs 1.13 lakh crore and the source of funding was tax collection from the state.

The collection from West Bengal was approxiamtely Rs 70,000-75,000 crore a year on account of income tax, GST and import duty.

The fact is that the Centre collects taxes from all states and what they are giving from those funds is expected in a federalist polity. On top of that, the figure is being inflated, said Mitra.

Mitra also pointed out that the state had spent three times the amount of central and centrally sponsored schemes on development projects from its own funds without any central assistance and its total expenditure was seven times that amount.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Mauritius on Sunday on the last leg of his two-nation tour during which he will hold talks with the top leadership of Indias strategically key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region.

Jaishankar, who will be in the country for two days, will call on President Prithvirajsing Roopun and Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

Namaste-Bonsoir Mauritius. Thank FM Alan Ganoo for his warm welcome. Look forward to a fruitful visit," Jaishankar tweeted soon after his arrival here.

He will also meet the minister of foreign affairs, regional integration and international trade and minister for land transport and light rail.

During his visit, Jaishankar will review all aspects of bilateral relations, ongoing implementation of various infrastructure projects being carried out by India in Mauritius, and hold discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest including India's assistance to Mauritius.

Jaishankar arrived here from the Maldives' where he reaffirmed Indias commitment to security and signed a USD 50 million defence Line of Credit agreement with the strategically vital Indian Ocean island nation to boost its maritime capabilities.

He held in-depth talks with the country's top leaders to further cement bilateral ties.

Both Maldives and Mauritius are Indias key maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean Region and occupy a special place in Prime Ministers vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

The ministers visit is testimony to the importance that India attaches to its close and friendly relations with the Maldives and Mauritius and is expected to lend further momentum to substantive cooperation and robust people to people ties between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in New Delhi ahead of his visit.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 18:46:20|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) on Saturday launched a campaign on Party history learning and education among all Party members.

Founded in 1921, the CPC has grown into the world's biggest Marxist ruling party with over 91 million members in a century. It has been in power for over 70 years in China, the world's largest socialist country.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has set great store by history. He particularly emphasizes the revolutionary history, describing it as "the best textbook" for Chinese Communists.

Over the past eight years, Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has paid several visits to places bearing milestone significance in the Party's history.

The visits represent the CPC's efforts to rediscover the strength it needs in its unwavering quest for national rejuvenation.

SHANGHAI & ZHEJIANG -- where it all started

In October 2017, the CPC leadership, led by Xi, visited a boat replica in east China where the Party's dream set sail.

In 1921, CPC founders attending the Party's first national congress were forced to leave a small building in the French concession area of Shanghai. They boarded a boat on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province to continue the congress proceedings.

Visiting the Shanghai and Jiaxing sites, Xi said the aim of the tour was to review the Party's history -- particularly its founding -- to follow the lofty ideals of these predecessors.

"The original aspiration of the CPC members must never change," Xi reminded CPC cadres. He added that only in this way could the Party maintain popular support and accomplish its deeds with an indomitable will.

JIANGXI -- where the epic Long March began

In 2019, Xi chose east China's Jiangxi Province, where the Central Red Army began the Long March in the 1930s, to call for a "new Long March."

In October 1934, Red Army soldiers launched the most epic military maneuver in China's modern history, trekking about 12,500 kilometers across the country.

Describing Jiangxi as a land full of revolutionary history and memories, Xi called for a deep understanding of the hard-earned establishment of the political power of the CPC, the People's Republic of China (PRC), and socialism with Chinese characteristics. He demanded more efforts to carry forward the revolutionary spirit and traditions.

Paying tribute to a monument in Yudu County marking the start of the Long March, Xi noted that China is on a "new Long March." He said the country would depend on the firm faith and strong will of the whole Party and all people to overcome significant challenges at home and abroad and secure new victories in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

GUIZHOU -- where the Party was saved at the most perilous moment

In June 2015, Xi visited Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province, where the Zunyi Meeting -- "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place.

The CPC convened the meeting in January 1935, when the Party, the Red Army, and the Chinese revolution -- in Xi's words -- were "saved at the most perilous moment."

Amid severe setbacks at the early stage of the Long March, the meeting established Comrade Mao Zedong as the leader of the CPC Central Committee and the Red Army, heralding a new chapter in history in which the CPC independently solved problems occurring in the Chinese revolution.

Xi visited Guizhou this year again, just ahead of the Chinese New Year. There he reiterated the Party's revolutionary past.

Of all the places the Red Army reached, it spent the longest time and had the most extensive presence in Guizhou, leaving later generations an enduring spiritual legacy, Xi said.

The Zunyi Meeting's distinct features, including the establishment of the correct CPC Central Committee leadership, as well as innovative formulation and implementation of strategies that suited the Chinese revolution's characteristics, still have significance today, he added.

SHAANXI -- where the Party legacy shines

Before the Chinese New Year of 2015, Xi revisited old revolutionary base areas in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The trip included iconic Yan'an -- the CPC base during the 1930s-40s after the Long March.

Xi called Yan'an a shrine for the Chinese revolution. There, the CPC-led revolutionary cause transited from its low tide to high tide.

He said the excellent conduct of the older generation of revolutionaries and Chinese Communists in Yan'an has left a precious legacy for the Party.

The "Yan'an Spirit" entails sticking to the correct political orientation, whole-heartedly serving the people, working hard in a spirit of self-reliance, among others.

Xi said strength should be drawn from the "Yan'an Spirit" to ensure full and strict governance over the Party.

BEIJING -- where the Party emerged victoriously

In September 2019, Xi visited a revolutionary memorial site in the Fragrant Hills in suburban Beijing ahead of the 70th founding anniversary of the PRC.

In March 1949, the CPC Central Committee made the Fragrant Hills its headquarters for half a year, where the Party led the Chinese People's War of Liberation to a countrywide victory.

It marked the shift of the Chinese revolution's focus from the countryside to urban areas, Xi said, adding that this period holds a very important position in the history of the Party and the PRC.

Xi said that commemorating this part of history is to inherit the spirit of carrying through reforms, being devoted to the people and public service, guarding against arrogance and impetuosity, and working hard.

"We must be clear-headed and determined as preparing for tough tests to deliver performances that can withstand the test of time in the new era," Xi said. Enditem
"The security situation remains worrying in various areas, despite a relative calm," Agenzia Fides quotes the Bishops of Burkina Faso and Niger as saying.

Vatican News English Africa Service

According to a communique of the West African Bishops released during their second Plenary Assembly for the year 2020  2021, the Bishops say the unresolved question of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) risks creating new tensions. This is as a result of "the still high number of internally displaced persons whose coexistence with those who received them is not always easy."

Governments should do more for the people

According to the Bishops, despite the promises of governments, "the reality on the ground shows that some populations need to be reassured and to feel protected by competent authorities.".

To allow for tolerance and coexistence between IDPs and indigenous populations of the reception areas, the Bishops recommend "a strengthening of dialogue in general and an awareness campaign on coexistence involving various leaders."

Stigma

The Bishops also suggest that there be programmes that tackle the issue of stigma. Some communities are sometimes unfairly perceived as sympathising with jihadist groups. The Bishops further appeal to the faithful not to give up on praying for peace.

Grand Imam visits Bishops at their plenary assembly

During their work, the Bishops received a visit from the Grand Iman of Fada, Aboubacar Kina, who asked the Assembly of Bishops to pray for peace and social cohesion in Burkina Faso. He commended the good interreligious relations between Christian and Muslim communities that have been in existence for decades.

The violence Is relentless

Agenzia Fides reports that a few days ago, on 18 February, several innocent persons were killed in various attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso. The attacks in Burkina Faso took place in the towns of Markoye and Tokabangou, where the victims were ambushed on their way to Dolbel, Niger. In the ambush, eight people died, and nine others were injured, one of whom died due to the injuries.

A former Osun State governor, Rauf Argbesola, has raised concerns about the admission of new members into the ruling party, APC.

Mr Aregbesolas statement comes amidst concerns raised by some APC leaders about the defection of former deputy governor of Osun State, Iyiola Omisore, from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the APC.

PREMIUM TIMES, last Monday, reported that Mr Omisore did his official registration as a card-carrying member of the APC at his unit in Moore, Ile-Ife, with his supporters chanting Oyetola for second term.

Mr Omisore contested for governor under the banner of SDP during the 2018 gubernatorial election and he came third in the poll.

He later supported the APC at the re-run of the governorship election after Gboyega Oyetola, the APCs candidate, trailed Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by 353 votes.

Amidst reported anomalies by several local and international observers in some polling units, Mr Oyetola later won the rerun by 462 votes and was declared winner, making way for Mr Omisore to be one of the major players in the current administration of the state.

Sources within the party in Osun State confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the defection of Mr Omisore to APC was not supported by many leaders of the ruling party.

This may have influenced the statement made by the Minister of Interior, Mr Aregbesola, after the revalidation of his APC membership on Friday, at Ifofin, Ward 8, Ilesa East Local Government Area, Ilesa, Osun State.

Reacting to the recent defection from opposition parties to APC, the former governor said the Nigerian constitution allows suspects and murderers to register as members of any party.

This registration affords us the opportunity to deepen internal democracy in our party. Our members now have a say in whoever becomes a flag bearer either at the party level or in government.

Though the Constitution allows everyone to register as a member of any political party, even if they are suspects, murderers, character assassinators etc, but those who constitute the majority of the party membership must represent the core values of the party, he wrote on Twitter.

What distinguishes us in APC are the values we hold. We value social democracy, to a large extent liberal democracy and progressivism.

There must be a clear distinction between jolly good fellows and fair-weather friends who will still leave our party when they sense a better opportunity elsewhere. In associating with individuals, who you are, your character and world view must come to play.

More importantly, we must honour the memory of our father, Chief Bola Ige and what he stands for which includes, compassion, commitment to the good of the majority and ideas that will bring good life, happiness, progress and security for the people, he said.

Mr Aregbesola did not publicly mention Mr Omisores name but the former senator was a suspect in the murder of a former attorney-general, Bola Ige. Mr Omisore denies the allegation.

Mr Omisore did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES calls and text messages seeking his reaction to Mr Aregbesolas comment.

Mr Omisore served as deputy governor to a former governor, Adebisi Akande, between 1999 and 2003 and was also a senator representing Osun East from 2003 to 2011. Mr Akande is a former APC national chairman and is considered the leader of the party in Osun.

In 2014, Mr Omisore lost the governorship election in the state to Mr Aregbesola before he lost again in 2018.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-20 21:00:27|Editor: huaxia

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HARARE, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday urged all Zimbabweans to be vaccinated against COVID-19, saying that this was the only way to conquer the pandemic.

Addressing mourners at the burial of national hero Moses Mpofu at the National Heroes Acre, Mnangagwa said the vaccines which Zimbabwe had received from China earlier during the week were safe and an effective antidote against COVID-19.

Vaccinations, however, remain voluntary.

"All of us, including myself as the President, Cabinet Ministers and all officials will be vaccinated. So should you, my dear Zimbabweans, if we are to protect ourselves, our families and our nation," he said.

This would be the only way for the country to return to normalcy with children going back to school and businesses re-opening.

Schools have been closed for almost a year now, with only examination classes being allowed to complete their programs.

Zimbabwe received 200,000 doses of vaccines from China last Monday and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is also the health minister, became the first Zimbabwean to be inoculated locally.

Mnangagwa once again thanked the Chinese government for donating the vaccines, saying that this was a gesture of humanity.

"Let me once again thank the Chinese government for supporting our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The global demand for vaccines is enormous, yet the People's Republic of China put Zimbabwe ahead of many countries and nations," said Mnangagwa. "We are truly thankful. We're equally thankful to Russia, India and the United Kingdom. We applaud this gesture of great humanity and show of solidarity."

As of Feb. 19, the country had recorded 35,710 COVID-19 cases and 1,430 deaths.

Mnangagwa early in the week extended a national lockdown by two more weeks, saying that COVID-19 infections and related deaths were still too high. Enditem
Many nations are infamous for their organized crime. Italy has the mafia, China the triad, and America has so many gangs ranging from biker to street to prison that it's really about finding which is the best fit for you. But in the shadiest corners of Nigeria resides perhaps the most menacing criminal syndicate of the modern age. The digital era raiders known only as the Yahoo Boys.

If asked to give three facts about Nigeria, most folks will immediately answer: those Nigerian Prince emails (and then just mumble a bit for the other two). The global success of the 419 fraud hasn't just put Nigeria on the map in the worst way possible; it has inspired many economically anxious Nigerian youths to turn internet fraud into their country's main export. These Yahoo Boys, named after their favorite brand of burner emails, commit every type of digital con under the sun, from money-wire email scams to phishing to pretending to like your dick pics on Tinder.

Wunderstock Better that you see them coming than the other way around.

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And they're not just a bunch of ashy nerds sitting in a basement tricking tech unsavvy First Worlders into buying them Dogecoins. Okay -- a lot of them are. But yahoo-yahoo (online fraud) is a big organized crime-business in Nigeria. Yahoo boys form crews, bribe officials, and execute corporate heists for tens of millions of dollars like they're in a Very Online Ocean's 11 crew. Their "distinctive lifestyle" has also made them celebrities in Nigerian culture. The biggest Yahoo boys boast about their luxury cars, private jets, and off-shore bank accounts to their millions of followers on Instagram. There have even been Billboard charting songs written about that Yahoo Boy life -- much like the Mexican cartels' narcocorridos, except less about decapitating a whole village and more about tricking a grandma out of 800 bucks.
The police in Imo State on Sunday arrested a former governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, after a fracas over the sealing of a hotel belonging to Mr Okorochas wife by the state government.

A photo being circulated on WhatsApp showed the former governor sitting along a corridor of a building that looks like a police station.

Mr Okorochas aide, Ebere Nzewuji, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES, Sunday evening that the former governor has been arrested and is detained at the police headquarters in Owerri.

He has been arrested by the police on the orders of the governor, Mr Nzewuji said.

The police are telling him that he is under arrest. It is so clear now that he is being arrested. And he is being detained.

Mr Okorocha, a serving senator, is accused of forcefully unsealing his wifes hotel, Royal Spring Palm Hotel, Owerri, which was sealed two days ago by the commissioner for lands and physical planning on behalf of the Imo State Government.

The commissioner said the hotel was built, without permission, on government land.

But Mr Okorochas aide, Mr Nzewuji, denied that the senator tried to unseal the property.

When he arrived at the premises, they were confronted with thugs who had guns and machetes, and they were attacking him and his entourage.

He (Okorocha) cant go there to make trouble, he went to ask questions. A staff member was beaten up, even the hotels guests still had their property inside the hotel.

He wasnt going to unseal the property, the aide said.

Mr Okorochas spokesperson, Sam Onwuemeodo, later issued a statement on the incident, saying Governor Hope Uzodinmas aide on special duties, Chinasa Nwaneri, led the thugs that they claimed attacked the senator and his entourage.

He said the governors aide was backed by the police in the state.

The police spokesperson in Imo State, Ikeokwu Orlando, declined comment on the incident, saying he was yet to be briefed on it.

PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately speak with the Commissioner for Information in the state, Declan Emelumba, as he did not respond to calls and a text message from our reporter.

Since he left office as governor in 2019, Mr Okorocha has been having a political battle with his successor, Governor Hope Uzodinma. Both men are members of Nigerias ruling party, APC.

Photos of the fracas showed damaged SUVs and other vehicles near the sealed hotel.

A man, covered with blood in one of the photos, has been identified as Mr Okorochas police orderly.

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Mr Okorochas aide, Mr Nzewuji, said the feud between the senator and Governor Uzodinma is all about political vendetta and witch hunt by the latter.

It is all about political vendetta and witch hunt which is not far from the 2023 presidential election.

Senator Okorocha is seen as the brightest star to come from this part of the country, and some people outside the region are using his brothers there to embarrass him, he said.

Mr Nzewuji called on President Muhammadu Buhari and political leaders in the country to intervene in the feud between Mr Okorocha and Governor Uzodinma.
The South African mutant Covid strain has spread to Essex and led to surge testing being launched in a new postcode after a single case was found.

Surge testing comprises of increased testing (including door-to-door testing in some areas) and enhanced contact tracing in specific locations across England.

It allows people without any coronavirus symptoms to be tested.

Surge testing has now been deployed in the CM13 postcode in Brentwood after the South African coronavirus strain was found.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock recently revealed that the number of cases of the South African and Brazilian variants of Covid are falling in the UK because of stricter border measures and surge testing.

The Brentwood postcode is the latest to be added to a list of 34 other areas in England where surge testing has been launched.

Most recently surge testing was deployed in targeted areas within Norfolk, Southampton and Woking.

Pictured: Volunteers deliver coronavirus test kits to local residents as part of surge testing for the South African variant of Covid-19, in West Ealing, west of London, on February 4, 2021

Those living in the area are strongly advised by the government to take a test when they are offered one even if they don't have any symptoms.

Laboratory studies have shown that viruses with the E484K mutation, which is found in the South African variant, can escape human defences, making them more efficient at evading natural and vaccine-triggered immunity.

People living within the targeted testing areas are strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 test this week, whether they are showing symptoms or not, a spokeswoman for the department said.

Those with symptoms should book a test in the 'usual way', and those without symptoms should visit their local authority website for more information, she added.

DHSC said surge testing in parts of the London boroughs of Haringey and Merton, along with Sefton in Merseyside, were complete.

'Further data on surge testing will be provided in due course,' a spokeswoman said.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: 'Working in partnership with the local authority, additional testing and genomic sequencing is being deployed to the CM13 postcode in Brentwood, Essex, where a single case of the COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa has been found.'

The above map shows where the strain B.1.525 has been detected in the world. It was first identified in the UK and Nigeria in late December

Matt Hancock told Sky News: 'If one of these new variants doesn't respond to the vaccine as well as the others - as well as the standard variant in the UK, which is the Kent variant - then, if that's the case, then that's obviously a very serious risk for the vaccination programme,' Mr Hancock said.'

The Brentwood postcode is the latest to be added to a list of 34 other areas in England where surge testing has been launched.

Full list of surge testing areas in England East of England Norfolk County Council (specific areas within IP22) London London Borough of Ealing (specific areas in and near to the W7 postcode) London Borough of Lambeth (specific areas in the SE21 and SW16 postcodes) North East Middlesbrough Council (specific areas within the TS7 and TS8 postcodes) North West Metropolitan Borough of Sefton (Dukes and Cambridge wards) Manchester City Council (specific areas in the following postcodes: M9, M14, M15, M16 and M40) South East Hampshire County Council (specific areas in the RG26 postcode) Southampton City Council (specific areas in the SO15 postcode) Surrey County Council (specific areas in the GU22 postcode) South West Bristol City Council (specific areas in the following postcodes: BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, BS5, BS6, BS8, BS9, BS14 and BS16) South Gloucestershire Council (specific areas in the following postcodes: BS16 and BS37) West Midlands Birmingham City Council (specific areas in and near to the B31 postcode) Staffordshire County Council (Stafford District) Walsall Council (Pleck ward) Worcestershire County Council (specific areas in and near to the WR3 postcode) Yorkshire and the Humber Leeds City Council (specific areas within the LS8 and LS9 postcodes) Locations that have completed surge testing The following areas have completed initial surge testing operations: Kent County Council (ME15) Surrey County Council (GU21 and TW20) Hertfordshire County Council (EN10) Metropolitan Borough of Sefton (Norwood) London Borough of Haringey (N17) London Borough of Merton (Pollards Hill) Walsall Council (specific areas in and near to the WS2 postcode) Advertisement

Most recently surge testing was deployed in targeted areas within Norfolk, Southampton and Woking.

Following the deployment of surge testing in Manchester last week, testing in Manchester will be expanded to targeted areas within the M40 and M9 postcode districts.

And areas in Leeds are also being put under surge testing measures.

Victoria Eaton, director of public health for Leeds, said: 'We want to reassure local residents that the extra testing being announced for people without symptoms is to help us better understand and prepare for new variants in our communities.

'There is absolutely no indication of live cases of the South African variant in the LS8 area, and no evidence of a greater risk of transmission for local people.

'This additional testing will allow us to find any potential asymptomatic cases of new variants and build a more detailed, comprehensive picture of where those cases may come from and how they might spread.'

The additional testing will be taking place in parts of the Harehills and the area north of Easterly Road, where two suspected cases were found in January.

Leeds City Council said both the individuals in the cases identified made a full recovery.

Surge testing began at the start of February in areas known to have had cases, with local health teams going door-to-door to stop it spreading among people without symptoms. Public Health England has detected the mutant virus 217 times in the UK.

And 42 people are thought to have been infected with another variant never seen before, which carries the same troublesome E484K mutation that makes the South African variant able to partially evade both vaccine-triggered and natural immunity.

Only 38 cases of the strain  called B.1.525  have been confirmed. Four other suspected samples are still being analysed. The virus has not yet been added to the list of 'variants of concern' and is only under investigation.

Forty of the cases have been in England and two in Wales but their locations have not been announced.

Officials told MailOnline the cases were 'geographically dispersed' with no obvious hotspots or clusters. So far there have been no more than two cases in any one location.

The variant also has the Q677H mutation on its crucial spike protein, prompting warnings from scientists that this could make it even more resistant to vaccines. And it shares similarities with the Kent strain, which studies show is up to 70 per cent more infectious and deadlier.

The B.1.525 variant was first detected in Britain in mid-December  but this doesn't mean it evolved here. The UK does far more sequencing than other countries. It has already spread to 11 countries including the US, Canada and Denmark, which are not on the UK's 'red list'.
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Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a key meeting to launch a campaign on Party history learning and education among all Party members in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 20, 2021. [Xinhua/Huang Jingwen]

 Xi stressed the vital necessity of launching the campaign as the CPC stands at a critical juncture where the timeframes of its two centenary goals converge.

 Throughout its 100-year history, the CPC has been of one mind with the people, breathed the same breath as the people, and shared weal and woe with the people, said Xi.

 Xi stressed that the CPC must draw lessons from the past to tackle current challenges.

BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua)  The Communist Party of China, the world's biggest Marxist ruling party with over 91 million members, on Saturday launched a campaign on Party history learning and education among all of its members.

Speaking at the campaign's launch meeting, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, called for efforts to study the Party's history, understand its theories, do practical work and make new advances.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, spoke of the need to embark on a new journey in high spirit to fully build a modern socialist China and welcome the Party's centenary with outstanding achievements.

Founded in 1921, the CPC has grown into the world's biggest Marxist ruling party in a century. It has been in power for over 70 years in the world's largest socialist country with 1.4 billion population.

The Party has stood the test of time, reversing China's fate from the continuous decline since the Opium War in the 1840s to steady progress toward prosperity.

Xi stressed the vital necessity of launching the campaign as the CPC stands at a critical juncture where the timeframes of its two centenary goals converge.

Xi urged Party committees at all levels to attentively implement the arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee on the campaign.

Zhu Qingping, a 104-year-old from the old revolutionary base in east China's Jiangxi Province, voiced his support for the campaign.

"Only by reviewing the Party's history can people living in peacetime truly understand why we chose to join the Red Army and then followed the Party wholeheartedly," said Zhu, who joined the Red Army in 1931.

The replica of a boat, now referred to as the Red Boat, on which the founders of the Communist Party of China convened a historic meeting in 1921, floats on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province. [Xinhua/Xu Yu]

Extraordinary Past

"Our Party's history is a history of continuously adapting Marxism to the Chinese context," Xi said, calling for educating and guiding the whole Party to learn from its "extraordinary" past so as to understand how Marxism has profoundly changed China and the world.

He also called for efforts to equip the whole Party with the latest achievements in its theoretical innovation, and to use the theories to guide its practice and advance its work.

Throughout its 100-year history, the CPC has been of one mind with the people, breathed the same breath as the people, and shared weal and woe with the people, said Xi.

With people's trust and support, the CPC is invincible in the face of any obstacles, Xi said, adding that it is the duty of the Party to cement the unity of 1.4 billion Chinese people to create an unstoppable force to push forward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Xi stressed that the CPC must draw lessons from the past to tackle current challenges.

By urging CPC members to summarize past experience, the Party will improve its leadership and governance, and make itself more capable of fighting corruption, preventing degeneration and warding off risks, he said.

People visit the Huawu Village in Ruijin, a center of the early revolutionary activities of the Communist Party of China, east China's Jiangxi Province, May 6, 2019. [Xinhua/Lan Hongguang]

Oppose Historical Nihilism

Xi called on all CPC members to carry forward the traditions from revolutionary times, maintain the brave spirit of the revolutionaries, and march toward a brand new journey.

Taking a clear-cut political stand as well as safeguarding the Party's unity and solidarity are the CPC's lifelines, and the key to its endeavors of building a large political party with a 100-year history and making historic achievements, Xi noted.

All CPC members should closely follow the CPC Central Committee in terms of the thinking, political stand and actions, and bring together the strength of the whole Party, he said.

Xi called on all Party members to attach great importance to the campaign, stressing the need to develop an accurate understanding of Party history, and urged CPC members to unequivocally oppose historical nihilism.

Efforts should be made to deliver services to the people and resolve their difficulties, Xi added, calling for combining Party history learning with summing up experience and solving practical problems.

Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, glitters with lights. [Xinhua/Shao Rui]

Highlighting the importance of innovation in methods and means, Xi underscored solid work on promoting learning and education among juveniles to pass on the traditions of revolution through generations.

The meeting was presided over by Wang Huning, and attended by Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng  who are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, as well as Vice President Wang Qishan.

Wang Huning said that the important speech delivered by Xi pointed out the direction for better launching the campaign on CPC history learning and education.

(Source: Xinhua)
Following 33 persons who attended a funeral in Chegurthi village contracting the Coronavirus, it was reported on Saturday that 10 staff members of Basantnagar toll gate were infected. It has led to panic among locals in Ramagundam of Peddapalli district on Saturday.

Over 100 personnel work at the toll gate and hundreds of vehicles pass through it every day. Following the latest news, people who passed through the toll gate and other staff members are a worried lot.

The toll gate staff alleged that the management has not provided face masks, gloves and sanitisers to protect themselves from being infected. Even though they maintained physical distance without protective ailments, there is a possibility of contraction of virus, said the worried staff members.

Meanwhile, district medical and health officer Dr Pramod Kumar, speaking to Deccan Chronicle, condemned the news of 10 members being infected with the Coronavirus. He said that five of them had tested positive and that too some days back. He said that all other staff members were healthy. The five, who tested positive, are under home quarantine.

In Chegurthi village, around 150 members attended the funeral of one Durgam Kanakaiah (60) 10 days back and 33 of them were infected with coronavirus.

District administration officials sounded an alert, organised a health camp in the village and are conducting tests of all those who attended the funeral along with villagers of Chegurthi, Durshed and Mugdhampura.

On Saturday, the health officials conducted tests on 42 members. Four of them tested positive, including two from the neighbouring Durshed village.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a wave of cancellations for some of Santa Fes most iconic events.

The Spanish Market, Indian Market, International Folk Art Market and Santa Fe Opera all had to shut down plans for events in 2020 and hope conditions would improve by the next year.

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And while the coronavirus remains a prevalent danger, theres optimism that such an occurrence could be possible again in 2021.

Organizers told the Journal they have been working with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams office and the Economic Recovery Council to find a way for outdoor events to safely operate, which could include possible amendments to the existing public health order.

Some say an easing of restrictions could arrive within the next month.

Economic Recovery Council Chairwoman Christina Campos said the council is in the process of creating recommendations for the governors office that would allow outdoor events to take place in some capacity, something that hasnt happened in New Mexico for nearly a year.

The recommendations would cover such events as festivals, concerts and live sporting events, among others.

What we want to do is be able to provide hope to a lot of these businesses that have been closed for a long time, Campos said.

For Santa Fe, that could mean attendees at events that would bolster the citys beleaguered tourism industry.

Like many other parts of New Mexico, Santa Fe County is currently in the yellow designation of the states county-by-county reopening system, which means less harsh restrictions. That includes some indoor dining, increased hotel occupancy and gatherings of up to 10 people.

However, many agree gathering limits would need to be amended for outdoor events to happen  an advancement to the green level would still allow gatherings of only 20 people.

Stuart Ashman, CEO for the International Folk Art Market, said his organization has been discussing possible plans with the council, because he feels the current order does not address outdoor events.

There is no real category for outdoor events, Ashman said. There is a category for retail, and retail is allowed 25% of capacity. If you put us in that category, we would have to be able to have more people.

The Folk Art Market, currently slated to happen in July, is planning an alternative version to make it safer for attendees.

Ashman said the market would be held from Wednesday to Sunday for two consecutive weeks, with attendees buying tickets for 90 minutes so organizers can control the number of people entering. The number of artists would also be limited.

He said they would need an answer by the end of March to ultimately decide what format the market could take. If in-person attendance is not an option, he said theyll explore hosting the festival online.

We have lots of plans, Ashman said. Were still hopeful that well be able to carry out some kind of an in-person market.

Kimberly Peone, executive director for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, said her organization saw an 85% decline in revenues last year due in large part to the Indian Markets cancellation. The associations board has made no decision thus far regarding the event.

We are waiting at this moment to see whats going to happen with the state of New Mexico regarding its plans to open up, Peone said.

Campos and Allan Affeldt, a hotelier who also serves on the Recovery Council, said theyre hoping for some sort of announcement on outdoor events within the next month, most likely at one of the governors red-to-green updates.

Daily numbers of COVID-19 cases have declined steadily in recent weeks. As of Thursday, cases were down by 45% compared to the previous two weeks.

Were actually quite optimistic that there will be some loosening in the next public health order, Affeldt said. It all depends on the gating criteria.

Any final amendments to the public health order will have to come from Lujan Grishams office. In a written statement, spokesperson Nora Meyers Sackett gave no hint of any specific changes and encouraged New Mexicans to remain vigilant as the pandemic continues.

Certainly, we are working to plan for the future, but were not there yet, she wrote of changes to the health order. We are still in a pandemic  acting too quickly risks ruining the hard work New Mexicans have done to slow the spread of the virus.

For areas such as Santa Fe that rely heavily on tourism, having those big-name tourist draws such as the Santa Fe Opera or Folk Art Market will be key to revitalizing the citys economy.

The city, whose budget is based largely on the gross receipts tax, initially took a big financial hit after events were canceled and found itself in danger of running a deficit of nearly $90 million. Mayor Alan Webber said at the time that cancellations had been a large factor in the economic struggles.

Tourism in Santa Fe has seen a very recent uptick after Lujan Grisham lifted the 14-day quarantine requirement for those coming into New Mexico from other states. Rik Blyth, general manager of the famed La Fonda Hotel, said reservations spiked in the days following the announcement.

We had picked up 25 new reservations just for Valentines weekend, Blyth said. The quarantine was more of a mental roadblock because it really wasnt enforced effectively.

City Tourism Director Randy Randall had been concerned early 2021 would still be slow for the industry, but he said the lifting of the quarantine has left him more optimistic. He expects the industry to regain 60% of pre-coronavirus levels in 2021, a dream from the dire numbers of 2020.

But Blyth said  with La Fonda hosting no weddings or conferences  theyll be more reliant on large events for the large draw of tourists theyve been accustomed to seeing.

The big question for us is the summer season, he said. If we lose another summer, its gonna be pretty drastic.
Zimbabwes information tsar, Nick Mangwana, has been attacked on Twitter for suggesting that married women are free to have affairs outside wedlock.

In a tweet that has set the social network on fire, Mangwana made the remark while responding to a tweet by a person, who described Vice President Kembo Mohadis alleged sex scandals with two married women as shameful.

The information secretary said, A lot of noise from insecure men. When married man have it off with young women, no problem. When married women have it off with powerful men all hell breaks loose! A woman is noone's property. She can make a choice and if you are married to her and you don't like it, tough.

Mkhaya Tindo shot back in the Twitter thread. This is unbelievable! You can't be serious.

But Mangwana stood his ground saying, Oh I am.

Several people joined the debate with one identified as Mzingwane noting that a woman is noone's property. She can make a choice and if you are married to her and you don't like it, tough. @nickmangwana 20 Feb 2021>

An irate Sosveguru said, I'm definitely not surprised by your response; anything 2 defend your senior's unbecoming behaviour. What lesson are you teaching your kidz? That sexual immorality is a choice & if your husband or wife doesn't like it, then tough luck? Those words promote promiscuity in marriages.

Another person identified as Liveson Manguwo did not like Mangwanas tweet. He said,  @nickmangwana is morally bankrupt, haana hunhu, haana respect of our culture and the sacredness of marriage. I won't be surprised if he is also a powerful man using his position to exploit subordinates. Ndokubasa nekubata kwavo ana @nickmangwana thats why he sees nothing wrong.

Trevor Machimbidza was also unhappy with Mangwanas remarks as he said this is so low of you  So are you saying powerful man are exempted from their shenanigan abuse of power..Of course she is noone s' property no women is property but she is definitley some men s' wife 

Mangwana did not respond to questions sent to him on WhatsApp and calls on his mobile phone.

Mohadi was also unreachable together with Abbigail Muleya and another woman only identified as Chevaughn.

On online publication, ZimLive, recently released secretly-recorded phone conversations of Mohadi talking with the two women about some sex encounters.
Aged care resident Jane Malysiak, 84, has become the first person to receive the Pfizer vaccine in Australia as the countrys COVID-19 vaccination program begins.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly also got their first doses on Sunday in a show of confidence for the national coronavirus immunisation program.

Jane Malysiak recieved Australias first COVID-19 vaccination. Credit:Edwina Pickles

Mr Morrison said he was not nervous and would look the other way as the needle entered his arm.

Mr Morrison and Mrs Malysiak were part of a small group being vaccinated at Castle Hill in Sydney on Sunday before the broader rollout from Monday  including aged care residents, aged care staff and some front-line health workers.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will meet the leaders of the protesting farmers' unions at the Vidhan Sabha on Sunday. The CM is expected to discuss farm laws and other issues faced by the agrarian during the meeting.

Ministers Kailash Gahlot and Rajendra Pal Gautam will also be a part of the discussions.

Kejriwal has extended his full support to farmers since the beginning of the farmers' agitation at the borders of the national capital last year.

After the violence that broke out during the tractor rally on Republic Day, the Delhi CM said that it is "completely wrong to discredit the farmers' movement, calling the farmers as traitors and making false cases against the farmer leaders who have been agitating peacefully for so many days."

Ongoing support

In December last year, Kejriwal had said in a special session of the Delhi Assembly called to discuss farmers' agitation that the three farms laws were passed in the Rajya Sabha without voting.

"What was the hurry to get farm laws passed in the Parliament during a pandemic? It has happened for the first time that three laws were passed without voting in Rajya Sabha," said Kejriwal.

"I hereby tear the three farm laws in this assembly and appeal to the Centre not to become worst than Britishers," he said as he tore the laws during his speech.

He also raised questions on how the farm laws will be able to benefit the farmers. "Every farmer has become Bhagat Singh. The government is saying that they are reaching out to farmers & trying to explain the benefits of farm bills. UP CM told farmers that they'll benefit from these bills as their land won't be taken away. Is it a benefit?" asked Kejriwal.

"I want to ask Centre how many sacrifices farmers will have to make, to get their voices heard," he added.

The Aam Aadmi Party has been supporting farmers' agitation and even provided basic infrastructure - drinking water, medical care and sanitation - to thousands of protesters.

In response to a call given by the agitating farmers, Kejriwal had in December also held a one-day fast in support of the farmers' protest. He had also urged AAP volunteers, supporters, as well as the people of the country to join the farmers' agitation.

Kejriwal had also slammed 'ministers and leaders' for calling protesting farmers 'anti-national'.





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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/21/2021



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[ Spoiler Warning: This report contains spoilers about Brandon and Julia and whether the couple is still together.]

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So are Brandon and Julia still together now or did the couple break up?

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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Brandon Gibbs and Julia Trubkina have been shown trying to make their relationship work as they disappoint Brandon's parents and face a pregnancy scare on Season 8, so did the couple stay together or have they broken up? What are the latest spoilers on this couple?Brandon, a 27-year-old pest-control technician who helps to run his parents' farm in Dinwiddie, VA, entered his first serious relationship with Julia, a 26-year-old go-go club dancer from Krasnodar City, Russia.Brandon said he fell in love with Julia at first sight because she was so beautiful. The couple then talked on the phone and Brandon flew to Russia after just a few weeks.The couple then applied for a Tourist Visa so Julia could visit him in the United States, but once the consulate learned Brandon was her boyfriend, she was told to apply for a K-1 visa instead.Since Brandon couldn't stand the thought of living without Julia, after only five months of a long-distance relationship, he invited her to join him in Iceland -- and that's where he proposed marriage to her.The couple then traveled to France where both of their families met for the first time."At first, my parents [Ron and Betty] weren't sure about Julia. They weren't sure if she wanted a Green Card or money," Brandon said.Brandon told Julia over videochat they needed to live with his parents to save some money because he had burned through their savings from the trips they had taken as well as the K-1 visa process. Brandon said he had spent almost $10,000 in seven months.Julia also wouldn't be able to get a job in the United States for a while, so Brandon knew he had to support her.Betty was apparently concerned about Julia's career as a dancer, saying she hoped she was never a prostitute, stripper or call-girl. Betty also wanted to get Julia on some birth control against her will.Julia explained that while she didn't want to welcome children for another two or three years, she never had an accident before with her serious ex-boyfriend.Once at the airport, Julia ran into Brandon's arms and she called Brandon "perfect." She appeared ecstatic to be reunited with her long-distant love.But Julia's joy faded quickly when she learned about Betty and Ron's strict household rules, including the fact she and Brandon must sleep in separate bedrooms."I can't control my mother. I can't control how they will interact. They both have really strong personalities, and I just feel like they're going to clash," Brandon lamented in a confessional.Once at the farm in Virginia, Julia learned how to feed the animals and she had "an awesome reaction," according to Brandon, but her mind quickly changed when Brandon's parents demanded she wake up early in the morning and Betty had high expectations."I don't want this. This is not the life [of] my dreams. Brandon say we need to stay here before we marry, but I say to him, 'No, Brandon, this is not going to work.' I need to leave," Julia vented in a confessional.Julia was ready to go back to Russia after only one day of working at his parents' farm."I wish she would see this as an opportunity and just give life on the farm a chance," Brandon told the cameras.But Brandon and Julia still planned to get married, and they set their wedding date on May 9, which Betty pointed out was Mother's Day weekend. Brandon's father agreed May 9 would be "a terrible wedding day."Ron pushed for May 2, but Julia wanted May 9 because Brandon first contacted her with a sweet message on the ninth of a different month.Julia stood her ground because May 9 was what she wanted, and Brandon defended her and stood up for her much to his family's dismay.With 75 days to wed, Brandon felt torn between Julia and his disappointed parents, who believed Brandon had neglected his responsibilities at the farm.Betty and Ron therefore asked Brandon and Julia to contribute more, but Julia complained, "I came here to be with your son, not to take care of your stuff."Meanwhile, Brandon was sick of being scolded by his parents, and he was also upset that Julia's presence had ruined the dynamic of his family."It's not all working like we wanted," Brandon said, asking Julia to try harder around the farm."I'll try harder for you, Brandon," Julia concluded.To make his parents happy, Brandon woke up early the next day. He said it killed him that Julia didn't want any part of working on the farm with him, but she decided to wake up early as well to show her effort.Julia said she was losing her mind and Brandon wasn't taking care of her because he wasn't fixing the situation or standing up to his parents.Julia then FaceTimed Brandon and said she no longer wanted to live on the farm and hated it as well as all of her chores."I hate this place," Julia complained. "Brandon, I don't want to stay here. I want to leave now... You hear me?!"Brandon asked Julia to stop ranting and raving and asked if they could talk about it once he returned home from work. However, Julia pushed to have a conversation immediately, and so Brandon obliged.Julia said if they didn't move, she would return to Russia."You don't care about this. You not fix problem and I not feel you love me. And I don't love you too if you don't love me. I hate you now, Brandon. I hate you," Julia complained.Brandon told the cameras that Julia had no idea how lucky they were to be living in a place for free while he was saving money for their future together. Brandon felt like his effort was in vain due to Julia's reaction.Brandon insisted to Julia that he was trying and their situation was just temporary. Julia argued, "I try for you!" But Brandon said the work wasn't as hard as Julia was making it out to be.Still, Julia told Brandon they needed to leave his parents' house or else she was going to leave him."You choose," Julia said.Brandon said he loved Julia and it hurt him to hear she'd be willing to leave, but Julia said she had given Brandon her life and so he needed to do the same for her."It's hard to hear, but I'm going to fix this for us. I'm going to talk to my parents and tell them we're leaving because I don't want to lose you. I'm going to be the man that you want me to be," Brandon said.Julia was so excited to start a new future with Brandon, but Brandon was worried about disappointing and upsetting his parents.Regardless, Brandon was clearly ready to choose Julia over anything or anyone else.Brandon later asked his parents to join him for dinner so he could talk to them. He knew he had to stand his ground because his relationship with Julia was in jeopardy.Brandon explained "some things [had] happened" and so he and Julia needed to leave the farm because Julia wasn't happy after a few weeks.Brandon blamed the animals for Julia's unhappiness and revealed he planned to rent an apartment and some how make that work financially.Ron begged Brandon not to "make a stupid decision," but Brandon said he didn't have a choice because Julia either wanted to move into a place of their own or return to Russia.Ron and Betty were shocked and asked if Julia's problem had something to do with them, and Brandon admitted half the issue was the animals at the farm and the other half was Betty's neediness of Brandon and requirements of her at the farm.Betty immediately broke down into tears, saying all she had tried to do was love and be accepting of Julia.Betty hoped to be a family and eventually pass on the farm to Brandon so it could go on from generation to generation and Brandon's children would love the farm."That's a beautiful world you paint," Brandon said."But this has been our world!" Betty pointed out."But I don't think that was the world we were hoping for," Brandon explained.Betty said she had been hoping to gain a daughter and not lose her only son. Betty cried and complained that she didn't want Brandon to go, and Ron said his son didn't have money for an apartment and needed to save for a wedding."Either I'm staying here alone or we're leaving together," Brandon said."The fact that she's making you choose between us and her, that just makes me so sad," Betty pouted.Brandon said he hated seeing his mother so emotional but it didn't change his mind or the situation at hand.Betty asked if they could do anything to change Brandon or Julia's mind, and Brandon asked if maybe they could stay in the same room.Betty seemed to consider it, but Ron said "no" because that would be disrespectful. Ron hated the idea of relinquishing control, but he eventually gave in and let Betty take the lead.With 70 days left to wed, Brandon and Julia went to a bar and Brandon asked Julia how she'd feel about continuing to live with his parents if they could stay in the same room and she no longer had to work with the animals.Julia appeared shocked that that was even an option, and she agreed to stay for "a short time" in that case.Brandon assured Julia that would be a better plan for them so he could continue to save money. Julia was proud of Brandon for standing up to his parents and fixing the problem with "a little fix."Julia, however, was worried Betty was going to hate her going forward. Julia didn't want Betty to think she's "a bad girl" and try to change Brandon's mind about his fiancee.Brandon felt optimistic Julia could build a better relationship with his parents over time, but he pointed out they only needed to worry about one problem at a time.In a preview for the next episode, it appears Brandon and Julia had a pregnancy scare, so what happened between the couple after that?!Brandon and Julia definitely appear to still be a happy couple.As recently as February 12, Brandon posted a video on Instagram of Julia kissing him on one cheek while his dog licked his other cheek."Love who loves you back. Happy Valentine's day guys. #90dayfiance #Brandonandjulia," Brandon captioned the video.Around the same time, Julia posted a picture of Brandon hugging her on the beach."I want to congratulate everyone on the upcoming Valentine's day and wish to find a person next to whom you will not need anyone else. #90dayfiance #Brandonandjulia," Julia wrote alongside the image.Julia also took to Instagram in mid-January 2021 and dropped other hints she and Brandon remain a couple.On January 20, Julia posted a hilarious photo with Brandon in which she stuffed her shirt and asked fans to come up with a funny name for the picture. And about a week earlier, Julia also posted a sweet selfie of the couple."Just cute photo #90dayfiance#Brandonandjulia," Julia wrote alongside the January 12 picture with a blowing-kiss emoticon.Several days earlier, Julia uploaded a photo of Brandon giving her a piggyback ride."It seems to me that this week we will not be in the episode. a little positive to you all #90dayfiance #90dayfiance8 #Brandonandjulia," Julia captioned the photo, adding three kissing emoticons.And a photo surfaced on Reddit of Brandon and Julia spending New Year's Eve together in someone's apartment with two male friends.While the picture indicates the group had welcomed 2021 together, many Reddit users commented on how Julia appeared to be photoshopped into the picture and whether the photo was authentic.Julia also conducted a recent Q&A with her followers on Instagram Stories and dropped additional hints that suggest she is still with Brandon and living in the United States."Everything is pretty nice," Julia said of her current life. "It's pretty in my life. I've never had, like, an easy life," Julia said. "I all the time chose a hard life."Julia said her English "is much better than before," probably because she's around English-speaking people all the time."I try to learn everything but it's so hard for me," Julia added.When asked whether she likes living in Virginia, Julia responded, "I guess you'll watch the episode to see how I'm enjoying it."When an Instagram user called Julia and Brandon "the cutest couple," Julia replied, "Thank you so much."Julia also revealed she currently has a great relationship with Brandon's parents, although there is tension between them on the currently-airing season of .A fan asked how Julia essentially puts up with her "parents-in-law," and Julia responded, "I love my parents a lot because my parents want what is best for me. If I could choose other parents I would never choose other parents because my parents are the best and I love them a lot."In addition, Julia said she hopes she can "start working" soon and put her degree in design to good use in either apartments or homes.As far as her favorite experience in the United States goes, Julia revealed, "I like people in America because everyone smiles and everyone tries to help. You never ask for help but people try. This is so cool."When asked whether she likes Russia or America better, Julia said there are some things she likes better in Russia and other things she likes better in the United States.She noted the countries are just "different." For example, Julia said she cannot drive yet in America while she has her license back in Russia.Julia shared excitement, however, when someone mentioned all the states she can travel to in the United States. Julia said she'd love to visit New York especially.Julia told her followers it was "hard to leave [her] house and family" in Russia, but she added, "My parents understand this."But Julia played coy when asked direct questions about whether she married Brandon and is still in the United States and living with Brandon's parents.Julia admitted she doesn't want to "get in trouble" by breaking her NDA contract with TLC.When one fan wrote that it seems like she married Brandon, Julia replied, "I don't know!"And she explained to fans, "I can't say where I stay right now or what I do right now."But Julia did admit her favorite thing about Brandon is that "he is so cute." Julia beamed when talking about Brandon, so it appears unlikely that they've broken up.Julia also appeared to spend Christmas in America, as she posted a photo of herself posing next to a giant Christmas tree decorated in gold ornaments inside of a store."I know how important Christmas is in America! it is a sweet and family holiday when all dreams come true," Julia captioned the photo."in Russia the New Year is more important on December 31st. I wish everyone that wishes come true, love and be loved! #90dayfiance #90dayfiance8 #Brandonandjulia."Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!

One person was killed and three others were injured in three unrelated shootings in San Jose over the weekend, marking the citys fifth homicide of the year, police said.

San Jose police released few details, but said on Twitter that one adult died after getting shot on the 100 block of Jackson Street on Saturday morning. The victim, who was not identified, received treatment at a local hospital and later died, police said.

New Delhi: India is witnessing a resurgence of coronavirus. The worrying trend comes at a time when the pandemic appeared to be slowing in the country and globally.

With more than 13,919 cases in the past 24 hours, Indias active caseload hit 145,634 on Sunday, or 1.32% of the total positive cases. More than 74% of active cases are in Kerala and Maharashtra. Of late, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir have also seen a spike in daily cases.

In the past four weeks in Kerala, the average weekly cases have fluctuated between a high of 42,000 to a low of 34,800. Similarly, in the past four weeks, the weekly positivity in Kerala ranged from 13.9% to 8.9%. The district of Alappuzha is a cause of special concern where the weekly positivity rate has increased to 10.7% and weekly cases have increased to 2,833," the Union health ministry said in a statement.

View Full Image India is witnessing a resurgence of coronavirus.

According to ministry data, in the past four weeks, Maharashtras weekly case count has been rising from 18,200 to 21,300 and the weekly positivity rate has jumped from 4.7% to 8%. The areas of concern are Mumbai suburban areas where weekly cases have risen by 19%. In Nagpur, Amravati, Nashik, Akola and Yavatmal, the weekly cases increased by 33%, 47%, 23%, 55% and 48%, respectively," the ministry said.

The situation in Punjab, too, is rapidly becoming critical with the weekly positivity rate increasing from 1.4% to 1.6% in the past four weeks. The number of cases has risen from 1,300 to 1682 a week. In SBS Nagar district alone, the weekly positivity rate has jumped from 3.5% to 4.9%, with cases more than doubling from 165 to 364.

According to Union government data, five states and Union territories have breached the national average for weekly positivity rate of 1.79%. Maharashtra reported the highest rate of 8.10%.

Worried about the rising case tally, the Centre has written to the states to improve testing especially RT-PCR tests. It said states should ensure all negative rapid antigen test results are mandatorily followed with RT-PCR tests. The Centre also asked states to strictly implement a comprehensive surveillance and stringent containment measures in select districts.

Meanwhile, India has vaccinated more than 11 million as of Sunday. The second dose of covid-19 vaccination began on 13 February for those who completed 28 days of the first jab. Vaccination of frontline workers began on 2 February. On day 36 of the vaccination drive, 432,931 vaccine doses were administered, of which, 256,488 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 8,575 sessions for the first dose, while 176,443 received the second dose.

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Microorganisms possess natural product biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that may harbor unique bioactivities for use in drug development and agricultural applications. However, many uncharacterized microbial BGCs remain inaccessible. Researchers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign previously demonstrated a technique using transcription factor decoys to activate large, silent BGCs in bacteria to aid in natural product discovery.

Now, they have developed a direct cloning method that aims to accelerate large-scale discovery of novel natural products. Their findings are reported in the journal Nature Communications.

Named Cas12a assisted precise targeted cloning using in vivo Cre-lox recombination (CAPTURE), the method allows for direct cloning of large genomic fragments, including those with high-GC content or sequence repeats. Where existing direct cloning methods fail to effectively clone natural product BGCs of this nature, CAPTURE excels.

"Using CAPTURE, microbial natural product BGCs can be directly cloned and heterologously expressed at an unprecedented rate," said study leader and Steven L. Miller Chair professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering Huimin Zhao, also a member of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology at Illinois. "As a result, CAPTURE allows large-scale cloning of natural product BGCs from various organisms, which can lead to discovery of numerous novel natural products."

Researchers first characterized the efficiency and robustness of CAPTURE by cloning 47 natural product BGCs from both Actinomycetes and Bacilli. After demonstrating nearly 100% efficiency of CAPTURE, 43 uncharacterized natural product BGCs from 14 Streptomyces and three Bacillus species were cloned and heterologously expressed by researchers. The produced compounds were purified and determined as 15 novel natural products, including six unprecedented compounds designated as bipentaromycins. Four of the bipentaromycins exhibited antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and Bacillus anthracis.

Addressing the current antimicrobial resistance crisis requires discovery of novel molecules capable of treating drug-resistant infections. Discovery of bipentaromycins not only demonstrates the possibility of discovering novel antimicrobials, but it also provides an example on how this strategy can be applied for discovery of unique bioactive compounds for use in drug development and agricultural applications." Huimin Zhao, Study Leader

The researchers plan next to characterize these compounds for other bioactivities such as anticancer, antiparasitic and anticancer properties. Preliminary results are already showing anticancer properties for some of the compounds.

"Due to its exceptional robustness and efficiency, CAPTURE will likely become the method of choice for direct cloning of large DNA molecules such as natural product BGCs from genomic or metagenomic DNA for various basic and applied biological applications," said Zhao.
The pilot of the Nigerian Air Force Intelligence Reconnaissance Aircraft which crashed in Abuja, on Sunday, complained of engine failure b...

The pilot of the Nigerian Air Force Intelligence Reconnaissance Aircraft which crashed in Abuja, on Sunday, complained of engine failure barely moments after takeoff.

A source at the control tower revealed this on the strict condition of anonymity.

The official said there been regular flights from Abuja to Minna since the abduction of the Kangara students last week.

The source said, The aircraft was on its way to Minna. Moments after, on getting to Bassa Local Government Area, he informed the control tower that he had experienced an engine failure.

He was advised to return to the Abuja airport immediately but it crash-landed.

When asked if the identities of those on board had been ascertained, the official said they were in the process of doing so.

There have been frequent flights to Niger State since the abduction of the schoolkids. Last week some ministers also flew. Soon, we will know their identities, he said.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, also confirmed this in a tweet.
Bengal FM accuses Shah of spreading misinformation on fund disbursement

India

oi-Deepika S

Kolkata, Feb 21: West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra on Sunday accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of providing misinformation about disbursement of funds by the Centre to the state during a political rally and challenged him for a debate.

He said the state government had received Rs 1.13 lakh crore from the Centre in the last six years, which is "nothing more than one-third of what the Union minister claimed".

Shah, in his recent visit to the poll-bound West Bengal, had reportedly said the Centre provided Rs 3.59 lakh crore to the state.

"He has given wrong, misleading and politically-motivated information. The Centre, as a part of the federal structure, collects taxes from states and shares. We had received only Rs 1.13 lakh crore in the last 6 years (FY14 to FY20)," Mitra told reporters.

Bengal govt reduces tax by Re 1 per litre on petrol, diesel

Referring to his estimate, Mitra said the Centre might have collected around Rs 5 lakh crore in these years in the form of direct and indirect taxes from West Bengal and sent only Rs 1.13 lakh crore through central schemes.

Mitra said the West Bengal government had spent Rs 3.1 lakh crore in these six years in different projects, which are fully sponsored by the state, apart from expenditures like salary, pension and other administrative expenses.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 21:53 [IST]
Restaurants will no longer be allowed to sell pre-packaged meals through arrangements with supermarkets and other outlets, as Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley definitively closed this loophole yesterday.

Rowley said this would not be allowed to continue, as it defeats the purpose of the public health regulations. Restaurants and street food vendors were among those businesses ordered to close to limit the movement of people and curb the spread of Covid-19.
Salem, Feb 21 (UNI) Asserting that India will not allow any unilateral action on its border and will thwart any attempts at any cost as said by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said the disengagement process between the two countries on north and south banks of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh was complete after nine rounds of diplomatic and military level talks.



Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morchas state conference here, the country will not allow any unilateral action on its border and will pay any cost to thwart such attempts. But unfortunately, the Congress doubts Indian armys bravery. Is not insulting the soldiers who gave the supreme sacrifice in Galvan, he asked.



We have never, nor have, ever will or ever have entered into an agreement with Indias unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty. India and Indians will never let their head down under the rule of Mr.Modi, he said.



The tenth round of talks between senior commanders of Indian and Chinese army to discuss and take forward the disengagement process at friction points like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in eastern Ladakh was held yesterday.



Referring to the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, he said our government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was committed to ensuring that Tamil refugees in Sri Lanka live with peace, equality and dignity.



Mr.Modi has consistently tried for the empowerment of Tamil refugees in Lanka. When Modi visited Sri Lanka after becoming Prime Minister in 2015, he also visited Jaffna area and became the first Indian PM to do so. New houses were given to about 27,000 Tamil brothers and sisters who had become homeless due to the civil war, he added.



UNI GSM-GV 2102
One of Britains most powerful bosses has called on the Prime Minister to put workplace Covid-19 testing at the centre of efforts to reboot the economy.

Lord Bilimoria, president of the Confederation of British Industry, urged Boris Johnson to extend Government funding for the scheme beyond next months cut-off.

GlaxoSmithKline, Siemens and Mitie today also throw their weight behind The Mail on Sundays campaign to use testing to get workers safely back into factories, plants, shops and offices.

Lord Bilimoria has called on the PM to extend Government funding for workplace Covid testing

In total, firms representing more than 350,000 staff have now backed our Tests at Work campaign.

The Governments workplace testing programme gives companies with at least 50 staff free swab kits to identify cases in workers with no symptoms. The tests take less than 30 minutes to return a result.

Over the past month, The Mail on Sunday has revealed the programmes huge success at titans including John Lewis and steelmaker Tata, where it has averted thousands of sick days for those who cannot work from home, as well as potential site shutdowns.

But the scheme is set to end on March 31  only weeks after thousands of businesses have begun regular testing. Latest figures show more than 2,000 organisations have enrolled on to the programme, rocketing from 412 last week.

Cobra beer founder Lord Bilimoria says by the end of March much of the economy will still be facing restrictions and so Government support will have to continue beyond that point.

In an article today, Lord Bilimoria adds Boris Johnson should use workplace testing as a key part of our armoury for the economic restart.

British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall said: Businesses need certainty that funding for tests will continue throughout 2021, as well as be extended to firms with fewer than 50 employees who will be crucial to supporting our economic recovery.
Airport and Aviation sector to recover with Treasury bailout By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):

Airport and Aviation Services and national carrier operations are set to recover by the end of this year with governments stimulus package and ease of air travel restrictions even amidst current revenue losses, the Finance Ministry says.

The airport and aviation sector has suffered a massive financial loss recently owing to a drop in traffic and the waiver of landing and parking fees which was extended till July 2021 recently. These charges had been waived at the Mattala Airport since March last year, while the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) had enforced it since last September, dealing a severe blow to the coffers of the national carrier, a senior official of the airline said.

According to provisional estimates of the Treasury, Airport and Ground handling, the most profitable strategic business unit of SriLankan Airlines, has reported net revenue loss of Rs. 9.57 billion (US$ 56.7 million) during the period from September to December 2020.

The airline recorded $ 27.1 million total traffic revenue while incurring a loss of $ 48.7 million (around Rs. 9 billion) only during April and May 2020 and is expected to lose $185.3 million (Rs. 34.4 billion ) in the financial year to 2020 /21 due to the adverse impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry, ministry records revealed.

To recommence international schedule flight services at Mattala and commence regional schedule flight services at the BIA, a package of promotional activities including a waiver of embarkation levy percentage and land and parking charges was introduced.

The prevailing shutdown had a significant adverse impact on passenger traffic at BIA during the first and second quarters in 2020 due to reduced flight numbers caused by the suspension of air services by regulatory authorities in Sri Lanka and around the world. According to Treasury records, preliminary profit before tax of the Airports Authority up to April 30, 2020 is Rs.1.41 billion which is a 76 per cent reduction compared with a profit of Rs. 5.94 billion recorded in the same period of 2019.

The ministry has extended fiscal stimulus package to Sri Lankan Airlines for its recovery to 75-80 per cent pre-pandemic revenue levels by the end of this year with the reopening of international airports for travellers. Government has pledged $500 million in financial aid, of which $150 million was disbursed recently, a senior Treasury official said, adding that the rest of the funds will be disbursed over two years.
BENGALURU : E-commerce major Amazon.com Inc.s India arm has been in the news after allegations of preferential treatment to two of its sellers and circumventing foreign direct investment (FDI) laws resurfaced. Amazon and rival Walmart-owned Flipkart are also being investigated by regulators for alleged anti-competitive practices and predatory pricing, among other charges. Amazon has committed around $6.5 billion to its India business. In an interview, Amazons global senior vice-president and India head Amit Agarwal spoke about the allegations, its large seller base and long-term strategy. Edited excerpts:

With allegations of circumventing FDI norms resurfacing and investigations by authorities, how challenging has it been for Amazon on the regulatory front?

Every country has its unique laws, and our job is to comply with the laws of the land. It is true that any service that is loved by customers and is innovating and transforming at the rate Amazon is should be inspected. I have no issue in being inspected and asked questions and we have been open and transparent to anything asked of us. We dont see regulations as a challenge. We see key regulations as the law of the land, and the need to operate within those, and yet figure out how we can serve customers well.

In India, the laws require us to operate as a marketplace and have been focused on using technology to empower sellers and for digital inclusion of consumers. It forced us to innovate and introduce various India-first solutions, in ways that we never did before. We launched Amazon Pay for customers, invested in local languages, both for sellers and consumers, helped customers use video and voice for shopping. Of course, every business would say that they would love a country that had the maximum ease and flexibility of doing business. But such a country doesnt exist.

How do you react to allegations of seller bias and preferential treatment to some large sellers?

I want to categorically say we have always been compliant with all Indian laws, including FDI laws and Press Notes. The documents referred to in the recent media articles have not been shared with us and we cannot confirm the veracity or otherwise. All the information in the stories is factually incorrect and unsubstantiated. There is a deliberate, organized effort by vested interests to create sensation and discredit Amazon.

They defy common sense because they interpret past action and regulations in the current context of regulations. They ignore the fact that regulations in India have changed multiple times in the last seven years that we have been around. They are wrongly inferring wrongdoing from what was legitimately permitted in the past.

For example, in March 2016, Press Note 3 introduced a requirement that a marketplace cannot allow any single seller to account for more than 25%. We had then said we are complying with the change and had taken specific actions to stay compliant. These articles are conflating discussions prior to the event with present policies, which is not only mischievous, misleading, motivated but completely out of context. We have always been open and transparent about our partnerships.

How would you describe Amazon Indias seller ecosystem?

We are a marketplace, and like any mall, we have all kinds of sellerslarge and small, as well as anchor sellers who bring in traffic. Today, we have over 7 lakh sellers. There are franchises that are run like cooperatives that bring in more than 1 million artisans. We launched Local Shops on Amazon in 2020 in response to covid, which allows neighbourhood stores to come on the platform and enables digital presence. There are 40,000-50,000 such stores. Finally, there are stores that act as logistics partners and pick-up points and we have 50,000 of them. In total, we have more than a million SMBs (small and medium businesses) who are part of our ecosystem. On the digital empowerment side, we also launched Seller Flex that allows sellers to convert their physical locations into fulfillment centres.

The focus is also not just to sell nationally but also through our Global Selling Programme allow them to sell globally. We have over 70,000 SMBs now selling globally and global exports have crossed $2 billion through Amazon already. Just last year, we had more than 1.5 lakh sellers join Amazon and more than 50,000 of them came through Tamil and Hindi languages.

So, how does Amazon define large and small sellers?

We dont have any definition of large and small but what I would direct you to is our transparent programme called Amazon STEP. It indicates the seller tiers (slabs) and the benefits they can earn based on their performance. All sellers have a fair chance of getting access to these tiered benefits, including better fees, rewards. We dont want their size to be an entitlement, but we want sellers to earn their size through serving customers well. When Amazon started, we were an SMB, so we realize that startups today can become massive companies tomorrow.

We have created technology solutions where sellers can present their products before customers. The marketplace has a mix of all kinds of sellers. Our 7 lakh plus seller base consists of all kinds of sellers, including big brands like Croma, Vishal Megamart, Sangeetha Mobiles, medium-sized and emerging brands like Vahdam tea, Wow, Two Brothers organic farms, Urban Platter, to NGOs, micro-entrepreneurs, weavers and artisans.

What about Cloudtail and Appario Retail, who have been constantly named as Amazons preferred and largest sellers?

They are like any other seller in the marketplace. There is no law that prevents them from selling online and their presence in the Amazon marketplace is in complete compliance with every FDI law and Press Note.

What are your expectations from Andy Jassy, who has been named the next CEO?

Amazons fundamental mission of wanting to be the worlds most customer-centric company, culture, leadership principles are so ingrained in our organization that it gives us a great playbook. All our leaders are focused on obsessing with customers, inventing on their behalf and that has been hardened over many years. Jeff (Bezos) has played a huge role in doing that and you should expect the same. You should expect India to be a continued priority for Amazon, as we witness a massive digital transformation in the country, focused digital empowerment and inclusion. Amazon will play a big part as a catalyst to drive that. You should expect us to continue to invest in India, to be committed long-term and work side by side with the government.

Our customer priorities are aligned with Indias priorities because the success of our marketplace is centred around digital transformation, building technology and infrastructure to enable it, which is also the vision for Digital India.

Will Amazon expand its manufacturing line beyond Fire TV stick devices in India?

Amazon has pledged to invest $1 billion to digitize 10 million SMBs, help Indian businesses sell worldwide, enabling $10 billion in cumulative exports, and create an additional 1 million jobs by 2025. The more India digitizes, the stronger manufacturing becomes, and more people would use Amazon for shopping, content and in their daily lives. Manufacturing Fire TV stick locally in India, hopefully, is just the first step in that direction.

We had also launched the Accelerator programme that provides insights to manufacturers in India. We have thousands of them who use Amazon to launch their products and many of them are also launching globally. Thats a focused programme in manufacturing along with our own manufacturing line now.

What are the growth frontiers for Amazon in 2021?

We recently announced combining and converging our grocery category into a single offering. Customers love Fresh and Pantry and we decided to merge them into a single grocery store. We have already started rolling it out. We also started testing Amazon Pharmacy that would allow customers to buy prescription medicine. We will continue to add selections and products, which means adding sellers. We will also invest in infrastructure so that sellers can ship products to customers fast.

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Newsmax, the far-right cable news channel that former President Donald Trump loves, dedicated part of a segment on Friday evening to attack President Joe Bidens 12-year-old German shepherd, Champ. Host Greg Kelly claimed he is a dog lover, but he all but called Champ ugly in a bizarre segment that seemed designed to criticize what he had decided was the lack of care the aging dog was receiving at the White House. Did you see the dog? Kelly asked about Champ. Doesnt he look a little, uh, a little rough? I love dogs, but this dog needs a bath and a comb and all kinds of love and care. Ive never seen a dog in the White House like this.

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Newsmax guest attacks Biden's dogs for being dirty and "unlike a presidential dog" pic.twitter.com/6yitOlM765  aliciasadowski (@aliciasadowski6) February 20, 2021

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Kelly seems to believe that Champ doesnt measure up to Buddy, former President Bill Clintons dog or Millie, former President George H.W. Bushs dog. He never mentioned former President Barack Obamas dogs nor opined on what he thought of Bidens other dog, Major, who is the first rescue dog to live in the White House. I remember Buddy. I remember Millie. I remember lots of dogs but not a dog who seemsI dont know. I dont know how much love and care he is getting, Kelly said. This dog looks like, Im sorry, from the junkyard.

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As if Kelly badmouthing a perfect dog (redundant, of course, because all dogs are perfect) wasnt weird enough, he somehow managed to get two guests to join him although only one badmouthed the dog. Craig Shirley, a presidential historian, said Champ looks very dirty and disheveled, very unlike a presidential dog.

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A very special Christmas message from Champ and Major. pic.twitter.com/pEKtxMjiUx  Dr. Jill Biden (@DrBiden) December 24, 2020

As could be expected, the segment garnered lots of backlash on social media and Brian Williams even brought it up on his MSNBC show. Think of it this way: If Champ were to meet Greg Kelly, he would probably love Greg Kelly unconditionally, Williams said. Thats what dogs do. Its probably also why there are no dogs anchoring Newsmax.

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Former President Donald Trump invited North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un for a ride on Air Force One after the men met for a summit in Vietnam in 2019, insiders have revealed.

That offer and other details about Trump's extraordinary relationship with Kim were brought to light in the third and final part of the BBC docu-series 'Trump Takes On the World', airing Wednesday.

Trump and Kim held their second historic meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam, in February 2019 to negotiate North Korea's nuclear program.

The summit abruptly ended when the leaders failed to agree on what Kim would be willing to give up in exchange for sanctions relief, with Trump telling reporters: 'Sometimes you just have to walk.'

But Trump apparently left things on more cordial terms that he let on in the press, the BBC docu-series revealed.

'President Trump offered Kim a lift home on Air Force One,' Matthew Pottinger, the top Asia expert on Trump's National Security Council, told the outlet.

'The president knew that Kim had arrived on a multi-day train ride through China into Hanoi and the president said: "I can get you home in two hours if you want." Kim declined.'

President Donald Trump invited North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un for a ride on Air Force One after the men met for a summit in Vietnam, a BBC docu-series revealed. Trump and Kim are pictured together during the summit in Hanoi on February 28, 2019

Trump is seen boarding Air Force One alone after Kim declined his offer for a ride home

Pottinger said the 'gracious gesture' astounded him and other officials who witnessed it, but it wasn't the only puzzling exchange between Trump and Kim.

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton also appeared in the docu-series and spoke of the 'bromance' the leaders formed following their first meeting in Singapore in June 2018.

'Trump thought he had a new best friend,' Bolton said.

He described another troubling instance when Trump informed his team that he had agreed to Kim's request to cancel joint military exercises between the US and South Korea.

'Kim Jong-un, as he had many times in the past, complained about the big joint exercises between South Korea and American forces, which had been going on on the Korean peninsula for about 60 years plus,' Bolton said.

'Trump, out of nowhere, said: "I'm going to cancel the war games [as he called them]. There's no need for them, they're expensive and it will make you happy."

'I couldn't believe it. [Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo, [Chief of Staff John] Kelly and I were sitting there in the room with Trump and we weren't consulted.

'It came simply from Trump's own mind. It was an unforced error; it was a concession for which we got nothing in return.'

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton (above in a file photo) also appeared in the docu-series and spoke of Trump and Kim's 'bromance'

'Trump thought he had a new best friend,' Bolton said of Trump's first meeting with Kim in Singapore in June 2018 (pictured)

The docu-series also offered new details about how Trump and Kim's first meeting in 2018 was arranged. At the time, Trump's willingness to sit down with Kim came as a surprise to many, after the president had threatened to unleash 'fire and fury' on North Korea while deriding Kim as 'Rocket Man'.

Jeff Feltman, the United Nation's Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs, revealed to BBC that he delivered a 'secret message' to Kim with Trump's offer of a meeting.

Feltman explained that the North Korean government invited him to visit Pyongyang, and the US State Department initially didn't think he should accept.

A few weeks later, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited the White House to discuss the invitation, Feltman said.

'[Trump and Guterres] were comparing notes on what was happening, what might be possible, how dangerous was it, how likely would a military response be, all that sort of thing,' Feltman said.

'Secretary General Guterres said to President Trump: "Jeff Feltman has this strange invitation to go to Pyongyang and lead a policy dialogue with the North Koreans."

'And Trump leaned over toward him and said: "Jeff Feltman should go to Pyongyang and Jeff Feltman should tell the North Koreans I'm willing to sit down with Kim Jong-Un."'

Feltman then traveled to Pyongyang and relayed Trump's offer to North Korea's foreign minister, he said.

'There was a bit of silence before the foreign minister said: "I don't believe you, why should I believe you,'" he recalled.

'And I said: "Look, I'm not asking you to believe me. What I'm telling you is that the UN was entrusted with a message from President Trump; I am the carrier of that message."'

Feltman added: 'I went to Pyongyang deeply, deeply concerned given this feeling that war was imminent. I left Pyongyang terrified that what we really risked was an accidental war.'

Several months passed without a response from Kim, before the dictator informed South Korea that he wanted to meet with Trump.

Trump's national security adviser at the time, HR McMaster, said he was shocked when his South Korean counterpart, Chung Eui-yong, presented the news at the White House.

'Ambassador Chung just about fell out of his chair because he thought it was going to be kind of a hard sell,' McMaster told BBC.

McMaster said he expressed 'serious reservations' about the meeting, but Trump went ahead and accepted anyway.

'I felt that it would be better to let Kim Jong-un feel the pressure a little bit longer,' he said. 'But, of course the president wouldn't resist the opportunity.'
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Saturday that a few states are witnessing an uptick in the number of new Covid-19 cases reported daily for the last one week.

While Kerala and Maharashtra continue to report a surge in cases, a trend of rise in infections is also being observed in Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

As per the rolling seven-day average data shared by the ministry, 259 new cases were recorded in Chhattisgarh in the last 24 hours, marking a rise of 30 in a week. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh also witnessed a spike and reported 297 new cases in the last 24 hours. The state had reported 194 cases a week ago on February 14.

Meanwhile, Punjab also showed a sudden spike in the past one week. On February 14, cases reported there were 260 which have risen to 383 in the last 24 hours.

However, two states -- Maharashtra and Kerala -- continue to contribute majorly to the infection tally. These two states recorded 75.8 per cent (10,617) of the total cases (13,993) in India reported in the last 24 hours -- 6,112 in Maharashtra and 4,505 in Kerala.

Rajeev Jayadevan, scientific advisor and former president of Indian Medical Association, said that the variations in cases were expected in the country given how viruses behave in a large geographical area.

"India is a vast country and given its geographical entity, we cannot expect uniformity in virus spread across the length and breadth of the nation. Pandemic occurs and impacts differently as far as geography is concerned. The role of the people and their conduct play a large role in mapping the spread," he said.

Jayadevan also said that what India is witnessing could be called a "stochastic spread" of novel coronavirus, where no uniformity in daily outcomes could be determined.

"It is like a mole on a slice of bread we see. It does not cover the whole slice, but sits on portions with uneven scatter," he explained.

However, Jayadevan said that multiple reasons could be attributed to the sudden burst in daily infections, ranging from varied protocols in testing in states to evolution of the virus.

"What we are seeing (rise in cases) could be an extent of testing, rolling average of number of tests happening in a week. Each state has a different protocol of testing asymptomatic patients, contact tracing after confirmed cases, screening in community and requirement of Covid negative certificate before performing surgeries on patients," he said.

"Another reason could be complacency. It is certain that if individuals stretch their liberty (in terms of Covid appropriate behaviour), repercussions are bound to occur. This could also be a driving the sudden spurt at a few locations," Jayadevan added.

However, he also asserted that a lot of misconceptions are reigning over the virus which need clarification. "One thing about viruses is that human behaviour dictates their spread to an extent, but they do not behave as per human belief, will or expectation," Jayadevan stated.

"A narrative was built that the pandemic is settling down given the continuous drop in daily infections. Many believed that the spread of the pandemic is bell shaped where we see an exponential rise followed by a plateau and then a steady fall in cases is seen. However, this pandemic in graphs shows mountain spikes where cases rise and fall and continue to do so. Many areas will continue to witness further waves," he informed.

Prabhakaran Dorairaj, Director, Centre for Control of Chronic Conditions, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), also said that the case of India seems similar to countries where the pandemic was believed have to hit the herd immunity stage, but then a surge followed.

"What we can observe at this point is the similarity between the trend of infections in the UK, Germany and several other countries which thought that they had achieved the threshold or approaching the herd immunity stage. But then, the virus evolved. We have to see here (India) as well if any mutation in the virus is causing this," he said.

"But it is too early to prove anything right now. So we have to wait a bit to arrive at any conclusion," Dorairaj added.
Senior year was supposed to be one of Ehulises Rodriguezs best at North Houston Early College High School.

As a junior he had worked his way to president of GENTS, a club that helps young men develop leadership skills, when Houston ISD announced campuses would close beyond spring break in March 2020 to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Rodriguez worried that the connections he built with his classmates and teachers would shut down like the rest of the world.

He said he was glad to be wrong.

Even after the pandemic itself, weve still been able to connect with each other and our teachers. It might not be as frequently, but it still feels like a family, Rodriguez said.

North Houston Early College High was among 35 schools in the Houston region rated as pandemic proof by the Children at Risk non-profit in its annual ratings. To earn the rating, 75 percent or more of a schools students must be classified as low income and the schools must have earned As and Bs on the nonprofits rating system for the past three years in a row.

Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of Children at Risk, said campuses that fit those criteria have already been working with students from challenging backgrounds and have faced more hardships than other campuses.

We know that schools that serve predominately low income kids, those principals know how to lead. We know that staff and faculty at those schools are the best prepared to overcome obstacles, including the pandemic, Sanborn said. Theyve already been putting in the work and dealing with a lot over the past few years, and theyve been doing it well.

Houston ISD was home to 16 of the 35 pandemic proof schools, more than any other district. Sanborn said that isnt a surprise, because the district has spent time building a solid early childhood education program and has taken the time to develop great campus leaders. Those investments have transformed some campuses.

DeAnda Elementary, just south of Hobby airport, for example, had nearly made the states improvement required list when it was designated as a priority campus back in 2015. Lauren Mailhiot, who arrived as assistant principal that year before becoming the schools leader two years ago, said teachers and campus leadership rebuilt the school from expectations up.

It just really needed a lot of support, Mailhiot said. We had to have a major overhaul of what are our expectation for kids were and spelling out what we want for them.

The school went from having zero after-school programs to more than 15. Teachers went back to the basics for instruction, working to give students solid foundations in reading, writing and math. Staff worked overtime to build trust and relationships with parents, and Mailhiot started monthly coffee meetings with family to share information about things like nutrition and cyberbullying.

Building those relationships with parents proved crucial once the campus was forced to close for in-person instruction in March.

Each teacher was tasked with contacting each student, but about 20 couldnt be found immediately. One of the schools assistants, Deyanira Colunga, found ways to get in contact with almost every one of them.

Wed run it by Mrs. Colunga, who would say Oh, I remember they were neighbors of this family, let me call them to see if theyre still next door, or Oh theyre a cousin of this family, let me call their aunt to see if we have the right number, Mailhiot said.

They were able to connect students families with laptops and the resources they needed to get by, and after a couple of weeks dealing with the technology learning curve, students started to get back on track.

Transitioning to virtual learning was easier for students at North Houston Early College High School, where every student was already issued a laptop at the beginning of the 2019-20 school year. Many of their classes both at the high school and those at neighboring Houston Community Colleges Northline campus used online platforms for turning in homework.

Although the schools previous use of technology, NHECHS Principal Samantha Brooks agreed with Mailhiot and said teachers relationships with students was among the most helpful advantages the school had when it pivoted to online learning, and again when in-person instruction began in October.

The relationship and contact is so important, because this is new territory for everybody, Brooks said. We all had a big learning curve and realized we all had to help each other through all of this.

Seniors were allowed to gather  socially distanced  to watch the sun rise on the first day of school. Lizbeth Villanueza, 17, said being back with her classmates felt like a taste of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic year.

It was kind of a bitter sweet feeling, she said. Bitter because we didnt want to spend our senior year with all these COVID restrictions, but also sweet overall because we got to see each other.

shelby.webb@chron.com
Burma Four Dead, More Than 100 Wounded as Myanmars Military Regime Cracks Down on Anti-Coup Protesters

Members of the Red Cross Society carry a man injured when police opened fire on an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on Saturday. / The Irrawaddy

YANGONAt least four peoplethree anti-coup protesters and a member of a civilian neighborhood protection grouphad been killed by security forces as of Saturday night and more than 100 wounded in nearly two dozen crackdowns by Myanmars military regime on demonstrations across the country over a two-week period beginning Feb. 7

The nationwide protests gain momentum each day.

During the crackdowns, police and military personnel have used water cannon, tear gas, slingshots, rubber bullets, live ammunition and deadly air guns firing lead pellets.

Several journalists covering the anti-coup protests have been deliberately attacked by police with batons and slingshots.

Crackdowns against peaceful anti-coup demonstrations have been launched in many cities, including Mandalay, Myitkyina, Bago, Myawaddy, Thandwe, Naypyitaw, Mawlamyine and Myaungmya.

Last night, a civilian from a quarter vigilante group was shot dead by police in a civilian van in Yangons Shwe Pyithar Township while the man tried to enquire why the vehicle was traveling during the nighttime curfew.

On Saturday afternoon, during a raid against government personnel taking part in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) at a dock in Mandalay, police fired live ammunition and rubber bullets against demonstrators who had appeared in the street to protect government staff from being forced to return to work.

Two were killed in the shooting and nearly 30 were injured, according to charity societies reaching the area. Dozens of people with injuries were arrested without being treated.

At least seven crackdowns aimed at anti-coup demonstrations and the civil disobedience movement of government staff have been conducted in Mandalay since Feb. 9. Mandalay is Myanmars biggest second-biggest city.

More than a hundred people, including a pregnant woman, have been injured.

In the Feb. 15 Mandalay crackdown, police and military personnel used batons, slingshots and deadly air guns against the protesters. They also attacked journalists and protesters from apartments with slingshots and air guns.

U Than Myat Soe, chief executive officer of Kanaung Institute, a Mandalay-based non-governmental organization working to promote democracy and public participation in governance, told The Irrawaddy that four men were shot with air guns. One has been hospitalized in critical condition after his lung was penetrated by a lead pellet fired from an air gun.

During a raid to clear squatters blocking train tracks in Mandalay on Wednesday night, police security forces, including military personnel, are believed to have used live ammunition against the protesters. A shell from a live bullet was found along with several shells of rubber bullets and tear-gas grenades near the scene.

They [security forces] act [lawlessly] in cracking down on the anti-coup demonstrations, said U Than Myat Soe, also a leading member of the Coordinating Committee for General Anti-Coup Strikes in Mandalay

The military junta is now committing criminal cases, he added.

On Friday morning, Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Kine, a student who was shot by the police at an anti-coup protest in Naypyitaw more than a week ago, died in hospital

The scene was similar during a police crackdown against anti-coup protesters in Kachin States Myitkyina Township on Friday morning. Police used batons and slingshots against protesters, including school teachers taking part in the CDM against the military regime

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said that the military regime has also been arresting anti-coup protesters daily.

As of Saturday, 569 people including officials, leaders and lawmakers from the National League for Democracy (NLD), political activists, artists, monks, writers, anti-coup protesters and government staffs involved in CDM had been arrested.

The military regime must stop committing violence against people, Ko Aung Myo Kyaw, a member of AAPP told The Irrawaddy.

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Myanmar daily to show their defiance of military rule.
Just over thirteen months since COVID-19 first reached Australia the nationwide vaccination program has begun, with tens of thousands of aged care residents, healthcare workers and quarantine staff rolling up their sleeves for vaccines.

An army of nurse immunisers have begun travelling to aged care facilities to immunise the elderly residents in 190 towns across the country, while 16 hospitals have become vaccination hubs for the workers at the frontline of the pandemic response.

John Healy receiving his Pfizer vaccine on Sunday. Credit:Edwina Pickles

The vaccine rollout was launched in Sydney on Sunday, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly receiving the vaccine in front of a large media pack.

The countrys first vaccine recipient, 84-year-old Jane Malysiak, received a round of applause after getting a dose of the Pfizer shot.
Higher temperatures are spreading across the southern United States, bringing some relief to a region weary of winter. The region faces a challenging clean-up and expensive repairs from days of extreme cold and widespread power outages. In hard-hit Texas, where millions were warned to boil tap water before drinking it, the warm-up on Saturday was expected to last for several days. President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in Texas, directing federal agencies to help in the recovery. More than 70 deaths are being blamed on the weather. For more updates, heres Mint Lite.

Most rivers damaged by humans

View Full Image Most rivers damaged by humans

Rivers in which fish populations have escaped serious damage from human activities make up just 14% of the worlds river basin area, according to the most comprehensive study to date, reports Guardian. Scientists found that the biodiversity of more than half of rivers had been profoundly affected, with big fish such as sturgeon replaced by invasive species such as catfish and Asian carp. Pollution, dams, overfishing, farm irrigation and rising temperatures due to the climate crisis are also to blame. The worst-hit regions are western Europe and North America, where large and affluent populations mean humans impact on rivers is highest, such as with the Thames in the UK and the Mississippi in the US.Rivers and lakes are vital ecosystems. They cover less than 1% of the planets surface, but their 17,000 fish species represent a quarter of all vertebrates, as well as providing food for many millions of people.

UN security council to meet tomorrow

View Full Image The session comes just days after the United States under President Joe Biden formally rejoined the Paris climate change accord

The UN Security Council will hold a summit of world leaders on Tuesday to debate climate changes implications for world peace, an issue on which its 15 members have divergent opinions. The session, called by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and conducted by video-conference, comes just days after the United States under President Joe Biden formally rejoined the Paris climate change accord. Johnson, whose country now holds the Security Councils rotating presidency, will address the forum, as will US climate czar John Kerry, French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the prime ministers of Ireland, Vietnam, Norway and other countries, diplomats say. The meeting will serve as a test for US-China relations, one UN ambassador said on condition of anonymity, alluding to one of the few issues where the two big powers might agree. But this is not a given.

Swiss govt loosens its purse strings

View Full Image Swiss govt loosens its purse strings

Germany, which is known for strict budgets, has tapped debt markets to prop up its virus-hit economy, while neighbouring Switzerland has consistently curbed borrowing despite calls to change course, reports AFP. With Swiss firms struggling through another lockdown, the federal government last week finally loosened its purse strings a bit, doubling emergency aid to 10 billion Swiss francs as part of a programme to boost the economy. But when he presented the package for companies worst hit by the latest covid restrictions, finance minister Ueli Maurer again lamented that Switzerland had to borrow to boost the economy. Some 10 billion francs in debt will have to be paid off within six years according to a constitutional debt brake rule, Maurer warned. He promised to present various options to do so as soon as the economic outlook cleared a bit.

Coup-prone Niger goes to polls

View Full Image Coup-prone Niger goes to polls

Niger voted on Sunday in a presidential run-off between two heavyweights that is set to bring about the first democratic transition of power in the coup-prone countrys history. The worlds poorest nation according to the UNs development benchmark, Niger is also struggling with jihadist insurgencies that have spilled over from Mali and Nigeria. Thousands of soldiers are deployed across the country for the vote, which is on track to usher in a peaceful handover between elected presidents, its first since independence from France in 1960. Outgoing President Mahamadou Issoufous decision to voluntarily step down after two five-year terms was welcomed in a region where many leaders have tried to cling on to power. His successor will either be his right-hand man and anointed successor Mohamed Bazoum or Mahamane Ousmane, who became the first democratically-elected president in 1993.

Global vaccination at 202 million

View Full Image Covid vaccination count reached more than 202 million just over two months after the first shots were injected

Global vaccination reached more than 202 million just over two months after the first shots were injected, according to the Bloomberg Vaccine Tracker. Australia kicked off its programme on Sunday and South Korea will start its roll out from Friday. The UK will offer vaccines to all adults by the end of July and every person over 50 by mid-April as the government beefs up efforts to contain one of the worlds worst outbreaks. Johnson & Johnsons covid-19 vaccine is expected to be given European Union approval in the next two to four weeks. Fujifilm Holdings Corp. plans to restart clinical trials of Avigan in April, Nikkei reported, after Japanese regulators postponed a decision to approval the antiviral drug in December and asked the company for more data.

(Curated by Sohini Sen. Have something to share with us? Write to us at feedback@livemint or tweet to @shohinisen)

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The UK government is hopeful that fans will be able to return to sports stadiums by the end of May and could offer for Britain to host all of Euro 2020, according to a Sunday Times report.

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has signalled to UEFA that crowds are expected back in UK stadiums before the rest of Europe, according to the Times, due to substantial progress on coronavirus vaccinations.

That could lead to more games or the entire tournament being played in the UK to mitigate the loss of ticket revenue for UEFA.

Euro 2020, which was postponed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is still scheduled to take place in 12 cities across the continent from June 11 to July 11.

European football's governing body has so far publicly insisted it is sticking to the original plan of using all 12 host cities despite the logistical challenges.

However, UEFA is believed to be looking at contingency plans should ongoing restrictions render that plan impossible.

British health secretary Matt Hancock said on Sunday he was unaware of any offer to host the tournament.

Hancock told Sky News: "I haven't seen anything on that, I understand that that's not right."

Wembley is scheduled to host seven Euro 2020 matches, including the semi-finals and final, with Glasgow also hosting four games.

Israel has also offered to host Champions League and Euro 2020 matches if coronavirus restrictions force them to be moved from other countries.

Several Champions League and Europa League matches due to take place in Germany, Spain and Portugal have been moved to neutral venues in recent weeks due to entry restrictions.

As well as London and Glasgow, Euro 2020 games are due to be held in Dublin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Saint Petersburg, Bilbao, Munich, Budapest, Baku, Rome and Bucharest.

kca/jc
The UK and other wealthy nations should send Covid vaccines to poorer countries now rather than wait for a surplus, the World Trade Organization chief has said.



Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said it was 'in the interest' of richer countries to ensure the rollout of the vaccine worldwide is equal.



It comes after Boris Johnson told global leaders there is 'no point' in vaccinating national populations if efforts are not made to ensure the 'whole world' receives jabs.



G7 leaders yesterday promised to immunise the world's neediest people by giving money and precious vaccine doses to an UN-backed vaccine distribution effort.



Ms Okonjo-Iweala told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the UK's plan to donate its surplus vaccines to the developing world was welcomed but needs to be accelerated.



She said: 'I don't think we should wait to get surplus when other people have been served.



'I think that any donations that are coming must come now.



'The reason is very simple. It's in the interest of rich countries as well as poor countries to have equitable access.'



She cited a study by the International Chamber of Commerce that outlines the case for global vaccinations.



The study claimed the world could lose 6.4trillion ($9trillion) if richer countries have vaccinated half their populations and poor countries have not vaccinated theirs by the middle of the year.



In the lead-up to yesterday's virtual G7 meeting, Boris Johnson pledged to donate the majority of the UK's surplus vaccines to poorer nations.



Addressing the leaders, including US President Joe Biden in his first major multilateral meeting, from Downing Street, Mr Johnson encouraged other developed nations to join the effort to increase the global vaccine supply.



He said: 'Science is finally getting the upper hand on Covid, which is a great, great thing and long overdue.



'But there is no point in us vaccinating our individual populations  we've got to make sure the whole world is vaccinated because this is a global pandemic and it's no use one country being far ahead of another, we've got to move together.

Source: Dailymail









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Need to Tell the Truth: Whistleblower Staffer at Smith College Resigns Over Anti-Racist Programs

A staffer at Smith College in Massachusetts said she is resigning from her position, saying the college has created a racially hostile environment while pushing for social justice initiatives.

Jodi Shaw, a white woman who describes herself as a lifelong liberal, said she turned down a settlement from the college so she can instead speak out, according to journalist Bari Weiss. The hostile environment was caused, in part, she added, due to so-called anti-racist programs in the college that allegedly target white employees.

In this environment, peoples worth as human beings, and the degree to which they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, is determined by the color of their skin. It is an environment in which dissenting from the new critical race orthodoxy or even failing to swear fealty to it like some kind of McCarthy-era loyalty oathis grounds for public humiliation and professional retaliation, Shaw wrote in her resignation letter, according to Weisss article.

In the meantime, she set up a GoFundMe page, which, according to her, has been placed on hold by the crowdfunding site. I fear this is for ideological reasons.

Shaw said Smith College, a small liberal arts school, increasingly pushed trainings and programs grounded in Critical Social Justice, which posits a persons immutable characteristics such as race or gender as more important than their individual character.

Going further, Shaw said that her workplace subjects her to additional scrutiny because of my skin color, adding that she cannot work in a place in which [her] personal feelings of discomfort under such scrutiny are not legitimate but instead are a manifestation of white supremacy.

This was an extremely difficult decision for me and comes at a deep personal cost. I make $45,000 a year; less than a years tuition for a Smith student. I was offered a settlement in exchange for my silence, but I turned it down. My need to tell the truth and to be the kind of woman Smith taught me to bemakes it impossible for me to accept financial security at the expense of remaining silent about something I know is wrong. My childrens future, and indeed, our collective future as a free nation, depends on people having the courage to stand up to this dangerous and divisive ideology, no matter the cost, Shaw concluded.

The Epoch Times reached out to Shaw and Smith College for comment.

Shaw has been publishing videos on her YouTube channel detailing what she describes as the creation of a hostile work environment at the Massachusetts college over the past three months.

Smith College President Kathleen McCartney issued a statement last year regarding Shaws videos.

This employee does not speak for the college or any part of the college. Further, we believe the video mischaracterizes the colleges important, ongoing efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive living, learning and working environment, she stated at the time, according to the College Fix. The National Labor Relations Act protects employees who engage in concerted activities, including speech, with respect to workplace conditions, McCartney added.

Weiss, for her part, resigned as an opinion writer for the New York Times due to what she described as a hostile work environment rife with bullying.
As many as 13,993 new Covid-19 cases were detected across the country in the last 24 hours, said the Union health ministry on Sunday. India also recorded 90 deaths, taking the cumulative death toll to 1,56,302.

With the new cases, the coronavirus tally in the country has reached 1,09,91,651 including 1,45,634 active cases and 1,06,89,715 discharges.

The number of active cases, which was on a steady decline, have seen a rise in the last week. India had 1,43,127 active cases on Saturday.

Vaccinations in India

According to the health ministry, 1,10,85,173 healthcare workers and frontline workers have received the anti-Covid jabs so far.

The vaccination drive in the country began on 16 January.

On Friday, India had crossed a major milestone of vaccinating over 1 crore healthcare workers and frontline workers.

According to the Union health ministry, India's vaccination coverage ranks third in the world, after the US with 55.2 million doses and the UK with 16.12 million doses. Both, the US and the UK have completed over 60 days of vaccination.

In fact, India is the second-fastest country to reach the one crore mark after the US, which completed it in 31 days. Meanwhile, the UK took 56 days to vaccinate one crore citizen.

Over 200 million vaccine doses administered globally.

New international travel rules

The Union health ministry has issued a set of revised guidelines for international arrivals amid the spread of mutant variants of coronavirus in many countries.

The new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will come into effect from 23.59 hours on February 22 till further orders.









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New Delhi:

Former Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela was offered Rajya Sabha seat before his resignation, if sources are to be believed.

Congress leader Ahmed Patel had offered his seat to Vaghela. The party insiders in Congress say that Ahmed Patel was not keen to fight Rajya Sabha elections and he had offered his seat to Vaghela.

Patel had already filed his nomination on July 26. Vaghela had quit the party on July 21 and had resigned as Leader of Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly on July 23.

He sent his resignation letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

In his letter shared with the media, the former chief minister had alleged that he was forced to take this "tough decision" as some Congress leaders were conspiring against him ahead of the Assembly polls, expected to be held in Gujarat in December.

Vaghela, who joined the Congress in 1998, had claimed that just like some Congress leaders conspired against him in 2009, when he lost Godhara (Panchmahal) Lok Sabha seat, similar attempts were made to oust him from the party in recent times.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.

In the backdrop of the not-so-subtle attempts being made by internal and foreign lobbies to raise questions about India's national identity, it is necessary for all thinking Indians to step forward to counter any misleading narratives on this issue. All ambiguities about what is called the 'idea of India' need to be set at rest to thwart the moves of India's adversaries to create internal divisions here and the efforts of the political vested interests to somehow gain mileage against the present regime. A clinical analysis of what the Indian state is and what defines the relationship of citizens with the state in India, points to a well-established democratic order that also met all basic paradigms of a sovereign Indian nation. Taken together, matters of its history, geography, demography, regional and linguistic orientations, political development, economic base and standing in the international community -- all make up for India's identity. A framework of what defines modern India is not difficult to postulate.

First, India had a long and continuing history -- going back to the centuries before the advent of the Prophetic religions. India's identity as an ancient civilisation is not in dispute and since civilisations are not constrained by geography, India enjoys, as a modern sovereign nation with defined borders, a natural civilisational outreach that is of great advantage, though it is also sometimes a cause for the spillover of domestic problems into its neighbourhood. Nepal and Sri Lanka could be cited as possible illustrations of this Indian phenomenon. Secondly, India is the largest democracy with an established reputation for having held fair elections under its Constitution right since 1952 -- the Indian electorate more than once demonstrating its power to vote out entrenched regimes. Elections have been won on the strength of popular appeal with 'wisdom of crowd' coming into play each time. Authoritarianism cannot be alleged against a ruling dispensation that used its majority to enact laws it considered necessary -- judicial review by the apex court was always available for evaluating their Constitutional validity.

Third, a democratic rule is inherently 'secular' and that is why this adjective was not considered for inclusion in the Preamble originally. Three features of governance establish its secular content -- the elected political executive does not carry a denominational stamp, the state works for development of all and the government provides equal protection of law to all its citizens. If a state government shows unfairness in handling a crime committed out of communal motivation, the central government cannot be held directly responsible for the law and order mismanagement. It can, at best, be faulted for not chastising the state government promptly enough. It seems the Modi government will have to be more vigilant about this.

Fourthly, the democratic dispensation in a nation known for diverse languages, customs and communities, is classically sustained by the precept of 'one man one vote' with the presumption that the elected leadership would provide a common umbrella to all its citizens and that projection of caste, creed and region in the national election will not be made at the cost of India's identity as 'one nation'. Apprehensions about 'majoritarianism' are premature because the so-called Hindus are highly divided politically and the elected political executive at the Centre can constitutionally not grant favour to only one community without inviting judicial disapproval. Its development plans can at most be for an 'area' but not for a 'caste' or a 'faith'. The motivated criticism of 'majoritarianism' is made on the hard-nosed calculation that against a highly divided majority, a minority that is nearly 20 per cent strong, was a match winner. Any narrow community-driven action of a regime in this vast country would always run into public disapproval of a kind that would make it unproductive for the elected government.

The fifth paradigm of Indian democracy is the natural recognition of India as 'one nation' -- something that the political vested interests in this country surprisingly dispute by creating ambiguities in the name of 'pluralism', 'cultural nationalism' and 'inclusivism'. Religion defines the relationship of an individual with his or her God while culture reflects on how a person treats another member of the society -- hopefully religion acts as a positive influence in this regard. Citizens of a nation have personal and social liberties but they are bonded, among other things, by a shared sense of the country's adversaries and friends in the present and respect for symbols of patriotism such as national flag and national anthem. These are the 'cultural' planks of nationalism not to be confused with religion per se.

Sixthly, in the Indian context of Independence having coincided with a vertical division of the country on the basis of religion, it was natural that Hindu-Muslim tensions existed in the aftermath of Partition riots -- the leadership of the large Muslim minority of India comprising the communal elite and the Ulema, however, chose to continue playing the identity card that produced the unfortunate consequence of Muslims here unwittingly getting identified with Pakistan in Indo-Pak disputes in Kashmir and elsewhere. While Pakistan became an Islamic state, India, as a democracy, treated all citizens on the same footing and could not allow religion to be projected in politics. A man lives in three dimensions -- personal, social and political and while the first accommodated religion and the second allowed for cultural expressions, the 'political' referred to the common privilege of electing the nation's rulers. The leadership of the Muslim minority has talked of 'a share in the political power' for the community which is not only reminiscent of the pre-1947 politics but clearly antithetical to the idea of a democratic India. Any community must seek socio-economic advancement and press the government to do its best but there is no case for communal reservation in the political apex governing the nation. In independent India, Muslims and Hindus should have been together providing leadership to all communities. After all, everybody wants the nation to be governed by people of ability and integrity.

Finally, in the current global environ set by the change in US Presidency, a reset of alignments within the Islamic world to the advantage of Pakistan and the concretisation of Sino-Pak military alliance against India, the anti-India lobbies at home and outside playing politics around 'liberalism', 'human rights' and 'authoritarianism' are getting encouraged. Transparency, firmness and public service orientation of policy are the requisites of democratic governance. India has to invoke robust diplomatic efforts to counter the propaganda offensive of the hostile forces and take legal steps against inciters of violence who would have infiltrated genuine peaceful agitations. Nationalism and democracy do not contradict but work for each other. The threat of destabilisation that India faces presently is as much from communalisation of polity in the name of minority as from the externally instigated tirade that there is rise of 'fascism' in this country. What can affect a democratic order the most, however, is the failure of law and order reflected in the onset of heinous crimes and public disorder -- in the Indian context, law and order is a state subject but it defines the image of the nation for investors and determines the confidence of the people in the central rulers.

Prime Minister Modi has made India an influencer at the global stage -- his government needs to ensure that there is zero tolerance of public violence at home and that wherever necessary a state failing on the law and order front was reprimanded by the Centre in exercise of its Constitutional powers. Also, it needs to be mentioned that social media has now become an instrument of combat and since it is a public platform, it is subject to legal scrutiny to identify if there was something that would be prohibited on such a platform -- Sec 153(A) and Sec 124(A) would be relevant. While any organised anti-India activity through that medium would need to be detected promptly and probed, a reprimand sometimes to a first-time offender might equally serve the purpose of the state.

(The writer is a former Director Intelligence Bureau)
Saudi Arabia plans to invest more than $20 billion in its domestic military industry over the next decade as part of an aggressive strategy to boost local military spending, a Reuters report quoting a senior official said.

The kingdom wants to develop and manufacture more weapons and military systems domestically.

The government has put a plan that we will be investing in excess of $10 billion in the military industry in Saudi Arabia over the next decade and equal amounts on research and development, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali told the International Defence Conference in Abu Dhabi.

He also said the kingdom plans to increase military research and development (R&D) spending from 0.2% to around 4% of armaments expenditure by 2030.

British army medics are working in public hospitals helping England's National Health Service (NHS) deal with backlog and burnout.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace visited the The James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough on Friday following the deployment of military staff to health facilities.

While coronavirus cases are starting to drop, the NHS is still overwhelmed with several new patients being admitted and delays to care.

Sue Page, the chief executive of South Tees Hospitals, said the cooperation between NHS and military staff had been "brilliant" so far.

The deployed medics are said to have vast pandemic management skills, having worked on overseas operations including the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone.

Currently, Middlesbrough has the highest rate of coronavirus cases in the country.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will announce a road map out of lockdown on Monday.

The government has stressed that reopening will be slow and cautious, with store reopenings or outdoor socialising unlikely before April, though children will go back to school from March 8.

Johnsons Conservative government was accused of reopening the country too quickly after the first lockdown in the spring.

Britain has had about 120,000 coronavirus deaths, the highest toll in Europe.

(Image Credit: AP)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
As the star of TV thriller The Nest, she played a woman whose path to motherhood was an emotional rollercoaster.

But the heavily pregnant Sophie Rundle looked the picture of health and happiness as she took a stroll in rain-soaked London.

She cradled her bump while partner Matt Stokoe held their retriever Buddy on a leash, with one onlooker saying: They were smiling, they were very relaxed in each others company and just looked so happy.

Sophie, who also stars in Peaky Blinders and Gentleman Jack, recently shared a picture of her baby bump on Instagram.

She told followers that there was a new friend on the way, adding that her first child would be arriving here with the daffodils and the sunnier days of spring.

Sophie, who also stars in Peaky Blinders and Gentleman Jack, recently shared a picture of her baby bump on Instagram

She cradled her bump while partner Matt Stokoe held their retriever Buddy on a leash

The couple, who met in 2016 on the set of the Sky One drama Jamestown, both sported gold bands during the morning walk, but have never confirmed rumours that they are married.

The 32-year-old actress has barely been off the screens in recent years with appearances in Bodyguard, Happy Valley and Elizabeth Is Missing.

Her last role was alongside Stokoe, also 32, in horror film Rose: A Love Story, which he wrote.

Meanwhile, filming of the second series of period drama Gentleman Jack began last November, with Sophie reprising her role as Ann Walker opposite Suranne Jones.

As the star of TV thriller The Nest, she played a woman whose path to motherhood was an emotional rollercoaster

The BBC1 show, which averaged 6.8 million viewers during its first run, is based on the diaries of Anne Lister, played by Ms Jones, and the same-sex relationships she was involved in.

The new series will depict her character setting up home with Ms Walker at Shibden Hall, West Yorkshire. The couple remained together until Ms Listers death in 1840, after which Ms Walkers family had her declared insane and consigned to an asylum.

But Sophie is full of praise for her character, saying: To do this transgressive thing must have taken so much strength of character and I love her so much for that. I just think, What a hero. 

However, real life for her is more mundane. She once said: Im confident on set but red carpets and designer clothes make me feel exposed.
Tom Williams quit hosting Channel Seven's The Daily Edition at the end of 2018 to focus on a career in real estate.

But now the 50-year-old Australian TV host will return to the spotlight for the upcoming Dancing With The Stars All Stars reboot.

Back in 2005, The Great Outdoors presenter and his dance partner Kym Johnson took out the prestigious reality TV title.

He's back! Former TV host Tom Williams, 50, (right) is the latest star confirmed to be joining Seven's Dancing With The Stars reboot. Pictured with partner Kym Johnson (left) in 2005

They received perfect scores for their Quickstep and Freestyle dances, in which he danced shirtless to Joe Cocker's You Can Leave Your Hat On and Tom Jones' Kiss.

This time around, Tom will be paired with professional dancer Alexandra Vladimirov, who he started rehearsing with this week.

He will be joined by radio presenter Fifi Box, who announced her return to the dancing competition on Friday.

Remember this? They received perfect scores for their Quickstep and Freestyle, in which he danced shirtless to Joe Cocker's You Can Leave Your Hat On and Tom Jones' Kiss

Speaking on her HIT Melbourne breakfast show, Fifi, Fev and Nick, said she has decided to return to the dance competition to improve her fitness.

'I've made a decision in life, which will surprise you... No, I'm not leaving the [radio] show!' Fifi joked.

She then explained that 'fitness hasn't been her thing', but that's all about to change.

Confirmed: Fifi, 43, confirmed the news on the Fifi, Fev and Nick breakfast show on Friday. She previously appeared on the program in 2007 with dance partner Paul Green (pictured)

She's ready: Fifi said she'd decided to return to the dance competition to improve her fitness

Earlier this month, Seven confirmed another returning cast member as Home and Away's Ada Nicodemou, who won the show in 2005.

The full cast including the show's host and judges will be announced shortly.

The newly rebooted dancing series will be filmed at Sydney's ICC theatre.
First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo has commissioned and handed over a newly constructed library at Kumawu for the Sekyere Kumawu District and the Ghana Library Authority in the Ashanti Region.



The facility is to encourage reading among children in the catchment area.



The library, which will serve the Kumawu Anglican cluster of schools and its environs, was constructed, furnished and resourced by the Rebecca Foundation, with the support of the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Library Authority and Book Aid International.



In a speech read on behalf of the First Lady at the commissioning, she reiterated the importance of reading as one of the surest ways to acquiring quality education because it exposed children to the immense knowledge contained in books and other reading materials.



She said since assuming office in 2017, the NPP administration under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, had implemented several policies aimed at making education affordable and accessible to all Ghanaian children.



Government has invested huge resources in implementing policies such as Free SHS, free hot meals, free textbooks, and free uniforms among others, all aimed at ensuring equal access to education, to break the vicious cycle of inequalities, Mrs Akufo-Addo said.



However, she said the laudable policies stood the risk of bearing little fruit if the foundation of reading, was not strengthened.



The First Lady said, her Rebecca Foundation, therefore, had through its Learning to Read, Reading to Learn Initiative, constructed, resourced and commissioned many libraries in places around the country including Wenchi in the Bono Region, Sefwi Debiso in the Western North Region, Moree in the Central Region, Daffiama Bussie Issah in the Upper West Region, Amansaman in the Greater Accra Region and Kumawu in the Ashanti region.



She used the occasion to announce some soon-to-be-completed libraries at Bortianor in the Greater Accra Region and Dambai in the Oti Region, adding that the Rebecca Foundation would, continue to support the governments effort to make education accessible and attractive to all young people.



Mrs Akufo-Addo also urged parents and other stakeholders to encourage their wards to patronise the reading facilities, emphasising that, literacy was how lifelong learning and a childs ability to learn to the highest levels remained possible.



She advised the people to continue to adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols in all their daily activities, warning that the deadly disease was no respecter of persons and knew no boundaries.



Mr Philip Basoah, Member of Parliament for Kumawu, thanked the First Lady for her support and congratulated her on her immense contribution in empowering the youth through education.



Present at the commissioning were Mr Samuel Addai Agyekum, District Chief Executive for Kumawu as well as some officials of the Assembly and Traditional leaders in the area.





Source: GNA









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Featured Video
We are now one year into the Covid-19 pandemic. Does it feel like a year to you? Does it feel like forever? Our perception of time passing can be unreliable. It's going to take us quite a while to have an accurate perspective on what's happened to us all in this most challenging of years. And we're still in the middle of it.

Science is reliable, however, and has learned a huge amount about the SARS-CoV2 virus and the disease it causes. As of last Thursday, there were no fewer than 101,192 separate scientific reports on Covid-19 - and each of them provides us with a nugget of useful information.

How can we use this information? Obviously, the big triumph is the vaccines and treatments that are being deployed against Covid-19 which are the main exit strategy from this disease. Given how much we've learned, and given the current situation with the numbers, scientists are beginning to tentatively try and predict what the endgame will be. Everybody wants the answer to one question: when will things get back to normal? Mind you, if I hear the phrase 'new normal' or indeed 'game changer' one more time

BACK TO NORMAL

What are the scientists saying about this most important of questions? Well, the consensus is that the tide has turned when it comes to the global situation. Impressively, case numbers fell again last week. They are 17pc lower than the week before, which is the fourth week in a row that they have been declining. The number of cases is now at the lowest weekly level in 15 weeks.

In Europe, the drop is 19pc, while the UK has seen a striking drop of 25pc, partly because it had such a high case number previously.

We all know about the precipitous drop in case numbers in Ireland, where we have been among the best in the world, and it is something to be proud of. It's a constant battle, however, as the number seems to be plateauing, so we need to keep up with all the measures. A plateauing means low-level spread is still happening. This is because people are continuing to meet up in a way that is allowing the virus to spread. We, therefore, must remain vigilant.

Apart from case numbers, the other key number is the death rate. The good news here is that this is also falling. It is down 10pc - and that is the second week in a row that it has fallen.

These are all good signs and we hope the trend will continue downwards. There will be spikes here and there but that won't affect the overall global trend. The reason for these numbers declining isn't fully clear, and science is trying to find out why. Vaccination is likely to be part of it, especially given the remarkable numbers from Israel and the UK, where vaccines are clearly protecting people from disease and severe illness. In the UK, it is predicted that by the middle of March, vaccines will prevent nine out of 10 fatalities and cut hospital admissions by two-thirds. As vaccination proceeds across many countries, similar trends will be evident.

TRAVEL ABROAD

This means that from April onwards, countries can begin to open up. This will be a careful, stepwise process, however, as there will be still be vulnerable people at risk of severe disease. Widespread vaccination will eventually protect the majority. The aim is for Ireland to be in that position by the third quarter of 2021. It is so important to achieve this goal, because if we don't we risk another spike in the autumn/winter which could well provoke another lockdown - not as severe as the one we are in, but damaging nonetheless, and none of us wants that.

Once we reach the point of mass vaccination, this will allow substantial opening up of our society. But this is likely to come at a price, and that price will be ongoing restrictions in international travel. This makes sense, as the threat then becomes external. The reason for our second spike back in September was inward travel. Given the new variants, and the risk of more emerging, careful border controls will be needed.

The ideal for us would be if all Europe is designated a 'green zone' where travel between countries will be allowed, but with certain restrictions. These might include antigen testing and evidence of vaccination. The price for allowing us to go back to gatherings at sporting or cultural events, reopening all of hospitality, full opening of schools and workplaces, and relatively normal socialising - including with our older friends and relatives - is likely to be restrictions on international travel. That price should also include special compensation for those whose employment has been badly affected by travel restrictions. Ultimately, global vaccination will allow restrictions to be lifted.

FUTURE PATH

The scientists have also been able to describe different roadmaps, based on a few 'ifs' and 'buts' because there are still things we don't know. A group of eminent epidemiologists, immunologists and virologists have come up with these roadmaps into the future. These are very useful as we can then predict where the bumps in the road might be and can plan for them.

The likeliest scenario is as follows. Vaccination will have suppressed the virus. But, because of the threat from new strains, and the possibility that vaccination protects for only a limited period, it is probable that people will need booster shots, just like we see every winter with the flu. These will be given to the vulnerable, which means older people and those with underlying conditions, in case the virus re-emerges.

So long as the number of people infected is manageable, there will be no need to vaccinate everyone again. The vast majority will have some level of immunity, both naturally and from vaccination. If they become infected, they will mainly feel like they have a cold. SARS-CoV2 will have joined the four other members of the coronavirus family that cause the common cold.

A firefighter approach can be used, where outbreaks are contained by public health. Effectively, Covid-19 becomes like any other infectious disease that can be a danger, but can be protected against using vaccines.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

There is also a very best-case scenario which is not beyond the bounds of possibility. This scenario is like the situation with the measles virus, and although clearly SARS-CoV2 is in a different family of viruses, there may be overlaps. Protection from vaccines will persist for several years and the risk from any new variant emerging that might dodge the vaccine will be low. This might happen because the technology being deployed with the vaccines is new and could well end up provoking persistent immunity. Because the overall spread of the virus will have been hugely contained, the chance of new variants emerging that will dodge the vaccine will also be low. This might mean that we eradicate Covid-19, so that it's all but gone from populations. This is the case with measles, which comes back only if vaccination levels fall - as happens from time to time.

I see Covid-19 becoming just another infection that can be dangerous, but which can be contained. But imagine if we eradicated it? We can dream.

But as Jonas Salk, who discovered the vaccine for polio that has prevented millions from becoming paralysed, said: "Hope lies in dreams and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality."

Luke O'Neill is professor of biochemistry in the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin

On the Little House on the Prairie series set in 1800s Minnesota, the rustic scenery was designed to reflect the shows era.

Unfortunately, according to one actor, so were the provisions for the shows stars. Star treatment during the shows 1974  1982 run was nonexistent, not even for the shows director and principal actor Michael Landon.

Dressing rooms were unheard of  except for two guest stars who appeared on the show  and only for specific reasons.

Melissa Sue Anderson as Mary Ingalls, Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls, Karen Grassle as Caroline Ingalls, Michael Landon as Charles Ingalls | NBCU Photo Bank

This show star said actors on set were given no perks

In her memoir Confessions of a Prairie B*tch, Nellie Olsen actor Alison Arngrim spoke on the lack of benefits to any of the Little House actors. The sets were bare bone and thats how show star Landon liked it.

With all of the gigantic Little House sets, the soundstage was not big enough to accommodate the dressing rooms, she wrote.

(L to R): Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls and Alison Arngrim as Nellie Oleson on the set of Little House on the Prairie | NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Arngrim described the set dressing areas as a series of small wooden structures. Mine contained a beat-up old motel couch, two end tables with a truly ugly lamp on one of them, a makeup table (more like a very small desk, really) and an old, rickety wooden chair.

She added, I couldnt decide whether it resembled a small suite in a skid row hotel or a big bedroom in a mobile home.

Either way, Arngrim admitted she loved returning to her makeshift dressing room at the end of a day of shooting because, at minimum, they really were comfortable.

One of Little Houses executive producers, Ed Friendly, butted heads at times with Landon as fellow producer Kent McCray recalled in a conversation with the Television Academy Foundation in 2017.

[Ed Friendly and Michael Landon] were both executive producers. Ed Friendly had bought the show. He had paid for the pilot to be written, McCray explained.

Melissa Sue Anderson as Mary Ingalls, Michael Landon as Charles Philip Ingalls, and Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie | NBCU Photo Bank

RELATED: Little House on the Prairie: How Melissa Gilbert Helped Save Alison Arngrims Job in the First Season

Early into the series first season, Friendly began pushing his vision for the show, McCray stated, that all the children on the series should look dirty and run around barefoot.

With the show filming in the heat of Simi Valley, Landon refused to have the child actors barefoot. He confronted NBC to choose between having him at the helm of Little House or Friendly. They chose Landon. Friendly was never allowed on the shows set again.

Only these 2 guest stars got an upgrade in accommodations

Melissa Gilbert in her memoir Prairie Tale explained that on Landons set, there was no special favoritism, no caste system.

However, from time to time, the show welcomed special guest stars including Johnny Cash, Ernest Borgnine, Red Buttons, and Louis Gossett, Jr. For the most part, even the shows guests were expected to tolerate the spartan arrangements, except for two, according to Gilbert.

The only two people I remember getting their own trailer were Mariette Hartley and Patricia Neal. Mariette was breastfeeding a newborn, and Patricia was recovering from a stroke, she wrote.

Neal, an Oscar winner for the 1963 film Hud, also was given a teleprompter on the set for her dialogue.
For 12 months, we've heaped responsibility atop America's health care providers.

They've acted as stand-ins for COVID patients' families, spokespeople for the patients' disease. They're avatars for the country's response to the pandemic. Their frustration, exhaustion and triumphs have been chronicled in media accounts, and their well-documented feelings have acted as barometers for the severity of the crisis. Protecting them from being overrun became the rallying cry for health officials.

They went from nurses and doctors and providers to frontline fighters. They were lauded as heroes by most, derided by those who downplayed the pandemic. In the spring surge, they fought a new virus with few treatments. COVID was an invader, with tactics and weaknesses unknown, and the task of fending it off fell to America's nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, EMTs and every provider in between.

In Colorado, they've weathered two peaks and the valley that connected the spring and fall. They've sacrificed.

"During those first couple of months, literally my husband was scared to kiss me or hug me," Tiffany Cunningham, a respiratory therapist at North Suburban Medical Center in Thornton, said. "He didn't want me to kiss my kids on the head. I tried to stay away from them as much as I can. They're little, so it's difficult  they want to hug me, they want to kiss me."

"When it comes to doing your job, you do your job," said Matthew Bergland, a life-flight paramedic for UCHealth based in Colorado Springs. "The stress comes with going home. My wife is a teacher, and my father-in-law lives with us, and he's in his 70s. So there was a lot of stress and maybe fear that (I) might be bringing home the virus."

There was stress in the home and stress at work. COVID patients "aren't just a body in a bed that needs help. They're human beings with a family," said Jeanine Snyder, a nurse at UCHealth's Longs Peak Hospital. Separated from their families, providers acted as a go-between, relaying the disease's progression over the phone. "That weight was hard to carry. But we're willing to do it. There's no other choice."

In the spring, life was day-to-day. A vaccine was a distant possibility. It would come, the providers knew, but not anytime soon.

Nearly a year after Colorado's first case was identified and the first wave of COVID patients rolled into the state's hospitals, those providers say they can exhale. Cases have stabilized significantly since the fall peak, which dwarfed the spring. Vaccines are flowing into arms. Gov. Jared Polis has regularly touted early vaccination efforts  particularly those aimed at Colorado's oldest residents  as the beginning of the end.

There's relief, six providers who spoke to The Gazette for this story said. But it's guarded relief: It'll be months before enough people are vaccinated to make a populationwide difference. If the general public lets its guard down even for a few weeks, the crisis can roar back.

"If everybody can be on the same page and do those things, we can really curb this infection even with the new variant," Snyder said. "We definitely feel like we can breathe a little bit more, but were still on our toes, just in case something bad happens."

Nearly all providers vaccinated

Colorado's frontline hospital workers were at the top of the state's vaccine priority list; they were inoculated starting in December, immediately after the first shipment  tiny in hindsight  was greeted by Polis and a gaggle of reporters.

Two months later, nearly all of those providers have been vaccinated, first and second dose. The mood at many of those clinics has been happy, a celebration in their own way. There's been a noticeable mood shift in the hospital halls. Snyder said she remembers high-fiving people, albeit "with gloves on."

"I just felt hope for a future," Snyder said. Her relief extended beyond her own inoculation: With the elderly close behind providers in the vaccine priority, she hoped that fewer people would die. "I felt like now we can finally, hopefully get on track and get this thing under control. I felt like maybe we might get a breath of fresh air: 'OK, now maybe these people wont get so sick in the hospital, we can prevent a lot of death and heartache.'"

"It was like a party," said Gaetha Mills, a nurse at Swedish Medical Center in Denver. "Everybody was like, 'Woohoo, yay,' all kinds of celebrating. The people running the clinics were doing it eight hours at a time, and still at the end they were smiling, and everybody was getting their picture taken."

"It was just like, 'Oh yes, here's the beginning of the end,'" she said. "'Here's a light at the end of the tunnel.'"

She said a friend of hers, a doctor at Denver Health, posted on social media that getting vaccinated "was a weight off my shoulders, everybody's smiling."

But back in the fall, the vaccine was far from their minds. Joseph Forrester, an ICU physician at the Medical Center of Aurora, figured it would be two years before an inoculation was ready. Mills thought it would be fall 2021, at least 18 months after the pandemic began.

"I definitely thought it would be a longer haul (than it's been)," Bergland, the helicopter paramedic, said. His crew was the first in the state to transport a COVID patient, an experience he likened to a chess match: "What moves do we make so that we're successful?"

Many said they didn't really believe the vaccine was actually coming until it arrived.

"I shouldn't say (officials) promise you everything, but (they said), 'As soon as we can get it, we'll get it,'" Cunningham, the respiratory therapist, said. "But until you physically see it and know that it's here  that makes you feel better. When we got the vaccines delivered here to our hospital, then I knew."

All of the providers were careful to couch their relief about getting the vaccine with an emphasis on continued vigilance. They'll still socially distance, they'll keep wearing their masks. All of them reiterated that everybody else needed to, too.

Their behavior won't change. But their mindset has.

"Its good, its kind of like a relief, kind of like a breath of fresh air, a little time here to recover, recuperate, take a step back and look at everything weve done," Cunningham said. "And hopefully, now that the vaccine's out and people are getting vaccinated, maybe we can get back to some sense of normalcy."

'I've seen you do miracles'

Looking back over the past year, providers said the pandemic reaffirmed why they got into medicine to begin with. Though they've been lavished with praise, they were just doing their job, they said, as they've done for years.

"It hasn't changed it," Bergland, the helicopter paramedic, said when asked if the pandemic had affected how he viewed medicine. "It's reinforced it. What kind of got me into medicine, it's just reinforced that feeling that we will do whatever needs to be done to make sure we bring that care to the side of the patient. That's what medicine does."

Though many have talked about fears of burnout among physicians  a reasonable fear  Cunningham said she expected many people to go into medicine because of the pandemic. Some will quit, she said, but she feels more passionate about her work than ever.

"It's funny," she said, "with nurses in particular, we've gotten so many accolades this year. At the beginning of the year, we were getting free food. But we're actually just doing the same thing we've been doing our whole careers. It's nothing different, and while I appreciate going like, 'Nurses are awesome!' we were actually awesome in 2019, too."

Snyder, the Longs Peak nurse, said the pandemic highlighted the resiliency of health care workers, and it brought her hospital's staff even closer together. One doctor in her ICU brought a journal to the hospital so providers could write in it every day, memorializing their days, their feelings, their triumphs and losses.

"It just feels like this time around, because everybody was experiencing the same thing, it never felt like we were alone," she said. "I feel like the medical community really relied on each other to life each other up."

In a strange way, the unknown nature of the virus built up that camaraderie, too, several providers said. Early on, health care workers across the country were trying to find treatments that would work. It was a collaborative process that strengthened bonds, even in that high-stress environment.

"Sometimes to see one of your doctors  they'll tell you, 'I don't know, I don't know what else to do, I don't know what else to try,'" Cunningham said. "And hearing them say that, it kind of takes my breath away, and sit there and look at them and say, 'Huh, you're one of the smartest people I know, I've seen you do miracles, and now you're saying you don't know.'"

"It changed how I thought about them, but it also made me respect them more, that they could tell us that or they could say, 'Does anybody else have any ideas?'"

The desire to reconnect

Like everyone else, when the pandemic ends, Colorado's providers have to-do lists.

They want to eat at restaurants, or go to a grocery store again, or see elderly parents or children who live out of state. Movie theaters, dinner parties, talking to dear friends in person and not over a video screen  it's the simple things as much as it is elaborate vacation plans. Mills wants to go to Target  "I love Target."

The end will also mean moving on from the stress that's hung over their heads for a year, stress that goes beyond what they've seen on the COVID wards. Nearly every provider interviewed for this story said they've felt an added responsibility to stay healthy. Bergland, the paramedic, said he considered staying in a hotel.

That responsibility was above and beyond the collective behavior change impressed upon all of us. They had to stay healthy to protect each other and their non-COVID patients. They had to set an example for everyone else, to set the tone while treating some who may have ignored it.

For Snyder and her wife, the tail end of the pandemic, at least as it appears now, will bring with it new life. The couple was going through fertility treatment during the pandemic, and now, Snyder's wife will deliver their child in July. At one point, they'd talked about sleeping in different rooms to minimize potential exposure. But what if Snyder did get sick, what if she died? They didn't want to have spent those last months apart.

When all of this is over, Snyder wants to meet her brother's baby girl, his first child. She wants her parents to meet their grandchildren and to be a part of this new life that she and her wife are creating together. The past year has shown to her, as much as anything else, the importance of relationships, of human connection.

"Even the simple things," she said. "I want to take my child to the zoo and museum and to do things, have playdates with other kiddos and give them that social aspect of life, instead of being shut out from the world.

"I don't think we're meant to be alone here."
An injured man is carried by rescue workers after protests against the military coup, in Mandalay, Burma, on Feb. 20, 2021. (Stringer/Reuters)

UK to Consider Further Measures After Bloody Burma Crackdown

Britain said on Saturday evening that it will consider further measures after Burmese police and soldiers opened fire at protesters earlier in the day.

Two people were killed in Burmas second city Mandalay on Saturday when police and soldiers fired to disperse protests against the Feb. 1 military coup, the bloodiest day in more than two weeks of demonstrations. Burma is also known as Myanmar.

The shooting of peaceful protesters in Myanmar is beyond the pale. We will consider further action, with our international partners, against those crushing democracy & choking dissent.  Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) February 20, 2021

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: The UK condemns the shooting of peaceful protesters, which only places the military regime further beyond the pale.

We will consider further measures, with our international partners, to hold to account those responsible for crushing democracy and choking dissent, he said in a statement.

Burmas military seized power on Feb. 1 and arrested leaders of the civilian government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.

A soldier (C) carries a sniper rifle during a demonstration against the military coup where security forces fired on protesters in Mandalay on Feb. 20, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

More than a fortnight later, demonstrations against the coup and a civil disobedience campaign of strikes and disruptions show no sign of dying down.

The British government accused Burmas military and police of committing serious human rights violations, including violating the right to life, the right to freedom of assembly, the right not to be subject to arbitrary arrest or detention, and the right to freedom of expression.

On Thursday, Britain, working in tandem with Canada, imposed asset freezes and travel bans against three members of the Burmese junta for their roles in serious human rights violations during the coup.

In addition to the sanctions, the government said it is stepping up its effort to stop UK businesses working with the Burmese military junta.

The UKs Foreign Office and Department for International Trade have launched an enhanced due diligence process to mitigate the risk of Burmese junta-related businesses operating in the UK and associated illicit money flows.

Also, the UK is putting in place further safeguards to prevent UK aid from indirectly supporting the military-led government.

The government has axed official assistance to Burma in support of government-led reforms, and will ensure its aid is reaching only the poorest and most vulnerable in the country.

Reuters contributed to this report.
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More than 250 old coal tips have been classed 'high-risk' in the Welsh valleys - as people fear there could be another Aberfan-type disaster.

A huge check on Welsh mining tips was launched after a 60,000-ton landslip of earth and rubble thundered down a hillside in Tylorstown, Rhondda, last year as Storm Dennis wreaked havoc.

The landslide triggered an investigation into the safety of old coal tips - with 294 were found to be 'high-risk', posing a danger to life or property.

A huge check on the tip was launched after a 60,000 tonne landslip of earth and rubble thundered down a hillside in Tylorstown, Rhondda last year

Rhondda MP Christ Bryant has called for essential funding for securing the tips and Welsh Government virtual summit on mine safety will be held on Tuesday to discuss the dangers

Coal waste tips are lasting legacy of the once-lucrative industry and there are 2,000 dotted across Wales, mostly in south Wales

Lisa Pinney, chief executive at the Coal Authority, said: 'Just under 300 are higher-risk sites but that really just means that they needed much more regular attention and inspection to make sure they stay safe.

'Any tip which is old mining material sitting on a hillside can pose a risk, obviously, but the key thing to their safety is to manage water and keep it away.

'And that's why these inspections and maintenance are so important.'

At it's peak in 1920, Wales employed 271,000 men in coal mines and produced over 57 million tonnes of the black stuff.

But the industry fell into a decline as demand fell and the oil industry grew bringing about the closing of 50 collieries by 1964.

Coal waste tips are lasting legacy of the once-lucrative industry and there are 2,000 dotted across Wales, mostly in south Wales.

The worst disaster was in October 1966 when the coal tip buried a school at Aberfan, killing 144 under the waste, but the disaster was avoidable

As early as 1963, years before the Aberfan disaster, locals had raised concerns to the National Coal Board about the potential dangers of the coal deposit located above a school. But their concerns were ignored.

The worst disaster was in October 1966 when the coal tip buried a school at Aberfan, killing 144 under the waste.

Rhondda MP Christ Bryant has called for essential funding for securing the tips.

He said: 'It's shocking that no proper register of disused coal tips was made when the mines closed, so this work is long overdue.

'With so many on private land this is going to be a massive and complex piece of work in which Parliament and Senedd must work together.

'My biggest fear is Chancellor Rishi Sunak will demand that local councils pay for this out of their council tax but the poorest communities in the UK should not be forced to pay for tidying up our national industrial heritage.'

A Welsh Government virtual summit on mine safety will be held on Tuesday to discuss the dangers.
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EDMONTON - Dozens of police and sheriffs kept hundreds of opponents of Alberta's pandemic restrictions separated from counterprotesters at the province's legislature on Saturday.

Police and sheriffs look on as people participate in an anti-lockdown protest at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Dozens of police and sheriffs kept hundreds of opponents of Alberta's pandemic restrictions separated from a anti-racism demonstrators at the province's legislature on Saturday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rob Drinkwater

EDMONTON - Dozens of police and sheriffs kept hundreds of opponents of Alberta's pandemic restrictions separated from counterprotesters at the province's legislature on Saturday.

Many of the anti-lockdown speakers voiced support for Pastor James Coates of GraceLife Church near Edmonton, who was arrested earlier this week when the church continued to hold Sunday services that police allege violated COVID-19 restrictions.

Prior to the demonstration, supporters said prayers outside the Edmonton Remand Centre where Coates has been remanded in custody for refusing to agree to bail conditions.

A sign carried by one demonstrator said "Free the Preacher, Jail the Premier."

The other group of protesters, which was smaller, held signs that said "Masks Save Lives" and "Hate Speech Not Welcome Here."

One demonstrator was apprehended and taken away forcefully, and police said in a tweet that the man was taken into custody for "causing a disturbance" at the outset of the event.

A number of the anti-lockdown demonstrators arrived in Edmonton after driving in a convoy from southern Alberta, beginning in Lethbridge and passing through Calgary before heading north.

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson issued a statement ahead of the demonstration, saying COVID-19 is "not a joke or a hoax" and that wearing masks and following public health measures saves lives.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2021.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-22 01:35:01|Editor: huaxia

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Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (R) meets with Yang Jiechi, 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, in Entebbe, Uganda, Feb. 21, 2021. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

ENTEBBE, Uganda, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni met with visiting senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi here on Sunday.

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, conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to Museveni and congratulated him on winning re-election in the presidential election.

Yang said that with the personal care and promotion of the two heads of state, China-Uganda relations have developed smoothly. China supports Uganda in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and stands ready to work with Uganda to further deepen political mutual trust, enhance the complementarity of development strategies, expand practical cooperation within the framework of jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative and implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and push the bilateral comprehensive cooperative partnership to a new height.

China is ready to continue cooperation with Uganda in fighting the epidemic and jointly promote the building of a community of common health for mankind, said Yang.

Yang said that China and Uganda have always supported each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, and opposed interference in other countries' internal affairs in the name of human rights and democracy. China is willing to work with Uganda to firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations as the core and the international order based on international law.

Museveni asked Yang to convey his sincere greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, thanked China for its selfless help in infrastructure construction, agriculture and anti-epidemic efforts for a long time, and appreciated the important positive role of China's experience in developing Africa's economy and improving people's livelihood on the continent.

He said that Uganda attaches great importance to the traditional friendship between Uganda and China, welcomes China's expansion of investment in the country, expects more products to enter into the Chinese market, and is willing to work with China to build the Belt and Road Initiative with high quality, so as to promote greater development of the comprehensive cooperative partnership between Uganda and China.

Museveni stressed that Uganda abides by the one-China principle, opposes foreign interference in China's internal affairs, and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in international and regional affairs.

Yang also met with Ugandan Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa and other cabinet members on Sunday. Enditem
Marian 'Mamma' Jue contracted the virus in mid-January before being admitting to the ICU.

Video Transcript

- What started as a restaurant became a place full of friends, people considered family, for Marian Jue.

- My mother was a mother to everybody in Houston. Everybody that came through here she loved, and she loved to feed them.

- Loved so much, she was known by customers as Mama. At 80-years-young, Marian wasn't about to stop working, either. After all, this was where she got to see her friends every day.

- This was her life. This was her love. She didn't want to retire because she didn't want to miss her friends.

- Marian immigrated from China to the U.S And she and her husband later moved to Houston, where they opened up the first China Garden. And moved to this location in 1979. We talked to her about her restaurant back in October.

Marian 'Mama' Jue: Marian, your food tastes so good. Never have a change. Always delicious.

- 51 years later, they're still going strong.

- I've been coming here probably 35 plus years. It's the best place in town. We'll drive here in a heartbeat.

- For customers like Valerie, it's here where dishes served up memories.

- Lunches, dinners, birthday parties, many celebrations.

- In early January, Marian started feeling sick.

- Being the strong person that she is. She said, well, I just have a cold. It's just a cold.

- Not long after, Marian ended up in the hospital, had damage to her lungs, and passed away on Thursday.

- I am just heartbroken that her life was taken too quickly.

- All the memories, all the meals, all the lives touched, all inside of this restaurant.

- Just her smile, she always greeted us with such great warmth, and just great pleasure. So rightfully, she will be missed.

- Her legacy, though, lives on. From a young woman with a dream, now stands a thriving restaurant. It's full of memories, her smile, and her love.

- She lived a happy life. Everybody that came through here made her happy.

Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Market Boosters and Key Challenges

Tenecteplase drug refers to a recombinant enzyme that acts as a blood thinning agent. Also known as a clot buster, tenecteplase drug helps dissolve blood clots or clumps, allowing the blood to flow normally. These drugs are generally used for treating patients facing heart-related issues.

Some of the leading factors influencing the market growth include the increasing number of hypertension patients, rising number of deep vein thrombosis cases, early aging, and sedentary lifestyles that lead to blood clotting. The American Heart Association reported in 2017 that every 40 seconds, an individual in the United States (U.S) gets a heart attack. The American College of Cardiology reported in 2018 that the death rate due to high blood pressure (BP) between 2005 and 2015 had increased by 10.5%.

To Get Free Sample Copy visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/6401

Additionally, the report states that coronary heart disease (CHD), which accounts for 43.8% is the main cause of deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States (US). Whereas, heart failure (HF) (9.0%), high BP (9.4%), stroke (16.8%), and other CVDs (17.9%) are other causes for deaths in the country. Furthermore, the report expects that by 2035, over 130 million adults in the US, around 45.1%, will suffer from some form of CVD. As a result, the overall costs of CVD are estimated to touch the valuation of USD 1.1 trillion by 2035. Therefore, the hike in the rate of cardiovascular diseases is projected to stimulate the tenecteplase drug market growth in the years ahead.

Key Players  Tenecteplase Drug Market

The key companies present in the worldwide tenecteplase drug market include Genentec Inc., Gennova pharmaceutical, Merck Ltd., Hisun USA, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Crunchbase Inc., Rewine pharmaceuticals, Emcure Pharmaceutical, and others.

Industry Update

July 2018

Gennova Biopharmaceuticals has been granted a patent in the United States (US) for its latest tenecteplase drug, to treat ischemic strokes.

Segments  Tenecteplase Drug Market

The worldwide tenecteplase drug market has been segmented on the basis of application, dosage, and end users.

The tenecteplase drug market, with respect to application, is considered for myocardial infarction, stroke, DVT.

As per dosage, tenecteplase drug market can be broken down into intravenous dosage and intracatheter instillation dosage.

The end-users in the market are hospitals and clinics, surgical centers, research centers.

Regional Analysis  Tenecteplase Drug Market

The key markets for tenecteplase drug include Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa and North America.

North America has been estimated as the biggest market for tenecteplase drug, on account of the rising innovations in clinical practice and surge in myocardial infection. The region also benefits from increasing access to stroke treatment, supported by the sophistication of healthcare infrastructure in the region. An article by CDC in 2015 suggested that in the United States (U.S.), close to 350,000 to 900,000 cases of Venous thromboembolism (VTE) are estimated annually. These statistics point towards the high potential of the tenecteplase drug market in North America.

Europe is the second most profitable market for tenecteplase drug, with the chief reason being the increase in incidents of stroke. The United Kingdom (UK) Organization has identified stroke as the 10th primary cause of death globally, with 34,883 mortality cases found in the UK alone in the year 2015. As a result of a surge in hypertension as well as high blood pressure, the stroke cases are on the rise in the region, elevating the market position of tenecteplase drug.

Established as the fastest-expanding region in 2017, Asia Pacific is one of the strong contenders in the worldwide tenecteplase drug market. The market growth in the area is the result of the surging prevalence of hypertension, evolving lifestyle, and rising cases of cardiac diseases. The Australian Bureau of Statistics said in 2015 that roughly 4.1 million people in the country suffered from high blood pressure. These rising cases of high blood pressure, along with other mentioned factors, works in favor of the regional market.

The Middle East and Africa markets performance has been mediocre compared to other regions. The region accounts for the lease share of the global tenecteplase drug market due to the presence of low health expenditure as well as economically backward countries. But the market can expect some growth in the future with the increasing cancer care programs within the Middle East region.

To Browse Complete Report visithttps://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/tenecteplase-drug-market-6401

About Market Research Future:

At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.


(Natural News) Black Lives Matter (BLM) leader and insurrectionist John Earl Sullivan is back in the news after it was discovered that he accepted payments of $35,000 each from CNN and NBC to share footage with them of the Capitol insurrection as it happened.

We already knew that Sullivan is a leftist who posed as a Trump supporter while entering the Capitol building, yelling, Lets burn this s*** down! Sullivan also conspired with CNN photojournalist Jade Sacker, who was likewise complicit in the attack.

Not long after the riot, Sullivan was arrested, then released. More of his crimes are now catching up with him as the independent media, along with Politico, continues to probe his curious involvement in storming the Capitol and scaring Congress.

Sullivan claims that his involvement in this and many other protests was strictly for documentary purposes. He claims that he did not partake in any of the violence at the Capitol, though it has since been leaked that Sullivan was responsible for most, if not all, of the damage that occurred to federal property.

Its just recording, solely, and not being active in it, Sullivan told Fox News in an interview last week about why he always seems to be present at false flag events.

Sullivan held Antifa-Insurgence rally at Washington Monument on Jan. 6

One critical detail about Sullivan that nearly every mainstream media outlet has ignored is the fact that he held an Antifa-Insurgence rally at the Washington Monument on Jan. 6, just hours before he and other infiltrators stormed the Capitol.

Sullivans event occurred at 11am, and appears to have been the meeting point where he and other leftists, dressed as Trump supporters, gathered before invading the Capitol.

Politicos Kyle Cheney also reported that Sullivan was paid by CNN and NBC for his participation in the riot. Cheney even provided images of the invoices showing that Sullivan did, in fact, accept the cash.

Why Sullivan was paid such a hefty amount for his involvement in something that actual Trump supporters have been fired from their jobs for remains unclear. In Cheneys view, the situation raises serious red flags.

With over six months of experience as an independent journalist, I have captured some of the most viewed and circulated media content on the internet, Cheney told The Gateway Pundit (TGP).

I have never made over $1,000 on an individual video. The highest I have ever seen a news source pay for breaking news footage is $3,000. John Sullivan being paid $35,000 by CNN and NBC for one event is criminal.

Politico deserves credit for allowing Cheney to report these details, as they incriminate the fake news media for perpetrating the insurrection that is now paving the way for a Patriot Act 2.0 to be used specifically against conservatives.

An average paid journalist out of Utah makes $3,021 a month, not $75,000 in a matter of days, Cheney further stressed to TGP about Sullivans anomalous pay scale.

Lets not forget that John has always been an Antifa and BLM organizer and activist. He has never before reported in a journalistic capacity. Even while reporting, he is seen breaking a window, telling people he has a knife to get to the front of a crowded hallway, and is heard saying, Lets burn this s*** down!'

Once again, John Sullivan is not a journalist. At best, he is a seasoned agitator who just so happens to be in just the right places at just the right times to document major incidents that end up being blamed on his political enemies. And the mainstream media is bankrolling his work.

More of the latest news about the corrupt fake news medias involvement in the Capitol insurrection can be found at FalseFlag.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com
Businesses already adjusting to the pandemic faced additional challenges this week as winter storms are having a drastic impact across Texas.

We have been without light and water since the beginning of the week, and we have been unable to provide our services for our customers, said Veronica Valdez, owner of the childcare facility KinderClub Learning Center TOO, LLC.

Valdez is one of several owners around the Gateway City who have expressed how the continued effects of the winter storm have affected her business significantly to the point of possibly losing great revenue and causing many of her employees to not work.

Her business never closed completely because of the pandemic, but this storm has caused her to be shut down for days.

According to Valdez, because of the continued power outages and the lack of water utilities, they have not been able to operate their childcare facility effectively, and their employees have been left without work. Her biggest fear is that many of their patrons will not be able to do their jobs without the services of the daycare.

We are essential for the people that do have light and water and do have to go to work, Valdez said. Every morning I have to do an update to my parents, to my clients, because they want to go to work, but they depend on us for childcare to get to work.

Valdez said many of their clients are essential workers such as H-E-B employees and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, and these people still need to work regardless of the weather situation.

City of Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz discussed the challenges presented by the weather and said he has been affected by a lack of electricity and water.

For those businesses and residences that dont have energy or electricity and possibly even no water as well, we are working as hard as we can as a city to provide those necessities, but some of those measures are out of our control and it is even beyond the control of our provider AEP as it all points to ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas), and even the governor has initiated an investigation which I think it is a top legislative item right now, Saenz said. My understanding is that even providers of energy for the generators were failed for whatever reason, and I suspect it was this winter storm that we had and the emergency that took over the entire state.

In the meantime, the mayor hopes people continue to be patient as they wait for more information from AEP and members of the electricity company like Tony Arce who reported on Wednesday that of about 33,000 homes still without electricity about 2,000 gained back energy on that day.

I feel for you, and I am one of those dealing with that pain as well as an individual, Saenz said. My wife and I have had no electricity and have had no water and have been spending some cold nights. As your mayor, I am pushing all the buttons that I can, and our city manager, senator, and state reps are people I continue in constant communication with, and hopefully we will soon have some answers.

Valdez is concerned about the potential long-term effects of being without utilities as parents could seek alternatives in the meantime and potentially not come back. She said this would be another blow to her business as it has suffered tremendously due to the pandemic.

We have about 65 (children), and thats low as pre-COVID we were at a 100% capacity and had about 120 children, Valdez said. So, we were low already in comparison to last year, but nonetheless for the 65 children we do need our staff for the children and that translates to 65 families that need to go to work. Im sure that from those 65 families some continue to not have water and light, but the majority do because they continue to call us, but it is out of our hands.

With the daycare also providing food, Valdez is worried their supplies could spoil without electricity.

Saenz said it is out of the hands of all the people of Laredo, including officials, as the power plants are the ones who fix these issues.

Personally, I feel that this is going to last a long while, Saenz said. Although many would not like to say this, I do feel that this thing will last for several days and not just a few more hours. In terms of days, this is going to continue all the way to the weekend or way into next week, so please plan for what is to come and hope God blesses us all and we get out of this.

Valdez has called AEP and other places to ask about electricity for her business, but she has not received an answer on when things will be back to normal. She said the 78043 zip code where her business resides continues to be one of the main affected areas as homes and businesses around hers, including a Dannys Restaurant in front of her childcare facility and a Dollar General store, continue to be without electricity as well.

Ultimately, she hopes that some form of aid is provided to businesses like hers that continue to be affected as the financial losses they are facing are not their fault.

Valdez also hopes this situation allows for the state and the city to also be more prepared for these types of weather events as she discussed the issue with several local officials such as Texas Senator Judith Zaffiniri saying it is time for the state to not be ready just for hot weather events but also cold weather events.

Valdez finds similarities between the lack of preparation for the pandemic by the state with the unpreparedness of the state with the winter storm that has left her home and other places without electricity and water. She hopes this event causes change.

As a local official or part of the city government or even a state government official, we should be prepared for all types of weathers, Valdez said. Just because we dont get that much freezing temperatures here in Texas doesnt mean that we shouldnt prepare for it. We should prepare for all situations.

jorge.vela@lmtonline.com
Egypt plans to export its first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a re-opened plant in Damietta to Europe, Spokesman for the Ministry of Petroleum Hamdy Abdel-Aziz told MENA on Sunday.

The LNG Tanker Golar Glacier has arrived in Damietta Port to transport the first experimental shipment from the plant that has been idle for eight years.

The return to operations of the Damietta plant on the northeast coast and the countrys other plant, Idku, in the Beheira governorate, will mark the revival of Egypts LNG push.

Idku's exports have picked up recently after dropping last year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, production capacity at the Damietta plant, which has been closed since 2012, stands at 7.5 bcm annually.

Egypt plans to use its position on Europes doorstep to become a major supplier to the continent, which is transitioning away from dirtier fossil fuels such as oil and coal.

The country will become one of the top 10 LNG exporters once it reaches full capacity, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Short link:


In The Committed, the narrator  who calls himself Vo Danh, or Nameless  has escaped his Communist interrogators. He heads to Paris and joins a gang of drug dealers, the ultimate act of capitalist rebellion. Hes no longer sure who he is or what he believes in. His identity, mission and even his consciousness  he sometimes refers to himself in the second person  have been fractured by displacement, disillusionment and torture.

To the French natives he meets, he is among les boat-people, a label he rejects. I was not a boat person unless the English Pilgrims who fled religious persecution to come to America on the Mayflower were also boat people, the narrator thinks.

[ Read our review of The Committed. ]

Nguyen, who is 49 and teaches at the University of Southern California, now lives in Pasadena with his wife, Lan Duong, and their two children, Ellison, 7, and Simone, 1. Though hes lived in California for most of his life  he was 4 when his family left Vietnam  he is still unsettled by the feeling that he would have become a very different person if his family hadnt escaped.

That idea of an alternative life, parallel life, alternate universes, has always haunted me, he said. It haunts a lot of us who are refugees from Vietnam, what our lives couldve been, and so I think that sense saturates my fiction and my nonfiction.

After they fled Vietnam, Nguyen and his family ended up in a refugee camp in Pennsylvania. Nguyen was separated from his parents and brother for several months and placed with an American family. He remembers screaming when his host family took him to visit his parents, then took him away again.

A few years later, his family moved to San Jose, Calif., where his parents opened a Vietnamese grocery store. One Christmas Eve, when Nguyen and his brother were home watching Scooby-Doo, his parents were shot during a robbery. When he was 16, an armed intruder tried to rob their home.

Nguyen began writing fiction in high school (he got an early taste of literary fame in the third grade, when he wrote a book called Lester the Cat that received a prize from the San Jose Public Library). At the University of California, Berkeley, where he got degrees in English and ethnic studies, he devoured literature by Asian-American and Black writers, developing a particular affinity for Ralph Ellisons Invisible Man.
The mission is set to deliver provision to the Station.

Ukraine's Pivdenne (Yuzhnoye) Design Office on February 20 reported on the successful launch  first this year  of the Antares rocket, co-designed and co-manufactured by Ukrainian and U.S. professionals.

Launched from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility (Virginia), Antares delivered to the orbit the Cygnus cargo spacecraft, bearing some 8,000 pounds of NASA payload to the International Space Station, Pivdenne reports.

Read alsoRFE/RL: U.S.-Ukraine produced rocket lifts off, takes supplies to International Space StationAntares launch vehicle consists of two stages. The basic design of first stage was developed by SE Pivdenne and manufactured by VO PMZ in cooperation with Ukrainian enterprises Hartron-ARKOS (Kharkiv), Kyivprilad (Kyiv), Hartron-YUKOM (Zaporizhia), CHEZARA and RAPID (Chernihiv), and others, contracted by Northrop Grumman Corporation (USA).

Preparation of the Antares launcher, its tests and launch routine were carried out with the participation of Ukrainian specialists.

"According to the contract, Pivdenne Design Office provided real-time technical support for the launch, as well as received and processed telemetry. Ukrainian specialists have fully ensured the implementation of all operations in their sector of responsibility," the report reads.

Within the framework of the Antares program, the Ukrainian side performed the entire set of works on the design, testing and manufacture of the material part of the first stage's main body.

The latest mission's Cygnus capsule was named after NASA iconic mathematician Katherine Johnson.

The Cygnus is scheduled to arrive on the ISS on February 22, at 11:40 Kyiv time.

Science and research supplies and vehicle hardware, set to be delivered to the ISS, will help astronauts with a variety of projects: learning about muscle loss using worms; investigating astronauts' sleep quality, experiments for disease treatments; upgrades to the life support systems; testing equipment for moon missions and more, as per NPR.

In total, Antares has been launched 14 times since 2013. Thirteen of these launches were successful.

"The Antares project is a successful example of the participation of Ukrainian space companies in international projects and successful activity on the global space market," Pivdenne concludes.

Reporting by UNIAN
WASHINGTON - The state of Michigan and the city of Detroit have asked a federal judge to sanction attorneys who filed lawsuits that falsely alleged the November vote was fraudulent, the first of several similar efforts expected across the country.

An Atlanta-area prosecutor has launched a criminal investigation into whether pressure that then-President Donald Trump and his allies put on state officials amounted to an illegal scheme to overturn the results of the presidential election.

And defamation lawsuits have been filed against Trump's allies - the start of what could be a flood of civil litigation related to false claims that the election was rigged and to the subsequent riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Although Trump was acquitted by the Senate on a charge that his rhetoric incited the deadly Capitol siege, public officials and private companies are pursuing a multifront legal effort to hold him and his allies accountable in other ways. The actions target the former president and numerous others - including elected officials, media pundits and lawyers - who indulged and echoed his falsehoods that Joe Biden did not win the election.

The goal, according to lawyers and others supportive of such efforts, is to mete out some form of punishment for those who helped undermine confidence in the election results and fueled the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. But even more, they said they hope to discourage other public officials from rerunning Trump's strategy of attempting to overturn an election result by sowing doubt about the legitimacy of the vote.

"There has to be some consequence for telling these lies - because when you lie to people, they take action based on what they think is true," said Philadelphia Commissioner Al Schmidt, a Republican who received threats after false allegations of fraud in the counting of the city's votes. "Because it's such a dangerous new thing that occurred, there has to be some reconciliation. Moving on isn't enough."

A federal judge in the District of Columbia late Friday referred one lawyer for possible disciplinary action. It's not yet clear how far courts will go in pursuing sanctions against lawyers who may have believed in their own conspiracy theories, or whether prosecutors will ultimately bring criminal charges related to the election. The civil litigation could linger for years.

One side effect of the endeavors: They could provide new forums for Trump and his allies to showcase their false claims about the vote in 2020.

Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who served as Trump's lead post-election attorney and who is the target of several of the lawsuits that have been filed, said in a text message that he sees the court actions as "an opportunity" to defend his claims. Or, as he wrote, "it will give me a chance to get the truth past the Iron Curtain of Big Tech and Most Media censorship."

A spokesman for Trump did not respond to a request for comment.

The most serious ongoing legal actions involve criminal inquiries. More than 225 people have been charged with various crimes directly related to storming the Capitol on Jan. 6. Justice Department officials have said they do not expect to file criminal charges against Trump or others who gave incendiary speeches in Washington that day before the violence, but they also said that the case is complex and that the investigation ongoing.

Even without charges against the former president, several lawyers representing alleged rioters have signaled that they plan to argue that their clients were merely following what they believed were Trump's directions that day - meaning there could be lengthy legal wrangling over Trump's culpability.

Meanwhile, one local prosecutor is directly examining whether Trump and his allies broke state laws when they sought to overturn the results in Georgia.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis sent a letter this month to various state officials indicating that her office is examining a variety of criminal charges related to "attempts to influence" the 2020 election.

In December, Trump called Georgia's top state elections investigator and asked the person to "find the fraud." Then, in a recorded phone call in January, Trump pressured Georgia's secretary of state, Republican Brad Raffensperger, to "find" enough votes to reverse Biden's win in the state.

Another front could open up in Wisconsin, where a recount confirmed Biden's victory.

Last week, lawyers representing the state council of the Service Employees International Union sent a letter to Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, a Democrat, requesting a criminal investigation into whether laws were broken when 10 would-be Wisconsin electors sympathetic to Trump met behind close doors at the state Capitol on Dec. 14 and tried to appoint themselves as the state's representatives to the electoral college.

The group signed illegitimate certificates of election and sent the fake documents to federal and state officials, proclaiming that Trump had won the state's electoral votes.

Their actions came as Wisconsin's governor on the same day convened Biden's electors in an open ceremony elsewhere in the Capitol, as prescribed by state law, to formally give the state's votes to Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

The union identified six Wisconsin laws it says the would-be Trump electors may have broken, including prohibitions on forgery and falsely assuming to act as a public officer.

"Some of this is about trying to bring bad actors to account," said Jeffrey Mandell, an attorney representing the union. "But the bigger part is trying to make sure we never go through something like this again. We have seen an intensification from election to election of how far people are willing to push these issues. And we need it to stop."

The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office did not respond to a request for comment, nor did a spokesman for the Wisconsin Republican Party, which was involved with organizing the Trump elector effort. Party Chair Andrew Hitt was one of the 10 people purporting to be Trump electors.

Meanwhile, a variety of groups and individuals who say they were harmed by lies told about the election are pursuing lawsuits.

On Tuesday, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, sued Trump, Giuliani and members of two extremist groups, arguing that their rhetoric caused the Jan. 6 riot in violation of an 1871 law that bars violent interference in the performance of Congress's duties. Thompson is being represented by the NAACP, which said other members of Congress are expected to join.

Trump spokesman Jason Miller has rejected the effort, saying in a statement that "the facts are irrefutable" that Trump "did not incite or conspire to incite any violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6th."

Separately, two election technology companies are pursuing multibillion-dollar defamation suits against various Trump allies, alleging that they repeatedly told lies about the companies' products in the weeks leading up to Jan. 6.

Dominion Voting Systems, one of the two companies, has filed twin $1.3 billion defamation suits against Giuliani and another lawyer, Sidney Powell, who together promoted false claims that the company's voting machines were somehow manipulated to swing the election to Biden.

Dominion lawyers have said they plan to file similar action against Mike Lindell, a leading Trump supporter who is the chief executive of the company My Pillow, and the lawyers have sent letters warning of potential litigation to dozens of others, including the Trump campaign.

Lindell has said he would welcome a lawsuit that might result in discovery and allow him to press his allegations against Dominion.

Giuliani has accused the company of using the suit "to wipe out and censor the exercise of free speech" and has likewise said the lawsuit will give him an opportunity to litigate his assertions about the election.

Dominion has claimed in court documents that Powell "evaded" service of its suit, forcing it to pursue her across state lines. In an email, her attorney Howard Kleinhendler called that claim "false," indicating that she had been traveling frequently for work and was facing security threats but had not been avoiding the lawsuit.

A second company, Smartmatic, which has said that during the November election it operated in only one U.S. county, a jurisdiction in California, has filed a $2.7 billion lawsuit against Fox News and several of its prominent commentators, as well Giuliani and Powell. Smartmatic says the commentators and lawyers used the network to propagate wild lies, including falsely claiming the company had been founded by Venezuelans close to former leader Hugo Chavez.

Kleinhendler called the lawsuits "empty, self-serving publicity stunts and pathetic attempts at obscene and unfounded damages claims" and said Powell looked forward to defending herself in court.

The lawsuits are turnabout for Trump and his allies, who filed more than 60 lawsuits after the election, challenging the results in various states. They lost all the suits but one in Pennsylvania that affected few ballots.

Judges in some of those suits are considering requests to sanction the pro-Trump lawyers, either through monetary penalties or by referring them for disciplinary action in the states where they hold their law licenses.

Federal rules prohibit lawyers from filing frivolous suits or from using litigation for improper purposes such as to harass or delay. Lawyers also are not allowed to lie in court.

The purpose of the rules, said Stephen Gillers, a professor at New York University's law school and an expert in legal ethics, is to discourage bad practices: "Lawyers should not bring garbage complaints to the court and take up valuable court time. Judicial time is limited - it's a valuable resource."

Detroit was the first formally to request sanctions, filing a motion in December asking U.S. District Judge Linda Parker to assess monetary fees against Powell, Lin Wood and several others involved in a case that had challenged Michigan's presidential election results.

In ruling against the Trump allies at one stage of the litigation, Parker had called the suit "stunning in its scope and breathtaking in its reach" and an attempt to "disenfranchise the votes of the more than 5.5 million Michigan citizens who, with dignity, hope, and a promise of a voice, participated in the 2020 General Election."

In January, Detroit also asked Parker to initiate a process that could prevent the lawyers from being able to work in Michigan courts. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, both Democrats, have asked the judge to sanction the lawyers. The two officials, along with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, have written letters to state bar associations requesting grievance proceedings against the lawyers.

"Attorneys who use their license to fuel the fires of insurrection have no right to run and hide when their battle is lost," said David Fink, a Detroit-based lawyer representing the city in the case. "They chose to misrepresent the facts to the court and participated in a scheme to persuade millions of Americans that this was not a free, fair and open election. They have to be held accountable for what they've done."

In a filing this month, attorney Stefanie Lambert Junttila, representing the pro-Trump lawyers, called the request for sanctions "baseless," "procedurally improper" and "an attempt to create a dangerous precedent that could dissuade future civil rights and voting rights plaintiffs from bringing their disputes to court." (She also argued that Powell should not be sanctioned because she had not actually signed documents that were filed in the case under her name.)

Kleinhendler, also a lawyer for Powell, said there was "no credible basis" that any ethics complaint could stand against her and said she had practiced "with the highest professional legal integrity" throughout her career, which included a stint as a federal prosecutor in Texas.

Similar motions for sanctions could be forthcoming in other states where Trump and his allies challenged election results in court.

In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, said in a statement to The Washington Post that state officials will "absolutely" be seeking attorney fees from and sanctions for the Trump lawyers. "These lawsuits had no basis in the law or reality, and they were an attack on our democracy. There needs to repercussions for this reckless, dangerous behavior," he said.

No sanction motions have been filed in Pennsylvania, where Giuliani appeared in court to argue Trump's case, but a spokeswoman for Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said, "We have made it clear there will be accountability for those who filed and defended those meritless claims regarding the Pennsylvania election."

"We saw the horrific consequences that ensued on January 6th as a result of these baseless attacks designed to undermine faith in our election process," she added.

In D.C., Judge James Boasberg of the U.S. District Court initiated possible sanctions without any formal request. Late Friday, he formally referred Minneapolis-based lawyer Erick Kaardal to an attorney grievance committee for an investigation into Kaardal's conduct over a last-ditch lawsuit filed in December seeking to stop Biden from taking office.

The suit, in which Kaardal was representing a conservative group called the Amistad Project, was filed against then-Vice President Mike Pence, both houses of Congress, the leaders of five states and the electoral college - a body that does not exist as a permanent entity.

In his order, Boasberg identified a variety of problems with Kaardal's suit and added that the lawyer had sought a "staggering" outcome - to invalidate a presidential election. "When any counsel seeks to target processes at the heart of our democracy, the Committee may well conclude they are required to act with far more diligence and good faith than existed here."

A lawyer for Kaardal had argued earlier this month against the move, writing that Kaardal had acted in good faith and that disciplinary action would have a "chilling effect" on future litigants who assert similarly good-faith arguments in challenging existing law.

Separately, Wood, who worked closely with Powell, has said he has been alerted by the State Bar of Georgia that it is considering disciplinary action against him - which could result in the suspension or revocation of his law license. An official of the Georgia bar association declined to comment, citing the confidentiality of the process, as did an official with the bar association in Texas, where Powell is licensed.

"The false attacks are propaganda intended to smear my good name," Wood said in an emailed statement. "The enemy wants me to stop speaking truth. I will not be stopped."

There also is an effort to seek sanctions in New York, where Gillers, the NYU law school professor, helped draft a complaint asking state courts to investigate Giuliani's conduct, potentially to revoke his license to practice law in the state.

Gillers noted that New York state has an especially stringent rule that prohibits lawyers from engaging in "conduct that adversely reflects on the lawyer's fitness as a lawyer." Although the disciplinary process can take three to four years to resolve, he said the court has the option to suspend a lawyer's license on an interim basis if that lawyer is deemed a threat to the public interest. He said Giuliani could be a candidate for that kind of drastic action.

"He spent months as the titular head of the Trump legal challenges, bringing useless cases and publicly claiming that the election was fraudulent, thereby creating confusion," he said. "I believe he knew it - or should have known it - and I think that behavior, across many months and after many losses both in court and in public opinion, adversely reflects on his fitness as a lawyer."
Shortly after the beginning of the second semester in January, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath declared that the state had basically completely closed gaps in student access to take-home computers, largely thanks to massive state and local purchases amid the pandemic.

Its pretty remarkable when weve talked about the digital divide for the better part of 20 years in the country, and we will have effectively bridged it with computing devices at the scale of Texas, Morath said.

That success, however, could prove short-lived without more investment in the coming years.

Texas education leaders say a simple reality  computers break, get old and need replacing  means they will need an infusion of money to sustain the remarkable effort to outfit millions of children with at-home technology.

As it stands, state and federal lawmakers have not announced plans for keeping the so-called digital divide closed, which likely will cost hundreds of millions of dollars annually in Texas. The states public school districts spent roughly $1 billion in the past 12 months on computers and wireless internet hot spots, mostly relying on one-time federal stimulus funds.

Lawmakers have time to craft proposals for funding computer purchases, but their window is relatively short. Many school districts aim to replace computers every four or five years, largely due to wear and tear and changes in software.

As a result, some education leaders and advocates are in the early stages of mapping out long-term plans for paying for students at-home computer and internet access.

There are definitely some conversations that are being had here at the district level on what does that begin to look like, said Houston ISD Chief Technology Information Officer Scott Gilhousen, whose district bought nearly 110,000 computers in the past 12 months. If the district is going to continue to support that path, then we definitely need to start thinking about the funding streams and how were going to be able to pay for this.

The availability of at-home technology is proving vital amid the pandemic for Texas 5.3 million public schoolchildren, nearly half of whom remained in online-only classes as of late October.

However, many education leaders heralded the benefits of take-home computers long before the public health crisis. They argued the access allows students to complete homework, conduct research and fill out college applications, among other benefits. Equity advocates also noted that students from lower-income families were less likely to have at-home technology, widening achievement and college enrollment gaps.

Some districts provided laptops to students in high school prior to the pandemic, while a small fraction extended the benefit to middle schoolers. They largely relied on general operating revenues, which sometimes meant less money for other areas of instruction, as well as bond revenues and nonprofit support.

Without pledges of additional state or federal support, education leaders could tap those sources again, albeit at significantly greater amounts.

Karen Hickman, Pasadena ISDs deputy superintendent of academic achievement, said district leaders have already discussed adding student computers to an upcoming bond proposal, though she cautioned plans remains highly tentative. Pasadena officials bought more than 25,000 computers in the past year through a state bulk purchasing effort, known as Operation Connectivity, and direct orders to manufacturers.

Were going to plan locally and depend on ourselves, but well be incredibly grateful if state and federal money comes through, Hickman said.

Although details on potential state and federal plans remain scant, some education leaders are hopeful that the pandemic has illuminated the benefits of closing the digital divide, ultimately resulting in greater investment.

Im very optimistic, Gilhousen said. When you start to look at the importance of digital connection across the nation, everybody understands that now.

jacob.carpenter@chron.com
New Delhi: Senior commanders of Indian and Chinese army held tenth round of military talks to discuss and take forward the disengagement process at friction points like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in eastern Ladakh on Saturday (February 20).

According to reports, the tenth round of disengagement talks was led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps from Indias side and Maj Gen Liu Lin, the commander of the South Xinjiang military district of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) headed the Chinese side.

On Sunday (February 21), Ministry of Defence released an official statement which read:

On February 20, the 10th round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held on the Chinese side of the Moldo/Chushul border meeting point. The two sides positively appraised the smooth completion of disengagement of frontline troops in the Pangong Lake area noting that it was a significant step forward that provided a good basis for resolution of other remaining issues along the LAC in Western Sector. They had candid and in-depth exchange of views on other issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. The two sides agreed to follow the important consensus of their state leaders, continue their communication and dialogue, stabilize and control the situation on the ground, push for a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues in a steady and orderly manner, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

The talks came two days after both the armies concluded the withdrawal of troops and weapons from North and South banks of Pangong Tso in the high-altitude region, said the Defence Ministry.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5, 2020 following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry even as the two sides continued military and diplomatic talks.

Live TV
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21)  The Philippines launched its second cube satellite early Sunday morning (Philippine time) at the International Space Station aboard the S.S. Katherine Johnson Cynus spacecraft.

The Maya-2, joined by two other cube satellites from Japan and Paraguay in its space launch, was designed by Filipino scholars who are taking their doctoral degree in space engineering at the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan. They were sent through the Department of Science and Technology's Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program.

The DOST said Maya-2 is "a technology demonstration and educational platform geared to collect data remotely by Store-and-Forward Mechanism."

The 1.3-kilogram satellite contains a camera for image and video capture, an Automatic Packet Reporting System Message Digipeater, attitude determination and control units for active attitude stabilization and control demonstrations, Perovskite solar cells and Latchup-detection chip.

"To do something for the first time is great, but to be able to do it again and innovate is greater. We take pride in the launch of Maya-2, the successor to Maya-1 and the Philippines' latest milestone in creating value in space for and from Filipinos and for the world," said Philippine Space Agency Director General Joel Marciano Jr. in a statement.

The date of Maya-2's deployment into the orbit has yet to be announced but STAMINA4Space Program Leader Dr. Maricor Soriano emphasized its space launch solidifies the country's commitment in sustaining local cube satellites research, even during a pandemic.

"More than the product, sustaining local cubesat research and development potentially leads to a systems engineering mindset among our researchers, local partners that can co-develop our space industry, and enhanced Science Technology and Engineering curricula in K-12 and higher education," said Soriano.

Maya-2 engineer Mark Angelo Purio said the team encountered hurdles in building the satellite amid the pandemic. The development of Maya-2 under Kyutech's 4th Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite Project started in 2018.

"Not being able to gather physically also add to the challenges we faced during the final stages of the project as most of the work such as troubleshooting and finalizing software and satellite assembly were done with less people from the team," Purio said.

Maya-1, the predecessor of Maya-2, was launched into space in June 2018 and was deployed into the orbit two months after. It returned to earth in December 2020. The country also launched its first two microsatellites, Diwata-1 in 2016 and Diwata-2 in 2018. Diwata-1 was decommissioned in March 2020, while Diwata-2 remains in space.
 Flash

Vietnam is willing to enhance pragmatic cooperation between the public security departments of China and Vietnam, said General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) and Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong when meeting with Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi on Friday in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

The Vietnamese president expressed the wishes that the pragmatic cooperation of the two countries' public security departments could play a significant role in protecting the political security and social stability of both countries, and advance the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

The Chinese state councilor said China and Vietnam are a community with a shared future with strategic significance.

The public security departments of the two countries will strengthen cooperation in ensuring political security and social stability, continue to deepen their cooperation in law enforcement, and further contribute to the consistent, healthy and stable development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, said Zhao.

Also on Friday, Zhao met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Zhao, during the meeting, expressed hopes that the two sides could enhance the synergy between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam's "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan, expand and grow the economic, trade and investment cooperation, so as to better benefit the people of the two countries.

For his part, Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnamese government attach great importance to the development of the traditional friendly relations with China, hoping that the two sides could continue to enhance political mutual trust, strengthen communication and exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas such as law enforcement security and trade, jointly safeguard the security and development of the two countries, and better benefit their people.
Seven people have died after a Nigerian military plane crashed short of a runway in the capital Abuja on Sunday morning, according to officials.



The Nigerian Air Force plane had reported engine failure, the military spokesman tweeted.



The plane was on the way to Minna, in the northern state of Niger to try to rescue 42 people who had been kidnapped.



The chief of air staff has ordered an immediate investigation.



In a series of tweets, the air force asked the public to "remain calm & await the outcome of the investigation".









AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT



This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash

 Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (@KunleDaramola3) February 21, 2021

Air force spokesman Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola said that all those on board the small aircraft had died.Witnesses say they heard a loud sound, then the aircraft burst into flames, reports the BBC's Ishaq Khalid.A witness told Reuters the smell of burning and chemicals lingered in the air at the site of the crash, in scrubland just outside the airport perimeter.Vice Marshal Daramola told the BBC that the aircraft was on a mission to try to rescue 42 people, including students and staff abducted from their boarding school in the town of Kagara on Wednesday, when it turned back following engine failure.

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
When Catriona Oliphant got a phone call warning her there had been fraudulent activity on her and her elderly mother's bank accounts, the timing could not have been worse.

Catriona's mother had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer and given just months to live.

Catriona, 60, says: 'At the very moment the phone rang, I was at my mother's bedside with the GP discussing arrangements for palliative care.' So when the authoritative-sounding caller informed her that both her mother's and her own bank accounts had been hacked, it was almost too much to compute.

Distraught: Catriona was caught out at a moment of extreme vulnerability

Catriona, a former lawyer for City of London firm Slaughter and May, was already distraught at the news of her mother's failing health, and was terrified their life savings were at that moment being drained.

However, Catriona, who has also had cancer treatment, was savvy enough to be very wary. 'Why should I believe this is not a scam?' she demanded of the caller. In reply, he said he would prove he was genuine.

And so began a scam that would cost Catriona her life savings. Over several days, the fraudster, who claimed to be Alan Smith working with the National Crime Agency, won Catriona's trust and tricked her into moving money out of her accounts. The highly-sophisticated scam cost Catriona more than 241,000.

To date, four months on, she has not had a penny returned.

Such scams are on the rise. Authorised 'push payment' fraud, to which Catriona lost her money, is rife. In the first half of last year, more than 1million was lost to it every day.

Victims are convinced to make payments to criminals who cleverly claim to be from a trusted organisation, such as the police, Government or a bank.

The number of victims has risen sharply during the pandemic as criminals take advantage of people's heightened fear and anxiety.

Whether a victim is reimbursed by their bank is little better than pot luck. Last year, one high street bank reimbursed just one per cent of customers who were victims of a scam. Another bank repaid 99 per cent of its scammed customers.

Catriona's bank, HSBC, has yet to decide whether she will be reimbursed, or even to inform her whether any of the funds have been recovered.

The scammer, who called himself Alan Smith, said he was from the National Crime Agency and on a team working to catch hackers

How the fraudsters made the scam work

The scammer, who called himself Alan Smith, said he was from the National Crime Agency and on a team working to catch hackers. He claimed that Catriona's bank, HSBC, was known to have a criminal insider whom they were trying to catch.

Alan said he needed her help to catch the hacker by using a series of bait payments into specially created temporary accounts.

He reassured Catriona that the bait payments would not involve any of her own money  the agency would pay the money into her current account and she could then transfer it out again.

However, what Catriona did not realise was that the fraudster had gained access to her accounts and was moving money from her savings into her current account.

So when she was moving money she thought was from the agency into the new accounts, she was actually moving her own.

To gain Catriona's trust, the scammer told her criminals were already trying to drain her HSBC Premier account. To prove it, he showed her fake images of her current account with unauthorised payments going out.

To this day, Catriona thinks the timing of the scammer's contact is suspicious. 'They targeted me when I had a large sum of money in my account,' she says.

'I would not normally have more than a few thousand pounds in my account, but I had just sold my house in London to help mum to buy supported living accommodation. How did they know I had that money unless they had inside knowledge?'

Could the same thing happen to you?

Reading about someone else's scam experience, it's easy to think you would never have fallen for it.

But Elisabeth Costa, a director of the Behavioural Insights Team, says scammers are experts in putting us into a state where we are unable to make good decisions. 'They use techniques to evoke a 'hot state' she says. 'This is when we are feeling a strong visceral emotion, such as anger or panic. In this state, we are much less likely to be making well thought through decisions.'

Fraudsters create this hot state by, for example, telling us our money is under threat, which understandably triggers panic. Or they suggest action needs to be taken immediately, which puts us into a frenzy.

Costa says you may be more likely to fall victim if you are dealing with other big issues. 'If you are coming into that moment with other background stresses and pressures, it is probably easier for the scammer to trigger that hot state,' she says.

Fraudsters create a 'hot state' where we are unable to make good decisions by, for example, telling us our money is under threat, which understandably triggers panic

Catriona's scammer appears to have used all of these psychological tricks. They whipped up a hot state by telling her that money was being drained from her bank account.

They undermined her trust in HSBC by telling her the bank was in on the fraud. That way, when her bank asked her if she definitely wanted to go ahead with the transactions, she ignored them.

The fraudsters also appealed to Catriona's sense of civic duty by telling her that unless she helped them catch the hacker, other victims would lose their money.

Catriona was also caught out at a moment of extreme vulnerability when her decision-making capabilities were naturally impaired. Arguably, she didn't stand a chance. And arguably, against such sophistication, most of us put in her position would not have stood a chance either.

How can these crooks ever be thwarted?

There are several things that individuals can do to protect themselves. Take Five is a national campaign run by UK Finance to spread the message of 'stop, challenge and protect'. That means stop and think before you act, challenge anyone who asks for your financial information, and protect yourself by reporting it immediately if you think you have been scammed.

However, Costa believes the responsibility lies not with individuals, but with the banks. 'The onus should be on the banks and institutions to put in place product design to stop scams,' she says.

Banks work to make it as easy as possible to move money around online, which is great in general, but not in the case of a scam when a moment's pause and reflection could stop someone making a transaction they may live to regret for the rest of their life.

Catriona is hoping that her bank, HSBC, reimburses her so she can start putting her life back together again

Prompts during the bank transfer process to ask you to step back and question whether you are making the right decision can help. However, in Catriona's case these prompts understandably fell on mistrustful and deaf ears.

Fraud expert Richard Emery, of consultancy 4Keys International, explains: 'The victim was up against a very sophisticated scam in which she had been led to believe she was making genuine payments. Warning messages would not have been effective.'

What about a refund from your bank?

As soon as she realised she had been scammed, Catriona contacted the banks of the beneficiaries to warn them they had received criminal funds. Four months later, she still has not been told if any of her money has been recovered.

Last year, a voluntary scheme was launched that requires banks to reimburse blameless customers. Its guidelines state that vulnerable customers should not be blamed. However, not all banks have signed up and only around a quarter of victims are fully refunded. Even the banking industry agrees the scheme is flawed and needs improvement.

Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, says: 'The voluntary code on authorised push payment fraud has introduced significant additional protections for consumers, with more than 89million reimbursed to thousands of customers since it was introduced in 2019.

'However, it is clear the code is not always working as intended, with a lack of consistency in customer outcomes and a lack of clarity for signatories in how they should implement it. We agree with the regulator and consumer groups that new legislation and regulation is needed to help prevent people falling victim to these scams and ensure consumer protections apply across the banking industry.'

Emery believes there is a lot more the industry could do. For example, banks could better monitor accounts that suddenly receive large sums from numerous beneficiaries.

They could also block high value transfers to new recipients for a few hours so the sender has time to reflect on their decision.

Banks could also work with the police to alert them when they think a scam is in progress.

However, all this would be too late for Catriona Oliphant. Last week was her mother's funeral and without that 241,000, Catriona is left in penury, unable to buy a new home.

All she can do is pray that HSBC has the decency to reimburse her so she can start putting her life back together again.

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 21 : Malaysia received its first batch of Covid-19 vaccines on Sunday, boosting its capability in the fight against the pandemic.

Some 312,390 doses of the vaccine, jointly developed by US pharmaceutical firm Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech SE., arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and were greeted by Malaysian officials, the Xinhua news agency reported.

In a press briefing following the delivery, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the first phase of the national immunisation program will kick start earlier this week on Wednesday, ahead of schedule with Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin set to be the first to be vaccinated.

He added that the Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac's Covid-19 vaccines are set to arrive on February 27, with other vaccines scheduled to arrive later.

As of February 2021, Malaysia has had access to a supply of 66.7 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines through the COVAX Facility and early purchases from five Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers, according to Malaysia's government, which is targeting to inoculate at least 80 per cent of the country's population.

The vaccination will be conducted in three phases: phase 1 for frontliners covering some half million people, phase 2 for high-risk groups and phase 3 for all adults aged 18 and above with the whole exercise expected to be completed by February next year.

Malaysia reported 2,936 new Covid-19 infections on Saturday, bringing the national total to 277,811. Another 13 deaths have been reported, pushing the death toll to 1,043.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The HSE's Dublin Midland Hospital Group (DMHG) has thanked staff and the community in a statement in which it delivers an update on how Portlaoise hospital has and continues to respond nearly a year into the Covid-19 pandemic.

It says that in late February 2020, NPHET reported the first Irish case of COVID-19, the gravity of which was not appreciated or fully understood. However, it said hospitals responded.

"All hospitals mobilised very quickly to shore up capacity, redeploy and re-prioritise. This was done at an extraordinary pace, flexibility and resilience. Services were adapted and the unknown was truly embraced in one of the most extraordinary difficult years for Irish health services," said the DMHG.

It said the pressure has been back on due to the third wave but this has been met by staff and community.

"The recent surge of cases in January again posed the most immense challenges but the planning, foresight and adaptability and again resilience of our Hospitals, including the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, ensured the readiness of the services to respond. Thankfully, community transmission is reducing but at a much slower pace.

"The Hospital Group and the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise would like to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of all staff at Portlaoise hospital. In addition, we would like to acknowledge the support of the community of Portlaoise and throughout the county of Laois," it said.

The statement also provided an insight into where services stand given that a plan exists to downgrade Portlaoise hospital.

"The provision of safe, sustainable and effective health services is fundamental to the delivery of health services. The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group has been working to integrate and align hospitals across the group and with our community partners. We are committed to building and maintaining stable and resilient acute hospital services for our patient population and are doing so in accordance with the national health care policy, Slainte Care.

"Significant work has been undertaken since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic including the introduction of virtual clinics, integration with our community partners, building strong relationship which are benefiting staff and patients.

"Outreach and collaborative working to support nursing homes and the provision of additional step down, transitional care in the planned utilisation of Abbeyleix Community Hospital are just some examples of the developments that have and are occurring during this time.

"In addition, MRHP were able to successfully configure a combined ICU/ CCU, providing more appropriate capacity with additional equipment. A new respiratory assessment unit and additional staffing is also being planned.

"In addition, the mobilisation of group-wide support across and within hospitals to safely and appropriately transfer ICU patients in the peak of the surge all testify to the progressive and strengthening of everyones work to build and stabilise services across the Hospital Group and with our community partners," concluded the statement.
A firefighter and a paramedic responding to a medical emergency over the weekend were injured in a drive-by shooting in Antioch that turned into a cross-county pursuit of a man accused of killing a Discovery Bay man, authorities said.

Darryon Williams, 26, of Stockton was arrested Sunday afternoon and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on one count of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. He is being held in lieu of $11 million bail, officials said.

Sheriffs detectives on Sunday were trying to locate Williams 4-year-old son and the mother of the child, 31-year-old Kimberly Meeks of Discovery Bay, who officials said has links to the Stockton/Sacramento area. The mother and child were last seen traveling in a dark-colored Audi sport utility vehicle. Detectives said they were concerned about their safety.

The violence began shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday, when shots from a moving silver SUV were fired at Antioch police and Contra Costa County fire personnel tending to a person needing medical attention in the 1900 block of Auto Center Drive, police said. The SUV turned around and drove past the group again, with the driver firing a second round.

While units were on scene  fire was on scene with EMS  a drive-by shooting occurred, Joe Ottolini, fire prevention captain with Con Fire, told The Chronicle on Saturday.

Antioch police officers chased the vehicle onto Highway 4 and through Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The pursuit ended in Richmond after the driver crashed into a parked vehicle. Richmond police and California Highway Patrol officers arrested the fleeing suspect, who was identified by the Contra Costa sheriff as Williams. Authorities collected a gun at the scene.

Later Saturday night, Antioch police requested that Contra Costa sheriffs deputies conduct a welfare check on a person related to the case at a residence on the 2100 block of Newport Court in Discovery Bay.

When deputies arrived at the residence, they found a dead man inside the home with apparent gunshot wounds. Officials identified the man as 64-year-old Michael Iliff of Discovery Bay.

Authorities tentatively connected Williams to the killing and arrested him Sunday afternoon.

The gunfire injured two men: a Contra Costa County firefighter, 31, shot in the foot, and a paramedic, 58, shot in the leg. No other injuries were reported.

Both were taken to local hospitals, where they received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. They were in stable condition Saturday night, Ottolini said.

Our thoughts are with the injured firefighter and paramedic, who we thank for their service to our community, the Antioch Police Department said in a statement.

Anyone with information about the homicide or the whereabouts of Meeks and her son is asked to contact the Sheriffs Office Investigation Division at (925) 646-2441 or at (925) 313-2600. People with tips can email tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Lauren Hernandez and Vanessa Arredondo are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com, vanessa.arredondo@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez, @V_anana

What theyre experiencing is not unlike the situation zoos and animal sanctuaries in Texas have found themselves in, she said. The rare frigid weather there knocked out power  and heat  to a lot of places, resulting in a chimpanzee, monkeys, lemurs, and birds freezing to death at the San Antonio Primarily Primates sanctuary, according to reports. A sea turtle sanctuary in South Padre Island rescued more than 4,700 sea turtles from the freezing Gulf of Mexico.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2021 / New To The Street will broadcast Show 152 this Sunday at 930AM EST on NEWSMAX T.V., The show will feature Doctor Seth Lederman, President, and co-founder of Tonix Pharma, a research-driven biotechnology company. Tonix is working on a 1 shot vaccine for COVID and expecting to commence safety testing this year. Doctor Seth explains that people should wear masks even after vaccination as they can still spread and get the infection.

Also featured are:

Nextech AR with CEO and Founder Evan Gappelberg on the release of their airshow app, which brings holograms into your home. Nextech is a pure-play augmented reality company.

Paypolitan with CEO and Founder Nils Tharandt Ortiz talking about its (EPAN) coin starting to trade their IEO on Bitforex Feb 18 today.

"The Paypolitan EPAN token had an excellent performance of +87.2% the last 7 days, it even outperformed Ether! Listing our EPAN token on BitForex, one of the largest Hong Kong-based exchanges, will allow us to attract more Asian and institutional investors," stated Paypolitan CEO Nils Tharandt Ortiz.

Pawtocol with CEO and Founder Karim Quazzani speaking about their search engine and biodegradable pet toys. "We want our pets to eat healthily, and now it's time for them to play healthy, and with our partner Nova Milan we are proud to be producing a line of plant-based accessories and toys for the ethical pet parent," says Karim Quazzani, CEO of Pawtocol.



"The unsung heroes of the pet world are the animal shelters and rescues," says Karim Quazzani, CEO of Pawtocol. "By using the HeyDogi search engine, users will be able to donate their proceeds earned from a search to these great people. It's a win-win."

About Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Tonix) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering and developing innovative and proprietary new therapeutics that address the needs of patients. We focus on developing small molecules and biologics to treat CNS (pain, neurology, psychiatry, addiction) and immunological (vaccines, immunosuppression, oncology, autoimmune disease) conditions.

Our mission is to improve the lives of patients by identifying, researching, and developing promising therapies which have the potential to address needs not currently fulfilled by existing products.

About Nextech AR

Nextech is one of the leaders in the rapidly growing augmented reality market, which is estimated to grow from USD $10.7B in 2019 and projected to reach USD$72.7B by 2024, according to Markets & Markets Research; it is expected to

grow at a CAGR of 46.6% from 2019 to 2024.

The company is pursuing four verticals:



Virtual Experience Platform (VXP): An advanced Augmented Reality and Video Learning Experience Platform for Events, is a SaaS video platform that integrates interactive video, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality in one secure platform to allow enterprises the ability to create the world's most engaging virtual event management and learning experiences. Automated closed captions and translations to over 64 languages. According to Grandview Research, the global virtual events market in 2020 is $90B and expected to reach more than $400B by 2027, growing at a 23% CAGR. With Nextech's VXP platform having augmented reality, AI, end-to-end encryption, and built-in language translation for 64 languages, the company is well-positioned to rapidly take market share as the growth accelerates globally.

ARitize For eCommerce: The company launched its SaaS platform for webAR in eCommerce early in 2019. Nextech has a 'full funnel' end-to-end eCommerce solution for the AR industry, including its ARitize360 app for 3D product capture, 3D/AR ads, its ARitize white label app, its 'Try it On' technology for online apparel, 3D and 360-degree product views, and 'one-click buy.'

ARitize 3D/AR Advertising Platform: Launched in Q1 2020 the ad platform will be the industry's first end-to-end solution whereby the company will leverage its 3D asset creation into 3D/AR ads. In 2019, according to IDC, global advertising spend will be about $725 billion.

ARitize Hollywood Studios: The studio is in development producing immersive content using 360 videos and augmented reality as the primary display platform.

To learn more, please follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit our website.

On behalf of the Board of Nextech AR Solutions Corp.

"Evan Gappelberg"

CEO and Director

For further information, please contact:

Evan Gappelberg

Chief Executive Officer

info@Nextechar.com

About Pawtocol

PAWTOCOL, CEO and f\Founder Karim Quazzani will discuss how the company has aligned itself with ESG principles by being - Environmentally and Socially responsible, with inclusive and transparent Governance - the backbone of Blockchain - while showing users how to use their pet's data to not just help other pets and pet parents, but to earn income as well.

Telegram: https://t.me/pawtocol

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pawtocol

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Pawtocol/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqDegf8dpZU6fx7VQI0yQOg

Team@pawtocol.com

About Paypolitan PayPolitan - all-in-one payment solution paypolitan.io

The Paypolitan platform will use blockchain technology, smart contracts, and open banking APIs to provide a next-gen billing solution that meets the needs of modern payment systems for businesses and customers. In order to distribute our solution and drive locked liquidity, we also focus on white label solutions.

FMW Media Contact:

Bryan Johnson

+1 (631) 766-7462

Bryan@NewToTheStreet.com

SOURCE: FMW Media Works Corp

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/630885/New-to-The-Street-on-Newsmax-Sunday-930-AM-EST-featuring-Tonix-Pharmaceuticals-with-CEO-and-Founder-Doctor-Seth-Lederman-and-Nextech-AR-Evan-Gappelberg
Estate workers Rs.1000 wage hike endorsed By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):

The new plantation wages decided by the tea and rubber wages board will be gazetted despite receiving over hundreds of objections from stakeholders likely to be impacted by paying the Rs.1000 minimum wage.

Labour Commissioner General Prabhath Chandrakeerthi told the Business Times on Wednesday that since this wage hike of Rs.1000 is a government decision that had received cabinet approval it will be implemented immediately despite the objections.

The Labour Department had received 170 objections from the tea sector and 14 objections from the rubber sector, he said.

Accordingly, a Wages Board meeting was scheduled to take place on Friday afternoon where the objections will also be considered but the issuance of the gazette will go ahead.

The objections have been submitted to the Wages Board, Mr. Chandrakeerthi said adding that they were only involved in the facilitation of the entire process and that now it will be over to the trade unions and the representatives of the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs).

Some in the industry believed the government had brought forward the date for the submission of objections until 12 noon on Monday. However, according to the given legislation there is provision for the Labour Commissioner to consider the date until which objections can be filed.

It is mentioned in the wages board ordinance where we have to call and consider objections, the Labour Commissioner General explained adding however that they will not change their decision despite the objections placed before them.

This time the government has taken a decision and we have to go ahead with the government policy, he said.
Marks & Spencer is to launch a host of new clothing labels as it heads for a showdown with fashion rivals Next, Asos and Boohoo.

In a bold strategy to draw a line under a decade of stagnant clothing sales, M&S will begin adding new brands to its website from this Thursday  starting with an exclusive range from Finery London, owned by Dragon's Den star Touker Suleyman.

A succession of other labels  including Joules, Phase Eight, Hobbs, Seasalt, Ghost and Jaeger  will appear on the M&S website from next month and in stores when they reopen from April.

The new push is being talked about in the fashion industry as the biggest overhaul of M&S clothing for 20 years.

In a bold strategy to draw a line under a decade of stagnant clothing sales, M&S (pictured) will begin adding new brands to its website from this Thursday  starting with an exclusive range from Finery London, owned by Dragon's Den star Touker Suleyman

The high street stalwart hopes it can tempt both its existing customers and new ones to spend more money on its fashion lines as well as in its food halls.

M&S faces intense competition from its closest rival Next, whose online Directory business has grown at an astonishing rate and sells other brands such as Adidas, Mint Velvet and Ted Baker.

Marks remains the biggest womenswear retailer in the country but it has been blindsided by online competitors including Asos, which sells hundreds of other brands and has turned itself into a one-stop shop for youngsters.

Asos will tomorrow relaunch Topshop on its website after snapping up the brand just three weeks ago, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Other online firms biting at the heels of M&S include Boohoo which has hoovered up struggling fashion labels  including many direct rivals to M&S, such as Warehouse, Coast, Karen Millen and more recently Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Debenhams.

Mr Suleyman, who has supplied M&S own-label clothing ranges for more than 20 years, said: 'M&S is becoming more commercial, agile and more open-minded.

'I've already seen the changes happening at M&S and I feel very bullish about where they are now.

'They were dipping their toe in the water [selling third party fashion brands] last year and now they've got a platform ready, a database to work from and a list of brands to launch.'

Mr Suleyman also runs the Ghost brand, which will launch a separate collaboration with M&S later this year. He recently took control of Finery London and has cleared old stock in recent weeks ready for a relaunch of the business on its own website today.

A separate range of products under the Finery London label has been produced specifically for the M&S website.

The latest moves by M&S form part of wider plans to bring the firm's strategy up to date. It launched an online delivery service with Ocado in September.

Then last month it agreed a deal to buy women's fashion label Jaeger after the talks were first revealed by The Mail on Sunday.
The UN Security Council will hold a summit of world leaders Tuesday to debate climate change's implications for world peace, an issue on which its 15 members have divergent opinions.

The session, called by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and conducted by video-conference, comes just days after the United States under President Joe Biden formally rejoined the Paris climate change accord.

Johnson, whose country now holds the Security Council's rotating presidency, will address the forum, as will US climate czar John Kerry, French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the prime ministers of Ireland, Vietnam, Norway and other countries, diplomats say.

The meeting will serve as a test for US-China relations, one UN ambassador said on condition of anonymity, alluding to one of the few issues where the two big powers might agree. But this is not a given.

"We should watch how the Chinese position themselves with the Americans," this ambassador said.

Traditionally, the ambassador said, "you know that the Russians and the Chinese will immediately say (climate change has) 'nothing to do' with the council's issues."

Today, however, "the Chinese are more liable to be slightly open to that discussion," which "leaves the Russians pretty much on their own."

Russia does not see climate change as a broad issue for the Security Council to address. Moscow prefers dealing with climate questions on a case-by-case basis, diplomats told AFP.

Tuesday's meeting "will be focused on the security aspects of climate change," a second ambassador said, also on condition of anonymity.

Some non-permanent members of the council including Kenya and Niger have clearly expressed their concerns about climate change's impact on national security.

Others do not want to "turn the Security Council into another organ which is looking just at the issues more broadly around finance, adaptation, mitigation and negotiations," the second ambassador said.

Implications for conflict

"Both China and Russia, but not only them, are reluctant to have the Security Council discuss climate change and its implications," said a third ambassador, who ruled out the possibility of the council adopting a joint statement at this point.

"China and Russia think that it can become intrusive, that it is not about peace and security," this ambassador said.

"They don't want the Security Council to do decision-making about economic choices. Even they understand that climate change has implications for conflict drivers."

"Desertification, population movements and competition for access to resources" are linked to global warming, said another diplomat.

This is important for Tunisia, Norway and Ireland. The latter two have been on the council since January.

In the Lake Chad region of central Africa, the problem is not something to be left "for tomorrow. It already existed yesterday," an ambassador from Africa said.

He said the issues of access to water and production of animal feed can trigger violence between different communities and lead to idle, disaffected youths being recruited by jihadist groups.

The arrival of the Biden administration with its pledge to make global warming a top priority -- in contrast with Donald Trump, who regularly questioned the science behind climate change -- should change the Security Council's dynamics on this issue, diplomats said.

Last year, Germany, which then had a seat on the council, drafted a resolution calling for the creation of a special UN envoy post on climate-related security risks.

One goal of the job would be to improve UN efforts involving risk assessment and prevention.

But Germany never put the text up for a vote because of veto threats from the United States, Russia and China.

Today, with the new US approach, that draft resolution has a chance of being approved, said an ambassador with a seat on the council.

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The Giants have designated reliever Trevor Gott for assignment, per Kerry Crowley of the Bay Area News Group (Twitter link). The move clears space on the 40-man roster for the signing of Aaron Sanchez, whose one-year deal has been made official.

Gott is a bit of a surprising cut after San Francisco signed him to a $700K contract to avoid arbitration last November. Acquired from the Nationals in a minor trade before 2019, Gott looked like a potential long-term bullpen piece after his first season in the Bay Area. He tossed 52.2 innings of 4.44 ERA/3.73 SIERA ball with better than average strikeout (26.6%) and walk (7.9%) rates in 2019. Unfortunately, the wheels fell off last season, with Gott coughing up 13 runs (including a staggering seven homers) over 11.2 innings with eight strikeouts and walks apiece.

The Giants will now have a week to trade Gott, release him or place him on outright waivers. Brutal 2020 notwithstanding, its plausible he could attract interest from another club. In addition to his solid performance in 2019, Gott averaged a strong 95.4 MPH on his fastball last season. As a player with three-plus years of MLB service, a potential acquiring team would pick up three seasons of team control via arbitration.

If no other team acquires Gott, hed be entitled to thirty days termination pay (roughly $112K) as a player cut within the first half of spring training. Unlike the vast majority of MLB contracts, most arbitration deals arent fully guaranteed until Opening Day.
South African National Defence Force senior generals thought the country was involved in a biological war, which caused them to buy R260-million worth of useless medicine from Cuba to fight Covid-19.

These generals saw themselves as a first line of defence in this biological war and wanted to be injected first with the Heberon Interferon alfa-2b medicine, Rapport reported.

These bizarre facts emerged during a session of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans.

Last year, media reports revealed the SANDF spent millions on Interferon alfa-2b (Heberon Alfa R) from TecnoImport, a Cuban state-owned company  despite the Department of Health banning it from being used to treat Covid-19.

To add insult to injury, around 40% of the consignment of Heberon Alfa R was lost because the cold-chain supply was not adequately managed.

It was illegal for the SANDF to import medicines without the required permission, and the Auditor General and the Hawks have since launched investigations into the issue.

As part of its investigation the Hawks tried to raid the South African Military Health Services depot in Pretoria.

This, the Sunday Times reported, lead to an embarrassing standoff with the SANDF military police who sent the Hawks officers packing without confiscating any drugs as planned.

The SANDF then issued a statement defending its decision to acquire the medicine to fight Covid-19.

Interferon B is a drug that has been manufactured in Cuba and has been safely used worldwide for over 30 years, it said.

There has since been a great interest in the drug and its efficacy as an immune-modulator in mitigation of Covid-19 complications including death and need for hospitalisation.

Objective data shows that more than 8,000 subjects in Cuba, Pakistan, Iran, Ukraine, Brazil and others have safely benefited from Heberon use.

It said evidence is mounting that countries that use Heberon have lower mortality rates due to Covid-19.

The SANDF said its proactive approach was informed by the generally-accepted understanding the military is a line of defence in all countries.

Defence forces around the world are well known for their medical research for protecting their own forces and results of that research has had beneficial impact on the wider society just like other technologies that have been developed by the military, it said.

The South African Military Health Services duly applied for Section 21 for the use of the drug to SAHPRA and got approval on 5 October 2020 for the proposed use detailed in that application.

No scientific rationale

Professor Shabir Madhi from the school of pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand disputed the SANDFs view.

There is no scientific rationale for doing a clinical trial of Interferon alfa-2b as it has already been shown to be ineffective in the WHO solidarity trial in the treatment of Covid-19, he said.

As if the situation could not get any stranger, the SANDF has now revealed that it viewed the Covid-19 pandemic as biological warfare.

Speaking to parliament, the SANDFs Maj-Gen Mzikayise Tyhalisi said they had been instructed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to put boots on the ground in April 2020.

The military then swung into a process of planning of the employment and protecting of these forces.

The military in this case has the sole capability of chemical and biological warfare, it said. We did not know how this enemy was going to behave, Tyhalisi said.

The Military Council, the highest strategic decision-making body of the SANDF, said it seemed to be a biological warfare problem.

South African Medical Service (SAMS), a service branch of the SANDF, was then tasked with finding a solution to this problem to protect their soldiers.

SAMS found Interferon, which they regarded not as a treatment, but as a prophylactic biological product to deal with a biological threat to address a military problem.

Tyhalisi said the purchase of Interferon should not be seen as a line item. Instead, it was a purchased to support the fight against a military biological threat.

The SANDF added that wartime planning and execution, as was the case here, can always be viewed and judged harshly with the benefit of hindsight and a peacetime perspective.

SANDF presentation
Class sizes may exert some influence on parents choice of one school over another, but experts say the latest data shows smaller classes do not necessarily increase academic performance.

Official figures released on Friday showed Victorian schools had a student-to-teaching staff ratio of 12.8 students to one teacher in 2020.

The ratio was higher in primary schools (13.9 students to one teacher) than secondary schools (11.5 students to one teacher), the Australian Bureau of Statistics said.

Victorian independent schools had a lower student-to-teacher ratio (10.8 students to one teacher) than Catholic schools (13 students to one teacher) and government schools (13.3 to one).
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-20 22:44:29|Editor: huaxia

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ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's pro-government forces announced Saturday that nearly 40 members of the Houthi rebel group were killed in the ongoing fighting in the country's northeastern province of Marib.

According to a brief statement released by the pro-government Ministry of Defence, "the army units launched artillery shelling and killed a total of 40 members of the Houthi militia in Marib's northern outskirts."

The statement said that a number of vehicles carrying dozens of Houthi rebels were precisely struck by the artillery shelling near Marib.

All the targeted military vehicles belonging to the Houthi militia were completely destroyed at the scene, it said.

Meanwhile, media outlets linked to the Houthi group reported that a series of airstrikes were launched by the Saudi-led coalition against the militia's sites in Marib.

Battles are still continuing intensively as the Houthis are progressing to capture the strategic oil-rich province of Marib from the government's grip.

Dozens were either killed or injured from both warring sides in the non-stop armed confrontations in Marib amid heavy airstrikes carried out by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition.

Escalation of fighting between the Yemeni government and the Houthi militia has displaced nearly 400 families in Marib.

Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.

The Saudi-led coalition intervened in the Yemen conflict in March 2015 to support Hadi's government. Enditem
Tripoli, Libya (PANA)  Members of the unified interim Executive Authority, designated by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, on Sunday agreed with members of the joint 5+5 military commission on the possibility of holding the next session of Parliament in the city of Sirte (450 km East of Tripoli)
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Editors note: The Journal continues Whats in a Name?, a twice a month column in which staff writer Elaine Briseno will give a short history of how places in New Mexico got their names.

The Rio Grande didnt always trickle.

It used to gush with enough power to destroy.

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And destroy it did, all up and down the valley, gobbling crops, homes and whole communities.

A combination of drought, increased demand and management have depleted the waters of the river, making it more benign, but many Albuquerque area settlements along its bank are still thriving.

One of those is the unincorporated community of Alameda, which has a major east to west road of the same name running through it. The street was only two lanes not that long ago, making travel along it impossible and useless during rush hour.

It was eventually widened to four lanes and expanded further east, turning it into a viable road for traveling between the citys east and west sides.

In 1903, the flooded river destroyed the village of Alameda, including its plaza, Catholic church and many homes. Both the plaza and church were located near the current intersection of Alameda and Rio Grande boulevards. Bernalillo County uncovered the churchs old cemetery in the early 2000s while doing work for a utility project. The village was abandoned after the flood and rebuilt east of original location along with a new church, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is still standing.

The first thing that probably comes to mind for most Americans when they hear the word alamo, is the famous battle cry Remember the Alamo! The rallying shout became popular in honor of a small number of Texans who faced off against thousands of Mexican troops, while barricaded inside the Alamo Mission in San Antonio, Texas.

Despite its Texas fame, the word also has historical significance for the Alameda community.

Alameda is the Spanish term for a public promenade bordered with trees, according to Merriam-Webster. Its derived from the Spanish word alamo, which refers to a cottonwood or poplar tree.

Current day Alameda was once part of the San Carlos de Alameda, or Town of Alameda, land grant. The grant went through several legal challenges and its exact boundaries are not known because the Rio Grande has changed course numerous times. Before the Spaniards settled there, the area was home to a Tiwa pueblo people.

The Tiwa are a prominent part of New Mexicos modern day cultural map, calling the Isleta, Sandia, Picuris and Taos pueblos home.

According to Robert Julyans book The Place Names of New Mexico, Coronado found Tiwa people, where present day Alameda is now, when he arrived in 1540. The pueblo was destroyed during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt and its displaced tribal members relocated 25 miles south to what is now Isleta.

In 1710, the grant was awarded to Francisco Montes Vigil, who migrated from Zacatecas, Mexico, for his faithful service to the throne of Spain. Vigil requested that specific piece of land, making sure to boast about all he had done for the crown, including his participation in all of the efforts to pacify the Indians. He claimed his large family was in great need of the land for their cattle.

Turns out his need might not have been that great.

He sold it two years later for a profit to Captain Juan Gonzales who settled the area with his family and built a chapel there. The parish was called San Carlos. He constructed a large ranch home and the community sprung up around him.

Although the greater Albuquerque metropolitan area has swallowed up this once distinct town, the community retains a unique identity. There are families still living there whose ancestors farmed the land, using acequias to draw water from the Rio Grande.

Today some of the citys most beautiful, unique homes sit along the bosque in Alameda and the Catholic church remains a center of the community. The Catholic cemetery along Alameda road is named San Carlos, most likely in connection to the original church, community and land grant.

Its also a great community to enjoy the outdoors. The countys Bachechi Open space, with its small forest, provides bird watching opportunities as well as a chance to witness the states ancient acequia system at work. In nonpandemic times, the county offers family events and educational courses there. Next door to that, is the Alameda Open Space, a launching spot for the paved and dirt trails along the bosque.

Curious about how a town, street or building got its name? Email staff writer Elaine Briseno at ebriseno@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3965 as she continues the monthly journey in Whats in a Name?
Few speeches are as monotonous as the average stewardess's flight announcements. When I hear, "This is Helen, your chief attendant " I either settle down for a long nap or open my book to read. I could make the speech myself.

But Frank was different. "My name is Frank," he began as we left Detroit, "and this plane is going to Chicago. If you aren't going to Chicagowell, you're going anyway!"

After a dramatic pause, he continued. "Please be sure your seat belts are fastened. If they aren't, and I discover it, I will belt you into your seat upside-down." A chuckle rippled throughout the cabin.

"There will be no smokingI emphasize, no smoking in the aisles or the lavatories. If I catch you smoking in either place, I will take your lavatory privileges away from you." We laughed out loud; but we got the message.

At the close of the flight, we bounced hard on the runway as we landed. But Frank was ready: "That was our Easter evening hippity-hop landing at O'Hare Field. The Easter Bunny says, 'Welcome to Chicago!'" Almost the entire plane broke into applause.

Frank reminded me of something that Easter night: no matter how important your message, people will miss it unless you get their attention. Information needs imagination if there is to be communication. And no area of communication has a greater need for imagination than preaching.

Imagination: friend or enemy?

Whenever I mention imagination in a homiletics class or a preaching seminar, people glare at me as if I had just denied the Virgin Birth or the responsibility of a church to pay its pastor. The fact that we misunderstand imagination is one reason why we neglect it. People tend to confuse imagination with fancy or the imaginary. We are so wedded to the historic faith that we want to defend it against anything invented by humans. To most people, imagination belongs to the Brothers Grimm, Walt Disney, Tolkien, and little children who have no playmates.

But imagination and fancy are not the same. Fancy helps me escape reality, while imagination helps me penetrate reality and understand it better. Fancy wrote "Mary Had a Little Lamb," but inspired imagination wrote Psalm 23. Fancy creates a new world for you; imagination gives you new insight into the old world.

Great preachers have, for the most part, valued imagination as an ally. Alexander Whyte called it "nothing less than the noblest intellectual attribute of the human mind." He even felt that the imagination was stronger than the will and could be used to reach the will. The blind preacher George Matheson prized imagination as "the highest power of man."

Listen to the testimony of Henry Ward Beecher in the first series of Yale Lectures on Preaching: "And the first element on which your preaching will largely depend for power and success, you will perhaps be surprised to learn, is Imagination, which I regard as the most important of all the elements that go to make the preacher."

But our misunderstanding of imagination is not the only cause for its neglect. Another factor is our emphasis on content rather than intent. In recent years, the preacher has become a lecturer, and the sanctuary has become a classroom. The most important preparation for hearing a sermon is not a keen mind and a clean heart, but a clean notebook and a sharp pencil.

Lest I be misunderstood, let me make it clear that sermons must have biblical content. But if that is all they have, they are not sermons. The preacher needs to spend time on exegesis, but merely taking words apart will never put lives together. We need to obey the rules of hermeneutics and homiletics, but we also need to use our imagination so our listeners get something more than a recipe when they are starving for a meal.

There are times when preaching must emphasize only doctrinal content. Fine; but even then, let the preacher use imagination in presenting the material. I believe in the immediacy of preaching. I believe God wants something to happen in the hearts of people while the preacher is delivering the Word of God. There may be a place for a cassette rerun or a review from a notebook, but these can never replace the immediate impact of the Word as the sermon is being preached. While I do not agree with Harry Emerson Fosdick's theology, his philosophy of preaching was excellent: "The purpose of preaching is not to explain a subject, but to achieve an object."

It has well been said that the human mind is not a debating chamber but a picture gallery. The prophet Nathan did not approach David with a lecture, complete with charts, on Levitical sacrifices. He told the king a story about a stolen ewe lamb, and he reached the king's heart. Nicodemus wanted information about Jesus and his miracles, but the Lord used imagination and talked with him about birth. The Samaritan woman tried to argue about rival religious doctrines, but Jesus kept talking to her about her thirst and God's living water.

Perhaps the greatest cause of the decline of imagination in preaching is right there: we have forgotten that the Bible is an imaginative book. It contains every kind of literature, from funeral dirges and pastoral poems to epigrams, parables, allegories, and creative symbols that have captured poets, artists, and composers for centuries. For some reason, our views of inspiration and inerrancy have robbed us of a living book, a book that throbs with excitement and enrichment. Instead of entering into the literary genre of the passage, we treat all passages alike. David's poems sound, to our ears, like Paul's arguments, and our Lord's parables like Moses' genealogies. Shame on us!

Let me suggest a final cause for this neglect of imagination: too many preachers refuse to be themselves and, instead, imitate the sermons of better-known preachers. Why fear to be yourself?

God made you as you are and wants you to deliver his message your way. Imagination leads to originality, and originality leads to variety, power, and excitement.

What can imagination do?

To begin with, imagination can help us understand and interpret the Word of God. Imagination is as essential to the science of hermeneutics as the lexicon and interlinear. I once asked D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones if he had any trouble preaching non-Pauline passages. He replied, "Folks said I wouldn't do a good job with the Gospel of John because Paul didn't write it. But I was able to enter into John's mind as easily as I entered into Paul's."

We do not degrade Scripture when we come to its pages with a sanctified imagination. Rather, we accept the Scriptures as they were given to us, in simile and metaphor, in parable and allegory, in poetry and narrative, in song and proverb. The preacher who masters a book like The Language and Imagery of the Bible by G. B. Caird (Westminster, 1980) will discover a new touch to both his hermeneutics and his homiletics.

While preparing a message on Hosea 14, I decided to read the entire book again and especially note the similes. I was amazed to find the brokenhearted prophet painting one picture after another. "Israel is stubborn, like a stubborn heifer" (4:16, NASB). "For I will be like a lion to Ephraim" (5:14). "And He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth" (6:3). "For your loyalty is like a morning cloud, and like the dew which goes away early" (6:4). Simile is piled upon simile! No wonder Spurgeon preached one of his most effective sermons from Hosea. The title is "Everybody's Sermon," and the text is Hosea 12:10"I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes" (KJV). "In addressing myself to you this morning," said Spurgeon, "I shall endeavor to show how every day, and every season of the year, in every place, and in every calling which you are made to exercise, God is speaking to you by similitudes." The preacher who questions the value of imagination in preaching ought to study this sermon, and then go quietly and repent.

Many preachers try to use their imagination only in reconstructing Bible scenes, and this has its place when done with accuracy and insight. The better the preacher's imagination, the shorter the description and the more vivid the strokes in the picture. But I am not encouraging reconstruction so much as identification: entering into the spirit of the passage, the mind and heart of the writer, and being true to the literary genre. It would be difficult to conceive of an interpreter understanding Ezekiel 1 or Isaiah 40 without the use of sanctified imagination.

Imagination also helps us identify with people and apply the Word to their lives. (If all you want to do is explain a subject, you need not worry about meeting needs.) Halford Luccock wrote, "Nothing is more central to a genuine ministry than the faculty of feeling one's way into the lives of others.  It is more than sympathy; it is empathy, the imaginative projection of our consciousness into another's being."

Imagination helps you anticipate people's questions and objections. As you put yourself in their place, you discover mental obstacles that must be removed, prejudices that must be exposed, and objections that will need answers if the listener is to receive your material. Again, Harry Emerson Fosdick was the master of answering the listener's questions before they were even voiced. As you read his sermons, you note such phrases as "Some may be saying " "Do not misunderstand me " "Now, when somebody says " " 'True enough,' you reply, 'but what about ' " Phrases like these indicate preparation with the congregation in mind.

Your imagination can help you present the truth in ways that encourage reception. "Don't just throw the seed at the people!" Spurgeon said. "Grind it into flour, bake it into bread, and slice it for them. And it wouldn't hurt to put a little honey on it."

Though we often deal with abstract truth, the best way to get it across is to incarnate it in pictures and illustrations. "You may build up laborious definitions and explanations," Spurgeon told his students, "and yet leave your hearers in the dark as to your meaning; but a thoroughly suitable metaphor will wonderfully clear the sense."

It amazes me how some preachers can make Bible doctrine so dull! Each of the key doctrinal words in our New Testament is part of an exciting picture. Justification belonged to the courtroom before it moved to the seminary. Redemption was born out of Greek and Roman slavery. The phrase born again was familiar to the Greeks and carried meanings that would illumine any sermon today. The preacher who does not study wordsincluding English wordsis robbing himself of an effective tool for communicating truth. It is not accidental that some of our most effective preachers were students of words, readers of dictionaries, and lovers of crossword puzzles.

Literary critics have led the way in studying the significance of metaphors in human life. I recommend the books by Dr. Northrop Frye, especially The Educated Imagination and The Great Code: The Bible and Literature. If you want to do postgraduate study with Dr. Frye, tackle his classic. Anatomy of Criticism. I also recommend Metaphor and Reality by Philip Wheelwright, and Religious Imagination by Robert D. Young. Perhaps you studied all these in college or seminary. I did not, so I had to get them the hard wayor maybe the easy way, now that I see how important they are.

Imagination enables you to see the universal in the particular, and that universal is often expressed in a simile or metaphor. The Bible is saturated with this kind of language. Paul used dozens of different images to describe the church (see Images of the Church in the New Testament by Paul S. Minear), and most of these images are still part of human thinking today.

We must have information; otherwise our preaching is but noise. However, that information reaches the heart and mind of the listener with greater impact if it is coupled with imagination.

Preaching is an art as well as a science. Hermeneutics and homiletics can give us the skeleton, but it takes imagination to put flesh on the bones. Homiletical scientists may be good at textual autopsies, but they cannot raise the dead. As Goethe once remarked, "The artist who is not also a craftsman is no good; but, alas, most of our artists are nothing else!" Imagination is what transforms a craftsman into an artist.

This means preachers are more than organizers of ideas. They are not carpenters who nail together a number of miscellaneous boards, the doctrinal driftwood that has floated ashore during their studies. Sermons grow; they come from the seed of the Word, planted in the mind and heart, nurtured by meditation and prayer, cultivated by sanctified imagination. A sermon is a living thing that produces fruit, and that fruit has in it the seed for more fruit. Some sermons can be preached (or read) over and over, bringing blessing and opening up new horizons of thought each time.

"The sin of being uninteresting," wrote Bishop Quayle, "is in a preacher an exceedingly mortal sin. It hath no forgiveness." If you want your preaching to be both interesting and penetrating, learn the power of metaphor and the genius of imagination.

Cultivating your imagination

Children seem to be imaginative by nature. True, their imagination usually runs to fancy, but even that is not all bad. Once you get a grip on reality, fancy and imagination can live together and even help each other.

Why does the passing of years destroy imagination? I am not so sure it does. I think it is a fable that children have great imaginations but adults do not. So perhaps the first step is to rid ourselves of this defeatist notion that our imagination is dead and cannot be revived. Perhaps it is only hibernating. What happens when your grandchildren show up? You think of all sorts of fun things to do! Novelist W. Somerset Maugham wrote, "Imagination grows by exercise and contrary to common belief is more powerful in the mature than in the young."

The preacher, of all people, has the greatest advantages when it comes to developing his imagination. To begin with, he is expected to be a student, a reader. Imagination must be fed. The mind grows by taking in just as the heart grows by giving out. The preacher who reads only the approved books and never faces truth on many fronts will have difficulty developing his imagination.

Read widely, especially those classics to which time has given its seal of approval. Read poetry and children's stories as well as history, biography, and theology. All truth is God's truth, and (as Phillips Brooks reminded us) all truth intersects. You cannot confront truth without gaining some new insight into your Bible.

But the ivory tower bookworm will never meet the needs of people. Education is important, but so is experience. The preacher must live! He must mix learning and living, the library and the marketplace. He must be among his people, with the publicans and sinners as well as the preachers and saints. Emerson said, "If you would learn to write, 'tis in the street you must learn it.  The people, and not the college, is the writer's home." Substitute the word "preacher" for "writer," and take it to heart.

Martin Luther used to say that prayer, meditation, and suffering made a preacher, and he was right. Sermons are not made from books so much as from battles and burdens. Hermeneutics professors take note: some in the Bible who suffered most gave us the most imaginative pictures of spiritual truthMoses, David, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, John, and Paul  not to mention our Lord Jesus Christ.

Certainly an important part of living is creative communion with people who truly live. Every preacher needs to be a part of a brain trust where ideas are debated and neat systems shattered. The minister who has all truth filed on pages in a notebook needs a fellowship like this to help him turn some of his periods into commas, and perhaps some of his exclamation points into question marks.

Cultivate a sense of humor. There are exceptions, of course, but generally speaking, creative people have a sense of humor. After all, a humorist has been defined as a person who can see more than one thing at a timeand that is what imagination is all about. If you know how to laughand why you laughyou can feed your imagination on humor.

Most of all I recommend a childlike sense of wonder at life. Spend your days with your eyes and ears open, your mind constantly inquiring. Beware of coming to a place in life where you feel you have learned it all and done it all. When you come to that place, you are entering a dead-end street." What is experience," asked advertising magnate Alex Osborn, "but a wealth of parallels upon which our imagination can draw?"

It takes time to develop a creative imagination, and most preachers are too busy to work at it. Creative people need times of incubation as well as times of investigation. Your best ideas may come when you least expect them, provided you have been doing your homework. We must get away from things in order to see them clearly.

This means the busy preacher, who often cannot use his time as he wishes, must set aside periods for relaxation and meditation. Each person must know his own creative cycle: when to study, when to get away from the desk, and how to make the best use of free time. We need parentheses in our lives. This means setting priorities. Creative people know how to say no.

Imagination is the preacher's neglected ally, waiting to serve if we will let it. If we determine to be creative, there is a price to pay; but there is a greater price to pay if we are not.

Our listeners will know the choice we have made.
A large bust of York, an enslaved Black member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, appeared Saturday on the same Mount Tabor pedestal where a statue of Portland editor Harvey Scott stood until being torn down last fall.

York was enslaved by one of the 19th Century expeditions leaders, William Clark. It wasnt clear who created the bust of York or who put it on the pedestal.

This piece of art is a complete surprise for Portland Parks & Recreation, Parks director Adena Long said in a statement Saturday. She said the bureaus policy is to allow tributes placed in parks to remain, so long as they are not a danger to the public, and so it intends to leave the bust of York in the park for the time being.

I appreciate the tribute to York, and I looking forward to seeing the memorial in person, Long said.

Historians say no contemporary illustration of York exists, so its not clear what he looked like. The bust on Mount Tabor depicts him as bald, with downcast eyes. An accompanying plaque describes him as The first African American to cross North America and reach the Pacific Coast.

We should regard this installation for both the important piece that it is, as well as a much-needed reminder to city leaders to hasten our work of rooting out white supremacy in our institutionsparticularly our city government, where many processes exclude community participation and discourage engagement, said Parks Commissioner Carmen Rubio.

The city will keep the York memorial in place for the foreseeable future, Rubio said, and work to ensure our city policies regarding monuments, recognitions, and parks-affiliated names reflect our commitment to a fuller, more racially inclusive history of contributions to Portland.

The Harvey Scott statue came down overnight on October 20, one of several statues of historical figures toppled across Portland in the wake of civil rights protests last summer.

The Scott statue was badly damaged in its fall and  like other statues pulled down last year  hasnt been restored to its position.

There are a number of other depictions of York in public art, including on the Sovereign Hotel building in downtown Portland, at Lewis & Clark College, and in Louisville, Kentucky.

York remained enslaved after the expedition and, according to historical accounts, was treated brutally by Clark in later years. Clark ultimately freed him in 1816 or thereabouts, a decade after the expedition returned from the West. Its unclear how York spent the rest of his life, or when he died.

The University of Portland removed a statue of Clark, York and a Native American last summer after it was targeted by vandals.

Scott was editor of The Oregonian for 40 years and a well-known conservative who opposed his sister, Abigail Scott Duniway, on womens suffrage. He died in 1910 and the statue, made by Gutzon Borglum while the sculptor was also working on Mount Rushmore, went up on Mount Tabor in 1933.

-- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway |
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 23:17:33|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of National Defense on Sunday said the 10th Round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held on Feb. 20 on the Chinese side of the Moldo-Chushul border meeting point.

The two sides positively appraised the smooth completion of disengagement of frontline troops in the Bangong Lake area, noting that it was a significant step forward that provided a good basis for resolution of other remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of China-India border areas, according to a joint press release of the meeting.

The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on other issues along the LAC in the Western Sector of the China-India border, it said.

Both sides agreed to follow the important consensus of their state leaders, continue communication and dialogue, stabilize and control the situation on the ground, push for a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues in a steady and orderly manner, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas, said the document. Enditem
Thai govt encourages farmers to grow marijuana

A cannabis plant mascot entertains patients at the opening of a cannabis clinic in Bangkok. File photo: AFP

Thailand is promoting cannabis as a cash crop for the countrys farmers as another source of income, a senior official said on Sunday.



Everybody has the right to grow marijuana by partnering up with provincial hospitals for medical use, deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul said, adding that those interested would have to also seek approval from authorities.



So far, 2,500 households and 251 provincial hospitals have grown 15,000 cannabis plants, she said. We hope that cannabis and hemp will be a primary cash crop for farmers.



Others that can seek licences to grow cannabis include universities, community enterprises, medical professionals and traditional medicine professionals.



The announcement comes after Thailand last year removed certain cannabis and hemp parts from its narcotics list.



Cannabis can also be used in food and beverages at restaurants, as long as it came from an approved producer, Traisulee said, adding that the Medical Marijuana Institute will hold information sessions for investors and the public this month.



The state drugmaker, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation, said it would buy cannabis from approved community enterprises for up to 45,000 baht (US$1,500) per kilogramme, for those containing 12 percent cannabidiol (CBD). (Reuters)
New Delhi:

Chinas state-backed media, Global Times has accused the Western Media of being biased in favour of new Delhi in the Doklam standoff just because India is a democratic country.

Global Times on Tuesday in an opinion piece said, Whats more India arouses sympathy because it is in a weaker position compared with China.

The Global Times further writes that India in the Western media is a victim which has been bullied by China, even though India illegally entered Chinese territory and violated international law to unilaterally intervene in the territorial dispute between China and Bhutan.

The opinion peace further reads that the Western media reports mainly cited Indias rhetoric and what happened from the Indian medias point of view, depicting a mild India which called for a troop withdrawal and bilateral negotiations.

In the opinion piece it have been mentioned that India has several advantages in the sphere of international opinion chiefly because the chief among them being the fact that its a Western-style democracy.

The piece further reads, India has a Western-style political system and can gloss it's illegal acts under the banner of democracy.

The piece added that India has been a busybody in the region since World War II and the "Western media has ignored all this".

"Since WWII, India has been one of the few countries that has annexed a sovereign country. It has inherited colonial legacies and directly interfered with or even diplomatically and militarily controlled its tiny neighbours. But Western media has ignored all this," read the article.

The Global Times further right that, @India gained independence through nonviolent resistance to the British Empire. The West believes India has been well-behaved and will not invade or bully other countries.
Del Bigtree, founder of ICAN, says the nonprofit will file a lawsuit against the CDC regarding the claim that vaccines do not cause autism. (Courtesy of icandecide.org)

Nonprofit to File Lawsuit Against CDC Over Statement That Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism

Del Bigtree, founder of the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN) said his organization will file a lawsuit against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to request the federal agency take down its statement that claims vaccines do not cause autism from its webpage on autism and vaccines.

There is no science to back up the statement as far as what the CDCs provided to say that vaccines, plural, do not cause autism, Bigtree told The Epoch Times. This is a false statement.

We will bring a case against the CDC to remove that from the website because it is actually inaccurate, he added.

Bigtree says that the CDC has not been able to provide his organization studies that concretely show vaccines given to infants in the first six months of life do not cause autism, a neurological and developmental disorder that may be diagnosed as early as six to 12 months.

If vaccines contribute to the issue, certainly we can isolate it inside of the vaccines given in the first six months of life because autism is appearing at six months, Bigtree said.

The United States has seen an increase in children diagnosed with autism. In 2000, there were only 1 in 150 children with autism. By 2016, the CDC estimated that 1 in 45 children had autism, with 1 in 32 children diagnosed in New Jersey.

A general view of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., on Sept. 30, 2014. (Tami Chappell/Reuters)

A spokesperson from the CDC said the health agency has always been upfront about its position on vaccines and autism. CDC is and has always been clear on this subject: vaccines do not cause autism, the spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email.

In August 2020, the federal agency said it was doing an update to its website and temporarily took down the statement causing a misunderstanding that the CDC may have changed its stance on the issue.

As for the statement you reference, in the fall of 2020, as part of routine website updates to ensure consistent website formatting, CDC updated its page on vaccines and autism, the spokesperson said. Recently, this change has been misinterpreted on social media and among some organizations as a change in CDCs position.

The headline has been added back to our website to ensure there is no confusion around CDCs position, she added.

According to Bigtree, the statement was taken down from the CDC website on Aug. 27, 2020, and added back again shortly after ICAN issued a press release about the change on Jan. 25.

Mark Sadaka, a vaccine injury lawyer who has handled over 180 vaccination cases, said the CDC will never remove the statement since the health agency is making that claim based on its own research and the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that meet regularly and vote on all kinds of issues, including safety concerns and recommendations on who should get vaccinated and when.

The CDC is the U.S. premier public health agency, and like what the ACIP did, it can take currently available information and issue statements related to public health, Sadaka told The Epoch Times in an email. That is what the CDC is charged to do and that is what they did here.

Sadaka said that ICANs lawsuit should instead focus on having the CDC add qualifying language to the information presented to the public.

The best that could happen [for ICANs lawsuit] is the addition of qualifying language that says six effects of vaccines within the first six weeks of life have not been studied or something like that, Sadaka said.

As a lawyer for people injured by vaccines, I can say that vaccines can hurt and kill. But when it comes to autism specifically, the science is just not there right now. It may come one day, he added.

Lack of Studies to Support Claim

ICAN logo. The nonprofit said it will file a lawsuit against the CDC regarding the claim that vaccines do not cause autism. (Courtesy of icandecide.org)

In 2019, ICAN and the Institute for Autism Science submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the CDC requesting the health agency provide all of the studies it relied upon to determine that the five vaccines given during the first six months of an infants life do not cause autism.

The vaccines: diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP), hepatitis B, polio (IPV), Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib), and pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13), are each injected into the babies three times during the first six months of life, the complaint [pdf] filed against the CDC in December 2019 reads.

The CDC eventually provided ICAN with 20 studies in March 2020 [pdf] after it was forced to submit to the FOIA request.

Of the 20 trials provided by the CDC, 18 did not address any of the five vaccines that ICAN challenged.

Instead, they were related to either the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), thimerosal, or both. Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative widely used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in vaccines until 2001, when it was removed from or reduced in all vaccines for children 6 years of age except for the flu shot, according to the CDC.

Bigtree said two of the remaining studiesthe 2012 report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the 2013 antigen exposure trial, both funded by the CDCstill did not answer whether vaccines given from birth until six months cause autism.

The antigen study [pdf] published in the Journal of Pediatrics looked specifically at the number of antigensa substance that can induce an immune responsein vaccines given in the first two years of life in children with autism spectrum disorder and those without. It did not examine the effects of other substances in the vaccines such as adjuvants and other chemicals.

The CDC says adjuvants are ingredients in vaccines that help create a stronger immune response or helps vaccines work better but can cause more local reactions (such as redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site) and more systemic reactions (such as fever, chills and body aches) than non-adjuvanted vaccines. A common adjuvant used in many vaccines is aluminum.

The authors of the study found no evidence to indicate an association between exposure to antigens in the vaccines and autism, or in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with regression, although, It can be argued that ASD with regression, in which children usually lose developmental skills during the second year of life, could be related to exposures in infancy, including vaccines.

The IOM report was the only study to address one of the vaccines, the DTaP that ICAN inquired about. The study analyzed over 12,000 peer-reviewed trials to examine whether certain vaccines caused the 158 recognized adverse effects.

Based on the available scientific literature, the IOM found only five of the 158 adverse events were not associated with vaccinations, 18 were associated with vaccines, and for the remaining 135 adverse effects, there was inadequate evidence to accept or reject a causal relationship.

For the DTaP vaccine, the report concluded that the evidence is inadequate to accept or reject a causal relationship between diphtheria toxoid-, tetanus toxoid-, or acellular pertussis-containing vaccine and autism.

The only relevant study reviewed by the IOM but was not considered in the weight of epidemiologic evidence found an association between autism and DTaP. The study was rejected because it provided data from a passive surveillance system and lacked an unvaccinated population.

To date, no study has been conducted on overall health effects between a vaccinated and a placebo or an unvaccinated group because of ethical concerns about withholding vaccines from children in the placebo group.

But Bigtree says the CDC can still do a retrospective and comparative study on vaccinated vs unvaccinated children using data from its Vaccine Safety Datalink that monitors safety of vaccines and conduct studies about rare and serious adverse events following immunization.

Bigtree alleges that the federal health agencies refuse to do this type of study, saying it was confirmed in a meeting he and Robert Kennedy Jr. had with officials from the National Institute of Health (NIH), including Director of the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Disease Anthony Fauci, to discuss vaccine safety on May 30, 2017. The meeting was set up by President Donald Trump.

Thats all we asked for, just do a comparative study with your database, vaccinated versus unvaccinated, Bigtree said. And they essentially said to us, We will never do that study.

The NIH did not respond to an email from The Epoch Times for comment.

That study could answer this question once and for all, Bigtree said. Which means, if they knew they were right and they knew that vaccines made people healthier, they would do that study.

The IOM has also suggested that a study be done between those who receive no vaccinations and those who receive the full currently recommended immunization schedule to address all health outcomes and safety concerns in its 2013 report on vaccine schedule safety.

The CDCs recommended vaccine schedule includes 50-54 doses of 13 vaccines when the flu shot is given annually beginning at one year of age and if the combination vaccines (DTaP and MMR) are not counted separately.

The United States recommends the most vaccines to children and adolescents compared to other Western countries. In Sweden, vaccinations are voluntary, and the first dose is offered at six weeks instead of immediately after birth like in the United States. Sweden offers 22 doses of seven vaccines.
A survey by a Boston University researcher of nearly 33,000 college students across the country reveals the prevalence of depression and anxiety in young people continues to increase, now reaching its highest levels, a sign of the mounting stress factors due to the coronavirus pandemic, political unrest, and systemic racism and inequality.

"Half of students in fall 2020 screened positive for depression and/or anxiety," says Sarah Ketchen Lipson, a Boston University mental health researcher and a co-principal investigator of the nationwide survey published on Februray 11, 2021, which was administered online during the fall 2020 semester through the Healthy Minds Network.

The survey further reveals that 83 percent of students said their mental health had negatively impacted their academic performance within the past month, and that two-thirds of college students are struggling with loneliness and feeling isolated--an all-time high prevalence that reflects the toll of the pandemic and the social distancing necessary to control it.

Lipson, a BU School of Public Health assistant professor of health law, policy, and management, says the survey's findings underscore the need for university teaching staff and faculty to put mechanisms in place that can accommodate students' mental health needs.

Faculty need to be flexible with deadlines and remind students that their talent is not solely demonstrated by their ability to get a top grade during one challenging semester." Sarah Ketchen Lipson, Mental Health Researcher, Boston University

She adds that instructors can protect students' mental health by having class assignments due at 5 pm, rather than midnight or 9 am, times that Lipson says can encourage students to go to bed later and lose valuable sleep to meet those deadlines.

Especially in smaller classroom settings, where a student's absence may be more noticeable than in larger lectures, instructors who notice someone missing classes should reach out to that student directly to ask how they are doing.

"Even in larger classes, where 1:1 outreach is more difficult, instructors can send classwide emails reinforcing the idea that they care about their students not just as learners but as people, and circulating information about campus resources for mental health and wellness," Lipson says.

And, crucially, she says, instructors must bear in mind that the burden of mental health is not the same across all student demographics. "Students of color and low-income students are more likely to be grieving the loss of a loved one due to COVID," Lipson says. They are also "more likely to be facing financial stress." All of these factors can negatively impact mental health and academic performance in "profound ways," she says.

At a higher level within colleges and universities, Lipson says, administrators should focus on providing students with mental health services that emphasize prevention, coping, and resilience. The fall 2020 survey data revealed a significant "treatment gap," meaning that many students who screen positive for depression or anxiety are not receiving mental health services.

"Often students will only seek help when they find themselves in a mental health crisis, requiring more urgent resources," Lipson says. "But how can we create systems to foster wellness before they reach that point?" She has a suggestion: "All students should receive mental health education, ideally as part of the required curriculum."

It's also important to note, she says, that rising mental health challenges are not unique to the college setting--instead, the survey findings are consistent with a broader trend of declining mental health in adolescents and young adults. "I think mental health is getting worse [across the US population], and on top of that we are now gathering more data on these trends than ever before," Lipson says. "We know mental health stigma is going down, and that's one of the biggest reasons we are able to collect better data. People are being more open, having more dialogue about it, and we're able to better identify that people are struggling."

The worsening mental health of Americans, more broadly, Lipson says, could be due to a confluence of factors: the pandemic, the impact of social media, and shifting societal values that are becoming more extrinsically motivated (a successful career, making more money, getting more followers and likes), rather than intrinsically motivated (being a good member of the community).

The crushing weight of historic financial pressures is an added burden. "Student debt is so stressful," Lipson says. "You're more predisposed to experiencing anxiety the more debt you have. And research indicates that suicidality is directly connected to financial well-being."

With more than 22 million young people enrolled in US colleges and universities, "and with the traditional college years of life coinciding with the age of onset for lifetime mental illnesses," Lipson stresses that higher education is a crucial setting where prevention and treatment can make a difference.

One potential bright spot from the survey was that the stigma around mental health continues to fade. The results reveal that 94 percent of students say that they wouldn't judge someone for seeking out help for mental health, which Lipson says is an indicator that also correlates with those students being likely to seek out help themselves during a personal crisis (although, paradoxically, almost half of students say they perceive that others may think more poorly of them if they did seek help).

"We're harsher on ourselves and more critical of ourselves than we are with other people--we call that perceived versus personal stigma," Lipson says. "Students need to realize, your peers are not judging you."
(Newser)  It was big news in Nebraska in 1985 when the feds busted a cocaine-distribution network and rounded up 73 of the 74 people charged. The person they didn't catch? Alleged kingpin Howard Farley, writes Rich Shapiro in a feature on the case at NBC News. Farley disappeared into the wind and remained on the lam until late last year, say prosecutors. The 72-year-old was living under the name of Tim Brown in Weirsdale, Florida, with the wife he met in the '80s and married in 1993. Authorities say Farley had stolen the identity of the real Tim Browna baby who died in the 1950sin a ruse that unraveled only last year when he tried to renew his passport. A records check turned up the baby's death, and when authorities nabbed "Brown" at his private airport hangar and ran a fingerprint check, they discovered their long-lost fugitive.

story continues below

"He was the DB Cooper of Nebraska," Lincoln attorney Jerry Soucie tells Shapiro, referring to the infamous plane hijacker. "A legend." One unusual twist: The drug charges were dropped in 2014, though authorities have piled up enough additional chargespassport fraud, identity theft, illegal gun possession, etc.that Farley could well spend the rest of his life in prison. His wife also faces charges of passport fraud and making false statements to a federal agency. "I know her well and I don't think she knew anything," a neighbor who declined to give her name tells the Ocala Star-Banner, though prosecutors note the couple's high-end lifestyle doesn't seem to jibe with her income; they found no evidence Farley worked during their marriage. Others expressed shock that the mild-mannered man they knew as Tim Brown was an alleged drug kingpin. "He's just this gentle soul," a friend tells Shapiro. "You would never in a million years think of him that way at all." (Read the full story.)
Iran said it wont negotiate with the US until it rejoins the nuclear deal, digging in to longstanding positions as it nears a crucial deadline to restrict nuclear inspections?

Once everybody implements their parts of the obligation there will be talks, and those talks will not be about changing the terms of the agreement, regional issues or missile issues. Were not going to discuss those," Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in an interview with state-run Press TV. Any negotiations with the US would have to address the need for a guarantee that Washington wont quit the deal again, Zarif added.

Iran held fast to its red lines, days before it is set to bar snap international inspections of its nuclear sites. The move, an effort to pressure the Biden administration to reverse bruising Trump-era sanctions, is likely to make concessions by either side more difficult.

The head of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, is currently in Tehran to discuss the matter. So far talks between Iranian officials and the agency have been fruitful," Irans envoy to the Vienna-based body, Kazem Gharibabadi, said in a tweet, adding that the full outcome of the trip will be published later on Sunday.

Zarif said the restriction of nuclear inspections, meant to start from Feb. 23, will also mean the UN body will no longer have access to camera footage of its nuclear sites.

He said that President Joe Biden was effectively continuing Donald Trumps maximum pressure" policy by choosing to maintain sanctions and doing nothing to allow Iran access to at least $10 billion trapped in overseas accounts because of the US penalties.

On Friday, Iran rebuffed an offer from the Biden administration to meet to discuss a diplomatic way forward."

Zarif said Iran would return to full compliance with the original terms of the deal the minute" the US officially rejoins, adding that Iran will continue to increase its stockpile of 20% enriched uranium as long as Washington isnt part of the deal.

Iran insists that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. The atomic accord addresses the Wests skepticism of that claim and puts limits on uranium enrichment, which technically could be a step toward building a bomb.

Israel, Saudi Arabia and their allies in the Middle East oppose the nuclear deal because they say it doesnt address their concerns over Irans regional policy, which competes with their interests.

Iran Says Ready for Talks With Arab States Without Preconditions

Zarif said in his interview on Sunday that Iran was willing to sit down and start negotiations with its Arab neighbours without preconditions."

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Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas basic mantra of BJP: PM Modi to party leaders

India

pti-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said ''Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas'' is the "basic mantra" of the party and its mission is to work for the country and its development.

While addressing the first meeting of the BJP''s new set of national office-bearers, he also said that keeping this mantra in mind, the government had done "positive work" and highlighted the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and reforms in the agriculture sector.

Modi asked members of the BJP to strengthen and expand the party with the motto of ''nation first'' as well as to take part in welfare works going beyond politics.

During the meeting, which was chaired by BJP president J P Nadda, the party also passed a resolution lauding the prime minister and the Centre for reforms in the agriculture sector, bringing the three new farm laws and for his able leadership in effective handling of the COVID-19 situation.

The prime minister, while defining the BJP''s mission to the party leaders, said it is not to achieve power but to serve the nation and make it prosperous, BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav said at a press conference.

'Nothing short of extortion: Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi over rising fuel prices

"Prime Minister Modi told party leaders that Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas (with all, development for all and with everyone''s trust) is the basic mantra for the BJP and the party is doing positive work such as Goods and Services Tax, reforms in the agriculture sector and others while keeping this mantra in mind," he said

The general secretary said that Modi asked party leaders to work for strengthening and expanding the BJP with the motto of "nation first" and told them to take part in welfare works going beyond politics.

The meeting was inaugurated by Modi and it started by paying tributes to those who lost their lives due to the coronavirus.

The political resolution moved by BJP vice president Raman Singh was passed in the meeting and it thanked the prime minister for the reforms in the agriculture sector and his able leadership in effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The government brought in three farm laws in the interest of farmers to ensure they get the right price for their produce, their income doubles and that they have the freedom to sell their farm produce where they want to," reads the resolution.

Singh said the resolution also highlights the impact of the Garib Kalyan Yojana during the pandemic, comprehensive budget and diligent handling of the situation on the Line of Actual Control with China.

Earlier, BJP general secretary Arun Singh had informed that during the course of the meet, discussions will be held on farm laws, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and upcoming state polls.

The meeting, which was also being attended by BJP state unit presidents, assumes significance as it came amid fierce protests by a section of farmers in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh against the three new farm laws.

The farmer union leaders have been stepping up their attack on the Modi government over the issue.

The BJP is also readying for the assembly polls in five states, including West Bengal, which is being eyed by the saffron party as its next big prize in its bid to expand its footprint across the country.

These national official-bearers were appointed last year after Nadda took over as party president, and no physical meeting could be held so far due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scholar-politician spent a contented life By Nadia Fazlulhaq View(s): View(s):

A Sinhala scholar, author and lyricist, known for his literary bent, the veteran Haputale politician, W.J.M. Lokubandara, a former Speaker of Parliament, had wanted his last rites to be an example to others, his family says.

He died from the coronavirus disease at the age of 80 at the Infectious Diseases Hospital last week, and was cremated at Kotikawatte crematorium.

Son Udith Lokubandara told the Sunday Times, that his father had asked that roads not be closed for his funeral cortege.

My funeral should be an exemplary one for other politicians. This was something appachchi repeatedly used to say during the last years of his life. This was a parting he wanted. In fact my father has told the nurse at IDH that he has lived a contented life as a Buddhist adding that mata yanna puluwan [Im ready to go].

The cause of death in the report issued by the Director General of Health Services was COVID pneumonia and other underlying health conditions aggravated by the virus.

Born in 1941 and educated in Yahalabedda Vidyalaya in Haputale and Central College, Bandarawela, where he passed his Advanced Levels and got selected to follow an arts degree at the University of Peradeniya. During this time he enrolled at Law College.

He entered Parliament in 1977 from the United National Party and served until 2010.

He had served as Minister of Education, Higher and Tertiary Education; Justice; Buddha Sasana; Indigenous Medicine; Mass Media and Information and Cultural Affairs, during the tenure of former Presidents J.R. Jayewardene, R. Premadasa and D.B. Wijetunga. He became the first elected opposition member as a Speaker and served as the Speaker of the Parliament from 2004 to 2010.

He was elected as the Speaker in a secret ballot and he led by one vote. He absolutely loved his role as a Speaker; it was like his dream job to not be confined to one party but making sure his fellow politicians continue to uphold democracy and continue to serve the public, his son said.

After he retired from politics, he was appointed as the Governor of Sabaragamuwa province from 2010 to 2015.

He obtained an M.Phil from Peradeniya University and a PhD from Kelaniya University. He also had an external degree in arts from the University of London.

A father of three sons, Rashmin, Udith and Damith Lokubandara, Mr Lokubandara, spent his last years at home in Nugegoda with his wife, Malathi and in the company of grandchildren.

Since retiring from politics, my father dedicated his life to reading and researching on various areas of Buddhism and worked closely with the clergy, said Mr. Lokubandara.

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said: Lokubandaras knowledge in Buddhism and Sinhala literary work was incomparable. The word Ayubowan when welcoming was introduced to the administrative field and the society. The herbal porridge (kola kenda) was widely promoted while he was the Minister of Indigenous Medicine.

Mr. Jayasuriya said Mr Lokubandara maintained the dignity of the Parliament as a Speaker.

Wijemu is no more and thousands were not able to pay their last respects, said Parliamentarian John Seneviratne.

It is very unfortunate that he passed away under these pandemic circumstances and [we were] unable to bring his body to Parliament for the final state honours, because he was a victim of COVID-19. A memorial will take place to show our respects to the former Speaker and good friend. The welcoming Ayubowan, the down-to earth politician will be sadly missed, he said.

A memorial service for W.J.M. Lokubandara tomorrow A special Dhamma sermon in the memory of Mr. Lokubandara will be held tomorrow (Februrary 22) at 3.00 p.m. at the Parliament premises. The Dhamma sermon will be conducted by the Most Venerable prelate Aggramaha Panditha Mahanayaka Thrikunamalaye Ananda, who is the Chief Incumbent of the Vajiraramaya in Bambalapitiya.
The new head of the World Trade Organisation has demanded that rich countries donate Covid vaccines to poorer nations 'now' rather than waiting until all their citizens are inoculated.

But MPs reacted to her comments by arguing that the Government's first duty is to protect its own people  with one calling the suggestion 'absolute folly'.

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme yesterday, WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: 'I don't think we should wait to get surplus when other people have been served.'

The new head of the World Trade Organisation Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (pictured) has demanded that rich countries donate Covid vaccines to poorer nations 'now'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already pledged to donate most of the UK's surplus supply to poorer nations but has not revealed a timetable for when this might happen.

But MP Peter Bone said it would be 'absolute folly' to send jabs abroad before all Britons were vaccinated 'because the Government would not then be doing its first duty which is to protect its own citizens.'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured) has already pledged to donate most of the UK's surplus supply to poorer nations but has not revealed a timetable for when this might happen

He said the WTO chief should be welcoming the fact that the UK had done so well with its own vaccination programme and had ordered supplies which would be distributed to the rest of the world.

Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly has said that the UK would be looking to give away 'significantly more' than four to five per cent of its surplus supply.

This is the target French President Emmanuel Macron has set for France.
Prostitution is pandemic-proof. Almost a year into Covid, the oldest profession in the world has bounced back.

Gardai have now set up a specialist unit to tackle the foreign gangs controlling the prostitution industry, all against a backdrop of sex workers returning to work in their droves to make ends meet.

"Because we got no financial supports, many people have been forced back to work," explains Kate McGrew, sex worker, artist and director of Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland (SWAI).

"The Pandemic Unemployment Payment should have absolutely been available to us when Covid hit. Of all the labourers in our society we're the kissing and hugging workers, so we were massively affected by the pandemic for obvious health reasons.

"But we were denied the payment. We did all we could to encourage people to do virtual work with clients when Covid began. But many sex workers are now back working. They are doing it because they need to pay their rent and feed their kids."

Gardai recognise that the prostitution industry is on course to return to pre-pandemic levels.

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"Before Covid, there were about 800 people in the industry advertising online. This dropped to 255 in the first few month of the pandemic. Now it's back up to 600 adverts online," Detective Superintendent Derek Maguire, head of the new Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit (OPIU) within the Garda National Bureau of Protective Services (GNPSB), tells the Sunday Independent.

"At the start of Covid, there was a huge drop. Then it began to pick up again in the summer. Now it is really coming back, despite Level 5 restrictions. People working in prostitution were without a living for a long time."

For the senior officer, bringing down the criminals running the prostitution rackets is now top priority.

He leads a team of six officers in the new rebranded unit, previously called Operation Quest, with more officers due to bolster the unit in the coming months.

"We are not seeing many Irish gangs involved in organised prostitution right now," he says. "It is foreign- organised crime gangs. We are focused on going after these gangs. Many of them are forcing women into prostitution and are involved in human trafficking.

"We are profiling a number of these organised gangs at present."

Det Supt Maguire also leads the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit at the Protective Services Bureau.

"There are eight to 10 organised crime gangs involved in prostitution in Ireland. Much like drugs gangs, they have a structure," he says.

"One will collect women from the airport and move them around the country, another is in charge of the money, another the bookings, and so on. There is someone at the top, then lieutenants, then foot-soldiers below them."

The foreign gangs running Ireland's prostitution rackets are predominantly from Africa, South America and Eastern Europe. "It's very hard to know how many people involved in prostitution are being coerced. Some don't identify as being victims and have a mistrust of police, they wouldn't even have heard of the word 'gardai'. I believe a significant proportion of those involved in prostitution here are doing so against their will.

"We are not going after the low-hanging fruit. We are focusing on dismantling these gangs and getting the leaders out of operation. And getting the victims out of these terrible situations."

There is frequently an overlap in prostitution and human trafficking investigations, adds the senior officer. "They often go hand-in-hand. Women are being brought into this country, not realising they will be forced to work as prostitutes, having been promised legitimate work.

"Then they are trapped as soon as they land here. Their passports are taken. They are very much under the control of the traffickers."

But not all prostitution in Ireland is forced, argues Ms McGrew, who worked as a sex worker in New York before moving to Ireland in 2008.

"Being a sex worker suits me down to the bone. I enjoy it and I find it interesting. Women who have been trafficked and forced into it, that's terrible. But there are plenty of us, including me, who make the decision themselves.

"There are between 1,000 and 2,000 women and men working as sex workers here. Covid brought so many dangers. We produced leaflets for sex workers when Covid hit, advising people to take clients' temperatures, air out the space between clients and avoid things like kissing."

The director of SWAI recently contacted the HSE's vaccination roll-out team, enquiring about sex workers getting the jab as speedily as possible. "They responded straight away and I'm due to have further discussions with them. We need labour laws. This is a labour rights issue."

New laws in 2017 that criminalised the purchase of sex in Ireland were broadly welcomed, as it shifted criminal culpability on to those who buy sex rather than those who sell it. But Ms McGrew says "in the real world", the laws are detrimental to the well-being of prostitutes. "It means I can't hire a manager to handle my bookings and to make sure I'm safe, because that's a criminal offence and that person would face prosecution. So instead, we have to work alone, which is much more dangerous.

"And it's forced some people to work for criminals so that they can have some kind of protection. We are fighting for the right to work legally, so that we can avail of all the supports other workers can avail of, especially when something like Covid hit."

Det Supt Maguire recognises the environment sex workers currently operate within has never been more precarious. This week, the OPIU is sending text messages to all sex workers advertising services online. The text offers support and contact details for sex workers who may have been forced into prostitution, trafficked, or need any help.

"There are people who don't realise they are victims of human trafficking. But if you are being coerced into the sex trade or are under someone's control, please tell us. And if you don't want to speak to gardai, please speak to the NGOs."

Garda strategies to target prostitution gangs must evolve with the ever-changing landscape, which has seen the kerbside sex trade all but vanish. Nowadays, landlords are unwittingly renting out apartments to criminals who turn the properties into brothels.

"The women are being moved in and out of these apartments, sometimes after just a couple of weeks. The movement is astonishing. There are prostitutes in every county," he says.

But it's not just the crime gangs involved that gardai have set their sights on. Men who buy sex also should stop to consider the ramifications of their actions, warns the senior officer.

"For the men who are caught and brought to court, it's very embarrassing. They will continue to be targeted. But it's about much more than that.

"A lot of men who buy sex think the women are doing it voluntarily. Be under no illusion, many of them are doing it against their will. If you are buying sex, you should bear that in mind. And imagine your own daughter was forced into such a situation."

Tony Hartnell, the inaugural chair of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), says the next leader of the organisation must be a commercial lawyer focused overwhelmingly on enforcing the law rather than the fantasy of setting the rules.

Executive recruitment firm Korn Ferry will lead the search for the next chair, whose appointment should be known by April if the governments three-month timetable to replace outgoing boss James Shipton is to be met.

People fantasise that its a policy job. It is not. It is an enforcement job, says lawyer Tony Hartnell, who was ASICs inaugural chair. Credit:Joosep Martinson

Mr Hartnell, who headed up ASIC between 1989 and 1992, said he agreed with the federal government that the next chair should be clear that ASICs role is not setting policy but focusing on enforcement.

People fantasise that its a policy job. It is not. It is an enforcement job, Mr Hartnell told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
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With the snow and ice clearing in Texas after days of unusually cold temperatures, bodies are being found of people who likely froze to death as they struggled to stay warm after electricity was cut to millions of homes.

Of the around 70 deaths attributed to the snow, ice and frigid temperatures nationwide, more than a dozen were people who perished in homes that had lost their heat, and most of those were in Texas.

President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in the state where 14million were without water at one point with towns cut off from the electricity grid for seven days.

The move - announced on Saturday - makes federal funding available to individuals across the state, including assistance for temporary housing, home repairs and low-cost loans for losses on uninsured property.

Volunteers direct traffic during a water distribution event at the Fountain Life Center on Saturday in Houston, Texas

An aerial drone view of cars lining up for a water distribution event at the Fountain Life Center in Houston, Texas. Much of Texas is still struggling with historic cold weather, power outages and a shortage of potable water after winter storm Uri

Volunteers direct traffic as they pass out water during a water distribution event in Houston. Many Houston residents do not have drinkable water at their homes and are relying on city water giveaways

Cars are lined up in a parking lot as people wait to be directed to a food distribution point setup at Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas

The victims of the crisis include 11-year-old Cristian Pavon, who perished of hypothermia in his family's mobile home in Conroe, near Houston, a day after he was pictured enjoying the snow - the first he had ever seen in his life.

Among the other dead are a man who reportedly froze to death in his recliner chair with his 'nearly dead' wife by his side; three children who perished in a fire as they huddled in a fireplace for warmth; and a mother and daughter died who from carbon monoxide poisoning as they bundled in their car in a garage.

Two older men were also found dead in their homes in the small West Texas town of Buffalo Gap in Taylor County.

Many of the deaths came as Texas Senator Ted Cruz and his family were packing their suitcases to fly to the $309-a-night Ritz-Carlton in Cancun where temperatures were 85F - compared to a low of -2F in Texas.

He later returned on Thursday after his actions provoked an outcry.

On Saturday, his wife Heidi Cruz returned to the U.S.

The 48-year-old was seen walking into the terminal on Saturday with her daughters Catherine, 12, and Caroline, 10, as she prepared to board a flight back to storm-lashed Texas at the end of a controversial four-day stay.

Heidi Cuz stayed at the popular but pricey $300-a-night Ritz Carlton resort - where the wintry chaos enveloping Texas appeared far from everyone's minds

As Heidi marched out of the Houston airport with her kids and an unidentified boy - all of whom were wearing masks - at 6pm on Saturday night, DailyMail.com asked her several questions, all of which she refused to answer

Cruz - seen at Cancun airport on Thursday before his flight back to Texas - enraged his state by fleeing in the midst of the worst snow storms to hit Texas in decades

Photos taken on Friday at a beach on the $300-a-night Ritz Carlton resort showed her and the kids splashing about in the waves amid 85F temperatures - compared to a low of -2F in Texas.

Her Texas senator husband, 50, had flown out with them on Wednesday, at the same time his state was being ravaged by storms that left millions without power and water for days on end.

On Friday President Biden said that he hopes to travel to Texas next week but doesn't want his presence and the accompanying presidential entourage to distract from the recovery.

'They're working like the devil to take care of their folks,' Biden said of Texas officials. He said he'd make a decision early next week about travel.

Biden, who offered himself during the campaign as the experienced and empathetic candidate the nation needed at this moment in time, is working on several fronts to address the situation - and to avoid repeating the mistakes of predecessors who got tripped up by inadequate or insensitive responses in times of disaster.

Taylor County Sheriff Ricky Bishop said his office received many calls in recent days asking for checks on friends or family members who may be suffering due to the power outages.

'I can think of probably one point in one hour we probably got 10 of those calls,' said Bishop, adding that some of the county's roads were covered in 4 foot deep snow drifts.

Water damage from burst pipes at a local bakery in Baytown, Texas. Restaurants in Texas are throwing out expired food, grocery stores are closing early amid stock shortages and residents are struggling to find basic necessities

The ceiling of the bakery collapsed as a result of the devastating storm that swept through the area

Water shoots out of a burst pipe outside of a restaurant in Houston, Texas as a result of freezing temperatures

Hypothermia can set in if the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and if it falls below about 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees.

'After hours and hours, it leads to a very dangerous condition,' said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Matt Zavadsky, a spokesman for Fort Worth area ambulance provider MedStar, said most of the hypothermia calls they received were from people in their own homes, where temperatures had dipped to 50 degrees or lower.

MedStar reached a peak on Wednesday with 77 hypothermia calls, Zavadsky said. Some people reported numb hands and feet, while others had more severe symptoms.

'You had people who had been so cold for so long that they were shivering uncontrollably, they may have had a decreased level of consciousness, which is not uncommon when you are in hypothermia for a prolonged period of time,' he said.

Some who were transported to hospitals had reached the point they were no longer shivering, 'which is a very bad sign,' Zavadsky said.

Some of the older people who died in Texas were found outside their homes. It wasn't immediately clear what prompted them to go outside.

Rakeb Shelemu, seven, and her mother, Etenesh Mersha, died from carbon monoxide poisoning during the power outage in south-west Houston on Friday

Cristian Pavo, an 11-year-old boy who died in his unheated Texas home. The snow behind him (left) was the first time he had seen snow in his life. He died the next day

The victims include 84-year-old Mary Gee, whose family said she froze to death in her home in Houston before a burglar robbed items from her apartment.

Over in Abilene, a man was found frozen to death Wednesday in his recliner chair and his wife was taken to hospital where she remains 'in peril' after suffering without power for several days.

Another man died at a health care facility in the city when a lack of water pressure made medical treatment impossible.

The three children who perished in a house fire in Sugar Land when they huddled in a fireplace to stay warm during power outages have now been named as Olivia, Edison and Colette Nguyen.

The siblings and their grandmother Le Loan died in the early hours of Tuesday morning during the blackouts.

Firefighters were called out around 2 am and tackled the blaze but the four victims were confirmed dead. The children's mom Jackie Nguyen and a friend were also injured and taken to hospital.

The children's father, Nathan, stars in an HBO show called House of Ho, which chronicles the lives of the members of a wealthy Vietnamese-American family living the American Dream in Houston.

Colette, Edison, and Olivia Nguyen died on Friday alongside their grandmother after a fire at their house in Sugar Land on Friday. The children's father, Nathan, stars in an HBO show called House of Ho, which chronicles the lives of the members of a wealthy Vietnamese-American family living the American Dream in Houston

Carrol G Anderson (pictured on the left with his wife, Gloria) died of hypothermia inside his car in 19F weather while driving to try and find an oxygen tank. Mary Gee (right) also died of hypothermia

A relative wrote on a Go Fund Me page for the Nguyen family, who lost three children and their grandmother: 'These angels were witty, funny, each with their owners funky and sassy attitudes, and each were extremely loved by me and the entire family'

President Joe Biden speaks to member of the media Friday after leaving Air Force One on Friday at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Also pictured is Wesley Crow, 57, (right) died at home in Texas after going without power and heat for almost two days

In Houston, Etenesh Mersha and her 7-year-old daughter Rakeb Shelemu died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning Monday after they huddled in their car in the garage for warmth amid a blackout in their home.

Etenesh's husband Ato Shalemu Bekele and their 8-year-old son Beimnet Shalemu were also rushed to hospital where the little boy was still in ICU two days later.

Wesley Crow, 57, collapsed and died in his old farmhouse just outside Santa Fe after he and his sister Laura were left for almost two days without power.

'He just collapsed, his eyes rolled up into his head and just stopped breathing,' Crow told ABC13.

Meanwhile, Carrol G Anderson died of hypothermia inside his car in 19F weather while driving to try and find an oxygen tank.

Austin Musicians unite to distribute FEMA emergency disaster relief boxes to residents affected by the winter storm crisis

A long line of cars line up at the Austin Texas Musicians emergency disaster relief event. 500 families received FEMA relief boxes and locally donated water, diapers and necessities

Warmer temperatures are on their way across the center of the country and will be up to 50 degrees F higher

A big warm up has been forecast to move across the country early next week

The eastern half of the country will also enjoy a warm up of between 10-30F

On Saturday, warmer temperatures began to spread across the southern US bringing relief to a winter-weary region that faces a challenging clean-up and expensive repairs from days of extreme cold and widespread power outages.

In Texas, where millions were warned to boil tap water before drinking it, the warm-up was expected to last for several days.

The thaw produced burst pipes throughout the state, adding to the list of woes from the severe conditions.

By Saturday afternoon, the sun had come out in Dallas and temperatures were nearing the 50s. People emerged to walk and jog in residential neighborhoods after days indoors. Many roads had dried out, and patches of snow were melting. Snowmen slumped.

Linda Nguyen woke up in a Dallas hotel room Saturday morning with an assurance she hadn't had in nearly a week: She and her cat had somewhere to sleep with power and water.

Electricity had been restored to her apartment on Wednesday. But when Nguyen arrived home from work the next evening, she found a soaked carpet. A pipe had burst in her bedroom.

'It's essentially unlivable,' said Nguyen, 27, who works in real estate. 'Everything is completely ruined.'

Deaths attributed to the weather include a man at an Abilene health care facility where the lack of water pressure made medical treatment impossible.

Officials also reported deaths from hypothermia, including homeless people and those inside buildings with no power or heat. Others died in car accidents on icy roads or from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

Roughly half the deaths reported so far occurred in Texas, with multiple fatalities also in Tennessee, Kentucky, Oregon and a few other Southern and Midwestern states.

A Tennessee farmer died trying to save two calves from a frozen pond.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, talks with home owner Sandali Ramirez alongside U.S. Rep. Al Green and U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia during a tour of some homes that were damaged by the winter storm in Houston

Jessica Hulsey of Houston talks to U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, after giving her a tour of her neighborhood where some homes were damaged by the winter storm in Houston

U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia looks at water damage with U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and U.S. Rep. Al Green, during a tour of some homes that were damaged by the winter storm

President Joe Biden's office said Saturday he has declared a major disaster in Texas, directing federal agencies to help in the recovery.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, tweeted Saturday that she helped raise more than $3 million toward relief. She was soliciting help for a Houston food bank, one of 12 Texas organizations she said would benefit from the donations.

The storms left more than 300,000 still without power across the country on Saturday, many of them in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

More than 50,000 Oregon electricity customers were among those without power, more than a week after an ice storm ravaged the electrical grid. Portland General Electric had hoped to have service back to all but 15,000 customers by Friday night. But the utility discovered additional damage in previously inaccessible areas.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ordered the National Guard to go door-to-door in some areas to check on residents' welfare. At its peak, what was the worst ice storm in 40 years knocked out power to more than 350,000 customers.

In West Virginia, Appalachian Power was working on a list of about 1,500 places that needed repair, as about 44,000 customers in the state remained without electricity after experiencing back-to-back ice storms on February 11 and 15.

More than 3,200 workers were attempting to get power back online, their efforts spread across the six most affected counties on Saturday.

In Wayne County, West Virginia, workers had to replace the same pole three times because trees kept falling on it.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met Saturday with legislators from both parties to discuss energy prices as Texans face massive spikes in their electric bills after wholesale energy prices skyrocketed while power plants were offline.

'We have a responsibility to protect Texans from spikes in their energy bills' resulting from the weather, he said in a statement.

Volunteers sort through locally donated diapers and feminine products for the Austin Texas Musicians event to distribute FEMA emergency disaster relief boxes to Austin residents affected by the winter storm crisis

Volunteers pack emergency distribution boxes at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday. The Houston Food Bank is preparing thousands of emergency food boxes that will be given out to residents in need after winter storm Uri swept across Texas

Water woes added misery for people across the South who went without heat or electricity for days after the ice. Snow storms forced rolling blackouts from Minnesota to Texas.

Robert Tuskey was retrieving tools from the back of his pickup truck Saturday afternoon as he prepared to fix a water line at a friend's home in Dallas.

'Everything's been freezing,' Tuskey said. 'I even had one in my own house  of course I'm lucky I'm a plumber.'

Tuskey, 49, said his plumbing business has had a stream of calls for help from friends and relatives with burst pipes. 'I'm fixing to go help out another family member,' he said. 'I know she ain't got no money at all, but they ain't got no water at all, and they're older.'

In Jackson, Mississippi, most of the city of about 161,000 lacked running water, and officials blamed city water mains that are more than 100 years old and not built for freezing weather.

The city was providing water for flushing toilets and drinking. But residents had to pick it up, leaving the elderly and those living on icy roads vulnerable.

Volunteers with the Central Texas Food Bank give food to needy people at a drive thru distribution point setup at Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas. The food bank is handing out about 2,000 boxes of food at the site

Austin Texas Musicians unite to distrubute FEMA emergency disaster relief boxes to Austin residents affected by the storm

Volunteers pass out plates of food during a water distribution event at the Fountain Life Center. Many Houston residents do not have drinkable water at their homes and are relying on city water giveaways

Incoming and outgoing passenger flights at Memphis International Airport resumed Saturday after all flights were canceled Friday because of water pressure problems. The issues hadn't been resolved, but airport officials set up temporary restroom facilities.

Prison rights advocates said some correctional facilities across Louisiana had intermittent electricity and frozen pipes, affecting toilets and showers.

The men who are sick, elderly or being held not in dormitories but in cell blocks  small spaces surrounded by concrete walls  were especially vulnerable, according to Voice of the Experienced, a grassroots organization founded and run by formerly incarcerated people. The group said one man at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, just south of Baton Rouge, described a thin layer of ice on his walls.

Cammie Maturin said she spoke to men at the 6,300-inmate Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola who were given no extra provisions to protect themselves from the cold.

'They give them no extra blankets. No extra anything, For them, it's just been fend for yourself,' said Maturin, president of the nonprofit H.O.P.E. Foundation.

Volunteers pass out water during a water in Houston. Residents pulled up in their trucks and filled their flatbeds and trunks

Lucas Velarde fills a water jug at a drive through water distribution center setup at Jack C Hays High School in Kyle, Texas

Lucas Velarde and Erin Purdy (L-R) fill water jugs for people at a drive through water distribution center setup at Jack C Hays in Kyle, Texas

Volunteers with the Central Texas Food Bank give food to needy people at a drive thru distribution point setup at Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas. The food bank is handing out about 2,000 boxes of food at the site

A volunteer packs peanut butter into emergency distribution boxes at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday. Many Houston residents do not have drinkable water or food at their homes and are relying on giveaways

In many areas, water pressure dropped after lines froze and because people left faucets dripping to prevent pipes from icing, authorities said.

As of Saturday, 1,445 public water systems in Texas had reported disrupted operations, said Toby Baker executive director of the state Commission on Environmental Quality. Government agencies were using mobile labs and coordinating to speed water testing.

That's up from 1,300 reporting issues Friday afternoon. But Baker said the number of affected customers had dropped slightly. Most were under boil-water orders, with 156,000 lacking water service entirely.

'It seems like last night we may have seen some stabilization in the water systems across the state,' Baker said.

The Saturday thaw after 11 days of freezing temperatures in Oklahoma City left residents with burst water pipes, inoperable wells and furnaces knocked out of operation by brief power blackouts.

Rhodes College in Memphis said Friday that about 700 residential students were being moved to hotels in the suburbs of Germantown and Collierville after school bathrooms stopped functioning because of low water pressure.

Firefighters extinguished a blaze at a fully occupied 102-room hotel in Killeen, Texas, about 70 miles north of Austin, late Friday. The hotel's sprinkler system didn't work because of frozen pipes, authorities said Saturday.

Flames shot from the top of the four-story hotel, and three people required medical care. Displaced guests were taken to a nearby Baptist church.

Texas electrical grid operators said electricity transmission returned to normal after the historic snowfall and single-digit temperatures created a surge in demand that buckled the state's system.

Smaller outages remained, but Bill Magness, president of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, said the grid now can provide power throughout the system.

Abbott ordered an investigation into the failure for a state known as the U.S. energy capital. ERCOT officials have defended their preparations and the decision to begin forced outages Monday as the grid reached breaking point.

The blackouts resulted in at least two lawsuits filed against ERCOT and utilities, including one filed by the family of an 11-year-old boy who is believed to have died from hypothermia. The lawsuits claim ERCOT ignored repeated warnings of weaknesses in the state's power infrastructure.

Also, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued civil investigative demands to ERCOT and electric utility companies. His investigation will address power outages, emergency plans, energy pricing and more related to the winter storm.
Should investigators find messages showing that Stone knew about or took part in those plans, they would have a factual basis to open a full criminal investigation into him, according to the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a continuing inquiry. While that is far from certain, the person said, prosecutors in the U.S. attorneys office in Washington are likely to do so if they can find that connection.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday said his country is not trying to create nuclear weapons, noting that talks with the United States will start when all sides fulfill their obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal, CGTN reports.

Iran and the United States have been at odds over who should take the first step to revive the 2015 accord. Iran insists the U.S. must first lift the sanctions imposed by former President Donald Trump, while Washington says Tehran must first return to compliance with the deal.

Iran believes the U.S. sanctions will soon be lifted despite continued "diplomatic wrangling" over reviving the nuclear deal, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei said on Saturday.

"We predict with confidence that diplomatic initiatives will result in a favorable outcome despite the diplomatic wrangling, which are a natural prelude to the return of the parties to their commitments, including the lifting of all sanctions in the near future," Rabiei wrote in an Iran's op-ed for government newspaper.
The northern mountainous province of Ha Giang has just asked the Ministry of Transport to add the construction of an airport to the master plan on Vietnams airport system in the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050.

According to Ha Giangs Vice Chair Ha Thi Minh Hanh, the province wants to build Ha Giang airport in Tan Quang commune, Bac Giang district. This will be a dual-goal airport that meets standards for a military airport of level II and a civil airport up to level 4C. The airport would cover an area of about 388 hectares, with 70 hectares for military purposes.

Previously, the provinces of Ninh Binh, Ha Tinh, Ninh Thuan, Bac Lieu and Cao Bang and Hanoi proposed building new airports in their localities.

According to the master plan, Vietnam is set to be home to 26 airports by 2030, 14 of which will be international.

Investment in the 2020-2030 period is estimated at VND365.1 trillion ($16 billion), and the figure for the 2030-2050 period, VND866.36 trillion.

It will be sourced from official development assistance (ODA), the State budget, loans from financial institutions, and public-private partnerships.

Four new airports will be built in the 2030-2050 period, including a second in Hanoi and three others in Lai Chau city in Lai Chau province, Na San in Son La province, and Cao Bang city in Cao Bang province, all of which are in Vietnams north.

The priority to 2030 will be the first phase of Long Thanh International Airport, serving HCM City, and Terminal 3 at the citys existing Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Terminal 3 and the southern airfield at Hanois Noi Bai International Airport and the expansion of airports in Da Nang and Cam Ranh are also high on the agenda.

Vu Diep
The logo of the social network Facebook on a broken screen of a mobile phone on May 16, 2018. (Joel Saget/AFP via Getty Images)

Facebook News Ban Sends Australian Media Traffic Tumbling

Australian news outlets saw their web traffic take a tumble following Facebooks dramatic ban on news-related content on the platform last week.

Data from Chartbeat reveals that across 255 Australian news websites, overall traffic from Facebook users in Australia fell by 13 percent, while visits from overseas-based readers fell 30 percent, according to the ABC.

Chartbeat is a tool used by Australian media to measure web traffic and its origin in real time, whether that be Facebook, Google, or other services.

The data found that the night before the ban, Australian news sites received 201,013 visits from Facebook at 6 p.m. The following morning, referral traffic was tracking upwards and delivered 71,155 visits to news sites at 7 a.m.

Once the ban set in, traffic plunged to lows of 12,184 visits by 10 a.m.

A Facebook message has appeared above the status update field on Facebook in Australia after the platform restricted posting Australian news links. (The Epoch Times)

Meanwhile, traffic from overseas users fell from highs of 46,575 at 5 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, to 5,150 by 12 p.m.

A separate survey from Neilson found that overall web traffic to Australian news websites fell 16.1 percent compared to the average readership over the past six weeks.

The total amount of time spent on Australian news websites fell 13 percent.

Facebooks ban removes all news related content from its platform in Australia and prevents users from sharing it.

The ban also saw the Facebook pages of mainstream media outlets shut down, including the ABC, The Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, and The Epoch Times.

In this photo illustration the Social networking site Facebook is reflected in the eye of a man on March 25, 2009 in London, England. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The social media giant was following through on a threat in made last year that it would cut news content from its platform, in response to the Morrison governments impending News Media Bargaining Code.

The Code legislates a framework for news companies to enter negotiations with Google and Facebook for payment of content.

Despite initial resistance, threats, and public lobbying, Google eventually came to the table and spent the last week signing off deals with several media outlets.

Facebook, however, decided to execute its nuclear option, surprising government ministers with its news ban.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg both condemned the actions of Facebook, especially because a host of pages belonging to non-media related entities were caught in the crossfire, including the charities, non-profits, and emergency and other government services.

Talks are still ongoing between the government and Facebook, however both sides remain at an impasse.

Australian news companies rely heavily on Facebook to drive traffic to their sites, with around 15 percent of traffic coming from the social media giant, compared to the global average of 12 percent, according to Chartbeat.

In response to the ban, media companies such as The Australian and public broadcaster ABC have begun running advertising campaigns on their website to encourage users to download their app.
An Ordinary Killing

By Sonia Faleiro

Grove. 314 pp. $26

- - -

It's a shocking image: Two young girls, skinny teenagers in brightly colored salwar kameezes, hang from opposite branches of a tall mango tree, suspended from their necks by their own pink and green dupattas. Their eyes are closed. Their heads, bent by gravity, appear bowed in reverence toward one another. Sari-clad women sit in a circle around the tree, several clasping their faces with their hands. A few hold small children.

It's a snapshot of the scene in the village of Katra in Budaun,Uttar Pradesh, on May 28, 2014, the morning after the girls - Indian law requires that their names be withheld, so journalist Sonia Faleiro calls them Padma and Lalli, cousins "alike as two grains of rice" - went missing in the fields behind their homes after heading out for a "final squat" for the night.

Just two days before, newly elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in with promises of prosperity. "Achhe din aane waale hain" - good days are coming soon - he said. The national mood, Faleiro notes, was predominantly one of triumphant ascendancy. "India had been poor for so long; but now, rather than being dismissed as a lumbering elephant, it was a tiger," she writes, and "as people's vanities were stoked, their appetite for news stories about girls like Padma and Lalli shrank. . . . The world was watching India, but no one was more bewitched by the transformation than Indians themselves."

It may have not fit the prevailing narrative, but back in Katra, it was hard to ignore the spectacle of the girls' deaths. In the hours after they were discovered in the mango grove, Padma's and Lalli's distraught families refused to let the police bring the bodies down. As videos and photos of the dead cousins went viral ("They looked like 'dangling puppets,' " one local recalled), tourists lined up to see them, blocking the road to the village with their horse carts, motorbikes and tractors. Village children dug a makeshift helipad in the dirt for the arrival of high-profile politicians. Family members gave news conferences, demanding justice.

Who or what killed the girls? Initial accounts from relatives indicated that 16-year-old Padma and 14-year-old Lalli had been abducted by a group of men from a neighboring village; a hasty post-mortem suggested that the cousins had been raped before they died. In the aftermath of the brutal 2012 Delhi bus rape case, the story, at first, seemed horrifying but familiar: "Two girls found gang-raped and hanged in India," a matter-of-fact Washington Post headline from May 29 declared. The truth, as London-based writer Faleiro gradually discovers in "The Good Girls: An Ordinary Killing," was considerably more complicated.

For a previous book, Faleiro immersed herself in the underworld of Mumbai's secret dance bars. Here, she takes a more forensic approach, starting in Katra and patiently working her way across the region over the course of four years. In her search for answers, Faleiro interviews more than 100 people and combs through some 3,000 pages of records from India's Central Bureau of Investigation. It's a remarkable feat of reporting: What she finds reveals as much about the failings of India's law enforcement, media and politics as it does about the girls' deaths.

Right away, it's apparent that caste and clan politics are central to this story. Lalli's and Padma's families are Shakyas; the chief suspects, a 19-year-old named Pappu whom the girls knew from the neighboring village, and his brothers, are Yadavs. The Shakyas and the Yadavs both fall into the category of "Other Backward Classes," or OBCs - historically oppressed low-caste groups. But there is a key distinction: In Uttar Pradesh, Yadavs wield political power. In 2014, the state's chief minister was a Yadav with a reputation for corruption, backed by numerous Yadav law enforcement officers. The Shakyas' mistrust of the Yadavs, and more generally of the powerful, ran deep, Faleiro explains: "It was easy to point to earlier acts of grave malfeasance - by police officers, even the prime minister - to show that in India anything was possible, and nothing was what it seemed."

As Faleiro probes the case, an extensive supporting cast emerges: meddlesome uncles, drunken police officers, hopelessly unqualified coroners, sensationalizing TV newsmen, a sneering intelligence officer and grandstanding politicians, all with a part - however undignified - to play in this story. (Faleiro's prose is restrained, but she allows the occasional colorful simile, as when one unreliable witness is described as "coming apart like overripe fruit.") Everyone agrees that the girls' deaths are a tragedy; no one knows quite whom to blame. Or, as Faleiro puts it: "Everyone agreed the system was rotten but no one knew how to fix it." That same year, one child went missing in India every eight minutes.

"The Good Girls" isn't the first book of nonfiction to make a close study of the fates of India's most destitute citizens; in recent years, there has been a steady stream of them. Aman Sethi's "A Free Man: A True Story of Life and Death in Delhi," Katherine Boo's "Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity" and Faleiro's own "Beautiful Thing: Inside the Secret World of Bombay's Dance Bars" - among others - each applied a similar rigor to their explorations of the lived experience of poverty on the subcontinent. But as Faleiro explains in an author's note, "The Good Girls" was supposed to be something else. The book she set out to write was intended to be an investigation of the nature of sexual violence in India.

Instead, what she finds is a story of the constraints placed on "ordinary" girls' lives from an early age. It's the story of the girls' larger-than-life "honor" - a disembodied thing that hangs about them menacingly, threatening to fall away at any moment, ruining the whole family. The girls were often seen clutching a cellphone - an obvious threat to their honor. In some villages in Uttar Pradesh, unmarried women were forbidden from using mobile phones. (Undoubtedly the girls were "romancing someone," one neighbor concluded.) The day they disappeared, the girls attended a local fair, where they ate greasy pakoras and bought nail polish - again, risking their honor (after all, "it wouldn't do for girls to be seen enjoying themselves in a public place").

That word - "enjoy" - takes on a dark shade in this book. It's a word that can be heard on a short recording of one of the last phone conversations Lalli had, with Pappu, on the day the girls died. But what enjoyment meant, really, to Padma and Lalli is something Faleiro can't entirely uncover. After their bodies are found, the men of their families hide and then destroy the very items that could crack open the case: the mobile phones the girls used, which, thanks to software requested by Lalli's father, held recordings of their calls. "Who knows what's in the phone," Lalli's father says - but whatever it was surely "should be deleted."

Faleiro lets the suspense build as she carefully uncovers the villagers' competing motives. Gradually, it becomes clear that in Katra, ultimately one thing is more binding than police codes, medical codes or penal codes: a retrograde but resilient code of honor. This is the force, above all others, that stunted the girls' lives and hastened their deaths. In the end, Faleiro writes, "an Indian woman's first challenge was surviving her own home."

- - -

Mythili G. Rao is a journalist, audio producer and book critic based in London.

Champaign, IL (61820)

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A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. High 73F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

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Today, much like last year, Guam wont be collectively gathering to thank and honor the troops who never came home. But that doesnt mean this Read more
Taiwans air force scrambled for a second straight day on February 20 after a dozen Chinese fighter aircraft carried out drills close to Taiwan controlled islands in the disputed South China Sea. Beijing, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, has increased its military incursions in Taiwanese owned territory in an attempt to coerce the islands democratically elected government to give up.

In a statement, the Taiwanese defence ministry revealed that it identified nine Chinese air force aircraft flying near Pratas islands on Friday. Additionally, it tracked eleven more aircraft-eight fighter jets, two nuclear-capable H-6 bombers and an anti-submarine aircraft- also near the islands. The defence ministry also pointed out the involvement of Chinese naval forces but did not reveal any detail. In response, Taipei deployed missile systems to monitor in addition to warning the Chinese aircraft to leave.

Read: Taiwan President Addresses Hong Kongers, Tells Them To 'keep Faith In Democracy'

Read: Chinese Warplanes And US Reconnaissance Aircraft Entered Taiwan's Air Defence Zone: Report

Taiwan appoints new minister

This comes on a day when Taiwan announced its new Defence Minister, who has been trained in the United States. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, sees the increasing engagement between Taipei and Washington as a threat and violation of the 'One China" policy. Taiwan Friday appointed Chiu Kuo-cheng as the country's new Defence Minister. Kuo-cheng, who was serving as National Security Bureau Director-General, graduated from the US Army War College in 1999. Kuo-cheng will replace Yen De-fa, who has been serving as Defence Minister since 2018. According to reports, Kuo-cheng will be tasked with bringing the next stage of military reforms. Chiu's old job as intelligence chief will be taken by Taiwan's top China policy-maker, Chen Ming-tong, now head of the Mainland Affairs Council.

Experts see China's violation of the median line as a way to coerce Taiwan into towing Beijing's line. However, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who came into power in 2016 and has since become a massive thorn for China, is calling for indigenous development of the country's military to counter threats from Beijing. Under Tsai's rule, Taiwan has not only developed closer ties with Washington but has also purchased high-end military equipment for billions of dollars, including armed drones, rocket systems, missiles, etc, making Beijing wary of the ties.

Read: Chinese Fighter Jets Violate Taiwan's Airspace As It Appoints New Defence Minister

Read: Chinese Face-swapping App Could Create Personal Files For Chinese Enforcement: Taiwan

Representative Image/ AP




Citibank Korea CEO Yoo Myung-soon / Korea Times
Statistics showed that China's per capita disposable income in 2020 doubled from 2010, and peoples living standards had greatly improved.

The country has given high priority to employment, the cornerstone for increasing peoples incomes. Over the last 10 years, the cumulative growth of per capita disposable income in the country in real terms stood at 100.8 percent.

E-commerce livestreamers promote navel oranges at an orange plantation in Leigutai Village of Guojiaba Township in Zigui County, central China's Hubei Province, Dec. 4, 2020. (Photo/Xinhua)

Yongxin county, in east Chinas Jiangxi province, is home to about 180 industrial bases for high-quality agricultural products, aquaculture, and silk weaving, providing jobs for nearly 50,000 people and bringing them an increase in annual income of over 10,000 yuan ($1,542) per person.

At a vegetable and fruit base in Qianxi village, Lianzhou township, Yongxin county, about 5,000 to 10,000 kilograms of eggplants are picked every day. A villager named Ouyang Xueji, who entrusted 5 mu, or 0.33 hectares of land, to the base for eggplant growing now earns an annual income of 20,000 yuan by doing some farm work at the base.

China has worked to cut taxes and fees to ease the burden on its citizens. According to statistics, reductions to individual income tax in 2019 totaled 460.4 billion yuan when added to the special additional deductions policy and the carryover effect from the policies introduced on Oct.1, 2018 to raise the individual income tax threshold and optimize the tax rate structure. These reductions directly benefited 250 million taxpayers, with the amount deducted for each person reaching 1,842 yuan.

Xu Yinling, a salesman at a technology company in east Chinas Shandong province, said he enjoyed a tax deduction of over 7,000 yuan from his taxable income for expenditures covering elderly care and childrens education. He also revealed that his company saw a decrease of 79.6 percent in the total amount of individual income tax in 2020.

Moreover, the country has been pursuing a more balanced development. It has provided more jobs and rendered support for rural residents to start up businesses, thus bridging the gap between rural and urban areas. In 2020, rural residents surpassed urban residents in the increase in per capita disposable income in nominal terms and in real terms, by 3.4 and 2.6 percentage points respectively.

Through proactively taking part in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hezhou city in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has become a hot investment destination for enterprises from the Greater Bay Area, thereby creating job opportunities for the local workforce.

Hu Libin, who used to work in south Chinas Guangdong province, explained that after she began working in an electronics company in her hometown in Guangxi, her salary increased to over 7,600 yuan per month from about 4,000 yuan.




By Dong Sun-hwa







TvN's new drama "Vincenzo," starring actor Song Joong-ki, got off to a smooth start Friday.







According to Nielsen Korea, the crime rom-com's first episode garnered 8.7 percent of viewership in the Seoul metropolitan area, becoming the most-watched program in the prime 9 p.m.-10 p.m. timeslot.







In the series, Song plays Vincenzo Cassano (Park Joo-hyung), a Korean-born lawyer and Italian mafia consigliere who heads for Korea after being betrayed by his gang in Italy. In Korea, he joins hands with another lawyer named Hong Cha-young  played by Jeon Yeo-been  to defeat villains in "villainous ways."







"The protagonist of the drama is not wholly driven by good will  sometimes, he is more evil than the villains," director Kim Hee-won said during an online press conference, Feb. 15. "We tried to add more variety to the existing hero series."







Song said: "Through the synopsis, I could feel that writer Park Jae-bum was very enthusiastic about including content that's critical of society. But he recounts the story in a humorous way  I thought this was fresh.







"Our series has so many episodes that I can stay up all night to talk about them. Please also look forward to the performances of different actors."







"Vincenzo" airs every Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. (KST). It is also available on Netflix.


(CNN)  Eighteen months ago, Malcolm was at the vanguard of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.

Full of bravado and often clad in black, the 21-year-old oversaw a group of 60 combative front-liners who embraced confrontational tactics against the police while demanding greater democracy in the former British colony.

Today, he is applying for asylum in the United Kingdom, and separated from his family in Hong Kong where he feels he can longer visit. Malcom believes if he returns to the Chinese city he could be arrested under a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong last June, which scaled up penalties against dissent to include punishments as severe as life imprisonment.

Since then, nearly 100 activists have been arrested under the new law. When Hong Kong police apprehended a protester friend of Malcolm's in October, he booked a red-eye flight to London. Malcolm asked CNN not to use his real name, for fear that his family  who remain in Hong Kong  could face repercussions.

The British government has called the security law a clear violation of the "one country, two systems" policy meant to ensure Hong Kong's autonomy from Beijing until 2047. In its wake, the UK has opened a six-year pathway to British citizenship for holders of British National (Overseas) passports (BN(O)), a special visa category created for Hong Kong nationals before the 1997 transfer of power.

The visa does not account for the most vulnerable Hong Kongers: young pro-democracy protesters, like Malcolm, who were born after 1997 and are therefore not eligible. But it is nonetheless remarkable in its scope  in a city of 7.5 million people, 5.2 million Hong Kongers and their dependents are eligible for it.

It's also remarkable for another reason: it has been pioneered by the same British politicians who engineered the UK's break from the European Union, in part, to curb immigration.

It sets a markedly different tone for the Conservative government, and its cheerleaders in the British press, who have spent the past decade pushing anti-immigrant policies. And critics say it is predicated on a flawed idea of Hong Kongers as a "model minority" who will need no support to settle into a new life in the UK.

A different tone

The UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016 following a campaign dominated by anti-immigration rhetoric  much of it emanating from the same politicians who are now running the government.

In one campaign missive, pro-Brexit lawmakers Boris Johnson, Priti Patel, and Michael Gove stoked fears that rising numbers of southern European immigrants would "put further strain on schools and hospitals," and that "class sizes will rise and waiting lists will lengthen if we don't tackle free movement."

Yet last June, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the visa pathway for millions of Hong Kongers, describing the offer as being "one of the biggest changes in our visa system in history." The same politicians and media houses that warned darkly of an influx of foreigners during the Brexit campaign raised few objections this time around.

Last month, Priti Patel, now the Home Secretary, said she looked forward to welcoming Hong Kongers "to our great country." Yet in 2016, Patel campaigned against what she described as "uncontrolled migration" from the EU, and last year she is reported to have considered plans to send those seeking asylum in the UK to two Atlantic islands more than 4,000 miles away.

Welcoming Hong Kongers has become one of the few issues in British politics that commands bipartisan support, uniting opposition Labour, Green Party and Scottish National Party members with the hawkish, anti-China wing of the Conservative party.

The British government's shift in attitude could echo a change in public opinion  migration concerns in the UK appear to have softened considerably in recent years. The jury is out as to why public attitudes have shifted, but it has coincided with immigration dropping off the agenda as a political issue in the past few years.

There is also a feeling of colonial "indebtedness" to the people of Hong Kong, says Jonathan Portes, a Professor of Economics and Public Policy at King's College London.

Some of Brexit's biggest backers are championing the scheme "in a pretty explicit break with the approach of [Margaret] Thatcher in the run up to 1997," Portes said, explaining that the late UK Prime Minister "wanted to limit, as much as possible, the number of Hong Kong Chinese who came here, because of her wider anti-immigration views."

Defending Hong Kong against the creep of authoritarianism has also become a moral issue in the UK, which has hardened its attitude towards China in the past year. The UK has barred Chinese telecoms giant Huawei from playing a part in the country's 5G network, and has been vocal in its criticism of Beijing for human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities in the Xinjiang region.

Model minority

Perhaps one of the reasons the Hong Kong visa scheme has been so lauded is that its recipients are also being sold to the British public by hardline Brexiteers as a caricatured model minority, say critics.

Hong Kong nationals "wouldn't cost our taxpayers a penny... [they] would bring their own wealth," Conservative peer Daniel Hannan wrote in the right-wing Daily Telegraph newspaper. "And once they arrived, they would generate economic activity for the surrounding region, just as they did in their home city."

The Home Office estimates that up to 153,700 BN(O) holders will arrive in the country this year  and estimates they could bring 2.9 billion ($4.1 bn) into the economy over five years.

Yet the reality might not be so clear cut.

Hong Kong has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, but it is also one of the most economically unequal places on the planet, where one in five people are estimated to be living in poverty.

A family of two adults and two children will have to pay as much as 12,000 ($16,600) in immigration-related fees and have more than 3,100 in the bank in savings, according to the UK Home Office, and that doesn't include flights.

The language barrier (forms will need to be completed in English), and having to demonstrate the ability to accommodate and support themselves for at least six months, are also likely to put some off.

"60% of the people in Hong Kong live in public housing estates and they would find it harder [compared to Hong Kong's white-collar workers] to settle in a foreign country," Chan added.

Nor is it straightforward for those who are able to scrape the funds together, campaigners say. A study by civil society group Hong Kongers in Britain found that the majority of people planning to take up the visa are highly educated and financially able to support themselves through the move. Yet their main concerns about the move are finding accommodation, living costs, finding a job, and integrating into British society. More than a quarter of those surveyed worried about having trouble communicating in English.

Another challenge is the support that awaits them when they arrive in the UK.

The UK does not have a formal national integration program for immigrants. And there is no nationwide integration plan for the Hong Kongers who emigrate under the new scheme, according to Fred Wong, who works with Hong Kong ARC, a civil society group which offers Hong Kongers legal and mental health support. Wong asked CNN not to use his real name because he still has family in Hong Kong and fears for their safety.

Some of the 40 Hong Kongers who Wong is currently helping in the UK have yet to finish university or high school, while around half have never held down a job before and are struggling to get on the ladder in the UK. The UK government has no provisions to help them find jobs, set up bank accounts, or access mental health support, Wong said.

"Most of them suffer from PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder], which could be a reason or excuse [to why] they are not progressing," Wong said. His group has been organizing free psychological consultations and talks on how to overcome insomnia, nightmares and stress, as many of the Hong Kongers Fred helps have had trouble sleeping since fleeing the territory.

The model minority narrative means that the UK government is "unprepared, and maybe a bit oblivious to the amount of support that's needed," Wong said.

"The UK government is working alongside civil society groups, local authorities and others to support the effective integration of BN(O) status holders and their families who choose to make our United Kingdom their home," UKs Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, Kevin Foster, told CNN in a statement.

Support could shift

Polls show that the majority of British voters support the BN(O) scheme, but attitudes could shift as an estimated 300,000 BN(O) holders arrive in the next five years, Tanja Bueltmann, a professor of migration and diaspora at the University of Strathclyde, told CNN.

"The [ BN(O) scheme] is genuinely well meaning, but the provision around it is not very good," she explained -- something that raises questions over how many Hong Kongers will make the move in the end.

The other worry is Hong Kongers will face racially aggravated violence at a time of increasing xenophobia against people of East Asian appearance in the UK. Figures from London's Metropolitan Police showed that people who self-identified as Chinese, and whose ethnic appearance was recorded as "Oriental," experienced a five-fold increase in racist crimes between January 2020 and March 2020. Polling done in June found that three quarters of people of Chinese ethnicity in the UK had experienced being called a racial slur.

During an October debate on racism against the Chinese and East Asian community in Parliament, Scottish National Party lawmaker David Linden said some of his constituents "described the attacks against them, with restaurants and take-outs being vandalized and boycotted and victims being punched, spat at and coughed on in the street and even verbally abused and blamed for the coronavirus pandemic."

London-based Hong Kong Watch and 10 other civil society groups wrote to the government in January expressing concern about the lack of a "meaningful plan in place to ensure that the new arrivals properly integrate ... local authorities do not have specific policies, strategies or the creative bandwidth to welcome and integrate Hong Kong arrivals into their communities."

"The government must learn the lessons from past failures and take pre-emptive action now," their letter read.

'In limbo'

In the meantime, up to 350 Hong Kong dissidents between the ages of 18 and 24 are believed to be currently "stuck in limbo" in the UK, according to Wong from Hong Kong ARC. Being born after 1997, they are not eligible for the BN(O) scheme.

Some are in the country on tourist visas, biding their time until the UK government creates a policy that considers them, or until Canada begins its planned work-visa pathway for young Hong Kong dissidents. Australia has offered a pathway for permanent residency for Hong Kong students and skilled workers currently in the country.

But pandemic-related travel restrictions, as well as a lack of funds, mean many have had to rely on the generosity of civil society groups for a stipend, food and even accommodation.

Others, like Malcolm, have already applied for political asylum in the UK. The process can take more than a year. Asylum seekers are not allowed to work or open a bank account while their claim is being processed; they will be charged higher international fees if they attend a UK university.

And campaigners say there is no guarantee that pleas for asylum will be granted. According to the Refugee Council, in the year to September 2020, only 49% of initial decisions by the Home Office resulted in a grant of asylum or other form of protection.

Many asylum-seekers instead have to rely on asylum appeals through the courts to provide them with refugee status.

"The pro-democracy protests would not have existed without them [young activists], and without the protests there would not have been the BN(O) scheme  but they're the ones who are being left behind," said Chan.

Malcolm says he is luckier than most, having a sizeable inheritance to survive on, and a network of contacts that helped find him accommodation outside London. He hopes to apply for college once he gains asylum, but in the meantime has started to financially support around 20 dissidents in the UK and Hong Kong. He says that the British government has not done enough to help his generation.

'Practice makes perfect'

Hong Konger Sze, who asked CNN not to use her full name because her family still lives in Hong Kong, quit her job as a high school geography teacher and came to the UK in October on holiday to visit some friends.

At the end of her two-week trip, Sze decided to stay. She told CNN she plans to apply for BN(O) visa at the end of this month and is living off her savings in a flat she rents with a friend in North London in the meantime. Sze has been looking into roles as a geography teaching assistant or tutor as her Hong Kong teaching qualifications are recognized in the UK. When asked if her halting English will be a liability, Sze says "practice makes perfect."

The 28-year-old said China's incursion into everyday life in Hong Kong had influenced her decision to stay, as had the fact that being in the UK means she has the "freedom to do what I want and even protest every week," without fear of political retribution.

It would be intolerable to live in Hong Kong now, especially since teachers have been compelled to "teach students about the [national] security law," she said.

Sze has settled into London life: She already has strong opinions on the snail's pace of London buses and is counting the days to when lockdown ends and she can go shopping on Oxford Street.

While it can be hard to find the authentic Cantonese cuisine she grew up eating in Hong Kong, Sze marvels at how much cheaper food is at British supermarkets.

"The food quality is better, the price is cheaper and the rent is cheaper," she told CNN.

Sze cannot get a job until her BN(O) visa is approved, but she is optimistic that the UK's coronavirus-induced economic slump will not get in the way of her finding work. "I am open to any [job] option -- it really depends on how much savings I have," she said.

But her biggest concern is the fate of fellow dissidents going through the asylum process, and whether her compatriots who move to the UK will give up the fight for independence back home.

"Hong Kongers should never give up, no matter if they've left Hong Kong or not," she said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Why Britain's anti-immigration politicians are opening the doors to thousands of Hong Kongers."
OTTAWA - China's envoy to Canada is telling Canadian parliamentarians to butt out of his country's internal affairs through their pending vote on declaring a genocide against ethnic Muslim Uighurs in its Xinjiang province.

Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Canada Cong Peiwu participates in a roundtable interview with journalists at the Embassy of China in Ottawa, on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA - China's envoy to Canada is telling Canadian parliamentarians to butt out of his country's internal affairs through their pending vote on declaring a genocide against ethnic Muslim Uighurs in its Xinjiang province.

Cong Peiwu, the Chinese ambassador to Canada, reiterated his government's view that there is no mistreatment of Uighurs, labelling accusations from the United Nations and others that millions of people in detention camps are being subjected to forced labour and sterilization as unfounded China bashing.

The Conservatives tabled a motion in Parliament this past week calling on Canada to formally declare crimes against Uighur Muslims in China a genocide. That motion may come to a non-binding vote as early as Monday.

"We firmly oppose that because it runs counter to the facts. And it's like, you know, interfering in our domestic affairs," Cong told The Canadian Press in an interview Saturday. "There's nothing like genocide happening in Xinjiang at all."

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa proactively offered the interview on Saturday ahead of the scheduled vote.

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole has said the motion and subsequent vote is needed to send a "clear and unequivocal signal that we will stand up for human rights and the dignity of human rights, even if it means sacrificing some economic opportunity."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stopped short of agreeing with American officials, human rights advocates and legal scholars that the violations amount to a genocide, saying the term is a loaded one that has to be used carefully.

"There is no question there have been tremendous human rights abuses coming out of Xinjiang," Trudeau said earlier this week, adding that use of the word must be "properly justified and demonstrated so as not to weaken the application of 'genocide' in situations in the past."

Cong dismissed the widespread allegations against China over the treatment of Uighurs and reiterated his government's view that it has acted to stamp out terrorist activity in the province .

He said the region's population grew by 25 per cent between 2010 and 2018, a figure he said undercuts accusations of forced sterilization and genocide. He said Uighurs are receiving vocational and language training so they can prosper in Chinese society.

He also disputed allegations of religious persecution, saying Uighurs are free to worship in mosques.

"I think we respect your values. But I think our core values should be: respect facts. And to stop spreading disinformation or even rumors," said Cong.

Britain's Foreign Office minister of state, James Cleverly, told a UN Security Council meeting last month that China's "severe and disproportionate measures" against the Uighurs are an example of counter-terrorism measures being used "to justify egregious human rights violations and oppression."

Cleverly said China has detained 1.8 million people in Xinjiang without trial and is not living up to its obligations under international human rights law or its Security Council requirement that counter-terrorism measures comply with those obligations.

Bob Rae, Canada's ambassador to the United Nations, called on the UN in November to investigate whether China's persecution of the Uighurs constitutes genocide.

A Canadian parliamentary subcommittee concluded in an October report that China's treatment of Uighurs is a genocide, a finding China rejected as baseless.

Trudeau and his fellow G7 leaders discussed the accusations against China over the treatment of its Uighur minority during their virtual summit on Friday.

Trudeau said they had "taken careful note of conclusions drawn by experts around the world, including findings of crimes against humanity and genocide."

Cong also denounced Canada's leadership of a 58-country international declaration against arbitrary detention amid the 800-plus days that Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor have been in prison in China.

Canadian officials took pains not to name China as the target of the declaration, saying it was trying to start a global movement against a coercive practice that several countries are now using that must be stopped through an attempt to internationally shame its practitioners.

Cong says if Canada really wants to live up to the spirit of that declaration, it should release Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, who the RCMP arrested on an American extradition warrant. He contends her prosecution is unlawful and her continued detention is also arbitrary.

Canada and its allies say Kovrig and Spavor are being detained in retaliation for Meng's arrest and that national security charges levelled by China against them are bogus.

"We must point out that Mme. Meng Wanzhou has been arbitrarily detained for over two years, despite the fact that she hasn't violated any Canadian law. This is the most accurate illustration of arbitrary arrest or detention of foreign nationals," said Cong.

"So, the declaration looks rather like Canada's confession in the Meng Wanzhou case."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2021.

with files from the Associated Press
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Pieter Friedrich, is currently the most widely discussed name in India as security agencies are trying to uncover his role in the anti-India information warfare after the emergence of his name in the toolkit shared by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

The revelations made by the Delhi Police have highlighted his role as an alleged kingpin in waging the disinformation warfare for one and a half decade on directions of Pakistan's ISI.

Despite the Delhi Police making attempts to get a hold of him, he continues to peddle propaganda and attack India through his propaganda channels. He is making back-to-back appearances on leading media outlets as well as posting several tweets to defend himself.

The recently launched Disinfo Lab report titled The Unending War: From Proxy War to Info War Against India has dismantled the lies peddled by him at various levels, including his publications, social media posts, declaration of companies, his association with terrorists, and so on and so forth.

An analysis of the Disinfo Lab report and fact check of few previous and current claims made by Pieter Friedrich has unearthed numerous shocking facts.

Soon after the press conference by Delhi Police, Pieter alleged that the main reason behind targetting him was his anti-RSS stand. In one of the tweets shared by him on February 16, he stated  Ive been targeted because I have emerged as one of North Americas most relentless voices against the rising fascism of the Modi regime and, particularly, the RSS.

It is to be noted that the domains of RSS and Hindutva are very novel for him and the diversion in theme of campaigns of this expert has taken place just a few years ago as the main target of his campaigns, since 2007, was Mahatma Gandhi. Breaking Gandhijis statues, delivering hate speeches against him, and publicly abusing him were the major facets of his activism. The Pieter-Bhinder duo, at numerous instances, even went to the extent of calling the Father of the Nation a racist, pedophile, and child rapist!

The masala of RSS/BJP was added to the propaganda content produced by Peiter very recently. Prior to that, there was hardly any mention of the Hindu nationalist organisations in India in his productions. Zee News went through his content produced/published prior to 2014 elections and found that all his productions between 2007-2014 focussed around three broad categories: Khalistan, Kashmir, and Gandhi.

The themes of his book and the timeline of the publication reiterate this fact. The list of propaganda books/booklets authored and published by Pieter Friedrich is: (i) The Faces of Terror in India (2011); Demons Within: The Systematic Practice of Torture by Indian Police (2011); (iii) Gandhi: Racist or Revolutionary? (2017); (iv) Captivating the Simple-Hearted: A Struggle for Human Dignity in the Indian Subcontinent (2017); (v) Bharat Bandh and the Dalit Struggle Against Dehumanization (2018); (vi) Kite Fights: The Proxy Wars Behind the Kabul Gurdwara Massacre (2020); (vii) Saffron Fascists: India's Hindu Nationalist Rulers (2020).

A quick look at the themes and the timeline reveals that he has been working on attacking the India state regardless of the regime in power and suddenly diverted to attacking Hindutva and RSS as it conveniently suited the Khalistani narrative.

It is also important to note that similar to diversions and deviations from his area of expertise, Pieter has also been a master in changing and camouflaging identities, proving himself to be a crafty clown and a skilful imposter. The Disinfo Lab report has revealed that he has adopted the identities of Pieter Singh, Patrick Nevers, Peter Flanigan, Pieter Friedrich, and the list goes on. He has certainly tried to adopt a new identity for every new campaign. He abused Mahatma Gandhi by the name cover of Peter Flanigan and took up the Khalistani flag as Pieter Singh. Similarly, he began peddling anti-India narrative by authoring books as Patrick J Nevers.

Speaking to a media outlet on his relationship with Bhinder, Pieter argued to have co-authored two books with Bhajan Singh, including one on how the origins of Sikhism are entwined with the anti-caste struggle. A fact check by Zee News has revealed that he has actually written four books with Bhinder  all attacking the Indian state and none of them touching the issue of caste in India.

Pieter also tried to disguise his actual role in OFMI and never agreed to be the kingpin of the anti-India organisation. In one of his tweets about OFMI, he stated  Highly recommend you follow @OFMIorg, a brilliant human rights collective for which I was once an advisory director. A fact check by our team revealed that the claim was a bizarre lie and he has never been the Advisory Director of the organisation, rather it was registered in his name in 2007, and later taken over by Bhinder in 2013. His brother-in-law, Steven Macias, a Christian missionary, happens to be the CFO of OFMI.

Speaking to a media outlet and attempting to dissociate himself from his Khalistani connections, he argued, had I ever seen Bhajan even hint at support for Khalistan, I would have run the other way. The speeches delivered by him at Khalistani congregations, association with Pakistani embassy, and having worked with a number of Khalistani extremists reveals that he was always well aware of what he was doing and was supporting the Khalistani terror campaign in principle as well as in action. He was also associated with another Khalistani outfit Sikh Information Centre (a Khalistani organization) and adopted a fake identity as Pieter Singh. In addition, he ran companies with Bhinder, knowing that he was a most wanted Khalistani terrorist, hatching terror conspiracy against India.

In fact, security officials have highlighted that Bhinder was a Person of Interest (POI) for the US Drug Enforcement Administration for a long time and was also responsible for supplying arms and ammunition for attacking Indian cities. It seems quite hard to believe that an expert on South Asian affairs failed to notice this fact despite working with Bhinder in a partnership.

In another fundraising website (https://www.patreon.com/pieterfriedrich) Pieter is seeking donations for awareness about RSS activities in India & abroad and the description section reads  I am a freelance journalist specializing in the analysis of affairs in South Asia, with a focus on the RSS and its Hindu nationalist agenda. I produce books, articles, video interviews, and more as well as give lectures and engage in activism with a focus on human rights and liberty in that region. Transparency activists suggest that emotional and irrational public easily fall prey to such fake activists and end up donating the money which finally gets misused for personal expenses by those activists. They also suggested that this fundraising campaign and similar ones suggest that besides making profits from his ISI handlers, he has himself started a side business to make money in the name of exploiting anti-India sentiments.

The world has suddenly realised that Pieter has now suddenly evolved as a journalist. As his Twitter bio reads  Experte fur Sudasien-Angelegenheiten (Expert in South Asia affairs). I believe in bold, factual, aggressive and adversarial journalism.

Similarly, according to his website, Pieter specializes in the analysis of historical and current affairs in South Asia. He engages with issues such as human rights, supremacist political ideologies, ethnonationalism, the politicization of religion, authoritarian government structures and policies, state-sponsored atrocities, and the need to unify around doctrines of liberty.

During our research, we were unable to find out even a single empirical work by Pieter pertaining to either of the areas. What we found indicated that in totality, Pieter has been representing the Khalistanis everywhere in the US by making ambiguous and baseless allegations against India. We also analysed his speeches delivered during the OFMI events and strikingly observed that though he peddled several allegations against the Indian government, he not at once came up with a tangible data or argument to substantiate his arguments. But what he certainly succeeded in doing was more detrimental to Indias global reputation as excerpts from his addresses were used by several ISI sponsored columnists and media outlets to peddle the propaganda quoting an Expert on South Asian Affairs.

His website further reads, Pieter has lectured at Columbia University, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC Los Angeles, Carleton University, and St. Stephens College. A staunch advocate for religious liberty and interfaith cooperation, he has spoken at mosques, gurdwaras, churches, and viharas. He has travelled and lived in Europe and Asia.

Let me remind you, Pieter has lectured at and not studied at the top universities mentioned on his website. Any common Indian visiting his website would get impressed just by noticing the names of these prominent institutions and without noticing the difference between the two things, might get convinced by the very idea of Pieters association with these institutions, added the expert.

Similarly, Pieter, being a former pastor himself, has hardly visited any religious site other than Church and later as a Khalistan sponsored expert in Gurdwaras. However, given his anti-Hindu bias cultivated by the ISI sponsored, he was never seen visiting a Hindu temple.

An experienced civil society activist we spoke to argued that the words used on his website regarding Pieters educational qualification are wisely crafted in an attempt to provide legitimacy to his anti-India activities as everyone would listen to the words of an expert who works on issues like human rights, supremacist political ideologies, ethnonationalism, state-sponsored atrocities, etc.

These few, but significant fact checks underline the magnitude and intensity of the propaganda being peddled by the Khalistani-Pakistani combine. Also, the expose on Pieters activities has uncovered only one single thread of propaganda war that Pakistan has waged on India. There could be several such soldiers based across the world and possibly, even in India who have been aiding to Pakistans war. India certainly needs to come up with a comprehensive strategy to counter the propaganda strategy as a mass scale and investigative agencies should try to investigate and hold the trial against every individual helping Pakistan in its disinformation warfare against India.
Matt Hancock today took aim at Sky News' Covid rule-breakers while being quizzed over the lifting of lockdown measures, saying: 'I know everyone there is keen to get back to having parties'.

The Health Secretary made the quip, an obvious reference to presenter Kay Burley's rule-breaching birthday bash, as he tackled a question over the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.

He was asked by presenter Sophy Ridge: 'You want to vaccinate or offer a jab to everyone by the end of July, but you can't even tell us whether we'll be able to go on holiday in the summer?

'That does seem, to some people, a little bit ridiculous.'

But Mr Hancock quickly countered: 'Well, I know that everybody at Sky News is keen to be able to get back to having parties, and all of us, understandably, want to get back to normal.'

The Health Secretary (pictured) made the quip, an obvious reference to presenter Kay Burley's 60th Covid-rule breaching birthday bash, as he tackled a question over the Government's roadmap out of lockdown

The sharp swipe comes after stalwart Sky presenter Ms Burley was taken off air for celebrating her 60th with a Covid-rule breaching party in Soho, London, in December (pictured)

The sharp swipe comes after stalwart Sky News presenter Ms Burley was taken off air for celebrating her 60th with a Covid-rule breaching party in Soho, London, in December.

The party at one point featured a group of 10 inside Soho's Century Club - despite the Government's Rule of Six being in place at the time.

The group reportedly included Sky News colleagues Beth Rigby, Inzamam Rashid and Sam Washington.

A group then carried onto a private restaurant, Folie, before four went back to Ms Burley's West London home - though it is not clear who was in that group.

Ms Burley, who regularly challenged Government ministers over Covid rules as one of the channel's top presenters, was taken off the air for six months following the breach.

Political editor Ms Rigby and presenter Ms Washington were also been taken off air by Sky, along with North of England correspondent Mr Rashid.

The event was reportedly attended by political editor Beth Rigby (pictured here hugging Kay Burley), who was also taken off the air

Sky colleagues Inzamam Rashid (left) and Sam Washington (right) were said have been involved and were taken off air while an internal inquiry was carried out

Ms Burley later apologised, saying in a Tweet: 'I want to apologise to you all for an error of judgment. (On the night) I was enjoying my 60th birthday at a Covid-compliant restaurant.

'I am embarrassed to say that later in the evening I inadvertently broke the rules. I had been waiting for a taxi at 11pm to get home.

'Desperate for the loo I briefly popped into another restaurant to spend a penny. I can only apologise.'

Mr Hancock's quip was well-received on Twitter, with one Conservative London councillor, Susan Hall, saying: 'After that ridiculous question about holidays Matt Hancock gave the best response ever.'

Another said: 'Well done Matt.'

On Twitter user added: 'We all know everyone at Sky News is anxious to getting back to having parties is excellent shade from Matt Hancock towards Kay Burley.'

However, not everyone was impressed. One Twitter user described the Health Secretary's comment as a 'cheap dig'.

Alongside the swipe, Mr Hancock also urged that the nation needed to 'be cautious' on lifting lockdown rules, despite the success of the UK's vaccine rollout - which has seen more than 17million people receive their first dose.

He said: 'It is right to be cautious. There are still almost 20,000 people in hospital with Covid right now.

'And the vaccination program while clearly going very well will take time to be able to reach all people who are vulnerable.

'We also need to get the second jab to everybody. We've got time that we need to be able to get things right.

'The Prime Minister will set out his road map tomorrow and he'll set out the full details, taking a cautious and irreversible approach, that's the goal.'

He warned that the Government would take its time lifting the coronavirus lockdown, despite speeding up plans to rollout vaccines to all UK adults by the end of July.

The Health Secretary said it was 'right to be cautious' ahead of Boris Johnson's big reveal of his roadmap out of restrictions tomorrow.

Mr Hancock confirmed this morning that every adult in the country will be offered at least one dose of a Covid vaccine by the end of July.

The Government previously said it hoped to reach all those aged 18 and over by the autumn, but Mr Johnson aims to greatly accelerate the successful campaign.

Mr Hancock also confirmed that everyone over 50 will be offered at least a first dose by April 15, rather than by May, as previously suggested.

And he also confirmed that one-in-three adults in England has now been vaccinated, with more than 17million people having received their first dose so far.
Frank Ablorh, a businessman has been sentenced to a fine of GH24,000.00 for collecting $2,000 each from six persons under the pretext of securing them Canadian visas.



Ablorh in default would go to jail for eight months in hard labour.



Ablorh had pleaded not guilty before an Accra Circuit Court on six counts of defrauding by false pretences.



The Court, presided over by Mrs. Evelyn Asamoah, at the end of the trial, however, found Ablorh guilty on all the six counts and convicted him accordingly.



Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Seth Frimpong, said the complainants were Vida Ampah, a trader, David Kofi Agbo, an artist, Emmanuel Awah, trader, Gifty Agbodjan, a caterer, Abraham Agbodjan a trader and Jeffery Agbo, a Business Administrator.



He said Ablorh and the complainants were church members and that in February 2017, Ablorh announced at Church that he could assist prospective applicants to secure Canadian visas.



The prosecution said Ablorh informed the complainants that his partners were organising a conference in Toronto, Canada in June 2017 and demanded $5,000 each from the applicants so he could add them to a delegation from Ghana.



The prosecution said the complainants expressed interest and parted with $2,000 each as part payment in anticipation that Ablorh would procure their visas.



Mr Frimpong said the date for the conference elapsed and Ablorh could not secure their visas so the complainants demanded their money, but Ablorh refused to refund the various amount and went into hiding.



Chief Inspector Frimpong said a report was made to the Police and during investigations Ablorh was arrested and $1,600 was retrieved from him.



The Prosecution said Police investigations revealed that there was no such conference in Canada as alleged by Ablorh and that he made a false representation to swindle the complainants.

Source: GNA









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A DUBLIN man is facing trial accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice by giving false evidence in a personal injuries claim.

Peter Slattery (45) appeared in court charged with giving false or misleading information in sworn evidence and statements during a civil court action in 2017.

He was granted bail at Dublin District Court and the case against him was adjourned for the preparation of a book of evidence.

Mr Slattery, with an address at Racecourse Green, Lusk, Co Dublin is charged with two offences under the Civil Liability and Courts Act.

The first alleges that on October 23, 2017, he gave evidence at a personal injury action in Dublin Circuit Civil Court that was false or misleading in a material aspect.

The second is that he made a statement that was false or misleading in a material aspect, at an office in central Dublin on April 6, 2017.

A third charge, contrary to Common Law, alleges that between January 13 and October 23, 2017 he gave false particulars in the course of a civil litigation through sworn evidence and a sworn affidavit before a judge with intent to pervert the course of justice.

Detective Garda Garrett Lynch of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau told Judge Treasa Kelly he arrested Mr Slattery for the purpose of charging him at Kilmainham Garda Station this morning.

He was present when the accused was charged at 9.22am. Mr Slattery made no reply to any of the counts after caution and was handed copies of the charge sheets, the court heard.

Det Gda Lynch said he had no objection to bail and said the accused had complied with the investigation to date.

Gda Lynch said the case would be going forward to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court as the DPP had directed trial on indictment. There was consent to Mr Slattery being sent forward on a signed plea of guilty if this should arise.

The accused has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charges.

Judge Kelly granted bail in Mr Slatterys own bond of 200, with no cash lodgement required. Under conditions, he is to sign on at Balbriggan Garda Station one a week, between 9am and 9pm.

The judge extended the time required for the preparation of a book of evidence and remanded the accused on bail to a date in April.

Defence solicitor Chris Horrigan said he was not making an application for legal aid yet, but an application may arise in the future.

Mr Slattery was not required to address the court during the brief hearing.
A passenger jet en route to Honolulu has landed safely at Denver International Airport after it experienced an engine failure that caused parts of the plane to rain down on neighbourhoods near where it took off.

Officials with Denver International Airport confirmed to CNN that United Airlines Flight 328 took off from the airport on Saturday but then had to return after experiencing engine difficulties. The pilot was safely able to land the plane back at the airport.

During a press briefing on Saturday, a Broomfield Police Department spokesperson confirmed there has been no reports of injuries on the ground from the falling debris. Im shocked looking at this debris field ... the fact that we are getting no reports of any injuires is shocking. Its amazing, the spokesperson said.

In released audio of the mayday call between air traffic control and the United Airlines flight crew, one pilot was heard saying the plane just experienced a heavy engine failure and needed to return immediately to the Denver airport.

A loud boom was heard by residents on the ground near the airport following takeoff on Saturday.

Police in Broomfield, Colorado, a northern suburb of Denver, then reported that they received calls from residents of large pieces of plane debris landing in the yards of nearby neighbourhoods.

Several images shared by the Broomfield Police Department showed large pieces of the plane littered in front of several homes in the Northmoor and Red Leaf neighbourhoods, including one that appeared to depict a large piece of the engine. Plane debris was also located at Commons Park.

The plane landed safely at DIA. We still havent received reports of any injuries, the police department tweeted.

One resident on the ground shared an image of the airplane flying overhead, and it showed what looked to be the right engine on fire.

Then a video shared online by a passenger on the plane depicted a damaged right engine as the jet made its emergency landing. Passengers onboard were heard in the video cheering after the plane safely landed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement following the incident.

A Boeing 777-200 operated by United Airlines returned to Denver International Airport and landed safety Saturday after experiencing a right-engine failure shortly after takeoff. The FAA is aware of reports of debris in the vicinity of the airplanes flight path. The passengers deplaned on Runway 26-Right and were bused to the terminal, the statement read.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide additional updates. United Flight 328 was flying from Denver to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu when the incident occurred, the statement continued.

No injuries were reported inside the plane upon landing and passengers had to evacuate directly onto the airport tarmac. They were then shuttled back to the terminal from the tarmac.

Broomfield police have implored residents in the area to not move or touch any plane debris if it landed near their homes. The @NTSB wants all debris to remain in place for investigation, the police department tweeted.

The police department was now working with NTSB to help rope off areas where the debris has landed and respond to any impacted residents. A spokesperson confirmed there were reports of some damage to homes, but could not answer yet to the extent of that damage.
President Biden (I will never get over writing or saying that), whether he knows it or not, signed executive orders ending construction of the border wall and the Keystone XL Pipeline in the first hours of his presidency. Together these actions have directly cost Americans tens of thousands of jobs, led to quickly escalating gas prices, and made the United States far less secure in every way.

Nice opening, Joe, what are you going to do for an encore? Not to worry, Biden is promoting a pipeline project involving the Taliban, according to the Washington Examiner. Yes, those Taliban. The Biden administration has apparently brokered a meeting between the Turkmenistan government and the Taliban to further prospects for a trans-Afghanistan pipeline that would bring Turkmen gas across Afghanistan and Pakistan to India.

Suhail Shaheen, a member of the Talibans Qatar-based negotiation team, speaking to reporters in Ashgabat.

(Photo: Turkmen Foreign Ministry; source)

This was the same deal, the Examiner reports, that now-Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, then a consultant for the Unocal Corporation, sought to make with the Taliban in the years before the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Since the Taliban heartily approved of the attacks which killed nearly 3,000 men, women, and children, that deal was -- perhaps understandably -- put on hold.

Democrats seem fond of facilitating construction of pipelines benefitting others, including those that have killed numerous American citizens, while simultaneously putting the kibosh on those that could help provide affordable energy for Americans. They are oddly sanguine about the extraction industry in other countries while being maniacally opposed to Americans being able to, say, heat their homes with energy provided by domestic oil, coal or even natural gas. Virtually all of the most prominent Democratic moralists warning us of the imminent dire consequences of global warming, a.k.a. climate change, have carbon footprints many times the size of the rest of us. John Kerry and his wife, for example, own multiple houses, a yacht, and fly on private jets. Yet he doesnt want the deplorables in flyover country to mow the yard or grill a steak.

Similarly, Democrats claim a wall on the southern border of the U.S. cant or shouldnt be built/is too expensive/wont work, yet they routinely build fences and walls around their own abodes, and occasionally acknowledge the efficacy of other nations barriers.

Whats more, they wish to strip Americans of their Second Amendment rights and leave them unable to defend themselves and their loved ones even as they want to defund and disband the police, yet most bigwigs have armed security protecting them at all times.

Moreover, Biden was going to vaccinate Gitmo terrorists before most Americans, prior to an outcry of disgust. Dems plan to offer illegal aliens lower college tuition rates than American citizens. They lock us down and in while they eat at the French Laundry and get their hair done.

Gee, its almost as if they dont like us.

Why does anyone listen to anything any of the pompous, heinous clowns in government say? Why do people believe the experts and the proclamations of the elite? Why do they obey the edicts, decrees and mandates of those in the ruling class/bureaucracy/Swamp?

Why dont they cut out the middleman and just flog themselves instead?
Alexei Navalny will be shipped off to a remote penal colony in a matter of days, after authorities dismissed his prison sentence appeal yesterday, leaving Russia's opposition movement without its undisputed leader.

The Moscow City Court sentenced Mr Navalny, the Kremlin's most prominent critic, to two-and-a-half-years in prison for violating the terms of his probation, putting an end to a five-week-long saga of his return to Russia, arrest and massive nationwide protests.

Prison authorities will now be able to remove the opposition politician to a prison colony, potentially leaving him without any communication with his family and lawyers.

The Kremlin is likely to greet his departure from Moscow with a sigh of relief as Mr Navalny for years has been the only opposition figure able to mount massive protest rallies and urge citizens to back anti- government candidates in tactical voting.

Mr Navalny's return to Russia in January set off the country's biggest political crisis in a decade, with tens of thousands rallying in more than 100 cities and towns, demanding his release.

In his final argument before the verdict, Mr Navalny evoked the wisdom of the Bible, Harry Potter and the Rick and Morty cartoon, saying he felt happy that he was able to stay true to his beliefs.

Not expecting justice from a judiciary with an acquittal rate of less than half a percent, Mr Navalny is using his time in the dock to ram home his message that Russia's criminal justice system is a sham used to silence Mr Putin's critics.

He calls the cases "performances" trumped up by the authorities to instil fear in the population or to smear him, but he has seized the stage they afford for his own purposes.

Mr Navalny quoted Jesus's Sermon on the Mount as the "guidelines" of his life: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

"Your Honour, do you know what's the most popular slogan in Russia? It's: 'What is the strength? Strength is in truth.' Yet, our country is built on injustice."

Last week, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued a rare emergency ruling, urging Russia to immediately release Mr Navalny, taking into account "the nature and extent of risk to the applicant's life". Russia is obliged to comply with ECHR rulings as a member of the Council of Europe, but the country's justice minister has already refused to do so.

A few hours after he lost his appeal, Mr Navalny faced another trial. This time he was found guilty of defaming a World War II veteran. He was fined 850,000 roubles (9,500).

 Telegraph Media Group Ltd (2021)
By Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - One month into the job, President Joe Biden is on the cusp of securing a bigger economic rescue package than during the 2009 financial crisis. He has wiped out his predecessor Donald Trump's policies from climate change to travel bans, while the U.S. daily COVID-19 vaccine distribution rate grew 55%.

That may have been the easy part.

The White House's broad strategy - avoid unwinnable political fights, focus on policies with mass voter appeal, and mostly ignore Republican attacks - will be increasingly difficult in the months ahead, Democrats and Republicans say, even as millions more are vaccinated and the economy rebounds.

"They've got some problems right around the corner," said Jim Manley, once a top aide to former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Biden has made many of the changes he has clear authority to do by executive action. Landmines going forward include pushing laws on which the Democratic Party is divided, such as college debt relief, tax hikes and curbs on the energy industry.

Then there are the intractable policy fights that have defined American politics for a generation, including who can become a citizen, how easy it should be to vote, whether the government should pay for healthcare, and who should carry a gun.

Meanwhile, many tricky issues, from trade tariffs to China policy to tech oversight, are still under review at the White House.

Related: Joe Biden through the years

DEMOCRATS UNITED?

Democrats are working to pass their economic stimulus package with or without Republican support before a critical mid-March deadline when expanded unemployment insurance expires.

The bill only needs a majority vote, because it will be passed as part of a process called reconciliation, but that requires every Democrat to side with the White House. Doubts are growing that the bill will include a provision raising the federal minimum wage to $15, which would sorely disappoint liberal Democrats.

"I've been shocked at how disciplined the Left has been; I'm not sure how much that's going to last," Manley said. "I can see there's some fissures developing."

Those cracks were on display when some Democrats, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, criticized Biden after he said told a Feb. 16 CNN town hall he disagrees with members of his party who want to forgive $50,000 in student debt.

A comprehensive White House-backed immigration bill unveiled on Feb. 18 is not expected to pass the Senate; the second-ranked Democrat, Dick Durbin, is among those suggesting a less-ambitious effort that focuses on immigrants brought to the United States as children.

Republicans are reshuffling after the Trump years, said Paul Shumaker, a Republican strategist behind Senator Thom Tillis' hard-fought re-election in North Carolina.

Biden could unite them by overreaching on taxes and spending, he noted, while doing too little on these issues will disappoint some of his Democratic base.

"He's enjoying a honeymoon period, but everyone knows that honeymoon's going to come to an end," Shumaker said.

ELUSIVE REPUBLICAN SUPPORT

White House aides say the policy agenda they plan to push in the coming months has bipartisan voter appeal, and they believe Republicans in Congress could ultimately be forced to support it by their constituents.

"Is he going to be focused on winning every last Republican over? No, of course not," said White House communications director Kate Bedingfield, a longtime Biden confidant.

"But is he going to reach out and speak to people on both sides of the aisle  is he going to work to put forward plans that meets the needs of people of both parties  yes, he absolutely is."

Biden's early polling numbers suggest that will be a challenge. Some 56% of Americans approve of his performance as president, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in mid-February, but just 20% of Republicans.

The White House's bipartisan hopes lie in an infrastructure plan, still in the embryonic stages of development, that is expected to exceed the scale, scope and price tag of the roughly $1.9 trillion stimulus bill.

The measure is almost certainly going to both expand the deficit and require some tax increases, measures expected to spur opposition. It is likely to be peppered with measures on climate change, and could also include Biden's proposed subsidies for college, according to several people briefed on early conversations.

Putting the pieces together will be tough without a full senior staff, including Biden's pick for budget director, Neera Tanden, whose confirmation has run into Democratic opposition from Senator Joe Manchin, who also opposed including the minimum wage in the stimulus bill.

Nonetheless, the Left's expectations for Biden remain high.

"The administration came out bold and strong," said Luis Hernandez, a youth gun violence prevention activist who met with senior administration officials last week. "There's much more to be done."

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Heather Timmons and Daniel Wallis)
Burma Myanmar Military Regime Denies Responsibility for Death of Woman Shot at Naypyitaw Protest

Protesters hold a picture of gunshot victim Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine in Naypyitaw. / The Irrawaddy

YANGONThe Myanmar military regime has categorically denied involvement in the killing of a young woman who was shot in the head during a police crackdown on anti-regime protesters, saying the bullet that struck her was different from the type security forces use, citing a postmortem report.

Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, a 20-year-old high school student, was pronounced dead on Feb. 19 after she was hit by a live bullet in Naypyitaw on Feb. 10, when riot police bloodily quelled the protesters.

Myanmar has seen nationwide anti-regime protests for more than two weeks following the coup on Feb. 1. The junta has detained the countrys democratically elected leaders, President U Win Myint and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as well as many other opponents.

Video footage that has gone viral on Facebook shows that the student made no attempt to get past the police barricades at the scene. She collapsed abruptly after being struck in the head by a bullet while taking cover from water cannons under a bus-stop shelter. A doctor from a medical team in Naypyitaw who requested anonymity told The Irrawaddy that the bullet pierced the motorcycle helmet she was wearing and lodged in her head.

On Sunday, the regimes mouthpiece, the state-run newspaper The Mirror, said, According to the postmortem on Feb. 19, a piece of lead was found in the head of Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine.

(It) is different from ammunition Myanmar Police Force use in crowd control, and the bullet found is not the same as the  assault ammunition police use, it said.

It also said the victim was likely wounded and killed by a weapon used by some other external [force], without elaborating.

Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine was the first anti-regime protest-related fatality.

On Saturday, riot police and soldiers in Mandalay opened fire on civilians, killing two people and wounding several.

However, a state-run newspaper reported on Sunday that Rioters Assail Security Forces with Projectiles in Mandalay, claiming that security forces cleared people blocking the streets and tried to disperse the crowd according to the law. No mention of the deaths of two people, including a teenage boy, hit in the head and abdomen, were to be seen.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, tweeted on Sunday that he was horrified to see more loss of life, including that of the teenage boy in Mandalay, as the ruling junta escalates its brutality in Myanmar.

From water cannons to rubber bullets to tear gas and now hardened troops firing point blank at peaceful protesters. This madness must end, now! he said.

Following the fatal shooting on Saturday, the international community condemned the military regime for its deadly crackdowns on civilians.

The US Embassy in Yangon said it was deeply troubled by the fatal shooting of protesters in Mandalay and no one should be harmed for exercising the right to dissent.

You may also like these stories:

Myanmar Student Dies 10 Days After Being Shot by Police at Anti-Coup Protest

Family of Protester Shot by Myanmar Police Agree to Remove Life Support

Family of Police Crackdowns Victim Urges Rooting Out Dictatorship

Woman Shot by Myanmar Police During Anti-Coup Protest Declared Brain Dead
She said to me: You have to think about this as a father first. What would you want to happen if it were our girls?, the Prime Minister said. The implication was clear. Unlike say, relations with China or the finer points of gas extraction policy, this was one for a lady-adviser, a maternal figure who could discreetly counsel the Prime Minister on the sensitive, feminine nature of the matter. In other words, rape is womens business. Brittany Higgins photographed outside Parliament on the first day in her new job.

It was probably well-meaning, but the problem with that formulation is it minimises what should be an obvious point: rape is a crime. It is a violent crime that strips its victim of dignity, power and security. It should not happen anywhere but it certainly shouldnt happen in the nations seat of power, and it should not be treated as something for women to handle among themselves, with discretion and privacy, until it morphs into a political problem, at which point operatives will be deployed for a clean-up. Higgins herself accused the Prime Minister of using victim-blaming language. Credit:Illustration: Matt Davidson It reminded me of August 2018, when former MP Julia Banks quit the Liberal party claiming she had been subjected to sexist bullying and intimidation in the aftermath of the coup against Malcolm Turnbull.

Morrison said at the time that my first concern is for [Banks] welfare and wellbeing and she is taking the time to ensure that thats taken care of. Loading It made it sound as though Banks had experienced a nervous breakdown, when in fact she had called attention to what she said was a sexist Liberal Party culture. The courage of Higgins in hauling herself into the open demonstrates the strength of the urge of the victim to be acknowledged and heard. It is nearly two years later and Higgins no longer works for the government. But her drive for some form of justice must have been bloody powerful.

We all know what happens to women who speak out. Higgins herself accused the Prime Minister of using victim-blaming language. She set herself against the Goliath of the political establishment. Following Higgins alleged assault, she had some initial contact with police, before deciding against pursuing a formal complaint. Julia Banks announcing her decision in 2018 to quit the Liberal Party and join the crossbench. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen People sometimes ask why victims go public with stories like these, rather than go to trial. The answer is in the low conviction rates for sexual assault, and it is in the courtroom tactics of every barrister who has stood up at the bar table for a cross examination, intent on destroying the alleged victims credibility. But Higgins is especially brave. On Friday she released a statement saying she would pursue a full police investigation.

The Australian Federal Police have made assurances to me that they will handle this matter thoroughly and transparently, she said in her statement. I would also ask that they handle it in a timely manner as to date, I have waited a long time for justice. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds became emotional during question time after earlier saying she was deeply sorry if her handling of sexual assault allegations has caused a former staff member distress. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Higgins was first offered support by the police, who had asked for assistance from the local rape crisis centre. She was offered no such support in her workplace, where the alleged assault took place. It is astounding that a young woman (Higgins was 24 at the time of the alleged assault) had to sit through meetings with her bosses and talk about this trauma without anyone with her to protect her interests.

Loading One suspects such a person might have made obvious the conflict between Higgins interests and those of the government for which she worked. As the week wore on, the recriminations about who knew what, and when, became more complicated. It seems obvious that several of the Prime Ministers staff knew about the sexual assault report, but none apparently told their boss, and the matter was treated the most urgently when the first journalistic inquiry was made about it in October 2019. The claims and counter claims and conversations and text messages between staff have gone so far into the weeds that the average voter will not be keeping track. Most likely Defence Minister Linda Reynolds will leave her post at some point, meaning responsibility for the matter will be laid at the feet of someone who is no longer in a high-profile political post.

As I spoke to women and men within parliament this week, the overall feeling was one more of sadness than outrage. Imagine being left unconscious like that, allegedly violated on a couch. Imagine being found distressed and in a state of undress by security personnel and not being treated as a victim of a possible crime. Imagine feeling like you had to choose between your job and justice. Twitter: @JacquelineMaley
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Cameron and Justin Vigil are writing their own story.

Its one full of imagination and color.

The Las Cruces siblings are the masterminds behind the clothing brand Always Red E.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

The brothers produce the streetwear  each piece has their signature red E on it.

Turns out its a two-man job.

My brother and I are hands on with each step of the process, Vigil says. From the designs to the actual screen printing, its all done in-house.

The Vigils worked together to build their website and do social media and marketing.

We do the sewing and screen printing, he says. We ship the packages from our place too.

In fact, Justin Vigil recently left his day job to turn all of his attention to the clothing line.

For a few items that are embroidered, the Vigils will use a third party.

Until we get our own machine, Vigil says. In due time.

The idea for the clothing line has been swirling in Cameron Vigils head for years.

Hes been a tattoo artist for 12 years and felt like he could reach more people with a clothing line with his designs on it.

Each day Cameron Vigil will sit down with his iPad and come up with the designs.

The influence is pulled from growing up in Las Cruces and tattoo culture.

Some of the designs include three crosses on a T-shirt, which represents Las Cruces.

Or Las Cruces will appear in graffiti-style on the shirt.

A lot of the designs are heavily influenced by graffiti, Vigil says. We have this fondness of the letter style. The new designs Ive been coming up with have some quail or horned toads, as well as a native bow and arrow. I try to incorporate the plant and animal life through my art.

The Vigils also hit another milestone as they opened their first storefront inside The Parallel Axis, located at 400 S. Compress, Suite K, in Las Cruces.

Vigil says its great to have a store for visitors to shop.

We would take any opportunity to head out to the small markets and set up a booth, Vigil says. We were also planning to have a booth at every tattoo convention in the Southwest. The pandemic stalled all of those plans. So we decided to take the next step and have a permanent home for our work.

The clothing line has received a lot of support from Las Crucens, and the Vigils dad, Udell, can be seen around town wearing their apparel.

We have friends tell us they see our dad in town wearing the shirts, Vigil says. Weve also seen people around town wearing it and its humbling. Were bringing our style to the masses and its really special.

To view items created by Las Cruces siblings Cameron and Justin Vigil, click here.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said on Sunday that he will not back Donald Trump if the former president runs for the White House in 2024, saying 'its time' to move on to different voices in the Republican Party.

'No, I wouldnt,' Hutchinson said when asked on CNNs 'State of the Union' whether he would ever support Trump again. 'Hes going to have a voice, as former presidents do. But theres many voices in the party.'

Trump 'should not define our future. We have got to define it for ourself,' the Republican governor, who cannot seek reelection in 2022, added.

The party is facing deep divisions on how best to proceed in the wake of Trump's presidency. Seven Republicans voted in favor of convicting Trump for 'inciting an insurrection' ahead of the deadly Capitol riot on January 6.

But a Politico / Morning Consult survey released earlier this month and taken immediately after impeachment vote found 53 per cent of Republicans back Trump for 2024 with Mike Pence far behind in second place at 12 per cent.

Hutchinson had said after the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, which led to Trump's impeachment by the House, that he wanted Trumps administration to end. But Hutchinson did not join calls for Trump to resign and said impeachment wasn't a practical option. The Senate acquitted Trump of inciting the attack.

Trump told his supporters following his acquittal in the Senate impeachment trial that 'our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun'. He got a hero's welcome while driving by cheering supporters in Florida on Presidents Day.

'No, I wouldnt,' Hutchinson said when asked on CNNs 'State of the Union' whether he would ever support Trump again. 'Hes going to have a voice, as former presidents do. But theres many voices in the party'

Since he left office on January 20, Trump has kept a relatively low profile playing golf in Palm Beach, Florida. The former president is pictured February 19

Hutchinson said Sunday: 'He'll only define the party if we let him. That's a reason my voice is important. Other's voices are important in this debate and I think it's fine for CPAC to invite former President Trump to speak.

'He has a loud megaphone but we have to have many different voices and in my view, we can't let him define us for the future because that would just further divide our country and it would hurt our Republican Party.'

'It's time and he's got a good family. I worked with Ivanka [Trump] and others and they love America. But I would not support him for reelection in 2024,' he added.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he wouldn't support former President Trump for reelection in 2024. "We can't let him define us for the future because that would just further divide our country and it would hurt our Republican Party." #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/SKXHfcooGt  State of the Union (@CNNSotu) February 21, 2021

Hutchinson's interview aired days after his nephew, Arkansas state Sen. Jim Hendren, announced that hes leaving the GOP, citing Trumps rhetoric and the riot at the Capitol by Trump's supporters.

Trump had stoked a campaign of spreading debunked conspiracy theories and false violent rhetoric that the 2020 election was stolen from him in the weeks before the insurrection.

Those who voted to convict with the 50 Democrats include North Carolina Senator Richard Burr, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.

Since he left office on January 20, Trump has kept a relatively low profile in Palm Beach, Florida.

He plans to make his first post-presidential appearance at a conservative gathering in Florida, giving a speech next Sunday that is expected to address the future of the GOP. Pence has declined an invitation, according to reports.

A Politico / Morning Consult survey released earlier this month and taken immediately after impeachment vote found 53 per cent of Republicans back Trump for 2024 with Mike Pence far behind in second place at 12 per cent

On Sunday, Hutchinson praised Trumps family, including Trump's daughter Ivanka, and said he also respected his nephews decision to continue his political career as an independent.

But Hutchinson said the Republican Party will have a 'good future' if it sticks to core conservative principles rather than 'personalities.'

He said the GOP will need to work in particular on galvanizing certain segments of voters as Trump did, such as blue-collar workers.

'I have worked with Ivanka and others, and they love America. But I would not support him,' Hutchinson said.

'We have got to respond to the people that like Trump. We have got to respond and identify with the issues that gave him the first election and gave him support throughout his presidency ... but we just got to handle it in a different way with different personalities,' he said.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Sunday he will not back Donald Trump if the former president runs for the White House in 2024, saying 'its time' to move on to different voices in the Republican Party

Former Republican Texas Rep. Will Hurd told NBC's Meet the Press: 'This is a president that lost the House, the Senate, the White House in four years.

'I think the last person to do that was Herbert Hoover and that was in the Great Depression. And, you know, when you look at in the 2020 election, the number of Republicans that were successful significantly outperformed President Trump.'

John McCain's widow Cindy said the part would 'probably' split over Trump.

Hendren had been considering a run for governor next year because Hutchinson is term-limited, but Hendren's decision to leave the party keeps him out of a GOP primary that will include Trumps former White House press secretary, Sarah Sanders.

Sanders, the daughter of former Gov. Mike Huckabee, has indicated she would lean heavily on Trump and his rhetoric, with an announcement video pledging to fight the 'radical left.'
Its getting crowded around the political pool as Democrats dip their toes in the water, wondering if they should jump in the race for Florida governor in 2022.

Seeking the states top job is tempting for Democratic politicians, but also daunting. While Democrats assert victory is within reach, many also acknowledge that denying Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis a second term would be exceedingly difficult.

Can we win in 2022? Its going to be tough, said Gwen Graham, the former north Florida congresswoman who finished a close second in the multi-candidate 2018 gubernatorial primary. Of course, its possible.

Graham said the November 2018 election was a cakewalk compared to what 2022 is going to be for Democrats. Weve got to be honest about it.

Graham is one of the marquee names frequently mentioned as potential candidates, along with Val Demings, the Central Florida congresswoman; Charlie Crist, the St. Petersburg congressman and former governor; and Nikki Fried, the state agriculture commissioner.

Fried is sending the strongest signals. On Monday night, a strategist working on her behalf tweeted a teaser for a coming Fried video. On Tuesday, the one-minute video dropped, featuring extensive criticism of DeSantis. And on Thursday, the strategist posted a compilation of snippets of news coverage the video generated  and said he agreed with a TV talkers assessment that she could be the partys best hope next year.

Graham said in an interview she isnt rushing. Im going to be following the race very closely, she said. Im not someone who wants to ever say never. Im excited about the candidates that are considering running, and I think there are some really strong candidates, so lets see how that plays out.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani of Orlando, who would be 32 on Election Day, said she is seriously considering running. She is by far the most progressive of the potential aspirants, and her candidacy would set up the kind of internal clash that has bedeviled the party before.

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Others are considering running for governor or U.S. Senate next year. Its a lot of names. And thats probably a good thing, said Nan Rich, a Broward County commissioner, former Florida Senate Democratic leader and unsuccessful candidate for 2014 gubernatorial nomination. Well have an opportunity to kind of weed it out and come up hopefully with the kind of person who will win in the end.

The Aug. 23, 2022, Democratic primary is 18 months away and the Nov. 8, 2022, general election is more than 20 months off  dates that make it seem awfully early to be wondering about whos in, whos out and who has the best odds.

Its not.

By this time four years ago, most of the major Democratic candidates had been campaigning for months, even though they hadnt formally announced their intentions. The first official announcement, from Democrat Andrew Gillum, who went on to win the partys nomination for governor, came on March 1, 2017.

The Democrats 2022 efforts have been delayed by the partys focus on defeating former President Donald Trump and by pandemic-forced cancellations of in-person political events.

The 2020 election sucked all of the oxygen not only out of the room but the entire planet, said Broward Mayor Steve Geller, a former Florida Senate Democratic leader and Crist confidante. People just couldnt even think about 2022 until after 2020 was resolved.

Rich, who announced her candidacy more than two years before the 2014 primary, said its not too late for the 2022 candidates. Its not as much when you get in, I think, as having the campaign strategies and the campaign set up to hit the ground when you get in. Raising money has become more and more of a factor.

One of the biggest uncertainties about 2022 is the remaining influence of Trump, now living in Palm Beach after his defeat. DeSantis tied himself to Trump years ago, and the former presidents 2018 support helped propel him to the Governors Mansion.

And last years election results, in which Trump won Florida, show he can motivate voters. But Trump hasnt shown an ability to get his supporters to the polls when he isnt on the ballot. Without Trump at the top of the ticket next year, it could be harder for Republicans to replicate what they did in 2020 in Florida and elsewhere.

Governor DeSantis is now tied pretty irrevocably at the hip to Donald Trump. And if Donald Trump stays strong, that will certainly help Governor DeSantis get reelected, Geller said.

By next year, Tallahassee-based Democratic consultant Steve Vancore said, Trump could be an anchor for DeSantis. To some degree hes going to bear the weight of Donald Trump and the negativity that Trump brings without the uplift of Trump being on the ballot and being able to inspire his base by being on the ballot, Vancore said.

The Democrats havent won an election for Florida governor since 1994. Theres no guarantee about next year, but multiple factors give the Republican governor an edge:

Time. DeSantis has the advantage of incumbency. He also got a fundraising head start. Democrats, by contrast, are starting from zero. (A wealthy candidate is somewhat immune. In 2018 billionaire Jeff Greene got in the gubernatorial primary late and lost despite spending millions of his own money. In 2010, multi-millionaire Rick Scott got into the Republican primary late and won after spending millions of his own money.)

Democratic Party crisis. The state Democratic organization is in debt, and the new leadership that came in after the 2020 election laid off many staffers. The Democrats have little infrastructure for a ground game operation that reaches out to voters and gets people registered, motivated and turned out to vote, Rich said, something Florida Republicans excelled at last year when Democrats pulled back because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rich cited Georgia, where the 10-year effort led by Stacey Abrams helped produce Democratic victories in two U.S. Senate runoff elections in January. Vancore said theres a lot of basic repair work within the party infrastructure that needs to be done before they can begin to move forward in an effective way.

Messaging. In 2020, Republicans successfully convinced many people in voter-rich in South Florida that Democrats were socialists and wanted to defund the police. Rich said neither is true, but the party didnt offer an effective response. As a result, she said, Democratic candidates were hurt."

Florida Democrats remain divided on what kind of candidate has the best chance to win.

One theory: nominate someone from the liberal-progressive wing with the goal of motivating younger, liberal voters who dont get excited about the usual Democratic fare. I am absolutely concerned if somebody like me isnt in the race the corporate influence in the Democratic Party will continue to persist, and there wont be a strong progressive perspective grounded in the struggles of everyday people, Eskamani said.

The other theory: nominate a centrist with the hope of attracting the broadest swath of voters by appealing to moderates. We need to replicate kind of what Biden did in terms of being a moderate, mainstream person, she said. The No. 1 goal is to select a candidate who can win the general election.

Theyve tried both approaches, and both produced what University of Central Florida political scientist Aubrey Jewett termed agonizingly close defeats. Centrist Crist came in 1 percentage point behind Republican Gov. Rick Scott in 2014. Progressive Gillum came in 0.4 points behind Republican DeSantis in 2018.

The Democrats in this state have not settled that argument, Jewett said.

In 2018, progressive liberal Gillum won the primary with 34.4% of the vote, just 3.1 percentage points ahead of centrist Graham  in a race in which two other more centrist candidates who received an additional 30.4% of the vote.

As to whether a brutal primary would weaken the eventual nominee, Eskamani said that dirty laundry needs to be aired, and candidates need to be challenged ahead of the general. It will make for a better candidate.

The looming redrawing of congressional district and state legislative district boundaries for the 2022 election plays a role, even though the borders wont be drawn until next year. Redistricting is used to adjust for population changes revealed by the 2020 Census.

And Republicans who control state government can use redistricting to make it more difficult for Democrats in Congress, the state Senate and the state House to run for reelection. That could prompt some to make a run for higher office if they think redistricting could make their chance of reelection more dicey.

Rep. Stephanie Murphy, from Central Florida, is keeping her options open. The Florida Politics website reported that this week that people who went to her StephanieMurphyforCongress.com website were automatically redirected to a website for StephanieMurphyFL.com. She wouldnt be the first politician who was inspired to seek a different office because of redistricting, Jewett said.

Its difficult to overstate the intensity of their feelings about DeSantis, who has fashioned a style of combative conservative governance in the mold of Trump. The policies and approach that have made him a favorite of many in the Trump universe make him an anathema to Democrats who would love to deny him a second term.

An added incentive for Democrats: Defeating the governor would derail a DeSantis 2024 presidential bid.

Ron DeSantis is trying to become the Trumpiest of Trumpsters, said Graham, who frequently posts critiques on Twitter using the hashtag #TheRonFile. Absolutely the Trumpsters love him, but my argument about him from way before it was the cool thing to do to criticize Ron DeSantis is that he was inept and unfit to be governor.

Vancore, who said voters would end up judging DeSantis largely on his pandemic performance, said he has vulnerabilities. But, he added, DeSantis approval rating is above 50% in polls and he has campaign money.

He is going to be hard to beat, Geller said.
Bleak future for our rainforest biota By Dinarzarde Raheem View(s): View(s):

Circular MWFC/1/2020 issued on November 4, 2020 by the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation has caused widespread concern. It revoked four previous circulars (5/2001, 02/2006, 02/02/03/301 and 05/98) and transferred the administration of Sri Lankas other state forests (OSFs) from the Forest Department to district and divisional secretariats. It seeks to make all OSFs available for economic and other productive activities, a move that conservationists, researchers and environmental lawyers fear will lead to the clearance and destruction of these forests.

Some media reports assert that more than 700,000 ha of forest could be at stake.

The potential consequences for the conservation of Sri Lankas biota (fauna and flora) are grave. Particularly at risk are the highly threatened rainforests of the wet, southwestern portion of the island, the so-called Wet Zone.

Sri Lankas biota is globally important because of the large number of endemic species (species unique to the island) that are concentrated in the Wet Zones rainforests. These forests, for instance, contain a staggering 94% of the 830 flowering-plant species endemic to the island. Remarkably, many Sri Lankan endemic species are not only confined to the Wet Zone, they are unique to small, highly localized parts of this zone. A spectacular example of this is the shrub frog genus Pseudophilautus, which is represented in Sri Lanka by 79 species (62 living and 17 extinct), all endemic to the island. Most of these species are found only in specific parts of the Wet Zone.

Sri Lankas forest-living species are largely or entirely dependent on natural forest, (particularly forest with a continuous or closed canopy) for their survival, and are highly threatened because of drastic forest loss and fragmentation. Forest fragmentation involves the disintegration of large continuous forest tracts into many smaller forest fragments (patches) that are isolated from each other by non-forest habitat, such as agricultural lands, roads and settlements.

The most reliable source for recent forest cover data is a Forest Department mapping project that ran from 19911995. This showed that in 1992, Sri Lankas closed-canopy natural forest cover accounted for just 24% (15,828 km2) of the total land area (in comparison, forest cover stood at 84% in 1881 and 44% in 1956). The Wet Zone, which covers less than 20% of the island, contained just 2,135 km2 of rainforest in 1992 and this was distributed across numerous isolated fragments (forest patches). Forest clearance over the last 25 years has almost certainly caused further forest loss and fragmentation.

Virtually all of Sri Lankas natural forests are owned by the state. These forests fall into two major classes, those that are legally designated and those that are not. Broadly speaking, the legal designation of a forest involves the legal demarcation of its boundaries and the enactment of specific legal provisions to ensure its conservation (e.g. restrictions on access). Sri Lankas legally-designated forests (collectively known as its protected areas network) consist of areas under the jurisdiction of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (national parks, nature reserves, strict nature reserves and sanctuaries) and the Forest Department (forest reserves, conservation forests and one national heritage wilderness area).

Most of the natural forest area that is not legally designated consists of OSFs and proposed reserves (PRs). In both the Wet and Intermediate Zones, OSFs occur on steep, rocky and/or inaccessible terrain, making them largely unsuitable for agriculturethis has been a major factor in their survival thus far. OSFs vary greatly in size and quality, ranging from small, heavily degraded patches (100 ha or less) to substantial areas of forest extending over several thousand hectares. PRs are essentially OSFs that are administered by the Forest Department as forest reserves; these areas were earmarked for notification as reserves, but legal demarcation of boundaries never took place.

Much of what is currently known about the biodiversity of OSFs comes from the National Conservation Review (NCR), a trail-blazing FAO-funded project that was carried out in the 1990s by the Forest Department in collaboration with the World Conservation Union and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. The NCR showed that the Wet Zones remaining rainforests were vital either for biodiversity conservation or watershed protection and that, at a minimum, a network of 104 individual forest fragments, covering 516,795 ha or 7.8% of the total area of the island, should be conserved. Apart from a few small fragments, this system includes virtually all of the Wet Zones rainforests, with 65% of the 104 forests being either OSFs (35%) or PRs (30%).

Circular MWFC/1/2020 has removed OSFs from the administrative control of the Forest Department. This coupled with the absence of any other legal protection for OSFs has substantially increased the likelihood that these forests will be exploited for agriculture, settlement and/or the value of the standing timber. The OSFs of the Wet Zone are particularly at risk because they occur in the most densely inhabited parts of the island, where pressures on land are severe. The destruction of these forests is likely to have disastrous consequences for Sri Lankas rainforest biota. It will cause further declinepossibly even lossof endemic rainforest species and will almost certainly further damage forest ecology. The clearance of OSFs may also adversely affect water availability; increase soil erosion, leading to the increased occurrence of landslides and flooding; and have negative impacts on local climate.

The challenges we face in conserving Sri Lankas rainforests, both protected areas and OSFs, are enormously complex. These forests are profoundly affected by the human settlements, agriculture and roads that surround them. A major challenge is to reconnect forest fragments to form larger forest areas, for example through the establishment and maintenance of forest corridors. Another significant challenge is to recognize that for conservation to succeed, local people must take a leading role and draw tangible benefits from it. These challenges have to be tackled urgently, and there is no simple solution.

A whole raft of different measures are required. While many of these measures are applicable to the natural forests of the Intermediate and Dry Zones, additional measures will be required for the conservation of large mammals, such as the Asian elephant and Sri Lankan leopard. Many Dry and Intermediate Zone forests, including all those in the north and east, still remain to be surveyed in detail for their biodiversity and soil conservation value; this requires urgent attention.

In the Wet Zone, a high priority is to upgrade the legal status of OSFs and PRs. Effective measures have to be taken to reduce the clearance of natural forest. One option would be to release suitable non-forest lands from large-scale commercial plantations and state bodies, such as the Land Reform Commission; other measures include improving agricultural productivity and diversifying rural economies. Concerted efforts should be made to increase forest cover through reforestation, for example by promoting the cultivation of agroforests. Conservation efforts must ensure that a substantial part of tourism revenue from protected areas is invested in surrounding communities. It is also important that research on these various aspects of conservation and on Sri Lankas biota is actively fostered and supported.

Political vision and commitment are required to bring about transformative changes of this kindthat is the need of the hour. Instead, with the introduction of circular MWFC/1/2020, we find ourselves on a very different trajectory, one that could set back biodiversity conservation by many decades. The future of Sri Lankas unique and irreplaceable rainforest biota appears singularly bleak.
Overtones of martyrdom for LTTE: Lord Naseby slams Bachelets report View(s):

British Conservative Party politician Lord Naseby has slammed the the UN Human Rights High Commissioners recent report on Sri Lanka, saying, The tenor of the writing almost has overtones of martyrdom for the Tamil Tigers.

The report, which is to be taken up within days at the UN Human Right Council sessions in Geneva, glosses over the full extent of the war when a group of vindictive terrorists tried to create a Tamil quasi neo-socialist revolutionary state by first murdering all the moderate Tamil leaders, then murdering President Premadasa and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, as well as countless ministers, parliamentarians, civil society leaders and finally using extreme violence to wage war against the armed forces of the democratically elected Government of Sri Lanka, Lord Naseby says, in a note sent this week directly to the office of Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. All this was in the name of Eelam.

Britain is the lead member of the Core Group on UNHRC Resoultion 30/1, 34/1 and 40/1 on Sri Lanka. Lord Naseby is also the Honorary President of the All Party Parliamentary British-Sri Lanka Group.

There is little in Ms Bachelets report to help move reconciliation forward, he states. Among the key issues it ignores is that there is now a volume of independently verified evidence that civilian casualties in the war (between January and May 18, 2009) were 5,000-7,000 and maybe less and not the 40,000 plus bandied about by the UN, he asserts.

It also disregards the most heinous war crime which was the recruitment of male and female child-soldiers by the LTTE. The UNICEF has also estimated that 60 percent of LTTE personnel killed in combat were children. And one of the key Tamil Tigers deeply involved in recruitment, training and, possibly, deployment of child soldiersAdele Balasinghamis a British citizen living in Britain. There is absolutely no mention of her by the UN.

One has to ask why the UK has not itself either asked the UN to investigate into this matter or made its own genuine attempt at investigating Mrs Balasingham, given Britains interest in seeking the truth and accountability for human rights violations, Lord Naseby raises, adding it was high time that the Crown Prosecution Service considered this matter with seriousness and vigour.

In addition to raising historic allegations regarding the warall of which are taken on by Lord NasebyMs Bachelets report also makes reference to current situation which, Lord Naseby says, shows a failure to understand what has happened in the three Presidential periods from the end of the war up to the present day.

He describes vast post-war development in former conflict areassuch de-mining, building of power, roads, railways and schools, and housing for the displaced. Referring to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a strong leader with a plan to develop the talent and opportunities of all Sri Lankans, Lord Naseby says, His actions so far have vindicated my faith.

Some of the positive steps he highlights are the re-organisation of the Office on Missing Persons and Office for Reparations and the appointment of new commissioners to the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation.

Criticism is made of the little progress to setting up the Truth and Reconciliation system, Lord Naseby points out. How the UNHRC expects much progress on any issue in the middle of a world pandemic is unbelievable.

The UN makes criticism of ex-military personnel doing civilian jobs and in certain cases taking over the function, he continues. I remind the UN that after the WW2 [World War II], in the UK, the experience and commitment of former military personnel was put to good use by both Prime Minister Attlee and Churchill. Sri Lanka is in exactly the same situation post war.

WW2 lasted six years whereas the conflict with the LTTE lasted nearly three decades largely sustained by global Tamil diaspora communities from various countries including the UK where the LTTE was able to establish its international headquarters, he emphasises. The LTTE was militarily defeated in Sri Lanka in 2009. Its many external supporters never largely faced any justice. The LTTE could never have challenged a democratic country if it had not been financed, resourced and supported by a highly sophisticated network of terrorism activists that raised huge funds, often using criminal means.

The UN Human Rights Council needs to take some steps to address this issue with countries that have been known centres of LTTE fundraising, he urges. To avoid such investigation is to allow the perpetrators of crimes to feel that they are empowered to repeat their previous actions with impunity. Today, there are clear attempts being made to resurrect the LTTE from outside Sri Lanka, yet law enforcement in foreign countries seem reluctant or blind to this threat. Surely no one wants to allow funds to be raised to finance another war in Sri Lanka.
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Property buyers returning to the market, industry says View(s):

Since the beginning of the year there has been an increase in real estate activity by property buyers and sellers, according to Sri Lankas leading property portal LankaPropertyWeb.

The company stated that a comparison between the number of visits to lankapropertyweb.com during the month of January in 2020 and 2021, showed an increase of 23 per cent while leads generated to advertisers on the site increased by 20 per cent.

LankaPropertyWeb (LPW) also saw an acceleration in visitors by 22 per cent and leads by 20 per cent when compared with December 2020 and January 2021. According to the site, January 2021 saw the highest number of visitors to the site since the start of the pandemic, it explained in a media release.

This trend seems industry wide as another property site, house.lk reported a 26 per cent jump in its visits during January in comparison with December 2020. House.lk also reported an all-time high number of visits to the site in January of this year.

With restrictions around COVID-19 easing and confidence returning to the market, property buyers are increasingly positive over closing sales since the start of this year. In fact, the recently published data by LankaPropertyWeb revealed that only 8 per cent of its 63,250 advertisers had reduced advertised prices during 2020, with an average reduction of 11 per cent. In some cases, these reductions result from the sellers urgency to sell and further discounts being offered to buyers when closing a sale.

88 per cent of property advertisers did not change their initial advertised price while 4 per cent of the advertisers increased their initial tagged price by 12 per cent. This shows that despite the pandemic, the real estate market in Sri Lanka has remained stable last year, the release said.

Meanwhile, high reductions in commercial property were seen by advertisers who reduced their property prices by 13 per cent in the last year. This is mainly credited to the price fluctuations and the shift to working from home policies that many businesses have adopted now.

Commenting on the market, Naveed Zaveer, Director at Menavid Realtors said, There has been an improvement in the property market since December 2020, with inquiries being made. The opening of the Sri Lankan airport on January 21 to tourists is also a positive step towards revitalizing the economy. We stay positive and hopeful that this will create a positive mindset in the minds of the investors, motivating them to invest further in the property market.

A study on peoples search trends revealed that last year Colombo ranked as the No.1 city in rental property searches. This was followed by Kandy and Dehiwala that ranked 2nd and 3rd, respectively. While in 2019, Colombo ranked 1st, Dehiwala ranked 2nd, Nugegoda was 3rd and Kandy was in the 4th place in rental searches ranking. This shows that metropolitan areas are yet in demand in renting, irrespective of the pandemic.

In the 2020 sales property searches, Colombo ranked number 1 again, maintaining its 2019 position for the same criteria. Kandy and Negombo placed 2nd and 3rd respectively in the sales property search. While the ranking in land searches revealed that Kandy, Kurunegala and Nuwara Eliya were placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Real House Wives of Sydney star Krissy Marsh is yet to recover $550,000 she lost in an alleged cyber scam four months after a man was arrested in relation to her case.

Ms Marsh, 49, was targeted by online hackers while putting down a property settlement for a $10 million beachfront home in Noosa, Queensland in August.

The hackers allegedly tricked the mother-of-three into transferring more than $500,000 as part of the property settlement by pretending to be from law firm Mills Oakley.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in Hillsdale in Sydney's east in October after allegedly assisting in the scam by moving the money.

Real House Wives of Sydney star Krissy Marsh (pictured) was reportedly conned out of $500,000 in August from an intricate online scam. A 28-year-old man who allegedly helped move the move the money was arrested in Hillsdale in Sydney's east in October

But the reality star has not been able to retrieve a cent of her cash and is still holding out hope prosecutors will be able to make headway when her case returns to court next week, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Police allege the man received money in his bank account and was instructed to buy gold bullion with the funds, which he allegedly complied with.

He allegedly gave the gold bullion to another person, who is yet to be charged.

The 28-year-old was charged with knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and making a false statement in a statutory declaration.

The 'property princess' was targeted by online hackers while buying a $10 million beachfront home in Noosa, Queensland in August

Ms Marsh is a former real estate agent who starred on the Real Housewives of Sydney and is married to property developer John Marsh. They have three children - Billy, Nicco and Milana.

She is currently living in her home in the exclusive Sydney suburb of Dover Heights, which she listed for sale for $8million in 2017 but never sold.

Ms Marsh bought the $10 million mansion in Noosa in April but is unable to visit due to Queensland's closed border.

While it was reported that Ms Marsh was allegedly swindled out of $550,000 in August, she is yet to confirm this figure.

In these scams, funds are often transferred to offshore accounts, which makes them very difficult to get back.
Efforts to vaccinate Americans against COVID-19 have been stymied by a series of winter storms and outages that have hobbled transportation hubs and highways in parts of the country not used to extreme cold weather.

That has created challenges for carriers such as UPS and FedEx, which have been on the front lines packaging and shipping the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines around the country. Both UPS's hub in Louisville, Kentucky, and FedEx's key hub in Memphis, Tennessee, have been affected. Meanwhile, several states have complained about vaccination delays and have had to cancel appointments.

The fact that 6 million doses have languished in airport hubs for several days during a once-in-a-century pandemic has raised questions about how the U.S. government and the nations largest shipping companies haven't been able  so far at least  to break the logjam.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

White House officials say the snowstorms and power outages created a variety of challenges that slowed vaccination efforts in different ways. First, shippers like FedEx, UPS, and pharmaceutical distributor McKesson had to deal with workers who were snowed-in and couldn't package, ship the vaccine kits and do other jobs. Then, road closures in many states kept trucks from delivering the vaccines. Finally, more than 2,000 vaccination sites were in areas with power outages.

Still, the government is moving ahead with plans to open five new mass vaccination centers, one in Philadelphia, and four others in the Florida cities of Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville.

HOW ARE CARRIERS TRYING TO FIX THE ISSUE?

FedEx says it's relying on other hubs around the country to fix the problem. That includes its shipping hub in Indianapolis  the companys second largest after Memphis  and regional sorting hubs like the ones in Oakland, California, and Newark, N.J. FedEx says it's not warehousing any COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. UPS has been less forthcoming, saying only that it has extensive contingency plans" to keep goods moving when roadways are impassable or airports are closed because of severe weather. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told CNN Friday morning that the UPS hub in Louisville is up and running again.

The bad weather hit just as the carriers were already under strain due to the surge in online shipping, says Michael Zimmerman, a partner in the strategic operations practice of global management consulting firm Kearney. While the rerouting can help, the carriers will still have to deal with a lot of backups at each stage of the process, from shipping to sorting.

WHAT IS THE VACCINES' NORMAL ROUTE FROM FACTORY TO CLINICS?

Pfizer has been shipping its vaccine doses for U.S. states directly from its factory outside Kalamazoo, Michigan, using its existing network of shipping companies, which includes UPS and FedEx. The two-dose vaccine requires ultracold storage, at minus 112 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 76 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 80 degrees Celsius to minus 60 degrees Celsius), which will keep it stable for up to six months.

Moderna is using a third party contract manufacturer for at least some of its vaccine production. Drug wholesaler McKesson, chosen by the federal government to distribute most COVID-19 vaccines, is handling shipments to hospitals and other medical providers. Some of those are going through transportation hubs in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Memphis suburb of Olive Branch, Mississippi, both of which have had their operations slowed by this weeks winter storms.

Modernas vaccine is shipped frozen, at minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit to 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 25 to minus 15 degrees Celsius). The vaccine vials also can be thawed after delivery and kept unopened in a regular refrigerator for a month before use.

HAVE THE DELAYS CAUSED VACCINES TO SPOIL?

Not as far we know. The White House says it's working with shippers to make sure no vaccines are ruined during the weather delays.

A Pfizer spokesman said Wednesday that the company hasnt had any of its vaccine spoiled due to weather-related shipment delays  but that was a couple of days ago. However, Pfizer ships its vaccine vials packed with dry ice in special thermal containers that can maintain the correct temperature for up to 30 days. On Friday, the company submitted data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration indicating their vaccine is stable at temperatures a little below freezing for two weeks.

FedEx is delivering the Moderna vaccine, along with kits for administering it, for McKesson. FedEx uses Bluetooth sensor devices affixed to vaccine shipments to monitor their temperature and location to prevent problems, and has years of experience transporting vaccines and other medical products that require tight temperature control.

HOW HAVE THE DELAYS PLAYED OUT IN STATES?

A number of states including North Carolina, Tennessee and Washington have complained about the delays, citing cancellations in appointments. In Tennessee, the states health agency said distributors have been unable to pack and ship the COVID-19 vaccine this week due to the winter weather. According to a spokesperson, many vaccine clinics were closed again Friday and appointments were being rescheduled.

In Washington state, health officials estimated that more than 90% of this weeks allocation of vaccine doses would arrive late due to bad weather across the country, forcing the state to temporarily close two of its four mass vaccination sites and reschedule appointments there for next week. A third mass vaccination site was closing for the day, Saturday, because there weren't any vaccines.

HOW LONG WILL THE DELAYS LAST?

The White House says the backlog should be cleared next week  most of it in the next few days.

White House coronavirus response adviser Andy Slavitt said 1.4 million doses were already in transit as of Friday, and that UPS and FedEx will do Saturday deliveries.

How damaging this week's delays will have been is an open question.

Ernie Nichols, associate professor of supply chain management at the University of Memphis in Tennessee, says he doesn't see the interruption as a big problem once things thaw. However, Foster Finley, global co-leader of the transportation and infrastructure practice at AlixPartners, says catching up in a week might be difficult. _____

AP Medical Writer Linda Johnson reported from Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. AP White House reporter Zeke Miller in Portage, Michigan, AP Health Care reporter Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar in Washington, and AP reporters Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, Gene Johnson in Seattle, and Dylan Lovan in Louisville, Kentucky, contributed to this report.

(Image Credit: AP)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Barbarita Acosta, or affectionately nicknamed Barbie, is celebrating her first birthday this weekend. The infant already overcame extraordinary medical odds.

Barbie was born with neonatal lupus, a rare condition that attacked her heart. At just five days old she received a pacemaker. But after a few weeks, doctors said she needed to find a heart donor.

They told us that very same day that by the end of the night she would be life-lifted out of there, mother Angel Moreno said. So, we came home and packed up as soon as we can. And we just got in the car and followed the helicopter. Tried to beat it there.

Barbie spent more than 200 days at Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford.

Barbie was born with a condition called neonatal lupus, which is a condition in which the mother has antibodies that can attack the baby while she is still in the mothers womb, Dr. Seth Hollander said. Her condition is quite rare. Only about 1% of women will have these antibodies. And only about 2% of women with these antibodies have this kind of effect on the baby.

Dr. Hollander is the medical director of Pediatric Heart Transplantation.

About 500 heart transplants are performed in the country each year in children. However, among children under the age of one year are the hardest to find matches for, he explained. And infants waiting for heart transplants are the most likely group to pass away while waiting for a donor organ.

Dr. Hollander said roughly 25% of infants waiting for a heart transplant will die while waiting.

"We are very grateful for whoever that anonymous donor family is for providing such a wonderful gift and a second chance for this little girl, he said.

Barbies heart surgery happened in September when she was a little over six months old.

It literally brought me to my knees. I was crying, Moreno said. We only had so long  I believe it was four hours  to make a decision if we wanted the heart or not. So, it was a really hard decision because there were so many good and bads to both sides of saying yes or no to accepting the heart.

And COVID-19 protections complicated an already dire road.

Oh man it was really scary because nobody could really be there to support us, Moreno explained. There was actually a long period of time where dad was not allowed to come into the hospital because they were only letting one parent in.

Barbies surgery was a success. And she went home to Sacramento, California, just before Thanksgiving.

Dr. Hollander added Barbie's future is very bright. She has no transplant rejection and is catching up on her developmental milestones.

He expects the heart to last for several decades, allowing Barbie to grow up pretty much like a normal kid.

When I look at her its really hard to believe shes had a heart transplant because she acts so much like a baby, Moreno said.

Its amazing to know that when we first found out, we werent sure if we were going to have a baby, to now, were celebrating her first birthday coming up. So, thats really great.
Brexit is a dreadful retrograde step for musicians, Roger Taylor has said.

The Queen drummer is one of more than 100 musicians who have accused the government of shamefully failing the countrys performers with its Brexit deal.

He said new obstacles posed by the deal will have a negative on musicians ability to tour in Europe.

Taylor was one of the signatories of a letter, organised by the Liberal Democrats and published in The Times last month, which said the lack of a special arrangement for musicians to tour without visas "will tip many performers over the edge".

It was also signed by Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Sting, Bob Geldof and The Who's Roger Daltrey.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend, Taylor said: "Borders are a dreadful invention of mankind, and so we are just putting up another one, and I think it's a dreadful retrograde step."

Earlier this month it was confirmed Queen, who tour with the American Idol star Adam Lambert, have once again postponed the UK and European legs of their Rhapsody World Tour due to coronavirus restrictions.

Taylor said: "Like a lot of other people, it's just not really workable at the moment with the Covid pandemic."

He added it has been the crews that have been hit hardest by the lack of live music, saying: "I know our road crew, all the guys that make our touring work, they are the one that have suffered.

"Not so much for the artists, we can fall back on our songwriting and our publishing, they can't.

"It's a daily, weekly job for them and so it's made it really hard for our industry, very hard indeed."
The Cullman County Coroner says John T. Sigman, a 70 year old man from Dyersburg, Tennessee, was the person who died after a deadly plane crash in Cullman Saturday night. Sigmans body is being sent to Huntsville for an autopsy at the forensics lab to be positively identified.

The Cullman County Airport General Manager says Frederick Dawson Holloway, who goes by Noah, was the second passenger in the plane. He says Holloway was seriously injured.

Right now, it's not clear who the plane belonged too.

Previous Story:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a deadly plane crash in Cullman County.

Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick said that one person is dead and another injured following the crash near Cullman Regional Airport. The crash happened near County Road 1371 and County Road 1360.

According to the FAA, a Piper PA-32 crashed around 6 p.m. after catching fire. FAA officials said that local authorities will release the names and medical condition of the person who survived the crash.

Harrison was not able to give out approximate ages or genders of those who were aboard the plane during a press conference at 8 p.m.

The FAA will investigate the crash and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will determine the probable cause of the accident.
Exactly 56 years since Malcolm X was assassinated in New York City, lawyers and family members of the late civil rights leader have released a letter they claim shows the NYPD and FBI conspired in his murder.

The note, said to be a deathbed confession made by Ray Wood, a former undercover NYPD officer, was unveiled in a press conference by civil rights attorney Ben Crump on Saturday.

Wood claims in his letter that the FBI and the NYPD conspired to kill Malcolm X, who was gunned down on February 21, 1965 inside Harlems Audubon Ballroom during a rally.

He alleged that he was pressured by his NYPD supervisors to lure two members of Malcolm Xs security detail into committing crimes that resulted in their arrest just days before the shooting.

Those arrests kept the two men from managing door security at the ballroom on the night Malcolm was killed, according to the letter.

My job was to infiltrate civil rights organizations throughout New York City, to find evidence of criminal activity, so the FBI could discredit and arrest its leaders, Wood stated in the letter.

Under the direction of my handlers I was told to encourage leaders and members of civil rights groups to commit felonious acts.

Exactly 56 years since Malcolm X (right) was assassinated in New York City, lawyers and family members of the late civil rights leader have released a letter they claim shows the NYPD and FBI conspired in his murder. (Pictured left is Reggie Wood, Ray Wood's cousin)

During Saturdays conference Woods cousin, Reggie Wood, said he confessed to his involvement in 2011 when he believed a worsening cancer would take his life. He ultimately went into remission and lived until November 2020

In his later, dated January 25, 2011, the former officer claimed his actions were done under duress and fear of retaliation.

After witnessing repeated brutality at the hands of my colleagues (police), I tried to resign. Instead, I was threatened with arrest by pinning marijuana and alcohol trafficking charges on me if I did not follow through with the assignments.

On February 16, 1965 Wood claims he coerced members of Malcolm Xs security detail into plan a bombing at the Statue of Liberty.

The plan was then foiled by police and the two men were arrested just days before the assassination of Malcolm. At the time I was not aware that Malcolm X was the target, Wood wrote.

Wood signed the letter and instructed his cousin to hold the information until after his passing.

It is my hope that this information is received with the understanding that I have carried these secrets with a heavy heart and remorsefully regret my participation in this matter.

During Saturdays conference Woods cousin, Reggie Wood, said he confessed to his involvement in 2011 when he believed a worsening cancer would take his life. He ultimately went into remission and lived until November 2020.

For 10 years, I have carried this confession secretly in fear of what could happen to my family and myself if the government found out what I knew, Reggie Wood said.

Now Malcolm X's three daughters - Qubiliah, Ilyasah, and Gamilah Shabazz - joined civil rights attorney Ben Crump demanding for the murder investigation to be re-opened in light of the new evidence shared Saturday.

Any evidence that provides greater insight into the truth behind that terrible tragedy should be thoroughly investigated, said Ilyasah Shabazz.

Malcolm X was shot seconds after stepping to a lectern to speak inside the Audubon Ballroom on February 21, 1965

Two policemen carry stretcher bearing Malcom X after he was downed by an assassin's bullets at a rally

An autopsy later revealed that he had suffered a total of 21 gunshot wounds to his chest, arms and legs

In his later, dated January 25, 2011, the former officer claimed his actions were done under duress and fear of retaliations

Attorney Ray Hamlin added: So, what we're trying to do is talk about restorative justice is as lawyers - try to pursue relentless justice.

On behalf of the legacy of Malcolm X, Dr. Betty Shabazz, on behalf of his family his lineage who is here.

Three Nation of Islam members, Mujahid Abdul Halim (also known as Talmadge Hayer and Thomas Hagan), Muhammad Abdul Aziz (also known as Norman 3X Butler) and Khalil Islam (also known as Thomas 15X Johnson), were convicted of Malcolm X's murder in 1966 and sentenced to life in prison.

While Halim admitted to taking part in the assassination, he insisted that Aziz and Islam were not involved. And the two maintained their innocence throughout the years.

Islam died in 2009 and Halim and Aziz have since been paroled.

Last year the Manhattan DA began a review of their Islam and Azizs convictions after meeting with representatives of the Innocence Project.

Now, with the new evidence, the DA's office says the review of this matter is active and ongoing.

The NYPD said in a separate statement it has provided all available records relevant to that case to the District Attorney and remains committed to assist with that review in any way.

The FBI declined to comment on the matter.

Three Nation of Islam members (left to right), Mujahid Abdul Halim (also known as Talmadge Hayer and Thomas Hagan), Muhammad Abdul Aziz (also known as Norman 3X Butler) and Khalil Islam (also known as Thomas 15X Johnson), were convicted of Malcolm X's murder in 1966 and sentenced to life in prison

For 10 years, I have carried this confession secretly in fear of what could happen to my family and myself if the government found out what I knew, Reggie Wood said

Malcolm X was a powerful orator who rose to prominence as the national spokesman of the Nation of Islam, an African-American Muslim group that espoused Black separatism.

He spent more than a decade with the group before becoming disillusioned and publicly breaking with it in 1964. He moderated some of his earlier views on the benefits of racial separation.

Malcolm X was shot seconds after stepping to a lectern to speak inside the Audubon Ballroom on February 21, 1965.

Seconds before, a man had stood up and yelled, N***** get your hand out of my pocket!

As Malcolm X and his entourage attempted to quell the disturbance, a man rushed forward towards the stage and shot him once in the chest with a sawed-off shotgun, and two other men then opened fire with semi-automatic handguns.

The civil rights activist was rushed to Columbia Presbyterian where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, at 3:30pm.

An autopsy later revealed that he had suffered a total of 21 gunshot wounds to his chest, arms and legs.

Thomas Hagan, 22, struggles with police who take him from the scene outside the ballroom where Malcolm X was shot and killed

Any evidence that provides greater insight into the truth behind that terrible tragedy should be thoroughly investigated, said Ilyasah Shabazz

Days earlier, Malcolm X had ominously told a reporter that he believed members of the Nation of Islam were seeking to kill him.

He was being surveilled by the FBI at the time. His home in Queens was firebombed the week before his death.

Almost immediately after his death, conspiracies of police involvement in the assassination began to circulate.

Many of the theories centered on the ease in which the assassins were able to enter the ballroom, and the polices perceived failure to preserve the crime scene.

One of the officers involved, Tony Bouza, would later write in his 2011 book Manny Marables Malcolm X that the investigation was botched.
Saturday Night Live mocked Senator Ted Cruz for jetting off to Cancun while his home state was in the throes of a humanitarian crisis and also sent up Governor Andrew Cuomo for his role in New Yorks nursing home deaths scandal.

In one skit, Cruz, played by Aidy Bryant, and Cuomo, played by Pete Davidson, were invited onto a talk show hosted by pop star Britney Spears (Chloe Fineman), who gave the two beleaguered politicians a chance to apologize for their recent actions.

SNL's cold open once again declined to skewer President Joe Biden - a far cry from the frequent barbs that were dished out at his predecessor, Donald Trump, during his four years in the Oval Office.

Joining Cruz and Cuomo was Gina Carano, the actress who was fired by Disney and Lucasfilm from her role in the Disney+-streamed Star Wars hit series The Mandalorian.

Carano, played by SNL cast member Cecily Strong, was offered a chance to apologize for an Instagram post in which she compares conservatives in the United States to Jews who were massacred during the Nazi era.

SNL cold open: Britney Spears interviews Ted Cruz on an episode of Oops I did it again #CancunCruz #SNL pic.twitter.com/u2W77ul6Pd  GOP Ethics (@GOP_Ethics) February 21, 2021

Saturday Night Love mocked New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo (played left by Pete Davidson) and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas (played right by Aidy Bryant)

Cruz and Cuomo were invited onto a talk show hosted by pop star Britney Spears, who gave the two beleaguered politicians a chance to apologize for their recent actions. Spears is played above by Chloe Fineman

Joining Cruz and Cuomo was Gina Carano, the actress who was fired by Disney and Lucasfilm from her role in the Disney+-streamed Star Wars hit series The Mandalorian. Carano is portrayed above by SNL cast member Cecily Strong

In the skit, Spears, who is played by Chloe Fineman, is the host of a fictitious talk show, Oops, You Did it Again, which she started so that 'people can come on and apologize for things they've done wrong.'

'After the "Free Britney" documentary came out, I'm receiving hundreds of apologies a day,' she says in the skit.

Last week, Spears was in the news in real life after a documentary, Framing Britney Spears, streamed on Hulu.

The documentary, which was produced by The New York Times, chronicles Spears' rise to stardom and her subsequent fall triggered by a decline in her mental health, which led to her finances being placed in the hands of her father.

Spears has gone to court in an attempt to dissolve her conservatorship, which is controlled by Jamie Spears.

The documentary, which inspired the social media hashtag #FreeBritney, painted the pop star in a sympathetic light, prompting her ex-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, to apologize to her.

The SNL cold open featured an episode of a fictitious talk show hosted by pop star Britney Spears, Oops, You Did It Again, a play-on-words of the title of her hit song from the late 1990s

Cruz, played by Aidy Bryant, is seen carrying a pina colada drink in one hand and wheeling a suitcase in the other. His hair is braided Caribbean style while he is sporting a t-shirt that reads 'Cancun family vacation.'

From left: Gina Carano as portrayed by Cecily Strong; Cuomo as played by Pete Davidson; and Cruz as portrayed by Aidy Bryant

Fans of Spears have also demanded apologies from media figures and comedians, including David Letterman, Diane Sawyer, Sarah Silverman, and Perez Hilton, for either making jokes about her mental health more than a decade ago or for casting her in a harsh light.

In the SNL skit, Spears says that the episode of her talk show is sponsored by the Notes app, which people can use for 'posting a lame apology 20 years too late.'

To the tune of her hit song Toxic, Spears then welcomes Cruz to the show.

Cruz, played by Bryant, is seen carrying a pina colada drink in one hand and wheeling a suitcase in the other. His hair is braided while he is sporting a t-shirt that reads 'Cancun family vacation.'

'Hola, everyone!' Cruz says upon sitting down.

When Spears comments that Cruz looks tan, he replies: 'I'm not tan. I just cried myself red over my fellow Texans.'

He then takes a sip of his cocktail, remarking: 'That's why I drink in their honor.'

Spears reminds Cruz that Texas is in the midst of a crisis due to a massive, statewide power outage and disruptions in water service caused by two snowstorms and sub-freezing temperatures.

Acknowledging the backlash sparked by his trip to Cancun, Cruz said: 'Im in a little bit of hot water, which Im told is a thing no one in Texas has.'

Spears admonishes her guests for their wrongdoing and demands that they apologize

Cuomo reluctantly offers his apology for his role in New York's nursing home scandal

But he then erupts and launches a diatribe against his critics, including New York Mayor Bill de Blasio

Spears gives Cruz a chance to apologize, and the senator does, in a way.

'I deeply regret my actions over the last couple of days - mostly flying United,' Cruz says.

'Im sorry, Im pretty bad at human stuff.'

When Spears asks Cruz if he understands why people are calling him a coward, the senator responds: 'Coward is actually the nicest word I heard.'

He then shocks Spears by asking: 'Would a coward have the cajones to blame his actions on his young daughters?'

Cruz then jokes that there's 'so much for the girls to do in Cancun' including 'going to the topless beach' and 'taking shots at Senor Frogs' as well as 'swimming with sick dolphins.'

In an implicit reference to her legal battles with her own dad, Spears then admonishes Cruz, telling him: 'As someone who is often blamed for other people's problems at a young age, maybe leave your daughters out of it because it could really mess up with their heads.'

Spears then invites Cuomo onto the show because he, too, 'has some splainin' to do.'

'Hey, hello, alright, let's get this over with,' a gruff Cuomo tells Spears.

When Spears asks Cuomo why he is here, the governor tries to change the topic, touting the fact that 'indoor dining is back in New York.'

When Cruz tries to empathize with Carano, she pushes back. 'If you compare yourself to me, I will blast you to the farthest desert of Tatooine,' she says, referring to the fictitious Star Wars planet

Spears then scolds him, prompting Cuomo to say: 'I know, it's because of the nursing home stuff.'

In explaining the scandal, he says that 'some of the people who died in the nursing homes were not counted as nursing home deaths.'

Cuomo said what his administration did is no different than what they do at Disney theme parks.

'People die and they move the bodies,' the governor says. 'They say, "Oh, I guess Brenda died in the parking lot, not on the tea cups".'

The governor added: 'We just did the Disney thing.'

Spears finally coaxes Cuomo into apologizing, but the mention of New York Mayor Bill de Blasio prompts him to lose his cool and call him names.

'What did that bird b**** say about me?' the governor says as he works himself into a rage.

In real life, Cuomo has been accused of bullying lawmakers who criticize him on his policies.

'I'm sorry, I get a little angry now and then - and always,' the governor says on SNL.

Spears then invites Carano, who was victimized by 'cancel culture.'

When Spears asks her if she wants to apologize for her Instagram post mentioning the Holocaust, she says: 'Im actually here for the opposite of that.'

The image above shows the cold open ending as the cast members start the show

'On Instagram you said conservatives have it as bad as people living in Nazi Germany,' Spears says.

'I never would have made that Nazi comparison if I had known everyone was going to be a Nazi about it,' Carano replies.

Cruz then tries to sympathize with Carano, but the actress wasn't having any of it, not wanting to be associated with the senator.

'If you compare yourself to me, I will blast you to the farthest desert of Tatooine,' Carano tells Cruz, referencing the fictitious planet from Star Wars.

'Anything to get out of Texas,' Cruz replies.
Laia Costa is a woman of principle. She has been known to storm out of cinemas in disgust over the way female characters are represented on screen. She rejects interviews with magazines she believes are offensive to women. And shes lost numerous parts after refusing to film gratuitous nude scenes.

The nudity made no sense, she says. I told them Id take the jobs but no nudity here, here or here. And I lost them. This was at the beginning when I had no experience. My agent back then was like, Who do you think you are?

None of it has held her back. The 36-year-old Spanish actor has become one of the most intoxicating stars of the indie scene, with leading roles as a waitress-turned-bank-robber in Victoria (2015); an LA-dwelling, wannabe musician in the 2018 experimental comedy Duck Butter; a woman desperate for a child in Only You later that year; and this month, a polyamorous hipster in Amazons anthology series, Soulmates.

Costas chatting over Zoom from sunny Miami, where she lives with her husband and their baby daughter. She puts her determination not to be exploited down to entering the industry later than most. I was able to make these decisions because I wasnt 16 when I started acting, she says. I was a grown up, I had a whole different life before and was able to be an actor on my own terms. I could work from a place of confidence and not from fear.

The child actor thing, Costa believes, is not a good route to go down. When you are the lead actor in a project, you are like the sun, she explains. Everyone is revolving around you. Being the sun is fun, but you have the duty to give light and warmth to everybody, otherwise the project wont work. If youre very young, you dont realise that. To be the sun at a vulnerable age when youre still trying to understand who you are is very dangerous.

Costa became an actor almost by accident. She was 26 and working as an advertising executive in Barcelona, where she grew up, when she joined a local drama class for fun. It turned into a regular hobby, and before long Costa was getting small roles. She took a sabbatical from work to test the waters and eventually left her ad career behind after landing a part  as a 14-year-old girl  in a Spanish daytime soap opera.

When it all started it was kind of a joke, she says. I wasnt taking it seriously at all.

Her mother (a taxi driver) and father (an accountant) were so worried about her career change, but they came around. For them, says Costa, its been a lesson that the world has changed so much. Nowadays, theres no certainty of anything. Young people have to be flexible and reinvent ourselves with whatever happens next.

Costa is breezy company. Shes wearing a polka dot shirt and wide-framed glasses, her usually tumbling brunette hair pulled back in a ponytail. While she doesnt share the intensity of her characters  whom she plays with a breathless, bruising frankness, her face flushed and eyes wet with the threat of tears as her emotions gnaw at the surface  she does share their impishness, with a right eyebrow thats almost permanently cocked throughout our conversation.

The clashing of Costas playfulness and fragility was brought to light beautifully  and viscerally  in Victoria, her first film. The electrifying German heist thriller is a cinematic stunt: almost entirely improvised and shot in one continuous 138-minute take. Costa won three awards for her performance as the title character, a lonely foreigner in Berlin who meets a group of madcap guys on the way out of a nightclub. What begins as light-hearted flirting descends into utter chaos as she ends up being their getaway driver in an armed bank robbery.

Victoria is about a night of light-hearted flirting that descends into chaos (Rex)

The shoot was so wild and so raw, says Costa, recounting how the director, Sebastian Schipper, had three attempts at the film, shot between 4:30am and 7am in Berlins Mitte district. The third tape was the winner, as the first was too rigid and the second was, as he put it: Totally out of proportion crazy. Crazy on so many levels that were not productive.

What was so mad about it? I have no idea, says Costa, who never watched it back. But it was my favourite to film. It went by in what felt like two minutes. Ive never partied in my life like I did in Victoria.

The one-take nature of the project made for an unconventional shoot. Costa recounts how in one scene, when Victoria speeds through the city streets in a stolen car, the director was lying in the boot, yelling directions. And in one of the club sequences, Costa was desperate for the toilet. I couldnt hold it in any more so I ran off and peed in a little pot in front of, like, 30 extras, she says. Its the only moment Victoria is not in front of the camera. The set was so dark and the work so high-octane that Schipper didnt even notice she was gone.

After Victoria, Costa was desperate to make another movie in real-time. That rare opportunity presented itself again in the form of Duck Butter, a claustrophobic lesbian romance about two strangers who spend 24 uninterrupted hours together, having sex on the hour. The film was co-written by Alia Shawkat (star of the HBO comedy Search Party), who also stars opposite Costa, and Miguel Arteta, who directed it. Costa gives an unnerving performance as a desperately sad, uninhibited young woman  Sergio  who is so needy and whose affection is so suffocating that she wont even let Shawkats Naima go to the loo.

Costa starred alongside Alia Shawkat in claustrophobic romance Duck Butter (The Orchard)

I realised that Alia and Miguel constructed the character of Sergio out of their exes, and it was a mix of really ugly stuff, says Costa. I really wanted to do the film, but I thought, Everyone is going to hate this character. So I proposed a scene where her mother arrives, and it helps us to understand Sergios fears.

Sergio calls herself a musician  but she has no talent. She is so LA, says Costa. Everyone there has the confidence to say they are something, but you discover later if theyre any good or not. In Spain we are more shy about it. You have to show your talent first.

Costa plays a similarly toxic character in Soulmates, William Bridges and Brett Goldsteins sci-fi series that imagines the soul particle has been discovered in humans and everyone can take a simple test to find The One. Costas Libby is one half of a happily married couple who dabble in meaningless sex with other people. But one day Libbys phone pings. Her soulmate has been found.

Costa plays a polyamorous married woman in Soulmates, but has no intention of trying it in real life (AMC)

Her husband Adam (Shamier Anderson) is wary  he was up for casual shagging with strangers, but not love. Libby gaslights him straight from the off, calling him paranoid and shaming him into going along with it.

Ive never tried polyamory and I have no intention of doing so, says Costa, who also played a polyamorous millennial in 2017 in Newness opposite Nicholas Hoult. I dont think Id be good at it. It seems very complicated. I dont know if you can live that way for a long time before it becomes more painful than enjoyable.

Would she take the test? It depends whether youre happy or not, says Costa. I would not do it.

Costa is too busy being in love with motherhood to consider utopian compatibility tests. She and her husband decided to start a family after she shot the infertility drama Only You, co-starring The Crowns Josh OConnor. I was totally sure I would not be able to have a baby, says Costa. I put the characters thoughts into my own skin. I remember right after the movie, I started having pain in my right breast. I went to the doctor and he was like, Youre totally fine. I think youre just absorbing your work.

In Only You, Josh OConnor and Costa play a couple desperate to have a child (Curzon)

She neednt have worried. She got pregnant quickly and totally fell in love with the process. We women are so powerful, she says. Our bodies are so powerful. Her baby was born two months into the pandemic, though, and she wishes that she and her husband hadnt been forced to tackle parenting for the first time all alone. My family havent been able to smell my daughter yet, says Costa. She smells like cake.

Costa is ecstatic that her next film, the details of which are under wraps, is about motherhood. Finally, I have something from my own life to give to my characters, she says. I really need it. Ive learned so much in the past year and Ive really grown up.

I feel I have expanded mentally and emotionally from being a mother. Its the first time I have had to be strong. I feel so happy and proud of what weve done, the three of us. And with no audience.

Soulmates is out now on Amazon Prime
 Flash

Another 10,406 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,105,675, according to official figures released Saturday.

The country also reported another 445 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 120,365. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.

The latest figures were revealed as more than 17.2 million people in Britain have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine.

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi has said the government would "not rest" until the vaccine was offered to all over-50s by the end of April.

Earlier Saturday, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, called for a staggered approach similar to what has been announced in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

"Why would we not want to do that in England? Parents want to be reassured why it suddenly feels right that 10 million people, teachers, parents do that (come back) on a single day -- and possibly risking all the benefits of lockdown so far," Barton told Sky News.

Barton's remarks came as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is setto unveil his "roadmap" out of lockdown on Monday. It is widely expected that schools in England would start to open on March 8.

England is currently under the third national lockdown since outbreak of the pandemic in the country. Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the United States have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines.

Malcom & Marie adds to Netflixs Oscar-worthy accolades

It is no stretch of the truth to say that nobody in the film industry really saw streaming as a serious film-going experience until Netflix delivered The Irishman. Suddenly streaming wasnt just a way to watch B-Grade horror and fantasy films that most cinemas wouldnt screen, it now had esteemed award-winning directors making what many would describe as Oscar-bait films.

World-Entertainment

By David Griffiths

Sunday 21 February 2021, 11:30AM

John David Washington and Zendaya in Malcolm & Marie (2021). Image: IMDB

Since then Netflix has continued to deliver films that are worthy of Oscars  there was of course the brilliant A Marriage Story and then the streaming platform showed its hand for this years Oscars with the Tom Hanks led News Of The World, and now has thrown another competitor into the ring for a gong  Malcolm & Marie.

Now Malcolm & Marie is not a film for everyone. Shot during lockdown this is a pure two-hander of a film that is obviously filmmaker Sam Levinsons (Assassination Nation) attempt at an Oscar he even goes as far as shooting the film in black and white just in case we hadnt picked up on the fact that it was supposed to be an artistic film.

Set during one night, the film follows a discussion had by a couple after returning home from a film premiere. Filmmaker Malcolm (John David Washington  Tenet) has just screened his latest film to the media for the first time and is extremely concerned at how it is going to be received. During a number of rants he talks about white critics not understanding the movies that he is trying to make and in general is pretty negative about the art of film writing.

At first he is so wrapped up in his own concerns that he doesnt notice that his girlfriend, Marie (Zendaya  The Greatest Showman) is angry at him. As the night goes on we learn that she is furious that he didnt thank her during his speeches and also didnt offer her a role in the film that she claims he wrote about her life a claim he disputes.

If you are someone that is expecting explosions and action sequences then Malcolm & Marie is certainly not a film for you  watching this film at times feels more like you are watching a theatre production than it does watching a piece of cinema.

If on the other hand you were a fan of Netflixs A Marriage Story, then you most likely enjoy this outing as well. From a cinematic point of view Levinsons screenplay and his directorial style are top notch. The lines flow so naturally between the characters that there are times when you begin to wonder whether or not you are watching reality TV or whether or not the lines were ad-libbed.

Likewise with his direction, Levinson follows the characters from room to room in one house in such a way that it makes the audience feel like they are there in the room watching the fight first-hand.

That fantastic script also provides two sensational acting performances. John David Washington brushes aside the criticism aimed at him for Tenet and here becomes a strong leading man that is totally believable, so much so that despite all his ranting and raging you do at times still feel for his character and the nerves and anxiety that he is feeling.

Then there is the performance of Zendaya. So far as an actress she has always seemed to take the softer kind of roles. Having said that in The Greatest Showman she stole most of the scenes that she was in, while in the Marvel universe she has been one of the shining lights in the Spider-Man franchise with her portrayal of MJ. But here Zendaya takes her performance to the next year. Here she is dramatic, captivating and delivers her lines like they are coming from her heart. Together Washington and Zendaya bring a chemistry to the screen that few on-screen couples ever do.

Malcolm & Marie is a seriously artistic film but it may have just once again thrown Netflix straight into the Awards pool was also revealing two leading stars that are ready to take the next step in their careers.

Malcolm & Marie is currently screening on Netflix and is for an adult audience.

4/5 Stars

David Griffiths has been working as a film and music reviewer for over 20 years. That time has seen him work in radio, television and in print. You can follow him at www.facebook.com/subcultureentertainmentaus
Attorney Marc Angelucci came to the door of his California home in July 2020 to sign for a package. The man holding that package opened fire, killing Angelucci at the scene. Eight days later, in New Jersey, a man with a package came to the home of federal Judge Esther Salas. He pulled out a gun and shot at her family. Judge Salas' husband, Mark Anderl, was critically wounded. Their 20-year-old son, Daniel, was fatally wounded. The two crimes were connected by one killer: Roy Den Hollander.

Roy Den Hollander was a 72-year-old attorney with a prestigious academic background and impressive resume. Despite his seemingly esteemed background, he embarked on a cross country killing spree in July 2020. How did it come to this?

"48 Hours" and correspondent Tracy Smith investigate in "The Deliveryman Murders."

Den Hollander claimed to be a torchbearer for men's rights. His beliefs are meticulously spelled out in a 2,000-plus page manifesto posted on his website. It is misogynist and antagonistic. The language is coarse and crude.

He was pushing the idea that men are an oppressed segment of society. Thanks to relentless feminism, he said, that oppression is now institutionalized in courts, workplaces, and society at large. He vowed to right those wrongs.

Self-proclaimed anti-feminist attorney Roy Den Hollander as a boy pictured with his mother. He

Den Hollander had many perceived grievances. He abhorred his mother, dedicating a memoir "To Mother: May she burn in Hell." He boasted about forcibly kissing girls in his third-grade class. He denigrated his ex-wife and posted her diary and naked photos online. He berated a former boss as a "feminazi." He lashed out against female judges, lawyers, teachers, neighbors, acquaintances, and colleagues. He declared that his "real enemies" were "the ones who plotted my destruction from birth, the ones who smiled so sweetly through their ruby red lips  dames." He evaluated "babes" decades after adolescence. He used "girls" instead of "women."

Story continues

A self-proclaimed anti-feminist attorney, Den Hollander filed a flurry of lawsuits, going after the all-male military draft, a women's studies program at a university, and ladies nights at bars.

Roy Den Hollander / Credit: Roy Den Hollander

He became a reliably combative but entertaining guest on talk shows. On the surface, he was easy to poke fun at: a litigious lawyer seriously defending silly suits. When a female host objects to his dated stereotypes, protesting that she has paid for a fair share of tabs at restaurants, he asks her "well, what are you doing tonight?"

A careful reading of Roy Den Hollander's manifesto reveals a darker side. Under a subheading "Problem," that begins on page 1851, he stated that "Manhood is in serious jeopardy in America." Under "Revolution," he contended, "violence is admirable if waged in the name of democratic revolution. Vigilante justice is necessary when the law itself becomes a mockery." He also wrote that "A man has a perfect right to kill those who would destroy him."

When police hunted for an unidentified cold-blooded killer they probably did not have a well-dressed, seemingly respectable, aging attorney in mind. In the end, there were two ambush shootings. The victims did not know the killer personally. Investigators would learn they were among the many people Den Hollander derided in his manifesto. Daniel Anderl and Marc Angelucci were generous, kind, and beloved by their communities. Within eight days, grief-stricken family and friends on opposite sides of the country had their lives upended by a stranger. This was a killer who had been hiding in plain sight.

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The Barcelona protests triggered by the arrest of Pablo Rivadulla Duro, known artistically as Pablo Hasel turned violent as they flooded the streets for the fifth consecutive night on Saturday. As per reports, the demonstrations witnessed the looting of luxury stores and vehicles were set ablaze after Hasel was arrested on Tuesday for insulting police and Spanish royalty in his song lyrics as well as social media posts.

Spanish rappers arrest ignited a debate over freedom of expression in the European nation as Hasel is facing a nine-month jail term for glorifying terrorism. Before being detained, Hasel had barricaded himself inside the University of Lleida in an attempt to avoid jail. As protesters accuse the government of cancel culture, the provocative Spanish rapper became an unlikely figurehead for the demonstrations galvanising the debate about freedom of expression.

Read - Spain: Barricade Erected At Barcelona Rapper Protest

Read - Spain: Violent Demonstrations Over Rapper's Imprisonment Continue For Fourth Night

Over 50 people arrested on second night of protests

As per the Associated Press report, over 50 people were arrested and dozens were left wounded on the second night of demonstrations itself. The protesters flooded the cities against the imprisonment of Hasel for insulting the monarchy and praising terrorism. Even though the demonstrations had started peacefully on late Wednesday, they eventually turned violent Thursday. The protests were reported in dozens of Spanish provincial capitals along with other towns in the northeastern Catalonia region which is also the home to the rapper.

Reportedly, in smaller cities and Madrid, Barcelona the anti-riot law enforcement officers fired rubber or foam bullets at baton-charged protesters who in retaliation, threw objects at the officials along with setting trash containers ablaze. Some demonstrators even used overturned motorbikes on the streets to block the path. Hasel had earlier missed a deadline earlier this month to surrender to the police, and serve a nine-month jail term that was handed down back in 2018.

Back then he was convicted over lyrics and tweets that compared Spanish Judges to Nazis and even called the former Spanish King Juan Carlos a mafia boss. The Spanish rapper has even made references to the Basque separatist parliamentary group termed as ETA, that sought independence from Spain.

Read - Spain Police Arrest Suspected Diamond Thieves

Read - Spain: Dozens Arrested In Fresh Riots Over Rapper's Jailing


Megachurch raises $2M to provide counseling to those battling depression during COVID-19

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An Arizona megachurch has raised nearly $2 million since November to help people receive counseling services as they cope with the stresses of an election season and pandemic.

Through the Press On campaign, Christs Church of the Valley (CCV) used Pushpay as the primary mechanism to raise funds to cover the cost of counseling for those struggling with mental health.

Tyler Kurbat, director of marketing and communications for the 12-campus church, said the idea for the Press On campaign was sparked during a sermon planning meeting at the end of 2019 to discuss an upcoming series called Lets Talk About It.

The emphasis of the series was mental health during the election year. And at the time, they had no idea a pandemic was also on the horizon.

It hit me that we had the opportunity to lean into mental health, Kurbat said. If you reframe the way you look at depression, right in the middle is the rallying cry and an invitation into hope. If you deemphasize just a couple of letters, press on pulls through

And thus, the Press On campaign was born.

In an average year, its probably one in five people (who deal with mental health)," Kurbat said. "But this year its one in two, which means that if its not you, its probably someone you love. We have the opportunity to lean into that and provide some support."

Scientists are tracking an increase in depression and anxiety since the beginning of the pandemic.

In December 2020, over 42% of people reported anxiety or depression symptoms in a U.S. Census Bureau survey. According to Nature.com, this was an increase of over 11% from the previous year.

Mental health [problems are] skyrocketing, Kurbat said. At the same time, financial uncertainty, financial stresses are also climbing. We had the opportunity as a church to jump in and fill that gap.

The church-wide Press On effort began in November as the holiday season was beginning.

According to CCV's Life Training Pastor Rachael Schmidt, over 4,000 people have responded through the Press On campaign and over $1.98 million has been raised.

Schmidt, who oversees pastoral care and spearheads the project, said CCV covers 80% of the cost of 10 counseling sessions and covers half the cost of the next 10 sessions.

Schmidt vets each of the counselors before referring an individual to ensure they align with biblical values.

People have reached out to CCV regarding Press On from across the nation and around the world.

Many evangelistic opportunities have also resulted from the initiative and people have given their lives to Christ.

The fruit from these stories has blown me away, Schmidt said.

Mental health is not always a topic discussed in the church. However, CCV brought it to the forefront and has invested in helping remove barriers and streamline access to counseling.

This conversation is just getting started, Kurbat said. With technology at our hands like Pushpay and with social media , we can really begin to create some programs and experiences where these things are scalable.

Schmidt said the church has been openhanded with resources and has helped other churches develop the same model in their communities.

It was amazing how God sort of set the table for us, led our leadership to know that this is a topic that is important , Kurbat said. The opportunity was to remind our congregation and also non-believers that youre seen, youre not alone, and that theres help because really theres a tremendous opportunity to destigmatize these topics and provide some actual hope.

A study published by the Society for Human Resource Management last year found that 35% of U.S. workers battled depressive symptoms amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, few sought professional help.

A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 63% of 18 to 24-year-olds reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. Meanwhile, 25% reported increased substance use and another 25% say they considered suicide.

Mental Health America reports a 93% increase in people participating in anxiety screenings in 2020 compared to 2019 and a 62% increase in depression screenings.
The British Pound to Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate posted fresh 34-month highs just above 1.4050 at the Asian open on Monday as underlying UK sentiment remained strong with markets continuing to focus on the prospects for a re-opening of the UK economy.

Equity markets, however, dipped lower in early Europe with US S&P 500 futures declining over 0.8% while the FTSE 100 index dipped over 1.0% to 10-day lows at the open.

The retreat in equity markets served as an important catalyst for a correction in the Pound with the GBP/USD rate dipping back below 1.4000.

There was also an element of caution ahead of Prime Minister Johnsons official road-map announcement later in the day with caution likely surrounding the leisure and hospitality sectors.

Nevertheless, strong buying dips remained a key feature with GBP/USD securing a fresh advance to 1.4020.

GBP/USD Exchange Rate Surges to New 34-Month Best

The Pound to US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate roared higher this week, with the pairing passing a key barrier of resistance on its way to striking a new 34-month high.

British Pound (GBP) Rallies on Reopening Hopes

The Pound (GBP) maintained a positive trajectory throughout last weeks trading session, making particularly strong gains against the US Dollar (USD), underpinned by hopes that a swift reopening of the UK economy will drive a sharp rebound in economic growth in 2021.

Fuelling these hopes was the continued success of the UK vaccination programme, alongside a dramatic improvement in the countrys latest coronavirus statistics which showed a sustained decline in new cases as well as hospitalisations.

Sterlings bullish run took a slight knock in mid-week trade after Boris Johnson tempered these expectations by stressing the UK governments need to take a cautious approach to easing the lockdown, with a focus on data not dates.

However, it didnt take long for the Pound to resume its advance, following reports that Chancellor Rishi Sunak will defer plans for take hikes in next month's budget in favour of offering more fiscal support to aid the cautious exit from lockdown and a sustained economic recovery.

The GBP/USD was then able to extend its gains at the very end of the session as a smaller-than-expected contraction in the UK services sector this month, helped to offset some dismal domestic retail sales figures which saw sales growth plummet a whopping 8.2% in January.

US Dollar (USD) Trades in Line with Fluctuating Treasury Yields

The US Dollar (USD) initially got off to a weak start last week, with investors spurning the safe-haven currency amidst a prevailing risk-on bias.

But the Greenback was quick to mount a comeback, with fading risk appetite and a strong pick-up in US Treasury yields bolstering USD exchange rates.

This uptick in both the US Dollar and Treasury yields was then reinforced by an upbeat US retail sales release in the mid-week, with sales growth far outpacing expectations in January.

However, the US Dollar then faltered in the second half of the session after bond yields pulled back from a one year, in response to a unexpected rise in jobless claims which stoked concerns over the state of the US economic recovery.

GBP/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: Boris Johnsons Lockdown Easing Plans in Focus

Looking to the week ahead, there can be no doubt that the main catalyst of movement in the Pound to US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate at the start of the session will be long-awaited publication of Boris Johnsons roadmap on how and when Englands national lockdown will be lifted.

In light of the UKs success in bringing down coronavirus cases and rollout out vaccines, GBP investors will be hoping that the PMs plans will see a fairly swift reopening of most parts of the UK economy. However, Sterling could stumble if investors feel Johnsons plans for a cautious lifting of restrictions is too slow.

Also in focus for GBP investors this week will be the UKs latest jobs reports, where another rise in unemployment at the very end of 2020 could dampen the appeal of the Pound.

Meanwhile, should the US Dollar remained anchored to Treasury yields this week, then we are likely to see US stimulus developments act as a key driver of movement.

Elsewhere, the publication of the latest US durable goods orders could help to buoy the US Dollar, amidst forecasts for a strong pickup in order growth in January.

Short-term Outlook: Scotiabank FX

"Bullish - The GBP has risen above 1.40 for the first time since April 2018 with an eye to test that months high in the upper 1.43s with limited, obvious, resistance levels above its current price. Cable is on track to post a sixth consecutive up week that would tie its late-2018/early-2019 climb for its longest bullish streak. Technically, the pound may be getting a bit stretched with the Bollinger and RSI charts suggesting the GBP is overbought (if only slightly, at least). On the other hand, the GBPs underperformance vis-a-vis the EUR this morning has left the EURGBP cross trading higher for the first time in six days after it reached its most oversold since early-2019 yesterday. GBPUSD may see limited gains above 1.40 in the short-term as the figure acts as a strong psychological magnet. Intraday support is ~1.3950 followed by the big figure area; 1.3830/50 follows."
MASON CITY, Iowa  A woman who ran an unregistered daycare operation is pleading guilty to a charge of child endangerment.

Peggy McLaughlin, 59 of Clear Lake, was arrested in July 2019 and an investigation into incidents that happened several years before. Authorities say Peggy ran a registered daycare for 22 years until she and her husband Kyle decided in 2015 they would no longer allow unannounced annual inspections. After that, they were only legally allowed to have a maximum of five children at any one time.

Investigators say a 20-month-old girl suffered a broken leg while being cared for by the couple in August 2017 and never got any first aid or medical help. Court documents state the McLaughlins were watching 12 to 13 children the day the girl was injured and could not explain how it happened.

Peggy McLaughlin has now pleaded guilty to an aggravated misdemeanor count of child endangerment. Her next court appearance is set for November 18. Child endangerment charges against Kyle McLaughlin were dismissed after his death in May.
A life-long opponent of the now-defunct Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and not-so-friendly with ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka, the late J Jayalalithaa projected herself as a saviour of the race by making the last phase of the 30-year-old civil war in the neighbouring country her partys major plank during the 2009 Lok Sabha polls.

She put the DMK and Congress, who were the ruling coalition at the Centre, on the mat, accusing them of aiding the Sri Lankan military to kill lakhs of Tamils, and even promised to march the Indian Army into the neighbouring country to liberate the northern part of the island-nation if a Third Front government was voted to power.

However, her party, AIADMK, won only 12 of the 39 seats at stake in Tamil Nadu, and the DMK-Congress combine romped home yet again. The 2009 defeat of the AIADMK was a clear indicator that the Sri Lankan Tamils problem had ceased to be an election issue in Tamil Nadu long back, though it is still an emotive issue.

Jayalalithaa herself forgot that she had ridden to power in June 1991 with a thumping majority after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, with whom she was close, was assassinated in Sriperumbudur near Chennai on May 21, 1991 by LTTE cadres. That was probably the point of departure for many Tamils in Tamil Nadu as far as the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils was concerned.

Also Read | In Sri Lanka, Indias loss, Chinas gain

The plight of Sri Lankan Tamils, an emotive issue for Tamils here as they share cultural and civilisational ties, had been turned into a raging political issue by the Dravidian parties  both DMK and AIADMK  over the years. Though their plight never mattered much to the ordinary voter when he pressed the button on the voting machine, political parties even today do not forget to rake up the issue, especially ahead of elections.

The Congress, though accused of helping the Sri Lankan government in the last phase of the war that ended with the killing of LTTE chief V Prabhakaran, had made its outreach to the ethnic Tamils in Lanka a major poll issue in 2014.

The BJP has followed suit  in speeches concerning Tamil Nadu by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders of the party, a mention of the plight of Lankan Tamils and his governments efforts to get them a political solution is a staple.

Last week, when Modi addressed a meeting in Chennai, he listed development projects that India has been implementing in Sri Lanka, such as building houses for displaced Tamils, renovating the railway network dismantled due to bombings during the civil war, and efforts to help Tamil culture thrive in the country. During his visit to Sri Lanka in January, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar raised the issue of Lankan Tamils, perhaps with the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections in view.

The Sri Lankan issue became so politicised that at one point anything related to Sri Lanka evoked opposition from Tamil Nadu.

Former PM Manmohan Singh had to cancel a visit to the island-nation to participate in a Commonwealth meeting in 2013. But once Mahinda Rajapaksa was defeated in the 2015 presidential polls, the issue lost its relevance and political parties could no longer oppose Indias outreach as the new regime was led by Maithiripala Sirisena.

Although it occupied significant media space and high decibel political rhetoric, the Sri Lankan Tamils issue has hardly ever been an election issue where the voter has had a multitude of other issues concerning his life, such as livelihood, irrigation, and corruption. The only time it came close to being a poll issue was in 1991, and that too because of the killing of an Indian leader on the states soil, senior journalist R Bhagwan Singh told DH.

After the war, several outfits have mushroomed in Tamil Nadu, claiming to fight for the rights of the Eelam Tamils.

Singh, who has tracked the civil war in Sri Lankan closely, said the Lankan Tamils issue just became an easy topic for all political parties to deliver sermons on and further their election agenda. If the problem was a potent poll issue, Vaiko, a staunch supporter of Lankan Tamils, would have been Chief Minister by now, he said.

Sri Lankan Tamils, in general, and the LTTE, in particular, enjoyed immense goodwill in Tamil Nadu till about the early 1990s. The LTTE lost popular support after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and the Lankan Tamil issue as a whole took a backseat in Tamil Nadu politics until 2008, when the civil war in Sri Lanka intensified and the LTTE began losing ground.

The welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils finds mention in the manifestos of almost every political party, but the DMK and AIADMK  which have ruled Tamil Nadu alternatively since 1967  have not done enough for thousands of refugees from Sri Lanka who are still stuck in Tamil Nadu, having come here fearing the civil war.

The refugee organisations accuse India of not doing enough to ensure that war crimes by the Sri Lankan Army are probed, and of hobnobbing with the powerful Rajapaksas, who now occupy the top positions in the island-nation. Both UPA and NDA think reaching out to the Lankan Tamils will get them closer to people in Tamil Nadu who have no love lost for the national parties, though the Congress continues to have a committed vote share of around 4%.

The Dravidian parties, especially DMK, did exert pressure on the Centre, then led by Congress, to change its stand at the UN Human Rights Council at least twice. India, in a departure from its earlier stand, voted in favour of resolutions brought by the US against Sri Lanka for alleged war crimes during the last phase of the civil war. The decision came under fire from foreign policy experts but many opined that domestic issues should also be kept in mind.

However, Prof Ramu Manivannan, who headed a fact-finding mission to Sri Lanka, blamed successive Indian governments for not doing enough for ethnic Tamils.

In the name of Tamil Nadu, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has had a separate set of rules in dealing with Sri Lanka but Tamil Nadus concerns were never really kept in mind. India has now lost its way in dealing with that country, Manivannan, Head of the Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Madras, said.
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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Trust (PT) in the 2019 , Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has urged Nigerians to tone down divisive actions and speeches for the collective survival of the country.

Reacting to rising ethinc tension in the land, the politician and businessman warned that pitching one ethnic group against the other and pushing for attacks and reprisal attacks are ill wind that can only assure mutual destruction.

In a statement made available to journalists weekend, Mr Olawepo-Hashim, who expressed deep anxiety over the development, said agelong farmers-herders conflict exacerbated by other security challenges must never be a justification for ethnic stereotyping capable of provoking ethnic pogroms.

 All patriotic Nigerians should be worried. I am worried. We all have roles to play, community leaders and social organizations must tone down divisive rhetoric, he said.

Now is the time to motivate and encourage various security agencies to step up their games. Now is the time for government leaders to act as statesmen. We must unite to save the nation, Olawepo-hashim said.

According to the business mogul, public officers at all levels must avoid statements and actions that show support for any party to the conflict as it has tendency to undermine national cohesion and security.

On clashes between herders and farmers all over Nigeria, it is well agreed by all reasonable citizens and leaders that a pastoral practice that ruins the legitimate businesses of others, must immediately give way to a more acceptable and modern arrangement. 

We need a transition to a system that accommodates the aspirations of poor farmers and herders who have long been neglected by successive governments. This is the most urgent task of public policy at both State and Federal levels.

Perhaps it is time again to renew our earlier call for devolution of power to the States in policing and other critical areas, in order to lessen the burden of the Federal Government in policing, he said.

He reiterated that states and local policing may help reduce tension as security questions requiring prompt attention would be taken at state levels before they fester into broader national crisis, providing incentives for divers centrifugal forces to jump in.

Mr Olawepo-Hashim had in a recent interview admonished Nigerians to agree on things that are agreeable and continue to discuss things that are not clear but may become clearer in the future.

Nigeria, he said, must move forward together in peace and harmony.

While observing that nation building will not be completed in one day, the business mogul expressed optimism that there will still be life after 2023 and Nigeria will survive .

Other issues could be looked into after 2023 elections by the grace of God, he said.

The businessman turned politician had noted that from the ongoing public debate in the country, it was obvious that consensus has been built around issues such as the desirability of state police to deal with insecurity, devolution of powers to states to control resources in their inland basins to pay taxes to the centre.

He highlighted some of the areas where there exist clear national consensus to include creation of state and local government police, side by side with the Federal Police to make policing more efficient and to bolster national security, among other issues.
Under some of the plans, when demand increases, prices rise. The goal, architects of the system say, is to balance the market by encouraging consumers to reduce their usage and power suppliers to create more electricity.

But when last weeks crisis hit and power systems faltered, the states Public Utilities Commission ordered that the price cap be raised to its maximum limit of $9 per kilowatt-hour, easily pushing many customers daily electric costs above $100. And in some cases, like Mr. Willoughbys, bills rose by more than 50 times the normal cost.

Many of the people who have reported extremely high charges, including Mr. Willoughby, are customers of Griddy, a small company in Houston that provides electricity at wholesale prices, which can quickly change based on supply and demand.

The company passes the wholesale price directly to customers, charging an additional $9.99 monthly fee. Much of the time, the rate is considered affordable. But the model can be risky: Last week, foreseeing a huge jump in wholesale prices, the company encouraged all of its customers  about 29,000 people  to switch to another provider when the storm arrived. But many were unable to do so.

Katrina Tanner, a Griddy customer who lives in Nevada, Texas, said she had been charged $6,200 already this month, more than five times what she paid in all of 2020. She began using Griddy at a friends suggestion a couple of years ago and was pleased at the time with how simple it was to sign up.

As the storm rolled through during the past week, however, she kept opening the companys app on her phone and seeing her bill just rising, rising, rising, Ms. Tanner said. Griddy was able to take the money she owed directly from her bank account, and she now has just $200 left. She suspects that she was only able to keep that much because her bank stopped Griddy from taking more.

A customer has told of his surprise after he received a full bottle of urine as part of a food delivery during lockdown.

Oliver McManus said he received the suspicious-looking yellow liquid with a meal kit from HelloFresh on Sunday morning.

He tweeted the company a picture with the question: "Hey HelloFreshUK, I'll keep it simple: why have I received someone's bottled up piss as part of my order? Look forward to your response on this one."

Mr McManus added: "Give me an address, I'll send it to you and you can have a whiff in case you're sceptical!"

The company's social media team replied: "We truly lack the words to describe how sorry we are because of this."

Several Twitter users responded with the usual barrage of jokes, puns and abuse, with some suggesting it was apple juice. Mr McManus replied: "It's really not".

HelloFresh does not supply drinks with its meal kits and some people speculated that the mistake may have occurred after a delivery driver used the bottle to go to the toilet to save time. Mr McManus tweeted that he believed it was a delivery error, adding "the box wasn't sealed properly and it [the bottle] was just sort of nestling on the top."

He told The Independent that he had been taken by surprise not only by the delivery but also the reaction on social media.

"The last thing I would want is for anyone to get sacked or in trouble as a result of this incident. It is unfortunate that it happened but I'm sure it raises some wider questions about working conditions in the UK."

Mr McManus added that HelloFresh had been "very apologetic" and were still investigating. He said: I just didnt expect so many people to care. Its all taken me by surprise, if Im honest.

HelloFresh said in a statement: We are truly horrified and sorry that the customer received the offending item. Given the wholly unacceptable nature, we are urgently investigating, along with our delivery company, how an open box with this bottle in it was delivered.

We have apologised directly to Mr McManus and offered an appropriate good will gesture. We are working hard to do everything we can to ensure that this cannot happen again.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure urgent resolution to the ongoing farmers'' "unrest", and an early release of the state's pending GST compensation. In his pre-recorded address for the sixth Governing Council virtual meeting of Niti Aayog, the senior Congress leader also proposed that states are consulted before deciding the priority list for COVID-19 vaccination.

Singh, who could not attend the meeting as he was unwell, also expressed concerns over the threat to Punjab's agriculture sector as a result of the "disruptions caused by the three new farm laws", according to a state government release. Farmers have been protesting against the three new Central agricultural laws enacted in September last year, and demanding they be repealed.

Singh also raised the issue of COVID-19 vaccine, urging the Centre to consult the state before fixing priorities for vaccination, as the exercise, he argued, involves the entire population. He also requested the Centre to release Punjab's pending GST compensation, amounting to Rs 8,253 crore for the period between April 2020 and January 2021.

Urging respect for the ''annadaata'' (the farmer), the CM reiterated his government's stand that agriculture is a state subject it should be left to be legislated upon by states in the true spirit of "cooperative federalism" enshrined in the Constitution. He also pointed out that the state has already passed amendments to the Central legislations.

The CM asserted in his speech that any reform in a sector affecting almost 60 per cent of the country''s workforce must be brought only through a process of extensive consultation with all the stakeholders, of which Punjab is a key member being at the forefront of ensuring food security for the nation.

He also raised the farmers'' apprehension that the Minimum Support Price-based procurement through Food Corporation of India (or agencies on its behalf) may be discontinued in view of the Shanta Kumar Committee Report of 2015. The CM also stressed the need for the government of India to decisively dispel any such impression "to instil proper confidence in the farmers of the state".

Amarinder called upon the Centre to designate agencies to procure and provide MSP matching the returns of wheat and paddy in order to incentivise farmers to take up cultivation of alternate crops. The importance of water conservation was also highlighted by the Chief Minister, who requested the Government of India to consider Punjab's pilot project - ''Pani Bachao Paisa Kamao (PBPK)'' - as a national project, for which a feasibility report amounting to Rs 433.00 crore has already been submitted by the state.

On the GST issue, he further reiterated the state''s demand for releasing the GST compensation on monthly basis in the coming fiscal year. Singh also sought an extension in the period of GST compensation beyond the current five years for states like Punjab, "which have permanently lost a significant portion of their revenue especially on account of subsuming of purchase tax on food grains and are staring at a huge revenue shortfall after the end of compensation period".

He claimed the practice of direct transfer of funds under certain Central schemes to the implementing agencies by-passing the Consolidated Fund of the state not only violates the provisions of the Constitution but is also against the spirit of cooperative federalism.

He sought routing of funds through the Consolidated Fund. He also pointed out that the 15th Finance Commission in the final report for the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26, has recommended certain sector-specific and state-specific grants for Punjab, amounting to Rs 3,442 crore and Rs 1,545 crore respectively.

However, these have still not been cleared by the Union government, he said, urging the Centre to provide these specific grants to his state. On the COVID-19 vaccination, he also said, "With the portal created by government of India for registration of healthcare and frontline workers frozen, several such workers of the state willing for vaccination registration have been left behind."

He called upon the Centre to allow entry of such workers to quicken up vaccination drive. The CM also requested the Centre to allow 100 per cent use of available SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) towards expenditure for COVID-19 management, instead of the present ceiling of 50 per cent.

Also read: NITI Aayog meet: Govt must respect, give due representation to private sector in progress

Also read: NITI Aayog meet: PM Modi bats for Centre-state partnership to boost economic growth

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Hardline union bosses are bringing the teaching profession into disrepute by opposing the reopening of all schools next month, a former Government education adviser claimed last night.

Nine organisations representing most teachers and headteachers in England have united to brand plans to reopen primary and secondary schools from March 8 reckless.

Instead of the so-called big bang opening being pushed by Boris Johnson, they want a slower, phased return of pupils to the classroom.

Chris McGovern, a former headteacher and education policy adviser to Margaret Thatcher, accused the unions of attempting to bully the Government and warned that their stance risked causing huge damage to childrens education

After a string of Government U-turns during the pandemic, union leaders are said to be increasingly confident that they can force Mr Johnson and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to back down.

But last night, Chris McGovern, a former headteacher and education policy adviser to Margaret Thatcher, accused the unions of attempting to bully the Government and warned that their stance risked causing huge damage to childrens education.

He said: The recklessness is coming from the unions. They are playing political games with childrens futures and with the country.

The unions are seeking reasons for keeping schools closed. What they should be looking for are ways of saving this generation of children. Its an appalling indictment of the union bosses and the heads. They are bringing the profession into disrepute.

Last week, The Mail on Sunday revealed a video of militant teachers from the Left-wing National Education Union boasting of using threats of strike action to keep classrooms closed.

Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said that on current trends there was likely to be one infected person for every 300 by March 8  4.5 times higher than when schools returned last September

Government officials fear teachers will refuse to go into work because it is unsafe, citing the 1996 Employment Rights Act  a tactic used last year. Leading education expert Professor Alan Smithers said last night it was the instinct of unions to oppose measures put forward by Mr Johnsons Government, adding: I am sure they are hearing from their members its a good aim [to reopen schools]. But I think it is also the instinct of the unions to find difficulties, because it is a Conservative Government, rather than say, Lets get on with this, its desperately needed.

Prof Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at the University of Buckingham, urged teachers to return to school.

For Heavens sake lets get on with real life again and give our young people the best education we possibly can in this very disrupted year. The nine organisations representing teachers, heads, governors and support staff signed a statement urging Mr Johnson to open schools on March 8 only if the scientific evidence is absolutely clear that this is safe and even then to go no further than a phased return of children.

Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said that on current trends there was likely to be one infected person for every 300 by March 8  4.5 times higher than when schools returned last September.

He added: If we really want to make sure this is the last lockdown, then it is clearly the most sensible course to proceed with caution  a phased approach like in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland  opening slowly and checking what happens to the infection figures.

Scott Pughsley, a teacher in Preston, last night likened the reopening of all schools next month to pouring petrol on the smouldering embers of a fire to make it go boom and keep burning.

Downing Street dismisses claims Chris Whitty objected to plans to reopen classrooms

The Guardian newspaper had reported that Professor Whitty had been reluctant to put his name to a public show of support this week for Boris Johnsons big bang plan for schools

Media reports that Englands Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty objected to the Prime Ministers plans to reopen classrooms were last night dismissed by Downing Street as total fantasy.

The Guardian newspaper had reported that Professor Whitty had been reluctant to put his name to a public show of support this week for Boris Johnsons big bang plan for schools  a claim flatly rejected by a No 10 insider.

Education sources were reported to have told the newspaper that Prof Whitty was very unhappy with proposals for all ten million children and staff to return to schools in England on March 8. But the Department of Health insisted the Chief Medical Officer had no reservations about the plan, while sources close to the Prime Minister also dismissed rumours of tension over the move.

A Downing Street source said advice given by members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies  on which Prof Whitty sits  over the Prime Ministers plans for lifting lockdown conditions would be published after the event.

The source added: The Prime Minister is determined to get schools back. He wants pupils to be back, and the Department for Education are working on a plan for how we do that safely.
Facebook Inc is back at the negotiating table, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday, after it blocked news on its site in the country.

The tech giant's abrupt decision to stop Australians sharing news on the site and strip the pages of news outlets also erased several state government and emergency department accounts, causing widespread anger.

The company has "tentatively friended us again", Mr Morrison said. "What I'm pleased about is that Facebook is back at the table again."

Facebook has publicly indicated no change in its opposition to a proposed law requiring social media platforms to pay for links to news content.

Australia's Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he had spoken to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and further talks were expected this weekend.

The stand-off comes as Australia vows to press ahead with the landmark legislation, which could set a global precedent as countries including Canada express interest in taking similar action.

The Australian law, which would force Facebook and Alphabet Inc's Google to reach commercial deals with Australian publishers or face compulsory arbitration, has cleared the lower house of parliament and is expected to be passed by the senate within days.

Simon Milner, Facebook's Asia-Pacific policy director, was quoted yesterday telling the Sydney Morning Herald the company had three main objections to the legislation.

Facebook objects to being barred from discriminating between different news outlets that ask for money, to arbitration models that allow an independent body to select one payment over another, and to the obligation to enter commercial negotiations with Australian media companies, Mr Milner said.

Australia's legislation is being widely watched overseas.

EU publishers are lobbying the European Parliament to copy parts of Australia's proposed laws that would force Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google to pay an agreed price for their content.

The publishers want EU lawmakers to force the tech giants into binding arbitration if they can't agree on payments for snippets of articles shown on the platforms. They want a clause inserted in legislation proposed in December to rein in the big tech firms, known as the Digital Markets Act.

The industry sees an opportunity to press its case after Facebook's news-sharing blackout in Australia backfired on the tech firm, resulting in an unprecedented show of strength directed at the social media giant. Publishers have haemorrhaged advertising revenue to digital platforms for decades.

"It has become clear that without the full force of an Australian-style approach, gatekeeper tech companies threaten to walk away from negotiations or exit markets entirely," said Angela Mills Wade, executive director of the European Publishers Council (EPC), which represents publishers including Axel Springer and The New York Times. She said the EPC would support European lawmakers seeking to ensure platforms negotiate in good faith.

The EU already agreed a separate copyright law to help publishers seek compensation from the platforms, after years of negotiations involving industry, officials and lawmakers. Andreas Schwab, the lead lawmaker in charge of the Digital Markets Act, said the copyright law protects people's ability to share content while supporting quality journalism online.

For some publishers, the rules still don't go far enough. France is one of the only countries so far to apply the copyright law, but its competition authority had to step in last year to force Google to pay for displaying news.

When France rolled out the law, Google started showing stripped-down French news search results that didn't include previews of the articles. The search giant eventually reached a deal in January with a French publishers' union that it will negotiate individual licence agreements.

The tech giants are still finding ways to "wriggle out" of their obligations to publishers even with the EU copyright rules in place, said Wout van Wijk, executive director of News Media Europe, an umbrella organisation representing national publisher associations.

"We would welcome a clause that mandates binding arbitration," he said.

Facebook said Australia's proposal of compulsory arbitration sets a precedent in which a government gets to decide who enters into content agreements and "how much the party that already receives value from the free service gets paid", according to a blog post.

Google has also threatened to shut its search engine in Australia if the proposal becomes law, in particular because the rules would cover hyperlinks to news articles.

The company is hoping recent deals it has struck with some news organisations will be enough to head off a fresh regulatory assault in Europe and elsewhere.

As part of its product called Google News Showcase, the search giant has started paying select media outlets, including those in Germany, the UK, Australia and Argentina, to display articles on its news app and has set aside $1bn to cover the programme's first three years.
Vietnam tops the list of destinations for venture investors for the next 12 months.

Beta Cinemas, which has sought investment capital, had to suspend operation for a few weeks because of Covid-19. The cinema chain called for investment capital in the first half of 2019 and saw results at the end of the year, but it became nearly impossible to implement the plan.

Finally, in June 2020, Daiwa PI Partners signed an agreement on investing $8 million in Beta Cinemas. With the agreement, Beta Media was valued at VND1 trillion.

Beta Medias CEO Bui Quang Minh said Japanese investors are extremely careful about every detail and are very strict in matters of principle.

According to Minh, it takes more time to deal with Japanese investors than investors of other nationalities. US investment funds, for example, make decisions more quickly, which is attributed to the difference in risk acceptance and the principles pursued by investment funds.

Nguyen Xuan Dong, co-founder of Ecomobi, said startups need to prepare documents for different situations. The meetings with investors may last 10 minutes, two or three hours, or just 30 seconds in an elevator, so startups need to be ready all the time and need to be able to brief their situation concisely.

Despite a tough year in 2020, Vietnams innovative startup ecosystem is still on the rise. There are 100 venture investment funds, including 20 Vietnamese funds, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Foreign and Vietnamese funds are joining forces to invest in Vietnams startups, which is a great opportunity for startups to call for capital. The total value of investment deals in Vietnams startups in 2020 reached $290.43 million, and 56 investment deals were reported.

Nurturing unicorns

Its now the time for investors to set foot in the Vietnamese market, said Le Han Hue Tam from Nextrans in Vietnam.

Many investment fund directors have said they expect to see a shift in the capital flow direction in the time to come. Vietnam will replace Indonesia to become the next destination for foreign investment funds.

Hoang Thi Kim Dung from Genesia Ventures in Vietnam commented that investors have high confidence in Vietnams innovative startup ecosystem and believe that Vietnam will become a significant investment market in the region and the world.

Eddie Thai, of 500 Startups, said venture funds choose Vietnam instead of other emerging markets because Vietnam is a young and fast growing economy with technology indexes (such as internet and smartphone users) at high levels. The first-generation founders have succeeded, which has proved the potential of Vietnams market and its professionals.

Despite a tough year in 2020, Vietnams innovative startup ecosystem is still on the rise. There are 100 venture investment funds, including 20 Vietnamese funds, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Vietnams advantages lie in the labor force, energy, resources and growth potential of the market.

Le Diep Kieu Trang, co-founder of the Alabaster fund, noted that Indonesia has six unicorns, while Vietnam only has one, VNG, though it has great potential, including talented engineers and more favorable logistics conditions. She believes that Vietnams development is still not commensurate to its potential and there is still much space for Vietnam to further develop.

Nguyen Manh Dung from CyberAgent Vietnam said Vietnam is now the destination for many investors. He believes that Indonesia is witnessing overly hot development with stiff competition and high risks. So, Vietnam is at a point when early investors have many opportunities.

Vietnam is the next excellent destination. There are many reasons for investors to come to Vietnam right now, including the vast market with nearly 100 million people, Dung said.

He went on to say that while it was only a dream for Vietnams startups to call for over $15 million worth of capital two to three years ago, it is now realistic. The fund will seek opportunities to invest in technology startups that develop products and services that bring convenience and improve consumers living standards.

10 technology unicorns by 2030

Do Ventures survey found that Vietnam tops the list of destination points for investors for the next 12 months. The excitement about making investments in Vietnam is still at a high level. It is expected that 117-200 deals will be made in the next 12 months. Around 80 percent of investors plan to make one to five deals. Education, healthcare and finance are the business fields that catch investors attention the most.

The government of Vietnam has set the goals of having 10 technology unicorns by 2030 and becoming a technology startup center in Southeast Asia.

Hoang Thi Kim Dung from Genesia Ventures in Vietnam said investors consider Vietnam the top priority market in Southeast Asia in 2021.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Thai Hai Van, CEO of Grab Vietnam, believes that at this time, calling for capital is one of the big challenges Vietnams startups are facing.

The challenges are not a lack of capital or investors lack of attention to the Vietnamese market. In 2019, the total investment capital in Vietnams technology startups even exceeded Singapore.

The real challenge lies in the capability and vision of startup founders. Vietnamese are strong in seeking ideas but weak in the implementation of the ideas.

Duy Anh

Live video streaming startup GoStream secures 7-digit funding GoStream, a fast-growing Vietnamese startup that provides multi-platform livestream broadcaster for social sellers, marketers, and content creators, has announced that it has secured a 7-digit USD funding from VinaCapital Ventures.
SLSI raising the bar towards productivity By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):

The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) has cottoned onto a new high in efficiency with its extended working hours in certain departments giving an impetus to the national productivity agenda.

SLSI new Chairman Nushad Perera told the Business Times on Tuesday that the SLSIs import inspection department was transferred into a day and night service since earlier this month.

Our operations at the Rank Container Terminal at Orugodawatte where Sri Lanka Customs clearance is now a day and night operation from the earlier 8 am to 5 pm operation. This is a big win in terms of productivity at the terminal operations as the cargo is now cleared faster. This means that the shippers are immensely benefited as they no longer need to pay demurrages to the port for delays in clearing their cargo. When demurrages are slapped on the shippers the end users or the customers ultimately bear that cost which means the costs of goods are higher. Now costs can be rationalised, Mr. Perera added.

Also, SLSIs internal laboratories have moved to extended hours in order to clear the items which come through the SLSI Import Inspection. Now we have double the output. Earlier if a report was done in five days, now it only takes two days, M. B. D. Neelakanthie, Director SLSI said.

SLSI is a member of the Border Control Regulatory Body. This makes their job that much tougher. P. W. K. Tissera, Senior Deputy Director SLSI joining in the discussion noted that SLSI prepares specifications considering the strength, endurance etc. of the tri-forces garments.

We set the standard for them in line with the wastage, wear and tear, comfort etc, Dr. (Ms.) Siddhika G Senaratne, Director General SLSI noted. She added that these are set by benchmarking the global standards.

Explaining further Mr. Tissera added that standards on how the materials behave in the outdoors, tolerance for perspiration, rubbing hot pressing etc are set as per international methods. Our scientists will sit along with the tri-forces as part of a technical committee.

Ipsitha Jaasekera, Director Scientific Standards noted that the standards are established through a consultative process which follows international benchmarks. We prepare an initial draft and it goes through a technical and working group committee. This follows about 10-15 groups discussing and improving the basic draft. This is subject to approval by the sectorial committee. Lalith P. L. Chitrage, Director Laboratory Services noted that these days they see more rejections in the food items and ceremic ware / porcelain ware. This is because of the heavy metal presence in the paint in these items, he added.
The best friend of Dubai's missing Princess Latifa today makes a personal plea to the Queen to intervene.

In an open letter in The Mail on Sunday, Tiina Jauhiainen pleads with the Monarch to use 'whatever influence' she has with her long-term horse-racing friend Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum, who is accused of holding his daughter captive.

Princess Latifa has not been seen in public since 2018 when she was allegedly drugged and forced back to Dubai following a failed escape bid with Ms Jauhiainen.

In an open letter in The Mail on Sunday, Tiina Jauhiainen (right, with Princess Latifa) pleads with the Monarch to use 'whatever influence' she has with her long-term horse-racing friend Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum

Disturbing footage last week emerged of the 35-year-old royal in which she said she was being kept in solitary confinement inside a 'villa-jail' and feared for her life.

The videos, released by Ms Jauhiainen and human rights lawyer David Haigh, are believed to have been made in 2019.

Her friends have had no contact with her since last summer. The case has echoes of that of her older sister Shamsa, who was abducted from Cambridge in 2000 when she was 18 and has not been seen since.

In her letter, Ms Jauhiainen writes: 'I am humbly calling upon you to use whatever influence you have with your friend, Sheikh Mohammed, to persuade him to grant Latifa and her older sister Shamsa their wish for freedom or, at least, to supply proof they are still alive.

'Your country has a proud record on human rights and of holding people, however rich and powerful, to account for their actions.

'Given you so obviously value justice, freedom and family and that you command universal respect, I truly believe your intervention could help bring the ordeal of these two women to an end.'

Disturbing footage last week emerged of the 35-year-old royal in which she said she was being kept in solitary confinement inside a 'villa-jail' and feared for her life

The Dubai ruler has a vast UK asset portfolio, including a 75million Surrey retreat, a Suffolk mansion and a 63,000-acre Highland estate.

He also founded the Godolphin stables in Newmarket and it is his passion for racing that connects him to the Queen. The pair have been pictured together numerous times at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and at Ascot.

It was, however, reported last year that the Queen will now decline to be photographed with Sheikh Mohammed following a High Court ruling that found him responsible for the abduction of his two daughters as well as a campaign of intimidation against his youngest wife Princess Haya.

In a further bid to apply pressure on the Sheikh to release the princesses, campaigners want Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to apply financial sanctions on his UK holdings.

Latifa's friends are being advised on financial sanctions by Bill Browder, a businessman who masterminded the Magnitsky Act to punish human rights violators by way of asset freezes and visa bans.

The videos of Princess Latifa (left), released by Ms Jauhiainen (right) and human rights lawyer David Haigh, are believed to have been made in 2019.

'Sheikh Mohammed's financial life would be over if he was added to the Magnitsky List,' said Mr Browder. 'It would make him an international financial pariah.'

Mr Raab described the footage of Princess Latifa as 'very distressing' and has called on Dubai to provide proof she is still alive.

Ms Jauhiainen has been friends with Latifa since 2010, when she was hired by the family as a martial arts instructor. In 2018, she was crucial to the royal's bid for freedom and they crossed into Oman and set sail across the Arabian Sea.

Their boat was stormed by commandos off the coast of India and the pair returned to Dubai with Ms Jauhiainen eventually released.

After the UN last week demanded proof of Latifa's safety, the royal ruling family issued a statement claiming she was 'being cared for at home' although no proof of life was provided.
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Julie began the telehealth encounter in her car, greeting me with a cheerful smile. The sun glimmered through the driver-side window, illuminating the water spots to sparkle like diamonds.

How are you doing with your suboxone dose? Do you feel that you need to go up, or are you happy with your current dose? I asked.

Everything is going great, she said. I feel no cravings  only some constipation. Otherwise, everything is good. The thought of ever using again makes me sick.

Julie was my first patient for the day in the suboxone clinic. Though I kept a cool and calm exterior, I had a whirlwind of thoughts circulating through my head. After taking some additional history, I informed the patient that I will discuss her visit with the doctor, and we would return together momentarily.

I presented the patient to my attending, and we agreed to discontinue her iron supplement from her recent pregnancy and to begin a stool softener for her constipation. As we traveled to the exam room in which I had begun the telehealth encounter, tears began to fall down my face, dampening my mask. Very caringly, the doctor inquired what was wrong. Through gulps and broken words, I responded that my brother struggled with an opiate addiction and ultimately succumbed to an overdose in 2013. In a very cold, socially distanced era, my attending broke the distance and embraced me, as she realized I needed comfort at that moment.

I experienced several complicated emotions that day  predominately, a mix of sadness and jealousy, emotions that are not necessarily complementary to patient care. I saw my echoes of my brothers circumstance, lingo, and behavior in Julie, and longed for him to have been able to share in her success. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone and is a mainstay of medication-assisted therapy for the treatment of opiate addiction. Studies have shown that suboxone can half the risk of fatal overdoses. The doctor later informed me that the suboxone clinic had been created at my affiliate institution in 2015. I couldnt shake the thought that if my brothers course had been shifted forward by two years, then he would have had an opportunity to receive suboxone treatment, and potentially could have been able to manage and survive his addiction.

It can be challenging to provide care to patients that are afflicted by maladies that affected your loved ones. For example, if a now easily curable cancer took the life of someone you cared about, it is understandable to feel envious towards the patient who is able to be treated with novel therapies. It is hard to grapple with the idea that your loved one may have missed a lifesaving opportunity just by virtue of requiring the treatment a couple of months too early, especially when you witness several patients benefiting from the new treatment. Though happiness will always be the predominant emotion for our patients in these circumstances, less desirable emotions can seed in ones mind.

However, as future physicians, it is important to strive for the best outcomes for our patients. Julie and the other patients of the suboxone clinic are all remarkably tough and beautiful people that deserve the finest care from physicians in order to continue on their path of sobriety, a path that is fraught with the most intense challenges and precarious hurdles. As I wrestled with, and came to understand my emotions, I felt honored to be able to help these patients, and was genuinely happy for each of the patients I saw that day.

Fundamentally, practicing as a physician is not an easy job  they routinely deal with harrowing illnesses that can destroy an individuals life. Physicians are humans too, routinely experiencing complex emotions towards their patients based on their own complicated history and life experience. It is important to deeply analyze ones own feelings, biases, and actions towards their patients, and grow from them so that we can provide the best care to our patients. Acknowledging that we are all vulnerable to experiencing difficult, potentially unfavorable reactions is an important first step to achieving this mission that we all strive towards.

The author is an anonymous medical student.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
On the shoulders of Dr. Awolowo Dosumu falls the heavy burden of rekindling the Awo spark in the Nigerian polity. It is not only true that everyone attests to it that she has been doing well on this, but by their fruits, as the scriptures remind us, we shall know them.

Looking at the lives of great men of mosaic statures all through the ages, one would find the truth in the aphorism that leaders are born and not made. An average persons day-to-day living experience is a complicated web of insatiable expectations and unending efforts that take an equally complex but pragmatic hand to manage. All over the world, and at different times, leaders have strategically emerged among cultures and nations to salvage this complex mix. Outstanding in thoughts and character that eventually spring them to the degree of apotheosis among their followers, leaders are immortalised and worshipped in the minds of people. They are believed to have reached the limits unspoken or unheard of, at least in the contemporary history of the people. By implication, they are believed to be a white tiger that shows up only once in a long wild while. This explains why leaders are often mythologised. In the process, their human flaws are tinted with their humane forms and derivatives that, in the end, the people return them to their commitment to the human cause in modeling and animating an identity of perfection and the extraordinary.

Since they emerge out of the blues to salvage a particular situation among their people, bequeathing this heritage and image to their children has always been the most daunting aspect of their mission. Yet, the traditions, principles, and visions they stand for have to be carried on to the future  far beyond their generation  for the effective transformation of the society. The importance of legacy in this situation is dire because these leaders are reminded continuously, or indeed confronted, with the reality that a desirable modification of the human condition and society is an empire-building process that takes time and consistent energy, directed at laying each block deliberately and carefully. Then comes the reality that leaders are made, as they often find out that leadership designs and missions are beyond the advantages of birth. This way, who inherits any aspect of their visions and traditions is beyond their calling. Of course, we see this play out whether in the case of the great prophets and men of old whose ideas and teachings have informed the basis of state laws, jurisprudence, human conduct, or in contemporary leaders of political thought and philosophy.

But it is always the joy of parenthood, especially in Papa Awos part of the world, to see ones children take after the path of light ushered with the whole of our energy and being. For children to become the embodiment of their parents ideals, especially the virtues of humanity, wisdom, and hard work, which the Yoruba would philosophise in the idea of Omoluabi, remains the most valuable heirloom to be endowed on any child. It is also the greatest blessing a man could receive from his creator. Accordingly, the Yoruba people would add that Ti ina ba ku a fi eeru boju. Literarily put: When a fire goes off, it covers its face with ashes. However, the current ages unbridled individuality has worsened the relationship between the fire and the ashes, to the extent that the latter is quickly blown off the air, leaving the fire without an enviable trace. Meanwhile, leaders are parents, the kind that transcends biological relations to followership.

Following Oduduwa, Obatala, Ogun, and other revered characters in the Yoruba mythologies, legends, and social constructs that unified the Yoruba nation and concretised the Yoruba identity, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was elevated by his people (and by honest and objective folks outside his ethnic group) to the status of the only Nigerian president without an office. Awolowo came when the people needed a break from the excruciating hardship of the modern slavery called colonisation. He left with the title of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) without taking office as a president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, even though he tried vigorously. That Awo never ruled Nigeria as a president is a testament to the fact that sometimes the greater good is served at the lower deck. This, for him, would be the lower desks of the opposition, party leadership, premiership, and cabinet membership. In all these circumstances, Awo steered the course of his region skillfully that you quickly forget he was ahead of the state and government of Nigeria. Over three decades since his transformation, the nation has been reverted to a severe drought of functional ideas.

Born as the last of five children, Dr. Olatokunbo Ayoka Awolowo Dosumu, the current Executive Director of the OAF, remains the only person alive from that generation in the immediate family. On every scale, she comes through as the true embodiment of Awolowo, except for his political sagacity and command.

But while we wait for this drought to be over, Awo has been remarkably immortalised, not only in his public works but in the private as well. The idea of Awoism remains the yardstick through which political leaders in the South-Western part of Nigeria measure and package themselves to their constituencies. Awoism, in this part of the country, plays the same role as democracy in global politics. Graciously, the fear that this idea could be bastardised by political actors laying claim to it has been alleviated through the agency of his children. The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation (OAF), established and managed by his family, has ensured the protection of the sanity of that idea.

Born as the last of five children, Dr. Olatokunbo Ayoka Awolowo Dosumu, the current Executive Director of the OAF, remains the only person alive from that generation in the immediate family. On every scale, she comes through as the true embodiment of Awolowo, except for his political sagacity and command. A writer once described her as: Extremely decent, soft-spoken, reserved, compassionate and kind. Courteous, courtly, and civil. Hardworking, tireless and courageous. Always cool, calm and controlled. She is always monochromatically focused. Gifted with a heart of steel shrouded by an outward succulent class, she is driven, determined and dependable. A time-tested crisis manager with unmistakable mild mien, who is fair-minded and balanced. Dr. Awolowo Dosumu is a U.K.-trained medical doctor with vast experience in the public and private sectors. She practiced medicine in the U.K. and Nigeria, and was appointed by the Olusegun Obasanjos government as Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands between 2000-2003.

On the shoulders of Dr. Awolowo Dosumu falls the heavy burden of rekindling the Awo spark in the Nigerian polity. It is not only true that everyone attests to it that she has been doing well on this, but by their fruits, as the scriptures remind us, we shall know them. The instance of the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLCs survival and place in the turbulent Nigerian media history is enough for any doubting Thomas. Under her watch, both the foundation and the company responsible for the Tribune titles have grown exponentially. Many Nigerians who have lived long enough can count, on their fingertips, the number of newspaper publishers who have graced the Nigerian media industry stage in the last decades and the ones still in existence to-date. Certainly, not many. The African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, under this visionary womans leadership, is a trailblazer in this respect.

Dr. Awolowo Dosumu is a medical practitioner and a diplomat, politician, philanthropist, administrator, mother, and teacher. Like her father, the sage figure with cult following, she is a strong advocate of good governance through federalism. Through conferences and seminars (some of which were organised by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation), policy documents and research, and other public engagements, she has never shied away from a discussion about her fathers cardinal philosophy, Awoism, alongside government investment in social welfare.

Dr. Awolowo Dosumu would be engaged on topics related to the Nigerian post-colonial experience from the vantage point of a daughter who grew with one of the major actors in the post-colonial order of politics in the country. The interview will be an opportunity to garner knowledge from the last scion of Chief Obafemi Awolowos immediate family in the coming days when she will also clock 73.

Making inference from a Singaporean experience, in one of her recent public engagements, she argued that leaders should be elected based on their political strength, influence, economic power, and popularity rather than on merit and ability to lead the people. The picture she painted here is a semblance of the circumstances that kicked her father off the presidency track he had so much wanted and seemingly prepared for. The same system also has shut her off the political grid in Nigeria. But like her father, she believed that under the right circumstances, she could do outside of the grid, just as much as she could do within it. For her, the end justifies the means; after all, its the impact on the people that matters.

Dr. Awolowo Dosumu exhibits an economists character as she has constantly demonstrated the ability to recognise and annex resources for tangible outcomes. Take the instance of her view on restructuring. On this matter, shes about the only person who has clearly brought to the fore, the bridge between the economic independence of Nigerias federating units and the vast population of over 200 million spread over a 923,768-kilometre landmass. The size of Nigeria, she noted, will work for us because trading between ourselves and all the rest of the country will benefit every part of Nigeria.

A couple of weeks back, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was officially put into action. This is expected to see Nigeria and other 54 states in Africa collapse their (economic) boundaries in the coming months and years. Nigeria, being the most populous and most prosperous country in Africa, was initially reluctant to join the continent-wide initiative. But this reluctance has not been put into actionable plans to revive the countrys production capacity and give it leverage for access to the largest free trading bloc in the world. With a viable and healthy competitive market fertilised within each states enclave in Nigeria, which can be engineered by reordering its current patriarchal structure of administration, it is expected that Nigeria is well-positioned in this bloc and in its relations with the rest of the world. How best can the memory of the countrys founding fathers, one of whom Dr. Awolowo Dosumu is a respected protege, be better served despite their challenges and limitations at putting the country on the right footing?

In 1956, when Queen Elizabeth II visited Nigeria, Dr. Awolowo Dosumu was among the schoolgirls who presented the Queen with a flower. This is an experience that is rare and historic. Ostensibly, some aspects of her knowledge of the post-colonial Nigerian state might differ from that of others. This interest is weaved alongside her views on the countrys current political situation and the efficacy of Awoism in salvaging the situation. In the next Toyin Falola Interviews, Dr. Awolowo Dosumu would be engaged on topics related to the Nigerian post-colonial experience from the vantage point of a daughter who grew with one of the major actors in the post-colonial order of politics in the country. The interview will be an opportunity to garner knowledge from the last scion of Chief Obafemi Awolowos immediate family in the coming days when she will also clock 73. Do please join us on:

Sunday, February 21

5:00 PM Nigeria

4:00 PM GMT

10:00 AM Austin CST

Register and Watch HERE.

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Toyin Falola is professor of History at The University of Texas at Austin.
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Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have been pictured going for a romantic stroll along the beach in Miami as they settle into life in the Sunshine State.

The 39-year-old former First Daughter and her husband Jared, 40, were pictured relaxing on a pair of sunbeds reading books before walking off arm in arm along the sea shore as the waves lapped at their feet.

Ivanka wore a white sun dress and wide-brimmed straw hat while Jared decided to forego his shirt and wore just a pair of navy swimming trunks.

Jared appeared to be tucking into a hardback by Lee Kuan Yew, the Former Prime Minister of Singapore while Ivanka took some time to soak up some rays before reading The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by 14th Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams.

The book, which was written in 2016 asks the question, 'How do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering?'

Ivanka Trump, 39, and Jared Kushner, 40, were seen enjoying one another's company as they walked hand in hand along the soft white sands of Miami

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were seen going for a romantic walk on the beach while out soaking up the Miami sun

The couple appeared to be all alone apart from the presence of two burly Secret Service Agents who were in tow

The couple held hands and they made their way along the sands while looking out to sea

At one point Jared put his arm around his wife of 11 years as the pair strolled along the sands

At one point, he put his arm around his wife all the while being followed by two Secret Service Agents who kept a watchful eye on their surroundings.

With the temperature in the mid-70s, they were all dressed in comfortable summer clothes, aside from the agents who wore shirts, pants and face masks.

It has been just under a month since the family moved to the Sunshine State, but it seems they have managed to establish a firm routine.

Ivanka is a regular runner, a pastime she and Jared started back when they were living in New York City and continued while they were in Washington, D.C.

Jared seemed to make Ivanka laugh a one point as she comfortingly placed her hand on his shoulder

The couple were spotted on the beach in front of the condo where they are currently living

Jared could be seen on his cellphone at one point while Ivanka stood above him and looked on

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are seen on the beach in Miami in photos obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com

The couple have both been seen keeping up their fitness regime in south Florida and jogging around their new neighborhood.

Ivanka, the eldest daughter of former President Donald Trump, who served as a senior White House adviser during her father's time in the White House, has also been seen on a number of occasions taking her children to and from their new school, which is just a 15 minute drive from the family's oceanfront apartment.

And when the children aren't at school, Ivanka and Jared have made sure to fill their time with plenty of fun activities, including plenty of beach time, visits to local ice cream shops, and even an outing at a nearby alligator park.

Ivanka and her family have quickly settled into Miami life in the few weeks since they moved into their new apartment, which they are reported to have leased for a year while they build a more permanent home on a plot of land that they purchased at the end of 2020.

It is unclear how much Ivanka and Jared are paying for their new apartment, but it's safe to say the luxury property didn't come cheap.

Ivanka positioned herself comfortably on her sun bed with a book and some trendy Boxed Water close at hand

The couple strolled along the beachfront on Saturday as they basked in the warm Miami sunshine

Ivanka took a moment to adjust the brim of her hat, left. She also adjusted the belt on her white sun dress, right

Arte Surfside is one of the most expensive complexes in the neighborhood, with an average rental price of nearly $47,000 per month. Its penthouse sold for $33million to an unnamed private equity executive from New York last month.

The Kushner family are said to be using the large, unfurnished unit as a temporary home while they build a property on a two-acre plot they purchased on Indian Creek Island - also known as the 'Billionaire Bunker' - for $31.8 million late last year.

Ivanka and Jared's temporary apartment is located just over an hour away from Trump's Palm Beach resort Mar-a-Lago, which is where he and wife Melania are now living with their son Barron. Ivanka's younger sister Tiffany is also understood to be looking for a home in Miami, and it was reported in January that her older brother Don Jr and his girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle also hope to relocate to the Sunshine State.

A recent report revealed that Ivanka and Jared saw their personal income drop more than 20 percent during former President Donald Trump's final year in office.

Ivanka soaked up the sun while Jared appeared to be reading a book by Lee Kuan Yew, the Former Prime Minister of Singapore

Ivanka couple be seen placing her hand on her husband's knee while he sat on the sun bed on the warm sands of Miami

The wind seemed to pick up suddenly causing Ivanka to grab on to her hat to prevent it from blowing clean off

The Arte Surfside apartment complex where the family are living appears to have soft luxury white branded towels

Soon it was time to get up and go. Ivanka was seen collecting her belongings as she got up from her sun lounger

Ivanka looked determined as she collected her things including her book, cellphone and Boxed Water. The slogan 'Boxed water is better' can be seen on the side

Ivanka made her way back along the sands as she collected all of her things together and walk away

Ivanka straightened the towels on her sunbed as she took time to enjoy the lovely weather

Ivanka could be seen standing over Jared as she spoke to him while on the beach at their condominium in Surfside, Miami

Ivanka raised a smile as she spoke with Jared who seemed to be listening to what his wife had to say

Jared grabbed a navy t-shirt but decided not to put it on as he walked along the beach with his wife

The couple reported between $23.8million to $120million in income for 2020 in their financial disclosure forms as White House advisers.

That total marks a $36million decrease on the up to $156million the couple reported for the same period a year earlier, according to Bloomberg.

Officials are only required to disclose the value of their assets and their non-governmental income in broad ranges.

But while still extremely wealthy, the disclosure suggests that Ivanka and Jared have lost ground economically as a result of their controversial roles in Trump's administration during his tumultuous final months in office.

The couple has also been impacted financially by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as they both have extensive holdings in businesses - such as hotels - which have been hard hit over the last 11 months.

The couple could be seen holding hands as they walked along the beach in Miami on Saturday afternoon

The pair appeared to be in great shape and looked as though they could be modeling for a fashion magazine

The waters of the Atlantic lapped at their feed as the couple walked right along the shoreline

Jared and Ivanka held hands firmly as they walked along the soft white powdery sands

Both Jared and Ivanka appeared to be beaming and in a far more relaxed mood than when they were at the White House

The couple could be seen going for a romantic stroll seemingly without a care in the world on Saturday

Ivanka was reading The Book of Joy Book by 14th Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams

Ivanka occasionally had to draw herself away from her phone in order to respond to messages on her cellphone

Ivanka could seen sporting a wide grin as the pair made their way along the sand towards the dunes

Jared grabbed his t-shirt while Ivanka clutched her hardback book as the couple decided to go for a walk

Ivanka was seen to be laughing heartily while Jared gently touched her shoulder

The couple donned shades and held hands and they went for a short walk in front of their beachfront condo

Occasionally, the couple looked more serious as they continued their short stroll

But more often than not, the couple were seen to be smiling and having fun backed by a Secret Service agent who wore a t-shirt to blend into the ocean behind

The two security guards could be seen keeping their distance as the couple led the way

Ivanka briefly hiked up her dress to avoid being splashed by the surf as the waves came ashore

Here, the couple are pictured not holding hands for the briefest of moments

The couple appear to have great chemistry and looked to be enjoying one another's company

Neither Ivanka nor Jared took a salary during their time as advisers to former President Trump.

In 2017, shortly after joining the White House staff, they reported an income of as much as $195million - $75million more than the couple disclosed this year. That initial disclosure, however, covered a longer period of time than 2020's.

As for overall assets, the couples figures increased only a small amount, if at all, over the last four years  a period of time in which the stock market climbed more than 60 percent.

In their most recent disclosure, Javanka listed assets worth between $206million and $803million.

Comparatively, in 2017 they listed a figure between $241million and $741million, and in 2019 disclosed assets valued between $203million and $783million.

Both heirs to family real-state empires, Jared and Ivanka also have extensive holdings in businesses which have been hard hit by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which may account for their financial shortcomings.

Ivanka took a moment to tie up a belt around her brilliant white sundress before setting off on a walk

Ivanka appeared to reach out to her husband as they couple set off on their brief stroll

Ivanka placed her hand on her husband's shoulder trying to keep her balance as she put on her sandals

Ivanka, Jared and their children are seen leaving Washington, D.C., before Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20

Future: The couple are expected to use the condo while they build a more permanent home on a two-acre plot they purchased on 'Billionaire Bunker' for $31.8million late last year
A 66-year-old man in Germany has been taken into custody on suspicion he was behind three package bombs sent to food manufacturers and retailers, authorities said Saturday.

German news agency dpa said police identified the man as a retiree living in the Ulm area of southwest Germany's Baden-Wuerttemberg state. His name wasnt given in line with German privacy laws

He is suspected of being responsible for a package bomb that exploded last week at the offices of discount grocery store Lidl in the city of Neckarsulm, injuring three people. A second package bomb that exploded at the headquarters of food company ADM Wild in Eppelheim injured one person.

A third device addressed to baby food company Hipp was intercepted in Bavaria and defused.

Heidelberg prosecutors and Baden-Wuerttemberg state police are investigating.

Police said the suspect was not previously known to them and he did not not immediately give investigators a statement.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)

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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Black community groups said Saturday that they are calling on New Mexico legislative leaders to censure two legislators and remove them from committee assignments after overtly racist conduct toward Black women in committee hearings.

The groups held an online news conference and released a statement signed by 60 individuals. They described a hostile work environment for Black women in the Roundhouse that requires an apology and immediate action.

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The bullying must stop, said Barbara Jordan, a retired Air Force master sergeant and founder of People Requiring Equality within Systemic Systems New Mexico.

The criticism focused on Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca, R-Belen, and Rep. Stefani Lord, R-Sandia Park.

Baca apologized last week after asking a Black woman nominated for a Cabinet post whether she felt she could adequately represent different cultures in a state with a population thats just 3% African American. He later applauded Veteran Services Secretary Sonya Smiths commitment to minority inclusion and supported her confirmation.

The allegations against Lord center on a committee hearing earlier this month, when she said she had called law enforcement after a contentious exchange with a Black woman who had testified as an expert witness.

The legislation at issue proposed increased criminal penalties for officers who rape a suspect, victim, witness or person in their custody.

Lord said she took issue with the suggestion that only officers who commit rape are opposed to the bill.

Alexandria Taylor, a Black woman and deputy director of the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, disputed that characterization of her testimony and said she had talked with officers about the bill.

Lord later said that she was just on the phone with several law enforcement officers to explain how upset she was by the testimony. In a written statement, Taylor described it as an attempt to threaten and intimidate her.

House Minority Whip Rod Montoya, R-Farmington, said Saturday that Lord has done nothing to warrant censure or removal from committees.

She simply had an honest disagreement with the witness and talked to law enforcement officers  the focus of the legislation  about her objection to what was said about them, he said.

Montoya said hes never seen Lord do anything that suggests shes racist.

Theres not even smoke here to indicate fire, Montoya said.

In Saturdays statement, Black community leaders said the Legislature should censure Baca and Lord and remove them from committee assignments, in addition to establishing a commission on racial equity and justice.

There should be no tolerance for racializing governance, for demeaning and condescending New Mexicans within the governments framework or for any forms of disrespect or diminution of any member of New Mexicos multicultural constituency, the statement said.
The Pound-to-New Zealand dollar (GBP/NZD) exchange rate dipped to 10-day lows just below 1.9150 at Mondays Asian open before a recovery to 1.9200.

Standard & Poors has revised up the New Zealand credit rating to AA+ from AA previously with the ratings agency noting that the economy was on track for a quicker recovery path from the covid-19 pandemic. The outlook was held at stable with S&P also noting that there was now greater clarity over damage to the government balance sheet.

New Zealand 10-year bond yields increased fresh 11-month highs at 1.66.

The New Zealand dollar spiked higher on the news with 34-month highs for the New Zealand Dollar-to-US Dollar (NZD/USD) exchange rate to above 0.7300, although there was a correction at the European open as equity markets moved lower.

GBP/NZD Exchange Rate Slumps Thanks to UK Retail Sales Plunge

The Pound to New Zealand Dollar (GBP/NZD) exchange rate slumped ahead of the weekend in response to a sharp decline in UK retail sales.

While forecasts had pointed towards sales deteriorating in the face of the current national lockdown investors were caught off guard as the figure plunged -8.2% on the month in January.

This suggests that consumers took a widely negative view at the start of 2021, fuelling bets that the UK economy could be on course for a first quarter growth contraction.

Although Februarys UK services PMI bettered forecasts, picking up from 39.5 to 49.7, this was not enough to shore up GBP exchange rates on Friday.

With the service sector still trapped in a state of contraction fears over the economic outlook lingered, to the detriment of the Pound.

New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Exchange Rates Vulnerable to Softer Consumer Spending

However, the appeal of the New Zealand Dollar may weaken on Monday if the latest credit card spending figures prove negative.

Evidence that consumers saw less reason to spend in January may cast a fresh shadow over the health of the New Zealand economy, in spite of its previous resistance to Covid-19 disruption.

Signs of weakening consumer confidence could leave the New Zealand Dollar on the back foot against its rivals, especially if the general sense of market risk appetite also falters.

Without the support of demand for higher-yielding assets NZD exchange rates may struggle to hold onto any positive traction in the days ahead.

Greater volatility is likely in the wake of Wednesdays Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) policy announcement, though.

If the central bank maintains a dovish outlook or signals any willingness to engage in fresh monetary policy action in the near future this could weigh heavily on the New Zealand Dollar.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Tipped to Weaken on UK Unemployment Rate

Decembers UK labour market data looks set to put pressure on the GBP/NZD exchange rate, on the other hand.

With the headline unemployment rate forecast to pick up from 5% to 5.1% on the month worries over the health of the UK economy are likely to mount.

Fresh signs of weakness within the labour market would add to the risk of the economy experiencing a quarterly growth contraction in the first quarter.

As government support for the jobs market has proved rather lacking in recent months, especially in the face of ongoing Covid-19 uncertainty, any weakness here could see the Pound to New Zealand Dollar exchange rate slump sharply.
Energy issues are boring to many people, full of the sort of things the current wizards of academia and the press consider white privilege and patriarchal thinking -- you know, the kind of thing in which correct answers matter more than subjective feelings. Significant numbers of people escape into fantasy worlds rather than consider reality, which is not only boring, but often harsh enough that it requires us to make hard choices. Escapism seems preferable.

On the one hand, we have those hucksters who profit off our ignorance by providing dire forecasts, the daily frisson of horrific scenarios which appeal to the growing number of neurotics who need it as much as their morning coffee to jumpstart their sluggish mental systems, along with politicians who feather the nests of their buddies with expensive, nonfunctioning projects like Solyndra. If youve forgotten them here are 50 of them, everything from famine to death by blue steam, and from a return to ice ages to drowning by ice melts caused by climate warming.

A little something in the noggins of newspaper readers to fill the space between whats happening with the Kardashians and the Sussexes.

On the other hand, the complexity of the issue induces others to seek less banal reality in fantasies in which free energy is there for the taking with no downsides. Both fantasies operate in tandem: Were going to die any minute from the greenhouse effect caused by eating meat from animals that fart; by using electricity, pumping water and heating and cooling our homes and offices with energy generated by conventional means and driving our own gasoline-powered autos instead of using mass transit and electric cars. The fantasy continues that we can only avoid it by blanketing the countryside with windmills and solar arrays and using hydro power.

Reality does not comport with our imaginations. To take one example of such thinking -- theres the claim that just 0.1% of the heat content of Earth could supply humanitys total energy needs for 2 million years. -- My online friend The Great Iggy does know how to count and he responds:

This may or may not be a useful, profitable technology but "eye catching" is not the term for a pointless hyperbolic statement like the above. That's like the claims for how much energy the sun deposits on earth's surface each day. We cannot tap .1% of the earth's heat content or even a meaningful fraction of .1% of it any more than we can or should want to coat the surface of the earth with solar panels. If we had any damned brains or weren't under the spell of prog imbeciles we would build whatever is the cheapest energy source and enjoy the benefits of it, including a greening, wetter planet if one of the cheap source's side effects was increased CO2.

As the catastrophic results in Texas this week show us, weather modeling is as iffy as using your online astrologer to plan your investments. (It was supposed to be sunny and mild.) Such forecasts are too unreliable to count on ever, but particularly when the weather is harsh and your need for reliable energy is greatest. In the real world, we have the choice of spending more money to harden conventional energy production and transmission or living with unreliable energy.

Renewable intermittency is the new systematic challenge to grid reliability.

The guilty party will be our choice not to invest in pipelines and backup gas plants to support our desired renewables in the face of cold spells a lot more predictable than those that landed on Texas. This outcome is all but guaranteed unless we get a better discussion than the one were having. Then something else will become manifest: When the design performance limitations of utility systems come into play, it will always be in the interest of politicians and utility executives to change the subject to global warming.

Somehow voters have to focus on the fact that unless we spend money to improve reliability, we will face more $9,000 per megawatt hour (instead of $50 per megawatt hour) as Texas just did, an increase in the cost of electricity that consumers will be stuck paying for anyway.

The details of the Texas outage are explained at Powerline blog. On the reliability grading scale, natural gas scored highest even though some natural gas pipelines froze. Monday through Thursday natural gas provided over 65 percent of all electricity generation. What didnt work?

Green energy: solar, wind and hydro. Solar was irrelevant to energy production in the storm, wind was virtually irrelevant as well. Indeed, it came out worst on the reliability scale, there was little wind in this cold blast and, worse, when it gets really cold they draw power off the grid to heat their motors... they become consumers, not producers of energy.

There are other steps to consider to increase reliability during these rare events, mostly weatherizing the energy infrastructure, but that will cost money and -- let me just spitball here -- once the disaster is over, it will be politically unfeasible to advance such a program.

Instead of real solutions, we see political leaders like Chuck Schumer blather on: Its long past time for our Senate to take a leading role in combatting the existential threat of our time: climate. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez equates the fight to mitigate climate change (just a short while ago that was climate warming which proved ridiculous because it wasnt much) which she dubbed her generations World War II. A year ago, about the same time Ocasio-Cortez learned to her amazement there was such a thing as kitchen garbage disposals, she proposed her fantasy Green New Deal.

Remember? Stunningly Absurd "New Green Deal"

Here are some of the key ideas. Upgrade all existing buildings in the US 100% clean power Support family farms Universal access to healthy food Zero-emission vehicle infrastructure Remove greenhouse gasses form the atmosphere Eliminate unfair competition Affordable access to electricity Create high-quality union jobs that pay prevailing wages Guaranteeing a job with a family sustaining wage, adequate family and medical leave, paid vacations, and retirement security to all people of the United States.

At the time Id have joined others in predicting none of this would pass into law, but thats before the White House was occupied by a man obviously senile who needs to hold his fractious troops together by catering to the ninnies supporting this nonsense. Even the Australian press has commented on it. Ours doesnt, although as Yaacov Apelbaum, quoted here, notes, there is ample evidence in the videos of Bidens appearances that he meets the eight diagnostic filters for multiple dementia/early Alzheimer patterns.

Maybe President Biden will retire from office early enough that he can still remember to show Ocasio-Cortez how a garbage disposal works, and they can noodle how best to stave off climate catastrophe and fight their version of WWIII.

Maybe its time to buy home generators.
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New Delhi:

Another missing youth from Kerala, suspected to have joined the Islamic State group, has died recently. According to sources, the youth's parents received a message about his death on Monday night. The victim belonged to Kerala's Kasargod.



The source of the message or reason of death is not clear yet. This is the third such case where an Indian youth was killed fighting for ISIS.



Earlier in April, one such other man was reported killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan.

Suggested read | Missing Indian youth who 'joined' IS killed in Afghanistan



Murshid Muhammed, a native of Padna in this district, was killed in a drone attack in Nangarhar province in Afghanistan, said a social activist claimed.



The youth who was killed recently and Murshid was among the 21 persons from the state, who reportedly went missing after travelling to the Middle East last year and were suspected to have joined the terrorist organisation in Syria.



In February, another youth T K Hafeesudeen(24), also from Padna, was killed in a drone attack in Afghanistan.

Suggested read | NIA files charge sheet against two ISIS suspects from Kerala

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Hunterdon County Commissioner Shaun C. Van Doren was elected secretary-treasurer of the New Jersey Association of Counties at the groups annual re-organization, held remotely, on Jan. 29.

NJAC is a vital organization for county governments, Van Doren said. The association is committed to advocating for legislation and policies at the state level that empower county governments to operate more efficiently and effectively.

I look forward to working with the other members of the Executive Board in bringing the attention of state government to the needs of the people in the counties and in particular Hunterdon County.

Board of County Commissioners Director Susan J. Soloway, at the Feb. 2 commissioner board meeting, congratulated Van Doren on his election as an NJAC officer.

Hunterdon County will benefit from commissioner Van Dorens role as an NJAC officer, as he can bring our residents concerns and issues forward with the statewide legislative lobbying group, Soloway said. The usual process is for NJAC officers to rise through the chairs, so we anticipate at some point in the not too distant future commissioner Van Doren may become president of the organization, following in the esteemed footsteps of Hunterdon Countys past Freeholder Director John King and County Clerk Mary Melfi.

Van Doren served as director of the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders (now commissioners) during 2020 and was re-elected to the county board in November. He presently serves as the boards Health Department liaison, where he is has oversight of the countys health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The newly elected President of NJAC, Mercer County Commissioner John A. Cimino, following his election, recognized the efforts of all those serving in county government.

At a time in which county governments are working tirelessly to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of our residents, I would like to commend NJACs executive officers and board of directors for their outstanding leadership, public service, and commitment to providing critical services for those in need, Cimino said.

NJAC is a nonpartisan organization that represents the only true regional form of government in the State with a proactive and unified voice. NJAC mission is to enhance the level of service provided by counties and the saving of taxpayer dollars.
New Delhi: Actor Karisma Kapoor took to Instagram to share the good news of her sister, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan delivering her second baby today morning (February 21). The happy aunt shared an adorable throwback picture from when Kareena was born. Karisma along with her father Randhir Kapoor can be seen holding baby Kareena.

Karisma captioned her photo as, Thats my sis when she was a new born and now shes a mama once again !! And Im a masi again so excited.

Earlier, Kareenas father, Randhir Kapoor, confirmed the news of her daughter welcoming a baby boy to ETimes. "Both Kareena and the baby are doing well. I have not seen my grandson yet but I have spoken to Kareena and she's told me she's alright, and the baby is healthy, too. I am very happy, in fact, over the moon to become a grandfather again. I am eager to see the little one. I am already praying for his well-being," shared the happy grandfather.

Randhir also shared Kareenas first born, four years old Taimur Ali Khans reaction on the addition of a new member in the family. "Oh! He's delighted. He is very happy about having a little brother. In fact, even Saif is excited. He is very happy, so is my daughter, and I just bless them all from the core of my heart, said Randhir.

Actor Saif Ali Khan also released a statement which read, We have been blessed with a baby boy. Mom and baby are safe and healthy. Thank you to our well-wishers for their love and support.

Kareenas family and friends, including Neetu Singh, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Amrita Arora, Manish Malhotra and others have taken to Instagram to congratulate the second time mommy.
Akura marks 5th year with a special visit to two primary schools in Kotmale View(s):

Akura is 5!

Akura, the signature community service project of the Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid City entered its fifth consecutive year on January 27.

Supporting students from schools that do not possess adequate infrastructure and families that cannot sometimes afford their educational needs, Akura decided to provide school supplies for students from two schools in Kotmale  Werallapathana Primary School and Halgolla No. 02 Primary School this year. The schools each have some 50 students on roll.

After months of planning and hard work, the Mid City Rotaractors set off on a misty morning to the two schools in Kotmale with the school supplies. In keeping with the COVID-19 safety protocols, only six members joined the event.

Initially, the Rotaractors visited the Werallapathana Primary School, where kind teachers and parents of the school greeted them with a simple, yet delicious breakfast. Next, they visited the Halgolla No. 02 Primary School to deliver the school supplies.

Celebrating the 5th year of Akura, the Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid City launched a new Facebook page for the project. As its main goal this year was not to just raise funds but to reach the general public, all content was prepared in the three languages to encourage people from different backgrounds to come together as one.

The first phase of the campaign was to post research-based global and local statistical data related to education. Following that, informative and influencer marketing was conducted in parallel with the classic ways of marketing to encourage donations.

We have been planning Akura from a long time. It was a challenging task as we are in the midst of this global crisis right now. Yet, through the support of various individuals and organizations, and especially my team, we were able to conclude Akura successfully, said President of the Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid City, Rtr. Mubarak.

We made sure to maintain a close relationship with the Rotary community starting from our parent club, Rotary Club of Colombo Mid City, the District 3220 Team, and several public figures. We thank the Rotary Club of Colombo Mid City, District Rotaract Representative 3220, Sri Lanka & Maldives, PP Rtn. Kasun Sigera and the others including Maneesha Perera, Nehara Peiris, Chethana Katagoda, Joel Outschoorn and Hirushi Jayasena and everyone who supported us. The success of project Akura belongs to them,added club secretary Rtr. Deluckshan Muthukumar.
RZIM halts fundraising efforts amid fallout over report exposing sexual misconduct

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Ravi Zacharias International Ministries has halted fundraising efforts following the release of a report detailing the late apologist's extensive sexual misconduct.

A notice on the "Give" page on the RZIM website reads: "In light of recent revelations regarding our founder, we find it prudent to suspend all fundraising activities until a path forward can be envisioned that indicates care for all of Ravi's victims as well as the staff and supporters of RZIM."

The announcement came nearly a week after the release of the full report from Atlanta law firm Miller & Martin, which conducted an independent investigation into the late apologist's sexual misconduct with massage therapists at a spa he co-owned in Georgia. The investigation also detailed various predatory acts overseas in Southeast Asia.

Investigators also found that Zacharias had used ministry funds to pay his victims as a way of keeping them silent about the abuse and to manipulate them into doing whatever he asked them to do.

Concurrent with the investigative report's publication, the RZIM board of directors issued a repentant statement, apologizing for their handling of the situation, noting that they were taking steps to help those whom Zacharias had abused. The organization stated they had engaged a management firm, Guidepost Solutions, to evaluate the structures, culture, policies, processes, finances, and practices of the ministry.

"We are committed to change, and we believe we will benefit greatly from Guideposts scrutiny. Additional information regarding Guidepost's work, including intermediate protective steps and corrective actions RZIM will be taking, and confidential channels for reporting, will be released as quickly as possible," the statement said.

"In light of the findings of the investigation and the ongoing evaluation, we are seeking the Lords will regarding the future of this ministry. We are learning much through this time and hope to have the chance to apply these lessons in the future. We remain passionate about seeing the gospel preached through the questions of culture. We will be spending focused time praying and fasting as we discern how God is leading, and we will speak to this in the near future."

The late apologist's sexual misconduct involving massage therapists in the Georgia spas was first reported last year by San Francisco attorney Steve Baughman who told The Christian Post in an email last week that [t]his is no longer about Ravi Zacharias but about the evangelical business world that enabled him to lead a double life for so many years.

Allegations of sexual misconduct against the apologist first emerged in 2017 when emails surfaced showing that Zacharias had sexted and groomed a Canadian woman, Lori Anne Thompson, along with evidence revealing that he had misrepresented his academic background and credentials.
Patna, Feb 21 : Prof Matuknath Chaudhary, who became known as "Love Guru" after his affair with a student less than half his age came out in 2006 and led to his sacking from a Patna college, has announced that he had decided to open a "love school" in his native village Jairampur in Bhagalpur district.

Interacting with reporters in Bhagalpur, he said that the school, which will be named Osho International School, is expected to start in April this year and students of Bihar as well as from across the world are eligible to take admission and get courses in love study.

Asked why he was naming the school after Osho, he said: "There is only one and the greatest Love Guru of the world and that is Osho. I have learnt love study from him. Compared to him, I am nothing. Still, people recognise me as Love Guru." "I cannot be the Love Guru similar to him but yes I am surely be his student. Hence, I have decided to open a school on his name (Osho)," Chaudhary said.

Asked whether his former girlfriend Julie Kumari would also be the part of school, he said: "Julie is currently living in an Ashram in the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and she is fully dedicated toward spirituality. She calls me sometimes but she is far away from me. She called me to come in Trinidad last year and now she does not want to return to the country." Chaudhary hit the headlines in 2006 when he accepted a relationship with his student Julie Kumari. A Hindi professor at BN College of the Patna University, he was then 53 and Julie was 23.

He was sacked from the BN College on alleged charges of relationship with his student. A video of dance with his student had also surfaced at that time.

The university reinstated him in the college in 2011 on the directions of the court.

Chaudhary stayed in a live-in relationship with Julie Kumari, who later studied in BHU and JNU, for about a decade before she went toward spirituality.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Anthony Jerome Middleton, 63, passed away Thursday after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Born in Pensacola, Fla., he was the son of the late Earnestine Middleton and is survived by his wife, Patricia; his two daughters, Victoria and Josephine; his two sons, Christopher and Jeremy; and his brother, Kenneth.

In addition to his mother, Anthony was preceded in death by his son, Anthony; and his aunt, Bernice.

A former first sergeant in the U.S. Army, Anthony served his country for 23 years, including in the Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. Anthony was a member of Bravo Company 2/508 of 82nd Airborne Division and served in the 3/35 of the 1st Armor Division as a tank commander/master gunner.

After retiring from the Army, Anthony worked as a master sergeant for Temple Universitys ROTC Red Diamond Battalion for three years, then attended the University of Scranton to earn his masters degree in rehabilitation counseling, working for the state of Pennsylvania for around six years. In Anthonys retirement years, he enjoyed working with the Merrick Group as it made him feel like he was in the Army again; always traveling and on the go with a family away from home.

Anthony was an avid comic book and superhero enthusiast and will always be remembered for his love of Snickers, Lays Potato Chips and Coca-Cola.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial visitation on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Butler Chapel of Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 530 W. Butler Drive, Drums. COVID restrictions will apply.

A private funeral service will be held at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Conyngham and his cremated remains will be buried next to his son, Anthony in Red Rock Cemetery, Sugarloaf Twp.

Condolence messages may be entered in the familys online memorial guest book on the funeral home website at www.khfunera

lhomes.com.
Farm laws like death warrant for farmers: Kejriwal after meeting protesting farmers

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 21: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met protesting farmer leaders at a lunch at the Vidhan Sabha Sunday afternoon where he discussed with them the three contentious Central agricultural laws and other related issues, government sources said Saturday.

''A detailed discussion took place with farmers from Western UP over the three black laws. These laws are like a death warrant for farmers. If these laws are implemented, farming will into the hands of a few corporates,'' Kejriwal said.

''On Feb 28, a grand 'Kisan Panchayat' is going to take place in Meerut where these laws will be discussed and an appeal will be made to Governmen of India to take back these laws,'' Delhi CM said.

A senior AAP leader said, "Discussions will be held at the meeting on various concerns of farmers over the agri laws and also the various aspects of the laws and its impact."

Modi like 'ahankari raja' from old stories, Priyanka tells farmers at mahapanchayat

Thousands of farmers have been protesting at Delhi border under the banner of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) for nearly three months now against the three agricultural laws enacted by the Centre in September last year.

Earlier this month, a delegation of SKM leaders had met Kejriwal, urging him for a judicial enquiry into the alleged "conspiracy" against the protesting farmers.

Kejriwal had said his government will help trace the farmers who have been missing since the violence on January 26 during a tractor parade by the protesting farmers, and asserted that if needed, he will approach the Lieutenant Governor and the Centre in this regard.

Kejriwal had also visited one of the protest sites at Singhu border in December and challenged the Centre to have an open debate with them in the three laws.

The AAP government has extended full support to the protesting farmers.

Kejriwal in a gesture of his party''s support had torn the copies of farm laws in Delhi Assembly in December last year.

Farmers mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are camping at the border points of Delhi including at Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri, and have been demanding the Centre scrap the farm laws and ensure legal guarantee for MSP purchase of crops.

The stalemate over the issue continues despite 11 rounds of talks between farmer leaders and the Central government. PTI VIT TIR TIR

he CBI had registered an FIR in November last year against the alleged kingpin of the pilferage racket Manjhi alias Lala, Eastern Coalfield Ltd General Managers Amit Kumar Dhar (of then Kunustoria area now Pandaveswar area) and Jayesh Chandra Rai (Kajor area) besides ECL Chief of Security Tanmay Das, Area Security Inspector, Kunustoria Dhananjay Rai and SSI and security in-charge Kajor area Debashish Mukherjee.

It is alleged that accused Manjhi Lala is involved in the illegal mining and theft of coal from leasehold mines of ECL in Kunustoria and Kajora areas, they said.

The assembly elections are due in April-May in West Bengal, where the BJP has launched a vigorous campaign to oust the ruling TMC that had secured consecutive wins in 2011 and 2016 under its leader Mamata Banerjee.

Abhishek Banerjee, who is a Lok Sabha member, wields considerable influence in the party and has been leading the Trinamool Congress'' counter-attack. P
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

The abstracted architecture shimmers and folds across an acrylic canvas in phosphorescent hues that both beckon and disturb.

Michael Naminghas (Tewa-Hopi) operatic Altered Landscapes series is abstract, photography-based work. The bent angles juxtapose geometric shapes in bright neon colors against black-and-white aerial landscapes from the Four Corners region. The artist mounted the compositions to shaped plexiglass, creating the illusion of sculpture.

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These images dont shout. They record the environmental impact of the oil and gas industry, and imply references to the artists Indigenous ancestry.

Namingha says it all started during a slide lecture at New Yorks Parsons School of Design.

I remember seeing The Black Place painting (by Georgia OKeeffe) and wondering where it was, Namingha said. It was so abstract, I thought it was two clouds together with a bolt of lightning in the middle.

Namingha later researched the painting at the Georgia OKeeffe Museum and learned of the artists camping trips to the Galisteo Basin she called The Black Place.

In 2014, Namingha used Google Earth to locate the exact spot. On federal land about a mile from the turnoff to Chaco Canyon, The Black Place is surrounded by evidence of the worlds energy needs: oil rigs, pipelines, storage pads; the detritus of fracking.

He had begun to explore shaped photography as a result of feeling frustrated by being confined to a square or a rectangle.

A turning point came when he attended the Metropolitan Opera during a break at the New Museum incubator program for creative people.

I was intrigued by opera set design, not only here, but also in New York City, he said. I went to the Met quite a bit. I loved the music (of La Boheme) so much that I went to see it twice. I realized how far the set designs work to trick the viewers eye  and how they trick perspective.

The stage was slanted at an angle; an apartment building loomed larger in the front than in the back.

It made it more realistic, Namingha said.

He began moving the center of his aerial photographs to the center, bookending the sides toward the back.

Naminghas Altered Landscape 11, although taken in Santa Fe in 2019, was inspired by the results of a Canadian wildfire that billowed over New York in 2020.

I was on the West Side near the meatpacking district, he said. The sun was this intense red ball. The clouds were orange and pink. People were stopping taking photographs.

I started thinking about growing up in New Mexico and how prominent fire season has become, he said. Last summer, we had multiple fires. The smoke was coming from California. When all these fires were burning, we would have an air quality index color every day. So I started to incorporate some of those colors into the landscape.

Some of the works feature black bands to represent pieces of the landscape that could be lost, he added.

Altered Landscape 9, with its metal structure, gas line and pump, is the only image containing the obvious imprint of oil and gas extraction, Namingha said.

Those are within spitting distance of where OKeeffe used to go camping with (photographer) Maria Chabot.

Georgia OKeeffe referred to the softly rounded gray formations on either side of N.M. 550 as a mile of elephants. Namingha saw something else.

As I was zooming in and out, I saw that what looked like parking lots were actually drilling pads, he said

The artist journeyed to The Black Place carrying a single tool  a drone camera  so as not to damage the fragile land that crumbled into ash at the touch of a hand. At his first visit in 2017, he encountered a member of the Environmental Defense Fund who said NASA scientists had photographed the area above The Black Place.

NASA discovered the largest methane gas cloud in North America, Namingha said. It showed up on their satellite images as red and yellow, so I used those colors in the compositions.

Back home, he divided, shifted and pulled the images using commands such as skew and distort. The Georgia OKeeffe Museum displayed the results in 2018 as part of a series of contemporary artists creating responses to OKeeffes work.
Nepals politics has been in turmoil since the prime minister dissolved the House of Representatives on December 20, 2020. In this context, political parties and various organisations are raising voices for correcting the unconstitutional step.

If the prime minister takes an unpleasant step by putting the constitution at stake and if it is not rectified on time, not only will the country face a serious confrontation, but there is a danger of falling into a dark whirlpool.

The Supreme Court has recently concluded a debate on the constitutionality of the prime ministers move, and many expect the apex court will revoke the unconstitutional decision and reinstate the House. Many others are speculative.

Even among those who are wishing for the reinstatement of the House, many are questioning themselves: will the restoration of the House of Representatives only solve all the problems of Nepal? Is the last fight only against the unconstitutional move of the prime minister?

In particular, we must be able to protect the achievements we have achieved including the constitution. The sacrifice of thousands of youth for the drafting of the constitution has not dried up yet. A justifiable solution should be found.

File: Nepals Parliament building

The constitution is incomplete. It is a fact that the constitution has not been able to unite the sentiments of all. Because the political party that came through the revolution was weak and divided till the second constituent assembly, the new constitution could not cover the radical and people-oriented transformation in the form of government, constitutional organs and judiciary.

On the other hand, the constitution is not set in stone; it can be modified. We are in a position to amend the new constitution made in 2015 as it has made clear provisions for amendments.

If the current balance of power and the sentiments of the people are not respected by the constitution, if the constitution does not give ownership to all, instability and unrest will continue in the country. Hence, it is needed to develop the constitution further, by amending it.

In this situation, instead of losing or winning, all parties, groups and individuals should go beyond their petty interests and give a solution to the country by consensus. We need to rethink our constitution and the state system.

Even today, one side is in underground politics refusing to abide by the constitution, and it has been banned by the state. On the other hand, even the prime minister who has been sworn in under the constitution is arrogant towards ending the constitution.

Apart from that, on the one hand, the judiciary, constitutional organs, security agencies and diplomatic agencies are raising voice in favour of a progressive state system of the directly elected executive head of the statement. Meanwhile, some are coming forward with an agenda to establish the identity of Vedic Sanatan religion and culture.

The then President Ram Baran Yadav greets the constitution as he announces its commencement on September 20, 2015.

Now, there should not be the politics of prohibition; it should be a time of cooperation and respect. Let us all consider the idea put forward by former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami that the development of civilisation in the 21st century should be through dialogue, although Samuel Huntington thought that the development of civilisation should be through the struggle. A civilisation can be developed and built through struggle and dialogue only if we can adopt the middle-way idea suggested by Gautama Buddha.
By Andrius Sytas

VILNIUS (Reuters) - Russia would only consider releasing Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny if its leadership was hit with painful personal sanctions, a close ally said ahead of a meeting with European policymakers in Brussels on Sunday.

European foreign ministers are expected to agree on Monday to impose sanctions on allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to the jailing of Navalny.

Navalny was arrested last month on his return from Germany following treatment for poisoning with what many Western countries say was a nerve agent. He was jailed on Feb. 2 for violating parole on what he and the Western countries said were trumped-up charges. He lost an appeal on Saturday.

Leonid Volkov, Navalny's chief of staff, told Reuters on Saturday he believes Putin would only consider releasing him if hit by sanctions.

"Putin is a dictator, but he is quite rational. If the upsides of having Navalny in prison become less than the downsides, he will change his decision," said Volkov.

"If many of his closest allies become unhappy, this can be dangerous to Putin and this could lead him to decide to change his mind," Volkov added. "Or maybe not - but sanctions is the best thing that Europe can do now."

In Brussels on Sunday at the invitation of Lithuania, where he has been sheltering since 2019, Volkov said he will tell policymakers to use the "language of power" towards the Russian government, as he believes Putin sees bridge-building attempts by the West as a sign of weakness.

Asked to comment on Navalnys political future after the court decision on Saturday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, It is absolutely none of our business.

Navalny's allies have published a list of 35 people they believe should be sanctioned.

His supporters are now gearing up to organise a "huge peaceful protest" in Russia this spring, Volkov said.

Navalny's organization will then attempt to prevent Putin's party from achieving a comfortable win at elections in September by campaigning for its rivals, said Volkov.

(Reporting by Andrius Sytas; Editing by Giles Elgood)
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[February 21, 2021] Blue Oak Empire: Offering Backbone Service for E-commerce

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Peruvians continued Wednesday to express their indignation for what has now become a clear and public picture that in their country even when it comes to life-saving measures, the privileged sector of society will always come first.

The country has seen the resignation of two top cabinet members and two vice-ministers in less than a week after it was discovered that then-president Martin Vizcarra and other high-ranking officials were secretly vaccinated with China's Sinopharm vaccine before the country bought one-million doses for its citizens.

These individuals were given priority ahead of healthcare workers who are battling on the frontlines of the COVID pandemic.

The Ambassador of the Holy See in Peru, Nicola Girasoli, also secretly received the Chinese vaccine against COVID-19 along with almost 500 privileged people, before thousands of healthcare workers who care for the infected in a country devastated by the pandemic.

Girasoli, a 63-year-old Italian, confirmed in a written statement that he was vaccinated for being a consultant on "ethical issues" in the phase three trial that the Chinese state pharmaceutical Sinopharm carried out in Peru since last September on 12,000 volunteers, who are not part of this irregular group of 487 secretly inoculated.

The diplomat received his second dose on February 11, a day after the scandal uncovered by the press that reported that former President Martin Vizcarra had been vaccinated in October along with his wife and brother, which occurred while Peru was negotiating the purchase of Chinese vaccines.

Vizcarra was fired in November, for alleged corruption in other cases.

Pope Francis has said many times that you cannot privilege the rich with the vaccine, and that you need to prioritize the poor and marginalized. The 84-year-old Francis was vaccinated because the Vatican purchased vaccines for all the people who live and work in his territory.

The news of the participation of the diplomatic representative of Pope Francis was received on Wednesday with "indignation" by the Archbishop of Lima, Carlos Castillo.

"I personally think that just the appearance of the list is a reason to ask for forgiveness because I believe that that was a mistake," said Monsignor Castillo, the Archbishop of Lima regarding Girasoli's participation.

Girasoli has been Apostolic Nuncio in Peru since 2017 and has worked in the diplomatic service of the Holy See for 36 years, serving in various delegations on the five continents.

Also on the list is Dr. German Malaga who was responsible for the Phase Three clinical study conducted in Peru. He was questioned on Tuesday night by Congress during its investigation into the matter.

Among the inoculated privileged are also managers of local private laboratories, lobbyists and children of doctors linked to the Phase Three study of the Chinese vaccine.

The government of interim president Francisco Sagasti announced earlier this week that it had sent the list of the 487 vaccinated to the prosecutor's office, including high-ranking diplomats from the Peruvian Foreign Ministry and powerful officials from the Ministry of Health.

Peru has bought one million vaccines from Sinopharm, but they are not enough to apply them to priority personnel made up of 1.1 million officials, including doctors, nurses, police, firefighters and street sweepers, according to official data.

Peru, a country with a historical shortage of doctors, has seen 310 doctors and 125 nurses who cared for coronavirus patients die in less than a year. More than 500 policemen and 48 firefighters have also died infected.

The South American country registers more than 1.2 million cases of coronavirus and 44,056 deaths, according to the Center for Science and Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
New Delhi, Feb 21 : The Modi government is now planning to work on mission mode to reduce the dependence of the country on edible oil imports, under which it would be increasing production of edible oil from various sources along with spreading public awareness for economical consumption of oil.

According to experts, the objective of this new mission of the Modi government is not only to bring self-reliance ('Aatmanirbharta') in edible oils but also to transfer money to farmers on the expenses incurred on the oil imports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday during the meeting of the sixth governing council of the Niti Aayog also mentioned that despite being an agricultural country, India imports edible oil worth nearly Rs 65,000-70,000 crore annually. The Prime Minister said this money spent on imports could be transferred to the bank accounts of farmers in the country.

We are talking about the 'National Mission on Oilseeds', on which there is a plan to spend nearly Rs 19,000 crore in the next five years. A senior official of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said the preparations for the mission are foolproof and would be implemented from April 1 in the upcoming financial year.

India imports nearly 150 lakh tonnes of edible oil every year while domestic production is nearly 70 to 80 lakh tonnes. With the growing population of the country, consumption of edible oil would also increase moving ahead. In such a situation, bridging the huge gap between the edible oil imports and the domestic production by achieving 'self-reliance' in edible oil is a major goal. But Trilochan Mohapatra, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), says that when work is undertaken on mission mode, there is a greater chance of achieving success in it.

He said to increase the production of oilseeds in the country, along with acreage, more emphasis would be given on increasing productivity.

Mohapatra told that in the eastern region of the country, there are nearly 110 lakh hectares of land, which remains vacant after taking out the paddy crop, it can increase its area by growing mustard. In addition, farmers are encouraged to cultivate pulses and oilseeds instead of crops like paddy, wheat and sugarcane in Punjab, Haryana including northern India where there is scarcity of water.

Mohapatra said like paddy and wheat, if farmers get the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for oilseeds and high yield seeds are available then their interest in cultivating these crops would increase.

He told that according to the study conducted by ICAR, there are 20 agro ecological regions in the country.

Mohapatra said that varieties of seeds are prepared for cultivation of suitable crops in climate of a particular region, which increases the yield. He said that India imports palm oil the most, but the emphasis is now on increasing palm cultivation in the country, which would help in bringing 'Aatmanirbharta'.

A total of nine oilseed crops are cultivated in India every year. Their annual production has been exceeding 300 lakh tonnes for the last four years and is increasing year by year. These include such oilseeds and oils which are used only in industries, but most of them are used as edible oils.

Director ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur (Rajasthan), P.K. Rai, said there is great potential to increase the production of oilseeds in the country and mustard can be seen as an example of this. He said that the emphasis on mustard cultivation in mission mode has increased the acreage this year and production could be between 110 to 120 lakh tonnes.

Agriculture Ministry official said that in the next five years, the production of oilseeds in the country could double.

Apart from seasonal crops, oil is obtained from the seeds of some evergreen trees in the country. Then, there are also secondary sources of oil. A senior Agriculture Ministry official said the goal of development has been set at every level. Four sub-missions have been made under the 'National Oilseeds Mission' which are as follows: Firstly to increase the production of oil from primary source. Under this it is planned to increase production of soyabean, mustard-rapeseed, groundnut, sunflower, sesame, safflower and ramtil.

Secondly to increase the production of oil from secondary source and under it crop which is not produced mainly for oil, but oil comes from it as a by-product. For example, cotton oil, linseed oil etc.

Thirdly setting up of processing units in oilseed production areas wherein the areas where oilseeds are produced, provision has been made to set up processing units so that farmers can get a fair price of their crops.

Fourthly to create awareness campaign to make people aware of the benefits of economical consumption of oil.

Experts point out that oil consumption is steadily increasing with the country's growing population, but a research by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), advises a person to consume 30 grams of oil daily. Adhering to this ICMR study, the annual oil consumption per capita should be nearly 11 kg of oil. Whereas according to the 2017 report, the per capita oil consumption in the country is 19.3 kg.
India on Sunday reiterated its commitment to the Maldives' security and signed a $50 million defence Line of Credit agreement with it to boost the maritime capabilities of the strategic island nation. The $50 million credit line agreement for defence projects was signed between the Finance Ministry of Maldives and the Export Import Bank of India.

The signing of the agreement took place after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam.

Jaishankar, who is here on a two-day visit, held a "cordial meeting" with the Defence Minister. "Useful exchange on our defence cooperation. India will always be a reliable security partner for the Maldives," Jaishankar tweeted.

"Glad to sign with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi the UTF Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) efforts. Partners in development, partners in security," he said.





Glad to sign with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi the UTF Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR efforts. Partners in development, partners in security. pic.twitter.com/dYhpVZDd7e  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 21, 2021

Didi said it was a great pleasure to welcome Jaishankar. "From time immemorial Defence Cooperation has been a key element of the sisterly relationship that exists between India and the Maldives. The Coast Guard Harbour & Dockyard at SIFAVARU will mark another significant milestone," she tweeted.

It was a great pleasure to welcome Hon EAM HE @DrSJaishankar to @MoDmv

From time immemorial Defence Cooperation has been a key element of the sisterly relationship that exists between 

The Coast Guard Harbour & Dockyard at SIFAVARU will mark another significant milestone  https://t.co/IY5zzHDIkU  Mariya Didi  (@MariyaDidi) February 21, 2021

Jaishankar also witnessed the signing of a project execution contract for the construction of roads in Addu, the second-largest urban area in the Maldives in terms of population. "Underscores the importance of connectivity in our Maldives partnership," he tweeted.

Also read: NITI Aayog meet: Amarinder Singh raises farm laws, COVID-19 vaccination, GST compensation
This month marks the 20th anniversary of Disney California Adventure, the counterpart to Disneyland park that opened on Feb. 8, 2001. Though it has a larger capacity than Disneyland  an estimated 80,000 versus 50,000 people  its generally considered the inferior park, with a hazy, ever-evolving identity that doesnt evoke the same feelings as its nostalgia-inducing counterpart.

But California Adventure almost didnt exist at all. In fact, it was originally supposed to be an Epcot Center.

Westcot, the West Coast counterpart to Epcot in Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, was going to follow a similar format. There would be a portion of the park dedicated to outer space and the world of tomorrow, called VenturePort rather than Epcots FutureWorld, that would be totally indoors. A World Showcase would offer experiences from around the globe, including a World Cruise boat ride. And in the center: SpaceStation Earth, a domed ride like Epcots Spaceship Earth, which would be gold instead of silver. The only difference: Californias would be 300 feet tall, rather than Floridas 180-foot dome.

Westcot was planned as an alternative to DisneySea, an earlier planned park in Long Beach that would take advantage of land Disney was forced to acquire in its purchase of the Disneyland Hotel, that included the Queen Mary, which the company turned into a (failed) Haunted Mansion at sea. The Walt Disney Co., in a long-awaited decision, has turned away from its troubled concept for a DisneySea theme park in the Long Beach Port area and instead will focus its efforts on a $3-billion Epcot-style project adjacent to Disneyland, the Los Angeles Times reported Dec. 14, 1991.

Long Beachs loss is Anaheims gain, but a new Disney project, almost wherever it is built, is reason enough for Southern California to celebrate in this recession-plagued economy, the Times said.

But solidifying the plan proved more difficult than planned. Anaheim residents were concerned that the showpiece dome would dominate the Anaheim skyline, the LA Times reported April 23, 1993. Disney scrapped the dome in favor of a Big Needle that would be a single pointed shaft that designers say would be futuristic, yet unobtrusive.

Todd Gipstein/Corbis via Getty Images

In the following months, concerned citizens launched a television campaign against the development, citing property value concerns and compromised quality of life. Anaheim HOME (Home Owners Maintaining their Environment) went so far as to call for a boycott of Disneyland. The company compromised, promising to scrap a parking garage, leave a beloved family farms land out of the development, and, in a concession that had nothing to do with Westcot itself, to lower the volume on the nightly Fantasmic show in Disneyland park.

By June, there was a plan in place.

Gilles BASSIGNAC/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

The Walt Disney Company has received approval from the City Council of Anaheim, Calif., to build a $2.75 billion resort and theme park near Disneyland, the New York Times reported June 24, 1993. The new resort will include 4,600 hotel rooms, a 5,000-seat amphitheater, a retail shopping center and Westcot Center.

The Anaheim Planning Commissions endorsement included more than 60 conditions requested by the city  but even with that endorsement, the project was far from finalized. Disney must still decide whether the project makes financial sense, the Times added. The resort improvements would cost $2 billion, and investment in Anaheims infrastructure would cost another $750 million, all together nearly $5 billion in todays dollars.

That was money the company didnt have to spare. Their French expansion was faltering badly, both due to a chilly reception from locals and the timing of its opening, which coincided with a European recession. By the end of the year, doubts were high that the project would be possible. Euro Disney  now Disneyland Paris  had opened in April 1992 to strong criticism from the French and massive losses. In fact, it wasnt until 1995 that Disney reported any profit at all from that park. There was speculation that its bumpy first few years had put a big dent into the companys plans for expansion.

Mounting losses from Euro Disneyland and the recent departure of a key executive have prompted speculation that Disney may be reassessing its plans for the proposed $3 billion Westcot park, the New York Times reported Dec. 29, 1993. High development costs have also raised doubts about the project.

By the following summer, Westcot had been vastly scaled back. What was originally going to be nearly 5,000 hotel rooms became under 2,000, which cut back substantially on the infrastructure improvements that sweetened the deal for the city, like better sewer systems and new landscaping.

Slashing the number of hotel rooms would mark another setback for the project that was once hailed as potentially being one of Southern Californias largest private construction endeavors, as well as a tourism magnet that would help revitalize the sagging local economy, the LA Times reported Aug. 12, 1994. The project is now about two years behind schedule. Disney has been balking on making the final decision to go forward, saying the project still is too financially risky to start right now.

Bettmann/Bettmann Archive

Part of the scaleback, the article said, was from lessons learned at Euro Disneyland, which built more hotel rooms than it could fill. Disney officials have acknowledged that they overbuilt hotels there, it read, and blame that miscalculation as one of the reasons the European resort has piled up more than $1 billion in losses.

By 1995, citing over-ambitious plans, Westcot was canceled altogether.

The following year, Disney announced plans to build Disney California Adventure park. Rather than having hotels inside the property, the 750-room Grand Californian would have private, gated access to the park. A shopping area, then called Disney Center, would connect the hotels and parks. Exuberant Disney officials appeared eager to put the Westcot debacle behind them, the LA Times reported July 18, 1996. The project was estimated at that time to cost less than half of what Westcot would have cost.

The Grand Californian opened Jan. 2, 2001, and Downtown Disney opened Jan. 12, weeks before California Adventure opened to mixed reviews. Visit Disneys California Adventure, a 55-acre theme park next door to the fabled progenitor of the modern amusement Mecca, Disneyland, and you will find a noisy reminder of what happens when a company loses its focus and cuts corners, the New York Times said in a story Feb. 10, 2008, citing carnival rides built on the cheap and outdoor shows borrowed from other Disney parks. And the theme, built around tributes to California, is modest except for an occasionally unintentional ghost-town atmosphere: The park draws about 6 million visitors a year, a trickle compared with the 15 million who swarm Disneyland.

Shortly after, Disney infused another $1 billion into the park to revitalize the park, adding Cars Land and The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure and Toy Story: Midway Mania! rides. Marvel Avengers Campus is expected to open this summer, if the park is reopened by then.

Plans to celebrate Disneylands 65th anniversary in 2020, and California Adventures 20th anniversary this year, have been either paused or scrapped  but Disneyland did recently announce a limited-time, ticketed food and wine experience in California Adventure, loosely planned to start in mid-March.
New Delhi, Feb 21 : The sharp decline in coronavirus cases in India has been dramatic and perplexed many, as it is contrary to the early modelling, which had predicted millions of deaths due to Covid-19.

September 2020 was the worst month during the pandemic, when daily caseload jumped past the 90,000-mark and hovered close to 1 lakh cases for many days, along with scores of deaths. Many believed that the pandemic will spiral out of control and unleash havoc in most urban centres, which are densely populated.

By December last year, aided by the scaled-up testing infrastructure, the decline in Covid-19 cases emerged as the new phenomenon. Theories were floated that the pandemic is beginning to retreat in a country, which was predicted to be badly hit by the virus.

For example, in Delhi, which was termed as the hotbed of coronavirus, especially following the spike in cases post Divali, the impact of the virus began to taper off, with the national capital recently recording sero deaths due to Covid after a gap of 10 months.

Delhi was not isolated in experiencing a decline in cases, as a similar trend emerged almost all over the country. Beginning February, India was recording on an average 10,000 cases daily. But something is very peculiar about this decline, which appears to be unsteady, as cases abruptly begin to emerge in many states.

Raman Gangakhedkar, former deputy director of ICMR and an epidemiologist, said: "So far, we are not close to herd immunity (which means 75 per cent of the population has been infected by the virus). Sero survey showed that merely 22 per cent people were infected. Therefore, a large part of the population is still vulnerable." He added that after all the restrictions are removed, and life rolls back to normal, people will be exposed to the infection and also be vulnerable to the virus.

"People need to adopt Covid appropriate behaviour, as lockdown cannot be imposed for forever. We need to adopt a decentralised approach to open schools and colleges," said Gangakhedkar.

This emerging trend of the pandemic is getting more convoluted, with the seven-day rolling average of daily Covid cases registering a rise for four consecutive days for the first time in nearly three months.

Maharashtra, the worst hit state by the virus in the country, contributed to a chunk of the Covid-19 cases in the last one week, hinting at the re-emergence of the pandemicin the state.

The seven-day average was 11,430 last weekend which rose to 11,825 on February 18. In comparison to the September spike, the rise in cases is negligible. But most importantly, the period when Covid cases nosedived has been replaced by gradual increase in cases.

November 19 onwards, more than 40,000 cases were registered everyday, then a month later these cases were halved. On Thursday, 13,179 fresh cases were reported, which was the highest in more than two weeks.

This week, Maharashtra for the first time reported more than 5,000 cases after a gap of 75 days. Similarly, the cases are beginning to increase in Kerala, Punjab and other states too.

"In Maharashtra and Kerala, I think the people are taking too much comfort and they may have dropped their guard. Though the gradual decline is encouraging (especially in densely populated hotspots, where maybe 50 per cent have got the infection), but it does not mean the pandemic has gone away," said Rakesh Mishra, Director at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad.

Mishra added that there is a possibility that the correct situation is not being reflected. "Rapid antigen tests are not accurate, they miss up to 50 per cent, and if replaced by RT-PCR, which is more accurate, the accuracy gets increased by 20 per cent. The crowd in hospitals confirm that cases are less and there is a general decrease in positivity over the weeks. However, it does not look like that the pandemic will be over soon," he added.

The query that emerges is whether there is a possibility of a second wave of Covid-19 emerging in the summer or the monsoon season.

K. Srinath Reddy, President of the Public Health Foundation of India, a Delhi-based think-tank, said: "That will depend on three factors: How many susceptible persons are exposing themselves by not following Covid appropriate behaviour; how many persons are vaccinated by then and whether more infectious mutants of the virus, imported or home grown, have gained opportunities to spread wide and wild." Reddy added that he hopes that the country will fare well in these to effectively contain the transmission, though the possibility of a fresh wave remains a threat.

Scientists and doctors have unequivocally emphasised on maintaining Covid appropriate behaviour and urged people not to drop their guard against the virus, as the pandemic is far from getting over.

(Sumit Saxena can be contacted at sumit.s@ians.in)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Lucknow, Feb 21 : Former MP and Congress leader Udit Raj has been booked by the police for claiming that the two girls found dead in the fields in Unnao were raped and their bodies burnt against their family's wishes.

The Dalit leader made these allegations on micro-blogging website Twitter on Friday.

The police have stated that rape was not confirmed in the post-mortem report and neither the family alleged any use of force in the incident.

Unnao Superintendent of Police Anand Kulkarni, said, "Dr. Udit Raj is accused of sharing false and fabricated information on social media." Kulkarni said that an FIR has been registered against Udit Raj under charges of provocation with intent to cause riot, and Information Technology act.

The tweet by Udit Raj said: "I just spoke to former MP Savitri Bai Phule Ji. The police let them meet the victim families in Unnao with great difficulty. The victim's family said that the girls had been raped and the bodies were burnt against their will."
Shell Oman Marketing Company said it has expanded its operations in Duqm city of the sultanate with the supply of aviation fuel to Duqm Airport. The company is uniquely positioned to deliver global fuel technology to local and international customers.

Shells expertise in providing top quality fuels, and reliable, efficient and profitable operations, have been globally recognized since the advent of the jet age, said the company in a statement.

In 1962, Shell began selling aviation fuel in Oman from Bait Al Falaj Airport. In later years, with the opening of Seeb International Airport (today known as Muscat International Airport), Shell has become a major supplier of jet fuel, lubricants and consultancy services in the Omani aviation sector.

On the expansion, CEO Dr Mohammed Al Balushi said: "Shell Oman Marketing is uniquely positioned to deliver global fuel technology and operational excellence to local and international customers in Duqm."

"We truly value our long-standing partnership with the key stakeholders in Omans aviation sector, which is evident from our position as the sole fuel farm operator at both Muscat and Salalah airports, and now with Shell Omans Aviation fuel business actively operating in Duqm," he added.

Duqm Airport serves as a gateway into a region with significant economic, industrial and commercial potential as it primarily handles business traffic, with great potential of becoming part of the tourism industry too.

"With Duqms strategic location and geopolitical advantage on the international logistics map, the city is hoisted to transform into a regional hub attracting significant investments and traffics," noted Al Balushi.

"We are pleased to be a partner in this progressive journey, contributing to the Sultanates economic diversity goals as part of our long-standing commitment to support Oman Vision 2040," he added.

According to him, opportunities like these are testament to Shell Omans high standards in Health, Safety, Security and Environment, operational excellence and competitive commercial terms.

"A world-class supply chain has been built by Shell Oman to ensure wherever customers are served, they can count on a secure supply of quality fuel. This reflects Shell Omans continuous efforts to continuously create value for Oman and support its national agenda to diversify the economy, where logistics and tourism sectors are poised to be key contributors to the national GDP," he added.
MASON CITY, Iowa  A woman accused of setting fire to two vehicles is pleading guilty.

Aleigha Jean Bakkum, 21 of Mason City, is now scheduled to be sentenced on April 5 for 2nd degree arson.

Authorities say Bakkum set two vehicles on fire in the 600 block of South Maryland Avenue on June 18, 2020. The flames also wound up damaging a garage. Court documents state the residence where the vehicles were set on fire was occupied at the time.
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In a bid to address the security challenges rocking the South-west of Nigeria, the governors in the geopolitical zone on Saturday met with traditional rulers at the Oyo State Government House in Agodi, Ibadan.

The major highlight of the meeting was to find lasting solutions to the killings and kidnapping for ransom that have become the order of the day and the seeming helplessness of security operatives to tackle rising crimes.

The meeting also addressed the cases of farmers-herders clashes, leading to deaths, destruction of farms and other valuable properties.

The political and traditional leaders also unanimously agreed that open grazing had become unsustainable and must be stopped.

The meeting was attended by governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, and Seyi Makinde of Oyo.

The traditional rulers in attendance include Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi; Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji; Akarigbo of Remo, Babatunde Ajayi, and Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Mr Akeredolu, who is the chairman of the South-west Governors Forum, said the government must change the practice of open grazing by cattle breeders.

We discussed that as we are supporting other areas of farming, like rice farmers and others, the need for government to support cattle breeding is now. And one of the ways we can support cattle breeding is to change the ways and means that cattle breeders are adopting now.

So, you can find designated grazing areas where you can graze, you can have feed mills where you can feed, you do not have to trek with your herds from far.

But, things that will lead to open grazing in these modern times must be looked at and the state and federal government, in particular, should give support as much as we can to cattle breeders.

Mr Akeredolu said the leaders agreed that the influx of foreign herdsmen into the country due to porous borders is also causing security problems to the region and must be addressed.

We all agreed that our borders have become too porous and that we need to do something urgently to prevent foreign herdsmen from coming into this country without any form of caution because a number of them have come in with their herds and what they do is of concern to us.

We all believe that our borders need to be checked and we need to tighten our borders so that all those foreigners from Niger republic and those beyond bordering states dont come in with their herds and destroy our farms.

Speaking on forest management, the leaders agreed that forest management and preservation is the duty of the states and must be well looked at not to accommodate criminals.

We all agreed that the time is now that we support the decision of National Economic Council (NEC) about forest management and that they believe that all the states should be in a position to manage their forest and that will give enough room for you to determine who is there, what purpose are they serving, and where you have people illegally.

The state should be able to take some steps so that you can preserve our forest, he said.

Others who attended the meeting were the Deputy Inspector General of Police, David Folawiyo; Oyo Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko; Garrison Commander, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Adesoji Ogunsugba; top officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Air force.
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Members of the Albuquerque Public Schools Board quite simply failed the school districts 80,000 students and their parents Wednesday night, putting responsibility to do the right thing for our kids in the governors and voters hands.

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With no scientific data to support keeping schools largely closed, the board rejected a reasonable and safe hybrid in-person learning model proposed by interim Superintendent Scott Elder, who should be frustrated beyond end.

APS elementary schools have been closed to all but some special education students, and middle and high schools have been completely closed, since last March.

School board president David Peercy and board members Peggy Muller-Aragon and Elizabeth Armijo voted in favor of a model that would have allowed some form of hybrid, in-person education beginning in March. But they came up short in a 4-3 vote in which board members Lorenzo Garcia, Yolanda Montoya-Cordova, Candelaria Patterson and Barbara Petersen voted against reopening, ignoring the heart-rending pleas of students.

In a subsequent roll call, the board voted 6-1 to slightly expand limited in-person learning, as staffing permits, to include additional small groups of students who arent making academic progress, who have major hurdles getting online or who are struggling with their mental health. Muller-Aragon cast the lone dissenting vote.

The decision was driven largely by a school district survey that says 66% of teachers are not ready to come back to schools. According to APS data, about half of parents are ready to get their children back to school.

And according to 1-minute pleas on Zoom during Wednesdays board meeting, many students were ready to return months ago. Among them:

Student Adrian Chacon said, There is a reason APS across all levels of education is experiencing the failure rates it is. Teachers and students alike were not prepared to teach or learn virtually. And while some  rose to the challenge and succeeded, many have not. This is why I beg you to let us to return to our school. Let us learn, let us live, and give us some form of normalcy in what feels like an abnormal world.  I implore you to do what is in the best interest of the people you represent and let us return to our in-person learning environment.

Sixth grader Beckam Reeves said online learning has been awful and that he now suffers from panic attacks. My grades are terrible because its so hard to pay attention in class. And its hard to force myself to do assignments because there are no teachers to hold me accountable.  Please let us go back in school. We are not OK.

And Benjamin Willhite, a junior at La Cueva High School, said hes like thousands across APS who want to play sports. Leaders starting from the president to the CDC to our governor to the PED and even our very own APS administration believe that schools are a safe place to learn.  If you follow the science like you claim to, and listen to the experts like you should, the answer is astoundingly clear: We should be back in school. 

Only two students spoke against returning to school. They were joined by numerous teachers who claim it is too early to return to classrooms safely. The Albuquerque Teachers Federation has opposed in-person learning for staff until COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the risks of reopening schools are acceptably low with proper precautions, and a North Carolina study in the Journal of American Pediatrics looked at 11 school districts and nearly 100,000 students and found no instances of child-to adult transmission.

Obviously the top reason for returning to some form of in-person learning is our children. But also to be considered is the impact on parents, many of whom cannot return to work while they oversee their childrens learning. The devastating effect this has had on parents, especially women, in terms of stress, an overload of responsibilities and stalled careers, and our economy overall is well documented.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham put reopening schools squarely in districts hands, and many have jumped at reopening successfully, including Espanola, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Roswell and Santa Fe. Unlike certain members of the APS board, these districts understand their duty is to their students. On Friday, the governor said she was very disappointed in the APS Board vote. She should follow up and exercise her considerable influence by pushing school boards to reopen.

She also should show flexibility in her edict requiring districts to offer the hybrid model before allowing prep sports. There is absolutely no scientific reason for this requirement  and uncoupling these two would enable thousands of students to return to some sense of normalcy.

Voters who understand they pay for schools to serve students, not adults, should remember the APS vote come election time. Or, more immediately, they can consider petitioning a recall election for the four APS board members who opposed reopening. Forms are available from the district court, and, according to New Mexicos Recall Act, it takes 33.3% of the total number of voters who voted for the elected position to certify a petition and get a court hearing scheduled.

As Willhite pointed out Wednesday, all data shows we can safely reopen schools. If the majority of APS board members wont listen to the president, governor and science, its time to replace them with some who will.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
Olivia Newton John's ex-boyfriend Patrick McDermott went missing under baffling circumstances 16 years ago when he vanished without a trace from a fishing charter.

And the mystery surrounding his disappearance may soon be solved, as Patrick's ex-wife Yvette Nipar has revealed she is writing a memoir about the 2005 incident - apparently with help from the Grease actress, 72.

'Yvette and Olivia have become very close over the years,' a source told Woman's Day magazine. 'They're bonded by their confusion over the whole thing.'

Vanished: The truth about Olivia Newton-John's 'missing' ex-boyfriend Patrick McDermott will be revealed in a new memoir, 16 years after he vanished without a trace from a fishing charter. The former couple are pictured here on February 17, 2001, in Los Angeles

'This has been a memoir that's been screaming to get out of me for many years now - so I decided to put it all out there,' Yvette, 56, added to New Idea.

It's unclear how much Olivia will be contributing to the memoir. Daily Mail Australia has contacted her representatives for further comment.

Yvette's book will be called What Are the Chances, which is a reference to her son, Chance, 28, whom she shares with Patrick.

'After writing a memoir for something like eight years, it finally feels right. Can't wait to share with you guys,' she wrote on Facebook.

Speaking out: The mystery surrounding Patrick's disappearance may soon be solved, as his ex-wife Yvette Nipar (left) has revealed she is writing a memoir about the 2005 incident - apparently with help from the Grease actress, 72

Heartbreak: In 2019, Yvette posted this photo to Instagram of her son, Chance, as a child with his father, Patrick. She captioned the photo: '14 years ago today, I discovered my son's dad was missing. I could never have imagined what that would do to my insides as a mum'

Yvette, an actress who has appeared in shows including Melrose Place, 21 Jump Street and CSI Miami, married Patrick in March 1992.

They divorced in June 1993 while she was pregnant with their son.

Two years ago, Yvette posted a picture of her son, Chance, as a child with his father.

She captioned the photo: '14 years ago today, I discovered my son's dad was missing. I could never have imagined what that would do to my insides as a mum.

'It's been a long and brutal road, but we are still standing.'

Patrick was 48 when he went missing from the fishing boat Freedom, which had set off from San Pedro Marina for a fishing expedition on June 30, 2005.

Friends: 'Yvette and Olivia have become very close over the years,' a source told Woman's Day. 'They're bonded by their confusion over the whole thing'. Pictured: Yvette with Olivia and her husband, John Easterling

None of the 22 passengers saw him go overboard during the trip, and he was not reported missing until a week later when Olivia contacted authorities after he failed to show up for a family gathering.

Olivia had been in the middle of a promotional tour in Australia when Patrick vanished from the boat, which is why it took her so long to realise he had gone missing.

In a 2016 interview on 60 minutes, Olivia said: 'He was lost at sea and nobody really knows what happened. It's human to wonder, but you have to accept and let go.'

Despite a number of theories claiming otherwise over the years, Yvette now believes Patrick is dead. An Australian tabloid claimed to have discovered Patrick alive and well in 2017, but it later emerged they had found the wrong man.

Olivia married John Easterling in 2008.
Almighty God,

whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan:

Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations;

and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us,

let each one find you mighty to save;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God,

now and for ever.

Amen.
(Natural News) Are you too white? How white is your skin? Is it white-white, light-white, medium-white, eggshell, beige or other? How white do you act? Do you walk around town or the office with too much confidence, singing born white, born proud? Do you have the gumption to totally believe in things? If youre too white and it shows, and you work for Coca-Cola, its time for you to retrain your innate bias and bigoted thinking with some online training modules specially designed for confronting racism. If this news is too hard for you to believe, then check out what a whistleblower from Coca-Cola obtained recently and posted online for the whole born-racist world to see.

Coca-Cola strongly believes that in the USA, white people are socialized to feel like they are inherently superior, and they are already too confident by age 3 or 4.

So lets break down this freakish advice for a second, using logic. Theyre telling their employees to  be less certain but believe. What? Stop collaborating with other white people because its racist and offensive. Wait, what? That advice itself is racist and offensive. The biggest problem now, according to that social justice race-theory, is that Coca-Cola is BROWN and its very bad for your health, so isnt that racist? Is Coca-Cola trying to say that all things brown are bad for your health, because if so, they better change the color of their drink thats being consumed all around the world and has been for decades, and they better change it for good (pardon the pun).

Coca-Cola says you must try to be less white  whatever that means

Watch this YouTube video featuring the inside scoop as revealed by a whistleblower inside the company, as Coca-Colas severely reverse-racist training program gets underway. Get ready for some linked-in learning, brain-retraining by Coca Cola, shoveled down to the scum-bucket, born-racist peons at the bottom of the corporate ladder:

Coca-Cola is literally saying that if you believe in anything strongly, and youre white, that its racist. So, to recap, if youre white, and you totally believe in God, you need to step down from your privileged pedestal and believe less, so you can be fair to brown, black and yellowish people. If you are completely sure that you have a good future and youre positive youre doing your job well, then you are an arrogant racist and you need training to become less certain and less oppressive.

In other words, if youre not walking around the office (or shouting out continuously on the virtual meeting) that you hate being white and that you admit youre a born racist, then youre in need of some how to be less white online training in order to continue being employed by Coca-Cola.

Yes, according to Coca-Cola, all white people, no matter what shade of white you are, are trained by other white racists to be indifferent to everyone else thats not white, and to never create any solidarity with colored folks. You dont listen! Youre apathetic!

Corporate America gets more evil and twisted every day

This is the new Americanized-Nazi re-education camp in America, sponsored, created and required by Coca-Cola for white people who want to continue working there (why anyone would is beyond comprehension). Tune your internet dial to Gender.news for updates on reverse-racism training and absurd gender-fluidity thinking that may be the next required education training module at your corporate American freak-show job.

Understand this. Coca-Cola says that a one-time training class is not enough, because all white people have been brainwashed into elitism by age 3, so you need ongoing professional development training to undo all that nasty bigotry. Its time to rehearse and role-play some cross-racial discussions.

According to Coca-Cola, you need to join some monthly affinity groups to practice not being white, not being confident, not believing in things so much, and not having any more solidarity with other white people, because youre just showing off how white you are, and thats racist.

The bottom line is that Coca-Cola contains cancer-causing sugar and flora-destroying phosphoric acid, and its brown. So the real message coming from Coca-Cola is that anything brown is to be celebrated, especially if it destroys your health. This has been a public service announcement from Natural Health News.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

Gender.news

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
Around 20,000 coronavirus vaccine doses from the United Arab Emirates arrived in Gaza Sunday through its crossing with Egypt, AFP journalists said.

The delivery, reportedly orchestrated by a UAE-based rival of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, comes three months before the first Palestinian polls in 15 years are set to be held.

Short link:


Kash Patel: Bidens Stance on CCPs Uyghur Genocide a Serious Threat to the World

President Joe Bidens recent comments describing the Uyghur genocide in China as a matter of different cultural norms are allowing outrageous conduct to continue and pose a serious threat to the world, former Department of Defense Chief of Staff Kash Patel said in an interview on Feb. 21.

They are in genocide in China against the Uyghurs. That is factually not in dispute, and for the leader of the free world to say genocide is a cultural norm is outrageous, Patel told Fox News Maria Bartiromo.

Could you imagine if President Trump said publicly that the Uyghur genocide in China, which everyone acknowledges, is a cultural norm? It would have been a global calamity, Patel said. But because the left-wing media allows the politicization of our national security to continue just because Joe Biden said it, it allows for this outrageous conduct.

During a CNN town hall on Feb. 16, Biden described his two-hour phone call with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping. Biden appeared to rationalize Xis actions by suggesting that China has historically been victimized by outside forces when it wasnt unified from within.

If you know anything about Chinese history, it has always beenthe time when China has been victimized by the outer world is when they havent been unified at home, Biden said. The central principle of Xi Jinping is that there must be a united, tightly controlled China. And he uses his rationale for the things he does based on that.

Biden said he made it clear to Xi that he must speak up about human rights and that Xi said he gets it. Biden then said, Culturally, there are different norms that each country and theytheir leadersare expected to follow.

Although its unclear whether Biden was referring to himself or Xi when he spoke of the different norms, the statement drew criticism because Biden appeared to not take issue with genocide being a norm for China. Biden may have been referring to the fact that he, as the U.S. president, must speak up about human rights, with Xi acknowledging that as a cultural norm.

The White House didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment and clarification.

No American president can be sustained as a president if he doesnt reflect the values of the United States, Biden said. And so the idea Im not going to speak out against what hes doing in Hong Kong, what hes doing with the Uyghurs in western mountains of China, and Taiwan, trying to end the One China policy by making it forceful. I saidand by thehe said hehe gets it. Culturally, there are different norms that each country and theytheir leadersare expected to follow.

Patel said Bidens remarks didnt cause a scandal only with the aid of left-wing media, which allows the CCPs outrageous conduct to continue.

Because the left-wing media allows the politicization of our national security to continue just because Joe Biden said it, it allows for this outrageous conduct, and more importantly, the death and decimation of a minority population in China who are encamped in fenced enclosures and cannot leave and are undergoing reeducation therapy. This is a serious threat to the world, Patel said.

On the last full day of the Trump administration, the United States issued a determination declaring that the CCP has engaged in genocide and crimes against humanity since at least 2017 in its treatment of the Uyghurs. The crimes included the arbitrary imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty of more than one million civilians, forced sterilization, torture of a large number of those arbitrarily detained, forced labor, and the imposition of draconian restrictions on freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, and freedom of movement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said at the time in a statement.

Bidens remarks follow those of a number of his appointees, who during confirmation hearings displayed a more lax stance on China than that of the Trump administration.

Patel pointed out that Bidens remarks at the CNN town hall are an extension of the view of China the president revealed when responding to a question about punishing China for not being truthful about the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. Biden said on Feb. 10 that he is interested in getting all the facts when he was asked about punishing China for the coverup.

We know where the virus came from, Patel said. Either hes not getting briefed and people arent telling him or hes getting briefed and not remembering it. But it is a hard fact that the virus came from Wuhan, and this is the type of politicization of both the intelligence community and the defense apparatus that the American people just deserve better, and the media is letting them get away with it.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 21:49:31|Editor: huaxia

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LONDON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Opening schools all at once is likely to push the R rate, also known as the coronavirus reproduction number, above one in Britain, an expert advising the British government warned Sunday.

Professor John Edmunds, a member of the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), said reopening schools on March 8 is likely to spark an exponential rise in coronavirus infections, according to the London-based Evening Standard newspaper.

When the R rate is above one, an outbreak can grow exponentially, but when it is below one it means the epidemic is shrinking.

Britain's coronavirus reproduction rate has fallen below one for the first time since July 2020, according to the latest government figures released on Feb. 12.

The virus' reproduction rate is currently estimated to be between 0.7 and 0.9, which means, on average, every 10 people infected with the virus will infect between 6 and 9 other people, the latest government figures showed.

The R rate is the average number of secondary COVID-19 infections produced by a single infected person.

The British government has penciled the second week of March for all children to return to classrooms as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will address the nation about easing coronavirus restrictions at around 7 p.m. (1900 GMT) on Monday, local media reported Sunday.

He is expected to say that schools will reopen on March 8, when people will also be able to meet one person from a different household for a coffee or a picnic outside, according to the London-based Evening Standard newspaper.

Edmunds told the BBC that a gradual reopening is less likely to spark a surge in cases.

He said he appreciated the "disruption" caused by the closure of schools but only caution would keep the virus under control.

His comments followed reports that Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Whitty had clashed with Johnson over the March 8 date as he considers it too soon.

Asked if he would be more comfortable opening primary schools and then secondary schools later, Edmunds said "Obviously I'm just sticking to the epidemiology rather than other needs. Of course there's great needs to get our kids back in schools as fast as we can."

"But sticking to the epidemiology, yeah, of course, it's always safer to take smaller steps and evaluate," he added.

The professor also said vaccinating all adults by the end of July will make a "huge difference" but cautioned the vaccine will not give 100 percent protection.

England is currently under the third national lockdown since outbreak of the pandemic in the country. Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the United States have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines. Enditem
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) walks out of a meeting room for the lawyers of former President Donald Trump and back to the Senate floor through the Senate Reception room on the fourth day of the Senate Impeachment trials for former President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 12, 2021. (Jabin Botsford/Getty Images)

United Airlines Investigating Leak of Sen. Cruzs Cancun Flight Details

United Airlines has confirmed that its investigating a potential leak of flight data related to Sen. Ted Cruzs (R-Texas) trip to Cancun, Mexico.

Its against Uniteds policies to share personal information about our customers and we are investigating this incident, the airline told The Hill in a statement. The Epoch Times has sent a request to confirm the statement.

Politico was the first to report the internal investigation. An airline executive told the news outlet that if the employee who leaked the data is found, they could be fired and that no option is off the table.

Cruz boarded a flight to Cancun as millions of Texans were left without power and heat amid a freak winter storm. He has since apologized and said the trip was obviously a mistake.

Prior to Cruzs return flight, Skift reporter Edward Russell cited a United source to disclose the departure time of Cruzs Cancun-Houston trip.

Spoke to a source at United Airlines, Senator Ted Cruz rebooked his flight back to Houston from Cancun for this afternoon at around 6 a.m. today (Thursday). He was originally scheduled to return on Saturday, Russell wrote.

Leaks of flight information are rare, even though tens of thousands of United employees have access to flight data, Politico reported.

Beyond seeking a presidential emergency declaration, senators have virtually no official role to play in emergency response. Cruz nonetheless stirred up a political firestorm by leaving the state while millions were struggling.

Cruz said in a statement on Feb. 18: With school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon.

My staff and I are in constant communication with state and local leaders to get to the bottom of what happened in Texas, he added, referring to the power outages and, in some cases, loss of water.

He said that Texans want our power back, our water on, and our homes warm.

Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.
A member of Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, one of Mexico's most powerful and violent crime gangs, was extradited from Romania to the US, the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police (IGPR) announced on Sunday.

Officers of the Organized Crime Directorate's Anti-Drug Service and prosecutors of the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) conducted last year joint investigations targeting members of an extensive Mexican criminal network involved in international drug trafficking, the Romanian Police said.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security and US Marshals, respectively, also cooperated in these actions.

The US Department of Justice issued a rogatory letter in connection with the investigation of money laundering, money laundering conspiracy, processing or distribution of controlled substances under the US Code for the purpose of illegal importation.

Under Romanian law these activities amount to the crimes of high-risk international drug trafficking and money laundering.

"Following the successful police activities, the US judicial authorities issued a provisional arrest warrant for the extradition of a Mexican citizen, which was enforced by the Romanian authorities," IGPR said

This was part of a large-scale operation carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration which ended up in 230 arrests and 11 search warrants being issued, the cited source said.

The Mexican citizen subject to the provisional arrest warrant was extradited to the US in July 2020, but the information was made public only on Sunday because throughout this period the American authorities carried out a large-scale operation to bust the international crime network, arresting hundreds of people.

In conducting this operation, the officers of the Directorate for the Combat of Organized Crime received the support of their peers from the Service for the Combat of Organized Crime in Maritime Ports and of the Border Police General Inspectorate - Otopeni Airport Crossborder Point.
MONTREAL - The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear a case that could establish how the so-called Jordan ruling applies to cases where a new trial is ordered.

MONTREAL - The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear a case that could establish how the so-called Jordan ruling applies to cases where a new trial is ordered.

The case involves a 73-year-old Quebec man who was acquitted of sexual assault in 2017 -- 72 months after he was first charged.

Prosecutors appealed the decision and a new trial was ordered in 2018. According to a Court of Appeal ruling, the accused asked for a stay of proceedings due to an unreasonable delay in 2019, which was granted by the trial judge.

Prosecutors appealed that decision to the Quebec Court of Appeals, which ruled that the delays in a first and second trial should be considered separately but that the delays in the first trial were sufficient to justify the stay of proceedings.

The Crown appealed that decision and is now asking the Supreme Court to decide how the Jordan ruling applies to completed trials and whether the accused gave up his ability to invoke his right to a speedy trial by not bringing it up during the initial trial or the first appeal.

The Jordan rule requires cases in superior court be tried within 30 months, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2021.
Two children were taken to Lurie Childrens Hospital and one child was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago fire Chief Frank Velez said. They were all up and walking, and their conditions were stabilized, Velez said.
Irish companies should look for opportunities rather than problems in what remains the most important export market for many, according to the UK country manager of Enterprise Ireland.

There had been fears that heightened political tensions over Brexit would have the potential to damage business relationships but this does not appear to be the case, Deirdre McPartlin, who is based in London, told the Sunday Independent.

The conversation in Britain has moved on quickly from Brexit, she said.

"The embassy has been asking us this question and we keep asking our clients about this and their consistent answer is 'No, politics isn't having an impact - the conversations with our customers are around solving their problems'," said McPartlin.

New figures from Enterprise Ireland appear to back up this assertion. A survey of 427 Enterprise Ireland companies exporting to the UK has found that 89pc see future opportunities in that market. They also show that despite Brexit, four in five companies say their strategy is to grow exports to the UK.

Nevertheless, Irish companies are still facing practical and logistical problems moving goods across the Irish Sea, said McPartlin.

"They're working through it systematically. This is not over and the teething problems are not going to be a matter of just getting magicked away. New systems came into place, and every time a new system comes into place, there's always associated teething problems with anything. And companies have also realised that there are new levels of complexity that they hadn't expected and they're in the process of working through them."

Some problems may not even have fully manifested themselves yet because the volume of traffic has been lower due to stockpiling and because the UK has introduced easements for an initial six month period to help keep trading routes open.

But McPartlin believes that the UK will remain the right choice of market for many Irish companies. "It's not a case of telling a client where to export to. They will decide that for themselves. But my message would be: don't, don't let the bureaucracy of trade put you off."

Barriers to trade, which have increased due to Brexit, should just be one factor, she said.

"But an attractive market has all sorts of factors - the size of your customer base, the ability to understand that customer base and to understand the competitive landscape you're operating in. The similarities and familiarity between Ireland and the UK will continue to make it a compelling market for Irish companies."

At the height of the political tensions around Brexit, particularly when the Irish border was the key issue, there were strains on the wider relationship.

"There was a slant taken in some of the red tops," she said. "But when it comes down to it there are six million people here in the UK who trace back some kind of Irish ancestry so I think there is an underlying goodwill towards Ireland. From over here when you were looking at how the UK and Brexit were being discussed in Ireland you could see there was hurt and then you'd worry that it was tipping into schadenfreude in some circles."

"Fundamentally, Ireland's success is dependent on the success of its near markets and, whether it's Europe or the UK, for so many companies based in Ireland, the UK just remains such a critical market. So it is in all of our interests that the UK is successful."

She believes that it is crucial that the business relationship between the two islands "isn't threatened or undermined by our emotional response to Brexit, whatever it may be".

"From a business perspective, we're entirely pragmatic. There was a variety of views within the UK, but within the UK they have moved on and, regardless of whether they voted remain or leave, what they're focused on - surprise, surprise - is making their country and their businesses a success.

"Taking the emotion of the politics out of the business relationship has always been the best thing that companies can do. When Brexit happened, there was an emotional responses on all sides. And sometimes in Ireland, we might have forgotten that a lot of people in the UK actually voted for Brexit," she said.
Virtual Weather Talks Offered to Local Teachers

By National Weather Service

PADUCAH - The National Weather Service in Paducah is offering educators the opportunity to have a meteorologist visit with your class, and do a virtual school talk about weather.Local meteorologists can be available for teachers across southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, western Kentucky and southwest Indiana who would like to request a meteorologist from the National Weather Service office in Paducah to virtually speak to their class.Click below to complete a request form, and someone will contact you about scheduling a presentation.On the Net:

The Coordinations Committee of Partys Youth Leaders and Politicians (CPYP) signed on Saturday a cooperation and partnership protocol in Cairo with the 'Willis Towers Watson company to evaluate and develop youth leaderships in Egypt, a joint press release said.

According to the signed protocol, the Willis Towers Watson Company will design and provide individualised, specialised tests for all members of the CPYP in order to measure the various abilities and skills of leadership in the various executive and legislative fields, in order for CPYP to be able to develop a development plan for the members of the coordination based on these scientific tests.

The evaluation process for the CPYP's members will be done through the use of the global Saville Assessment Tool, which is a set of very advanced tests that are used in recruiting, building and leading youth talent as well as preparing them for future leadership positions in many important international entities, whether in the fields of finance and business or in the areas of political and international decision-making, the press release added.

The CPYP - established in 2018 - includes members of 25 political parties from various political orientations and currently has become one of the most prominent political entities in Egypt. It aims to grow political life and work with youth to put an end to the state of polarisation and to find common ground.

The Willis Towers Watson company, established in 1828, is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company. It helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With 45,000 employees serving more than 140 countries and markets, the company provides help to its clients around the world in converting risks into growth opportunities.

Its goals are to make sure that employee benefits are used in the best way, to develop skills and invest in them, as well as make sure that the available resources are used in the best way for the institutions and their employees.

"I am happy to cooperate with the CPYP to help it select future leaders using the global Saville Assessment Tools that are used to recruit, build and lead youth talent and prepare them for future leadership positions," said General Manager of Willis Towers Watson in Egypt Hamed Mabrouk.

We have served the Egyptian market for the past 20 years, and through our long experience in the Egyptian market, we have realised the need in the market to change the way administrative authorities deal with human capital as it is the main driver of success," Mabrouk noted.

From his side, a Member of Parliament and Head of the Training and Development Committee at CPYP Ahmed Fathy said that "the protocol will constitute a milestone in the process of creating political work cadres in Egypt, for the first time the scientific method will be used to measure the capabilities and skills of young people involved in political work and public work, this is to achieve a greater understanding of the talents and capabilities they possess and to be recruited later to serve the nation in all areas of decision-making."

"It is important to have scientific tools that can understand and analyse the capabilities of young leaders, in order to make the best use of their efforts, enthusiasm and to employ their energy in the right place," said Fathy.

Moreover, Fathi added that "the CPYP will continue to prove every day that it is a cornerstone in development of the political situation in Egypt and that it transfers to a rank befitting a country of the size and importance of Egypt. Egypt's youth are its wealth and its weapon in comprehensive development and its protection by all means."

In addition to its members that affiliated from about 25 political parties, the CPYP also includes more than 40 independent youth working in politics and they do not belong to any party.

According to the joint press release, the CPYP reflects the state of diversity in the Egyptian street, as it includes in its membership political youth and political parties from all directions, from the far right to the far left, who support and oppose their various political ideas.

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A second woman has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in a years-long drug operation that federal and local authorities say operated in Vidor for years and was connected to at least three overdose deaths.

Michelle Lea Harrington, 51, was sentenced on Friday to five years in federal prison for maintaining a drug-related premises. Prosecutors said she owned and lived at the property that was base for the drug operation that had been under investigation since June 2019.

Harrington had pleaded guilty to the charge in September

This conviction of a landlord who permitted the distribution of opioid pills in her residence is a clear message that our community will not tolerate those perpetuating the opioid crisis in southeast Texas, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Nicholas J. Ganjei said in a statement.

Last month, U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone sentenced another Vidor woman to 15 years in federal prison in connection with the same case. Catherine Ardis, 62, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess a controlled substance, hydromorphone, with intent to distribute it.

The federal prosecutors office said Harrington rented the house to Ardis and two other people.

A woman who lives near the home on FM 105 North in Vidor told The Enterprise last month that Harrington inherited the home after her parents died in 2014. The neighbor, April Cryer Phillips, said she noticed what appeared to be drug activity as soon as Harrington took control of the home.

It just escalated from then. They started pushing drugs out of the house and it started getting worse, Phillips said. I noticed it right away. They started selling everything in the house.

Phillips and another neighbor said they also had items stolen from their yards.

Vidor police Chief Rod Carroll earlier called the investigation very complicated because Ardis was very careful about who she dealt with. The Vidor Police Department took part in the investigation along with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office and the Beaumont and Port Arthur police departments.

In addition to three overdose deaths, police and neighbors say another man who lived nearby was killed after being struck by a vehicle driven by a man under the influence of drugs.

jorge.ramos@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/byjorgeramos

Sydney's worst traffic camera black spot has been revealed - and it raised $1.5 million in September from 300 bad drivers per day.

The combined speed and red light cameras on Oxford St, Darlinghurst, at the corner of Crown St, have been revealed as Sydney's biggest revenue raisers.

Deep in the heart of Sydney's trendy inner-city, the fixed cameras snapped one driver speeding or running red lights every five minutes on average.

A combined speed/red light camera on Oxford St near Crown St is Sydney's biggest revenue raiser after speed limits were reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h on June 5 (stock image)

In December last year the top-earning mobile speed camera location was at the Hume Highway, Casula, which brought in a comparatively low $80,446.

One reason the Oxford St speed camera is so lucrative is because the NSW Government recently changed the speed limit.

On June 5 last year, the limit dropped from 50km/h to 40km/h from College St to Flinders St at Taylor Square - catching many drivers unaware.

Oxford St near the intersection of Crown St, looking west towards the city. The camera catches speeding motorists in the eastbound lane (oncoming) doing 50km/h in a 40km/h zone

Kerryn Phelps, City of Sydney councillor (pictured in July 2019), said locals were getting angry about the random speed reductions on Oxford St, complaining it was 'revenue raising'

Some were caught when their GPS showed the old 50km/h limit.

'I drove down Oxford St on Wednesday and noticed this camera because it was flashing catching lots of people,' one motorist shared online on June 19.

'That afternoon I drove home along the same stretch and it flashed me. I was doing 50 and according to my GPS that was the speed limit.

'What I had not seen was one small 40 sign at the start of this section of road (which looks like it applies to the small street that veers off Taylor Square) and further up a larger sign which says 40 km/h and warns of the speed camera.'

So many drivers were caught by the fixed cameras at Oxford St, that the NSW Government began warning motorists instead of fining them in early October.

The authorities gave drivers a 31-day grace period, after which they resumed fining.

This just confused some drivers more.

'Still no fine in mail neither in my service app. I'm still worried. Do you guys think I will still get one? It's been 25 days,' wrote one concerned driver in October - after others were fined in August.

So many drivers were fined at the Oxford St camera that the authorities introduced a 31-day grace period, which confused motorists further as some got fines while others did not

Former Member for Wentworth and now City of Sydney councillor Kerryn Phelps said locals had been complaining as the speed changes affected only parts of Oxford St, seemingly at random.

'I think we really need to see more consistency with the speed zones in the city but also better signage,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Since the June 5 speed limit downgrade, the speed camera at the notorious Oxford St intersection has punished 36,667 drivers with fines, worth just over $6 million.

The red light camera pinged 577 drivers at the intersection, fining them just over $300,000.

Warning signs have been removed from mobile speed cameras - also stripped of their markings - making it harder for motorists to detect (pictured, a mobile speed checking car). This has increased fine revenue for mobile cameras by 6.1 times

The 23 new mobile phone detection cameras deployed across NSW have also been hard at work raising a preliminary $63.75 million in fines from 153,638 motorists in the 10 months since last March when they were installed.

Fines on company-owned vehicles are reduced if the company dobs in the driver.

Some motorists reacted with outrage at the revelation.

'63.75 million dollars from 23 cameras. That's a lot of ordinary citizens being regarded as criminals. Perhaps the chancellor should just decree that driving is a crime?' wrote one person on Whirlpool.

The NSW Government is also continuing its program of removing warning signs for mobile speeding cameras, which has so far increased revenue by 6.1 times.

NSW introduced 23 new mobile phone detection cameras (pictured) last March. They have since raised a provisional $63.75 million in fines from 153,638 motorists

Motorists such as the one pictured are being fined millions of dollars for breaking the rules

The changes were announced in November with figures revealing that in December 2020 the mobile speed cameras raked in $2.5 million.

In December 2019 when motorists still had the portable reflective warning signs 250m before the camera to help them, the fines only brought in $400,000.

The 45 mobile speed cameras in NSW have also had their hours tripled, from 7000 hours per month to 21,000 hours per month and they can now catch drivers speeding in both directions.

Monash University Accident Research Centre modelling found the changes could save between 34 and 43 lives a year.

National motoring editor for Caradvice.com.au Joshua Dowling wrote that NSW had posted its lowest road toll in 97 years in 2020 - before the signs were removed.

Transport for NSW spokeswoman Tara McCarthy said speeding contributed to 139 road deaths in NSW in 2020, or 47 per cent of the total.

By contrast, 807 people committed suicide in NSW in the 12 months to November according to NSW Government data, claiming far more lives than the road toll.
Hyderabad, Feb 21 : The primary opposition Congress in Telangana received another jolt on Sunday, as former MLA and party's Medchal Malkajgiri district Unit President, K. Srisailam Goud, on Sunday announced his decision to quit the party and would join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) later during the day.

Goud said he was resigning from party posts and the primary membership of the party.

He stated that he was pained to see the party's position in the state during the last six years. Goud said despite being in the opposition, the Congress failed to take up people's issues.

Goud along with some BJP leaders left for New Delhi on Sunday. He is likely to formally join the saffron party later in the day.

He has been in touch with BJP National Vice President D.K. Aruna and party's state unit chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar for the last few days.

Goud was disappointed over the Congress' disastrous performance in the recent elections in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

He is the second leader to quit Congress and join the BJP. Veteran actor and former MP Vijayashanti quit Congress and joined the BJP in December 2020. The development came after the BJP wrested Dubbaka Assembly seat from ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in the by-election and the party put up an impressive show in the GHMC polls.

Srisailam Goud had contested as an independent candidate from Quthbullapur Assembly constituency in 2009 after Congress denied him a ticket. He later became an associate member of the Congress.

In 2013, Srisailam Goud joined the YSR Congress Party but a few months later returned to the Congress. In 2014 and 2018, he contested as a Congress candidate but lost on both the occasions.
New Delhi:

Rajasthan Food and Agriculture Minister Babulal Verma's car met with an accident on Tuesday morning near Kota.



The minister has suffered head injuries and his assistant lost his life.

According to initial reports, the minister met with an accident in the wee hours of the morning at Similia near Kota, Rajasthan.



More details are awaited.

Rajasthan Minister BabuLal Verma critically injured after his car hit a buffalo in Kota last night. One person dead and another also injured pic.twitter.com/1qE6SukJBM  ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017

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A freak winter storm hit Texas this past week, bringing Arctic temperatures that plunged residents into the dark and cold. Electric power generating plants froze because they were not hardened against below-zero temperatures. The disaster exposed weaknesses in the states independent power grid, its preparedness for climate disruptions and governments pro-business, anti-regulation approach to utilities.

Editorial cartoonists skewered Texas exceptionalism by drawing shivering cows, cowering cowboys and windmills encased in ice. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz flew his family to Cancun, Mexico, to escape the cold, but a political firestorm forced him to return home the next day.

While Texans tried to get warm, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sought to cool the controversy over his handling of nursing home deaths from Covid-19. The Cuomo administration delayed releasing a full accounting of the number of residents who died from the virus. Federal authorities are investigating. Michael Ramirez of the Las Vegas Review-Journal depicted the governor as King Kong atop the Empire State Building, under attack by the truth. New York Daily News cartoonist Bill Bramhall presented Cuomo with another Emmy, this one for cover-ups, and drew him flogging his book about leadership.

Cartoonists also remarked on the death of conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh, some kindly and others not so kindly; the war of words between former President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell after Trumps impeachment acquittal; Trumps grip on the Republican Party; and President Joe Bidens immigration reform proposal.

Cartoons were drawn by Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Dan Wasserman, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and A.F. Branco, Mike Luckovich and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate.

View more editorial cartoon galleries.
NEWS that an Offaly village will be among the recipients of the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme announced recently has been welcomed by Martin Buckley, Chairperson of The Development Association, a body which represents thirteen local groups throughout the area.

Members of the Pullough Development Association, who have been working hard behind the scenes by identifying needs and solutions as well as submitting applications, are delighted that Pullough has been recognised and rewarded and look forward to been consulted when the process starts.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a Government rural initiative and is part of a package of national and local support measures to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by the Local Authorities, including Offaly County Council.

Pullough, well known for its strong voluntary and community spirit, has been highlighted over the past few year at national and county level for its resilience and is showcased as an example of how locals can come together to fight rural decline.

Pullough Community Shop, run by volunteers, won the Volunteer Ireland Outstanding Group award and this set the scene for locals to come together and fight for its share of the pie.

Martin Buckley has gone onto represent his village at County and National Level, has built good relationships within Pullough and with other stakeholders in the cv sector including council representatives and officials is very hopeful for the future of the village.

A sum of 100000 from the Town & Village renewal scheme has been earmarked for Pullough to enhance public realm including upgrading footpaths, lighting and signage to improve accessibility to the Cycle Cafe from the Grand Canal Greenway.

The Cycle Cafe, adjacent to Pullough Community Shop, will hope to serve the expected footfall of cyclists and walkers from The Greenway as well as people using their boats and visiting the new Pullough Loop Walks around the village.

Picturesque Pullough, situated 'halfway between Tullamore and Lough Boora' has seen a reverse in social isolation and rural decline over the past few year with thanks to the locals who continue to fight back.
The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office is investigating the Friday night stabbing of a 32-year-old man.

Deputies and paramedics responded after a driver found the man lying near Eaden Road about 10 p.m., yelling that he had been stabbed, according to the sheriffs office. The agency said the man had cuts to his chest, arm and head and faced life-threatening injuries.

Emergency responders sent him to an unspecified, nearby hospital on an air ambulance. The man remained in critical condition Saturday afternoon.

The sheriffs office said it will not immediately identify the victim. Authorities dont believe there is a broader danger to the public.

Deputies ask anyone who has information to call 503-723-4949 or leave a tip online.

-- Mike Rogoway
As these things usually go, it wouldnt take long before the new airplane needed to be used. Starting with 1950, it became one of Americas primary warplanes deployed over the battlefields of North Korea, going out on over 86,000 combat missions.Historically, the aircraft was an important one on several accounts. It was one of the first winged war machines to be deployed by NATO nations, and it became the first aircraft to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team. Also, it was the first production aircraft to be capable of in-flight refueling, and the first of its kind to be capable of holding a nuclear weapon.By the time they were retired, in 1964, there were over 7,500 of them made in a number of variants. Thunderjets were powered by one Allison turbojet engine that gave them a top speed of 622 mph (1,001 kph) and a combat range of 1,000 miles (1,600 km). They were armed with Browning machine guns and could carry up to 4,450 lb (2,020 kg) of rockets and bombs, including, as said, a nuclear one.The Thunderjet we have here is of the F-84G variety, of which over 3,000 were made. It was the version that had an improved canopy, and a larger engine with higher airflow. Presently, it cant be flown, as work on it is far from ready, but it is for sale and waiting for someone to take it home in exchange for $124,000.According to the sellers post on Platinum Fighters , this planes frame was x-rayed and does not come with faults that could prevent its restoration. It is going complete with numerous spare and new parts collected over 10 years, and sells either alone or, for $229,000, complete with the pair of Grumman F9F Panthers we talked about yesterday.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren D-Massachusetts in Great Barrington in 2018. Warren is pledging to donate a portion of proceeds from her picture book to Girls Inc. of the Berkshires.
The first and only Black woman to fly the U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft has a starring role in a CBS reality show highlighting "everyday Americans" who use their physical and mental toughness to overcome challenges.

The second season of "Tough as Nails," which began airing Feb. 10, is far from Merryl Tengesdal's first time testing her grit, though.

"I don't think it's for everyone," Tengesdal, who retired as an Air Force colonel in 2017, said in an interview Monday about flying the impressive U-2. "I joke about the community -- in a good way -- [when I say] that you have to be a little bit not quite right to want to fly this aircraft, because it's difficult  "You come back from a 10-hour mission. You're tired. You're sweaty. So for a lot of people, they're like, 'Thanks but no thanks.'"

Read Next: Marines Investigating Woman's TikTok Video Claims that General Allowed Perpetrator to Stay in Uniform

Tengesdal said flying the Dragon Lady was physically demanding in ways most people never experience.

"You put your body under a lot of physiological pressures that some people would not like to be under. The movement in the suit is difficult. You're not hearing much, except your breathing, maybe a bit from the hum of the engine.  You're basically sitting at Mount Everest altitudes breathing 100% oxygen."

Tengesdal hopes viewers can see for themselves the inner toughness that enabled her to be a pioneer despite all the challenges.

"A U-2 may be a single-seat aircraft, but you need a team of people to get you to where you are to be able to do the mission," Tengesdal said. "I think in 'Tough as Nails,' especially for that team competition part, it's very important to bring that skill set to the table."

Lt. Col. Merryl Tengesdal and other contestants from the CBS show "Tough as Nails". (Cliff Lipson/CBS 2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved)

In one of the latest episodes, two teams -- "Dirty Hands" vs. "Savage Crew" -- face off to stack fishing crates onto separate boats and bag slimy eels before the clock runs out. Tengesdal, part of Savage Crew, was the team lead for the crate stacking challenge. Her group came in second. "Thats on me," Tengesdal says to her team during the episode. "I should have planned better, I should have done better."

"I think one thing about being a good leader, you have to know when to step forward, when to step back, when to help out, when to keep your mouth shut, when to speak up," Tengesdal said during the interview, reflecting on her time on the show.

"I'm hoping that I was able to bring a lot of that to the table, because at the end of the day, I wanted to see our team win."

Tengesdal said she'd also wanted to dispel the perception that officers "stand around and tell other people what to do" and demonstrate her individual abilities and skills.

Path to the Air Force

At first, Tengesdal wasn't drawn to serving in the Air Force. She saw herself as a bit more outgoing than her ROTC peers in college, but her dream was always to become a pilot and, later, an astronaut.

She looked into the Army's warrant officer program, but then found herself on a five-day bus trip to San Diego, where she took the required test for a pilot slot in the Navy.

Tengesdal attended Officer Candidate School in the Navy and was commissioned as an ensign following her graduation from the University of New Haven in Connecticut in 1994. She flew the SH-60 B Seahawk and then became a T-6 Texan II instructor pilot at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, for the Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training program at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

In 2004, she cross-commissioned into the Air Force, joining the elite community of fewer than 1,000 pilots in the U-2 program.

Tengesdal, who now lives in northern California with her family, spoke with Military.com on the barriers still affecting service members, her aviation experience and why she ended up ditching her astronaut aspirations. Her comments have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Military.com: The population of female pilots across the military community is small, with few Black female pilots. Do you think there is something the Defense Department should be doing to attract more Black aviators?

Tengesdal: I saw a few weeks ago that the Air Force Inspector General put out a report on racial disparities. So they've put on paper and acknowledged that there's some disparities. That's a great first step. [Tengesdal served as the director of inspections for the Air Force IG in her last assignment.] Other things like changing grooming standards, and making people feel like just the way they look is more acceptable, I think is a step in the right direction. The reason why I say that is because when I was in the Navy, I was flying T-6s, and as a Black woman, it was always a challenge of what to do with your hair.

Keeping it natural was, I don't wanna say frowned upon, but a lot of people didn't do that. And I was at Randolph [for] instructor training ... and I was just so tired of how my hair looked. And I said, 'You know what, I'm just gonna get some locks. I'm tired of this.' It wasn't in the regulations. But as a Navy person [at an Air Force base], I wasn't really questioned too much on this because they didn't know Navy rules. I was just so tired of putting chemicals in my hair. I think people were afraid to come up to me and question me.

When I applied for the U-2 program, I remember my commander at the time told me that [heading into the Air Force] I should have a more conservative hairstyle. He was aware of the environment. He wanted to see me do well in the interview. The military has come a long way since that because now, the way I wear my hair, there are people who wear their hair like that and it's not a big deal. It's just nice to be able to openly talk about that. It's not perfect, [but] hopefully it will continue to improve as we move on.

Lt. Col. Merryl Tengesdal (Cliff Lipson/CBS 2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved)

Military.com: During your career, you logged more than 3,400 flight hours and more than 330 combat hours across the various airframes you flew. What was the most memorable U-2 mission and one that seemed intimidating or unnerving?

Tengesdal: For me, there was no scary mission. There were times when I was uncomfortable. Turbulence affects that aircraft quite a bit. If you went into moderate turbulence, I did not really appreciate watching the wings flex the way they did. The wingspan is 104.8 feet; so when you're hitting turbulence, that aircraft works pretty hard. My most memorable experience was my first mission over Afghanistan [in 2005]. I had just come back from Korea. I had never been over the [Middle East area of operations] before. Some of the products that day resulted in some losses for insurgents, for the Taliban. So when I came back, my commander was pretty happy about it, and wanted to talk a lot about it. But I mean, at that point, that was 12 hours after and I just wanted to get some sleep. Overall, I felt pretty good about what had gone on.

Military.com: What drew you to it?

Tengesdal: It reminded me of the Navy helicopter community ... that wanted to work as a team and get the mission done. And, you know, the fact that you're flying above 70,000 feet.  If there [aren't] people on the International Space Station, you're the highest person flying that day, and I thought that was pretty cool.

We have a whole array of sensors that you could just plug and play in the aircraft similar to the H-60. One day you'd be doing a mission over the horizon targeting, the next you're hunting subs, the next you're doing a search-and-rescue mission, the next you may be doing comm[unications] relay for two ships. [In the U-2], it's the same versatility, in that everyday is not the same. That's probably why I don't sit [behind] an office desk, right? Every day is a new challenge.

Military.com: Last year, the Air Force flew an artificial intelligence system on the U-2 acting as a pilot's sidekick. What are your thoughts on this achievement?

Tengesdal: I think it's impressive that you have an aircraft that has been around for 60-something years, and it's still keeping up with the latest trends, if you will. It's a cool aircraft that is changing with the times. And it's always surprising me about what ... it could do. A couple of times, they've wanted to get rid of the U-2, but it does things that other aircraft just can't. I'm proud to be a part of that ever-changing evolution of the U-2.

Military.com: Your ultimate goal was to become an astronaut. What made you change your path?

Tengesdal: Following [my work with the IG], I knew I probably would not make NASA at this point. So to what end am I going to stay in the military? To gain rank? I love leadership challenges, I love being in leadership positions. But at this point, I had a four-year-old. I just wanted to do things that my mom wasn't able to do, and [be there] more for my kids. [Tengesdal's son is now eight, and she also has a six-year-old foster daughter whom she and her husband plan to adopt this summer.]

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

Related: The Air Force's Lifesaving U-2 Space Suit Is Evolving to Meet Modern Challenges
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 10:05:05|Editor: huaxia

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LOS ANGELES, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- A United Airlines flight with more than 200 people on board made a safe emergency landing at Denver International Airport on Saturday after a right engine explosion in the air. No injuries were reported.

"Flight 328 from Denver to Honolulu experienced an engine failure shortly after departure, returned safely to Denver and was met by emergency crews as a precaution," a statement issued by the airline company said.

The Boeing 777-200 airplane took off at 12:15 p.m. local time (1915 GMT). It turned back and landed safely at around 1:30 p.m. (2030 GMT) after its crew reported an engine issue, local media said.

Debris from the plane was scattered across three different neighborhoods, authorities said, adding that there were no reports of any injuries on the ground. Enditem
The Project's Lisa Wilkinson has delivered a heartfelt message to a young Liberal staffer who has spoken out after allegedly being raped in Parliament House.

Brittany Higgins went public last week with the allegation she was sexually assaulted by a male colleague, widely regarded as a 'rising star' within the party, inside Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' office in 2019.

Ms Higgins, then-24 years old, said she felt pressured to stay silent to prevent a political scandal and keep her dream job as a ministerial media adviser to Ms Reynolds.

The explosive claims have rocked Canberra as the Morrison Government plunges into damage control and calls mount for systematic reform of working conditions for parliamentary staffers.

Brittany Higgins(pictured) came forward last week with the allegation she was raped in Parliament House by a male colleague in 2019

Addressing the political fallout on The Project on Sunday, Ms Wilkinson slammed the Prime Minister for presiding over a culture that 'encourages teams to see a woman asking for help as a political problem'.

'Prime Minister, you indicated this week, that after a full day to consider what Brittany says she experienced, you needed your wife to tell you how to react. I wonder if that means that you too have now fallen victim to the culture?,' she said.

The journalist then thanked Ms Higgins for 'refusing to be silenced' as for shining a spot light on the 'concerning culture' in parliament house.

'Brittany, as one of the many Australians who were inspired by you this week, thank you for telling us your story,' the host said.

'Thank you for finding your voice in the face of enormous political pressure, and publicly and privately refusing to be silenced.

'This week you changed the national conversation for survivors of sexual assault. You told us of the shocking culture of parliament house and what women supporting women should actually look like.'

'We hope that now you truly do get the justice you, for far too long, have been denied.'

The Project's Lisa Wilkinson (pictured) thanked Ms Higgins on the show on Sunday night for 'refusing to be silenced' in the face of 'enormous political pressure'

Senator Reynolds has known about the alleged rape for more than two years but did not inform the prime minister to respect Ms Higgins' privacy and welfare.

The Australian Federal Police confirmed on Thursday a senior AFP member - described by the prime minister in parliament as an assistant commissioner - had met with Senator Reynolds and her chief of staff on April 4, 2019 'in relation to allegations of sexual assault in the minister's office on March 23, 2019'.

Ms Higgins was not present at the meeting.

'The AFP has engaged with the Department of Parliamentary Services and Presiding Officers (the House Speaker and Senate President) a number of times,' the AFP said.

'The matter is an open investigation and further commentary could be prejudicial.'

Mr Morrison said he did not want to add to Ms Higgins' stress after she accused him of victim-blaming in response to her complaint.

'I am very sorry she feels that way,' he told parliament on Thursday.

'She must be under tremendous stress over the course of this week. She has shown great courage and great bravery in speaking up.'

An independent review into the workplaces of parliamentarians and their staff has been launched, and counsellors will soon be made available at Parliament House.

Mr Morrison has publicly admonished Senator Reynolds for failing to tell him, and senior cabinet colleagues are distancing themselves from the minister.

Senator Reynolds on Thursday provided another statement to the Senate, showing emotion as she recounted what happened and when.

The minister says she became aware of the alleged rape 'incrementally over a period of days' after March 26, when Ms Higgins and another former staffer were called into her office.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison apologised that Ms Higgins feels he has been victim-blaming in response to her allegations of being raped at Parliament House

The pair had allegedly gained unauthorised access to the minister's office - which Ms Higgins said was when the rape occurred - and the meeting related to that breach.

Senator Reynolds said she met with Ms Higgins again on April 1 to let her know she could speak to police if she wanted to pursue a complaint.

Ms Higgins has said she felt pressure to choose between reporting the matter to police and keeping her job.

Senator Reynolds has apologised.

'At the time this was a difficult, it was a complex, and it was a highly sensitive matter,' she said.

'At all times, to me, Brittany's welfare and her right to privacy were paramount to me. To my part I am deeply sorry that Brittany felt unsupported at the time of the incident and in the months that followed, and in fact the years that followed.'

The prime minister also remains under scrutiny over what he knew about the allegations, given at least two of his staff were involved in handling the staffer's complaint.

Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek has applauded Ms Higgins for speaking out.

'Your bravery will give other women courage and make this a safer workplace for all,' she told parliament.

Montreal-based publisher Joseph John wanted his comic book "Citizen Canada" to reflect the country's diverse history by having the titular hero speak English, French and Cree.

Montreal-based publisher Joseph John wanted his comic book "Citizen Canada" to reflect the country's diverse history by having the titular hero speak English, French and Cree.

But when he started entering the Indigenous superhero's dialogue into Google Translate he found that Cree, the most common First Nations language in Canada, is not an option on the app.

John then took it upon himself to create an online petition urging Google to make Cree available on its translation app. A user-experience designer by trade, the publisher said he wants to help preserve the Indigenous language.

"I'm not an activist, I'm just a ... designer," said John. "Making comics has always been my passion (but) I want my comic to be especially helpful to Indigenous people, I want to help First Nations peoples."

The preamble to John's petition points out that Maori, the language of Aboriginal people in New Zealand, is available on Google Translate. New Zealand government data suggests there are approximately 50,000 Maori speakers there, but data from Statistics Canada's 2016 census shows there were more than 96,000 Cree speakers in Canada when information was gathered.

Simon Bird  the creator of Cree Simons Says, a Facebook group with more than 20,000 followers that teaches people how to speak the First Nations language  said he would welcome the addition of his native language to Google Translate as a tool for beginner or intermediate speakers.

"Once there's a common understanding of the language between a fluent speaker and someone that doesn't know the language at all, I think that's going to be the real benefit," said Bird, who is also the director of education for Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan.

Cree, part of the Algonquin language family, has nine dialects that are spoken in a vast geographic region that stretches from Labrador to Alberta and the Northwest Territories, according to figures from the territorial government.

Bird said although there are certain modern words that differ between the various Cree dialects, the heart of the language is the same across Canada.

Molly Morgan, a spokeswoman for Google, said that Cree is among the many Indigenous languages included in the company's Noto font project but added incorporating it into the Translate app is a more complicated process.

"We're gradually adding languages over time but our system needs lots of examples to learn from," said Morgan. "Unfortunately we dont have a timeline for that specific language. The process of adding a language to Translate takes a big concerted effort from contributors."

John, who emigrated from Bangalore, India, in 2007, said he hopes that his comic will help his fellow immigrants better understand First Nations people. He hopes that "Citizen Canada' will help them understand the difference between First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.

"I don't want people to think of Indigenous people as tragic or victims or any of that, I want them to think of them as superheroes," said John.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 21, 2021.
Johann Chuckaree is the epitome of the modern Indo-Trinidadian.

The 31-year-old is a proud descendant of East Indian indentured labourers. Prays to Jesus Christ. And plays the pan.

The Woodbrook-born musician exuded equal passion for all three during a virtual sitting with the Kitcharee on Thursday night.
Vicky McClure has opened up about her wedding hopes. (Getty Images)

Like many couples in the past year, Vicky McClure and her fiance Jonny Owen have had their wedding hopes dashed due to the pandemic.

The Line Of Duty actress, 37, has admitted that she is "desperate for it to happen" in the near future, after the pair became engaged in 2017.

Speaking to The Sunday Times' Style magazine, the TV star explained that her work schedule meant they couldn't tie the knot in 2019, with coronavirus getting in their way ever since.

She said: "Id dreamt about getting married since I was a kid. I love the concept of marriage, I love the concept of a wedding, Im a sucker for love. So Im desperate for it to happen.

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McClure added: "Some days you think lets just sod off to Gretna Green, other days you think lets do it abroad, and then you end up with a full-blown church wedding."

However, she admitted of her wedding planner future: "Id come up with crazy ideas, then look at the logistics and go absolutely no. But I definitely want a nice white dress."

Watch: Wedding industry 'on its knees'

The This Is England star met Owen, 49, on the set of film Svengali nine years ago, and the couple live together in Nottingham, where they are currently spending lockdown.

She said that she's "glad" the pandemic has given her the opportunity to spend much more time with her other half, who is an actor, producer, writer and radio host.

The Line Of Duty star is engaged to actor, producer, writer and radio host Jonny Owen. (Getty Images)

The pair recently spent three months apart while McClure filmed the latest season of Line Of Duty on a coronavirus-secure set.

Series six of the show  in which she plays detective inspector Kate Fleming  is due to air on BBC1 shortly, and will have an extra seventh episode.

Her comments on her forthcoming nuptials come as Laura Whitmore admitted she was glad to have been forced to have a small, intimate ceremony late last year due to the pandemic.

Speaking to The Telegraph's Stella magazine, the TV presenter joked when asked if she fretted about who to include on her big day: "I mean, Im Irish so, unless the whole country comes to the wedding..."

Story continues

Whitmore added: "It worked out in our favour as a lot of people assumed we did it small because of COVID."

She explained that it turned out precisely as she and husband Iain Stirling would have wished for in normal times, noting: "We knew a year ago, pre-pandemic, what we wanted to do and we were lucky that we were able to do exactly what we wanted."
President Joe Biden toured a Pfizer vaccine production facility in Portage this week, highlighting the role the company and its workers in are playing in the fight against the pandemic.

The president talked about the logistics and the challenges the country is facing to get enough people vaccinated to defeat the pandemic during the visit on Friday, Feb. 19. Biden highlighted the work going on at Pfizer, and thanked others for their efforts to fight the virus.

Related: In Michigan, Biden says end of coronavirus pandemic will come when Americans take vaccine

Michigan has administered 1,787,509 vaccine doses, as of Feb. 18.

Heres a look at the latest COVID-19 vaccination updates from across the state:

 Bay County COVID-19 vaccine registrants should keep checking email, phones for appointments

 Genesee County: Mott Foundation grant provides meals for volunteers at COVID-19 vaccine sites

 Jackson County passes 30K doses administered as COVID vaccination efforts continue

 Kalamazoo County has administered more than 54K doses of the COVID-19 vaccine

 Kent County: More than 136K COVID-19 vaccine doses administered so far

 Muskegon County: COVID vaccine providers growing; heres how to get on their waiting lists

 Saginaw County administers more than 1K doses of COVID-19 vaccine despite snowstorm

 Washtenaw County seniors, essential workers continue to roll through vaccine clinics

Read more:

As President Biden heads to Pfizer plant, residents waiting for COVID-19 vaccine voice fear, frustration

Pfizer workers, past and present, cheer on vaccine maker ahead of President Bidens Portage visit

Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work against new variants, new studies say
Abdullah advocates dialogue with Pak to end terrorism in J&K

India

pti-Deepika S

Jammu, Feb 21: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday advocated dialogue with Pakistan to end terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, saying friendship holds the key to development in the region.

"Terrorism is still prevalent (in Jammu and Kashmir) contrary to their (BJPs) claim that we have finished it. If we want to finish it, we have to talk with our neighbour," Abdullah said.

Talking to reporters during a visit to a market here, the former chief minister of the erstwhile state remembered former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee''s words "you can change your friends but not your neighbours" and said "either we grow friendship and prosper or continue the enmity, then there will be no prosperity".

He was responding to a question about the terrorist attack on police in Bhagat locality of Srinagar on February 19, which left two policemen dead.

"This is the reality of the day. I appeal to the government to adopt the same approach as they had with China over the standoff in Ladakh and started withdrawal of its troops. The same is needed here to pull out J&K from this (terrorism)," he said.

LAC disengagement: India, China to solve issues in steady and orderly manner

Abdullah said the world has shrunk and the country like rest of the world is fighting coronavirus. "We have to solve this issue as well."

Asked whether he is hopeful of success of the ongoing Indo-China talks, the NC leader said "the issue is big because this line is not defined and so there are differences between the two powerful countries".

"Both the countries need to sit and define this line (Line of Actual Control) so that the issue is settled forever. Both the countries are powerful and the key to development lies in the friendship," he said.

Responding to a question on increasing petrol prices, Abdullah said, "I want to request the government to review its decision and reverse the hike to allow the poor to live".

"I heard they are buying it (petrol) at Rs 30 per litre and if they are selling it at Rs 100 per litre to the people, it is wrong. Where the middle class that has a fixed income would go? They have to run the household, pay school fees of their children, and take care of the sick as well. It (the government) has pushed the whole country into the crisis and needs to act fast to set it (petrol prices) right," he said.

Asked about his party boycotting the delimitation commission meeting, Abdullah said "we have already said that what they have done on August 5 (2019) we have not accepted it. When we have not accepted that, how could we accept delimitation commission for J&K."

On August 5, 2019, the Centre revoked the special status of J&K under Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.

"I myself (as chief minister) delayed the delimitation exercise because the delimitation was scheduled to take place in the country in 2026. What was the reason for carrying out the delimitation at this time? Why not they go for the exercise in the entire country instead of picking up only a few states? That is our issue," he said,

He added had they done it across the country, National Conference would have gladly joined the exercise but they have picked up J&K deliberately, therefore "we are not with it".

On the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal''s demand for imposition of ban on the use of ''pheran'' (a loose gown used by Kashmiris during winter to keep themselves warm during winter) after the assailant who attacked police was caught on camera wearing the garment to hide his weapon, Abdullah said "pheran is the identity of Kashmiris and if somebody has misused it, why defame it?"

"Without pheran, what can one do in minus 10 degrees Celsius? We hold the Kangri (fire pot) inside it. We don''t even have the electricity," he said, adding Kashmiris have worn the ''pheran'' even at the time when militancy was at its peak and "we will never discard the pheran."

He termed the attack on the policemen as tragic and said those behind it should be arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law of the land.

Earlier during the day, a group of Rashtriya Bajrang Dal activists staged an anti-Pakistan protest here over growing incidents of terror attacks and set ablaze the flag of the neighbouring country.

The protesters demanded a ban on the ''pheran''.
Liz Cheney (Colorado College 88) met with students in two political science classes at Colorado College in 2016. Among other things she explained why she was supporting Donald Trump for president in the 2016 elections.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 00:07:27|Editor: huaxia

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Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a key meeting to launch a campaign on Party history learning and education among all Party members in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC), the world's biggest Marxist ruling party with over 91 million members, on Saturday launched a campaign on Party history learning and education among all of its members.

Speaking at the campaign's launch meeting, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, called for efforts to study the Party's history, understand its theories, do practical work and make new advances.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, spoke of the need to embark on a new journey in high spirit to fully build a modern socialist China and welcome the Party's centenary with outstanding achievements.

Founded in 1921, the CPC has grown into the world's biggest Marxist ruling party in a century. It has been in power for over 70 years in the world's largest socialist country with 1.4 billion population.

The Party has stood the test of time, reversing China's fate from the continuous decline since the Opium War in the 1840s to steady progress toward prosperity.

Xi stressed the vital necessity of launching the campaign as the CPC stands at a critical juncture where the timeframes of its two centenary goals converge.

Xi urged Party committees at all levels to attentively implement the arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee on the campaign.

Zhu Qingping, a 104-year-old from the old revolutionary base in east China's Jiangxi Province, voiced his support for the campaign.

"Only by reviewing the Party's history can people living in peacetime truly understand why we chose to join the Red Army and then followed the Party wholeheartedly," said Zhu, who joined the Red Army in 1931.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a key meeting to launch a campaign on Party history learning and education among all Party members in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

EXTRAORDINARY PAST

"Our Party's history is a history of continuously adapting Marxism to the Chinese context," Xi said, calling for educating and guiding the whole Party to learn from its "extraordinary" past so as to understand how Marxism has profoundly changed China and the world.

He also called for efforts to equip the whole Party with the latest achievements in its theoretical innovation, and to use the theories to guide its practice and advance its work.

Throughout its 100-year history, the CPC has been of one mind with the people, breathed the same breath as the people, and shared weal and woe with the people, said Xi.

With people's trust and support, the CPC is invincible in the face of any obstacles, Xi said, adding that it is the duty of the Party to cement the unity of 1.4 billion Chinese people to create an unstoppable force to push forward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Xi stressed that the CPC must draw lessons from the past to tackle current challenges.

By urging CPC members to summarize past experience, the Party will improve its leadership and governance, and make itself more capable of fighting corruption, preventing degeneration and warding off risks, he said.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a key meeting to launch a campaign on Party history learning and education among all Party members in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

OPPOSE HISTORICAL NIHILISM

Xi called on all CPC members to carry forward the traditions from revolutionary times, maintain the brave spirit of the revolutionaries, and march toward a brand new journey.

Taking a clear-cut political stand as well as safeguarding the Party's unity and solidarity are the CPC's lifelines, and the key to its endeavors of building a large political party with a 100-year history and making historic achievements, Xi noted.

All CPC members should closely follow the CPC Central Committee in terms of the thinking, political stand and actions, and bring together the strength of the whole Party, he said.

Xi called on all Party members to attach great importance to the campaign, stressing the need to develop an accurate understanding of Party history, and urged CPC members to unequivocally oppose historical nihilism.

Efforts should be made to deliver services to the people and resolve their difficulties, Xi added, calling for combining Party history learning with summing up experience and solving practical problems.

Highlighting the importance of innovation in methods and means, Xi underscored solid work on promoting learning and education among juveniles to pass on the traditions of revolution through generations.

The meeting was presided over by Wang Huning, and attended by Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng -- who are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, as well as Vice President Wang Qishan.

Wang Huning said that the important speech delivered by Xi pointed out the direction for better launching the campaign on CPC history learning and education. 
A German-born archaeologist has been chosen to be the next director of Pompeii, which is still revealing its ancient mysteries centuries after a volcanic eruption destroyed the Roman city and is one of Italy's most popular tourist sites.

Culture Minister Dario Franceschini announced Saturday that Gabriel Zuchtriegel won out over 43 other candidates for the job.

Zuchtriegel, 39, has been directing another ancient marvel in southern Italy, the state archeological park of Paestum and Velia. He took up that post after Italy in 2015 started considering foreign candidates for state museum directorships, a change intended to bring fresh ideas and leadership approaches to the cultural institutions.

The Culture Ministry noted that since 2020, Zuchtriegel also has held Italian citizenship.

Archeological digs in Pompeii's ruins have yielded amazing discoveries in recent years, and large swaths await further excavation. In early 2015, Zuchtriegel himself worked on a project involving the Pompeii area.

He told Italian state RaiNews24 TV his new job will be "a great challenge."

The incoming director said Pompeii "is also a living place," referring to both recent exciting discoveries and the cultural events that are occasionally held at the archaeological park south of Naples, Italy.

Pompeii, a Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., has enjoyed a renaissance after falling on hard times. Parts of excavated sites crumbled from weather erosion and a lack of timely maintenance. Years of neglect and mismanagement had put Italy at risk of losing European Union funding.

But Italy embraced the challenge, making Pompeii safe for its visitors and preserving brilliantly hued frescoes and other unearthed wonders.

Pompeii is a superstar in the galaxy of Italian tourist sites. In 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic gutted tourism in Italy, Pompeii attracted 4 million visitors.

Explore further Pompeii's museum comes back to life to display amazing finds

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex doesnt have a daughter  yet  but shes already got a gift for her. Before marrying Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex in May 2018, and becoming part of the British royal family, Meghan shared what she plans on giving her daughter someday.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have 1 son

In October 2018, Meghan and Harry announced they were going to be parents. Meghan debuted her growing baby bump while on a royal tour of New Zealand, Tonja, Fiji, and Australia.

On May 6, 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Beaming, Harry publicly announced the news himself. Not given a title, Meghan and Harry made it clear they wanted their son to grow up out of the royal spotlight.

Two days after Archies birth, the couple introduced him to the world in a private photo call at Windsor Castle. Now nearing his second birthday, Archies made a few appearances. Meghan and Harry have shared photos of him and he even showed up at an official royal event in 2019. Most recently, Archie said Happy New Year with some help from dad, on Meghan and Harrys Archewell Audio podcast.

RELATED: Did Meghan Markle Read Archie a Book Given to Him by Oprah in Birthday Video? Fans Think So

Meghan Markle is saving her Cartier watch for her daughter

Meghans got a specific piece of jewelry she plans on giving her daughter if she ever has one. Before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan starred on Suits.

When the legal drama hit got renewed for a third season, she marked the occasion by gifting herself a watch. But not just any timepiece. Meghan bought a $22,000 Cartier watch she told Hello in 2015 shed always coveted.

When I found out Suits had been picked up for our third season  which, at the time, felt like such a milestone  I totally splurged and bought the two-tone version, she said, referring to Cartiers French Tank watch.

Meghan Markle | Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Meghan continued, saying she intended to pass it down to her daughter.

I had it engraved on the back, To M.M. From M.M. and I plan to give it to my daughter one day. Thats what makes pieces special, the connection you have to them, she said.

Since becoming a British royal, Meghans also been spotted wearing what appears to be a Cartier watch that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

RELATED: Meghan Markle Wore All Her Own Jewelry on Suits

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are expecting their second child

Meghan and Harry gave the world a Valentines Day surprise on Feb. 14, 2021. They announced they are expecting their second child. We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child, a spokesperson for the couple said.

Along with the statement, Meghan and Harry released a black and white photo of themselves sitting in the grass at their home in Montecito, California. Meghan showed off her growing baby bump wearing a dress shed had custom-made during her pregnancy with Archie. The pregnancy announcement comes months after Meghan revealed she experienced a miscarriage in July 2020.

As for Meghans due date, the couple didnt provide specifics. When Meghan was pregnant with Archie, she and Harry made the announcement seven months before their sons arrival. If they did something similar for the announcement of baby no. 2, theres a chance Meghan could give birth in September 2021.

RELATED: Ina Garten De-Stresses the Same Way Meghan Markle Does
Daisy Edgar-Jones has reportedly struck up a close friendship with her co-star Sebastian Stan, as they shoot their upcoming thriller, Fresh, in Canada.

Earlier this month, the British actress, 22, was spotted shooting passionate kissing scenes with the Romanian-born hunk, 38, on the streets of Vancouver.

And while their characters enjoy a romance onscreen, The Sun reports that the screen stars have become good friends away from rolling cameras.

Pals: Daisy Edgar-Jones has reportedly struck up a close friendship with co-star Sebastian Stan, as they shoot their upcoming thriller, Fresh. Pictured filming earlier this month

A source told the publication: 'Sebastian has told friends that he thinks Daisys a bright spark and set for a massive career in Hollywood. He cant believe shes so young as shes so talented and mature. They get on really well.'

A source close to Daisy, who continues to fly high on the success of her BBC drama Normal People, also told The Sun: 'They're colleagues and mates.'

During the pair's recent kissing scene, Daisy and Sebastian were seen larking around as they talked and at one point bent over in a fit of giggles.

Not much is known about the upcoming social thriller Fresh, as the studio is currently keeping details about the plot under wraps.

Close friends: And while their characters enjoy a romance onscreen, The Sun reports that the screen stars have become good friends away from rolling cameras

The new film will be directed by Mimi Cave and is based on Lauryn Kahns script, reports Variety.

Daisy became an overnight sensation when she starred as Marianna in Normal People, alongside Paul Mescal (Connell) in the adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel.

Paul and Daisy won huge critical acclaim and the hearts of fans across the world for their portrayal of the 2018 coming-of-age book's characters.

The drama follows Irish students Connell and Marianne as they navigate social and class dynamics from school to university.

Impressed: A source said, 'Sebastian... thinks Daisys a bright spark and set for a massive career in Hollywood. He cant believe shes so young as shes so talented and mature'

Filming on Fresh comes shortly after it was reported that Daisy has split from her boyfriend Tom Varey after two years of dating.

The actress is said to have called it quits with the actor, 29, late last year after they both decided it would be best to focus on their careers.

Despite their break-up, Daisy and Tom are said to still be on good terms and there are 'no hard feelings' between them.

A source speaking to The Sun claimed: 'They got on really well during lockdown last year, but they're both young and passionate about following their careers.

Fashion: The actress recently posed for a stylish campaign for high fashion house Jimmy Choo

'Daisy has been inundated with opportunities and feels she has to put them first, Tom's also really dedicated to his acting and wants the best for both of them. They were sad they couldn't make it work, but are still close and there's no hard feelings.'

MailOnline contacted Daisy and Tom's representatives for comment at the time.

Daisy and Tom dated for two years and first became a couple after meeting on the set of the film Pond Life in 2018.

In August last year, Daisy revealed that Tom would 'rather not' watch the sex scenes with Paul Mescal in Normal People but found the hit series 'very beautiful'.

Big success: Daisy became an overnight sensation when she starred as Marianna in Normal People, alongside Paul Mescal (Connell) in the adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel

Daisy explained how she was mindful of her loved ones seeing the passionate clips with her co-star, 24, but described how her boyfriend is aware of such scenes as an actor.

She said: 'I made sure to send it to my mum before they watched it live, so that she knew exactly when to inform my grandparents to go and make a cup of tea.

'It was the exact same with Tom. He's an actor  he's done those scenes before. He had read the book and was incredibly moved by it.'

Speaking about her boyfriend watching her sex scenes with Paul, who portrayed Connell, she added: 'I'm sure he'd rather not watch those scenes but, on the whole, he found the series very beautiful and he thought they were handled really well.'

Watch Normal People on Stan in Australia.
A year-long attempt by South Africa  as chair of the African Union (AU) in 2020  at mediating talks between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to break a decade-long deadlock in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) negotiations ended to no avail due to Addis Ababa's persistent intransigence.

The last seventh round of negotiations, held online on 10 January, ended in a stalemate, and a legally binding agreement  a goal pursued by Egypt and repeatedly dodged or rejected by Ethiopia  was nowhere in sight.

Sudan recently boycotted the scheduled rounds of talks, voicing displeasure with Ethiopia's approach of ignoring Khartoum's concerns over the impact of GERD on its own dams.

The 34th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly is set to start on Saturday, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) assuming the presidency of the AU in 2021 and therefore replacing South Africa as mediator in any future GERD talks.

However, before the DRC takes on the tough task that eluded South Africa, an assessment of South Africa's own efficacy in mediating talks and negotiations between the three sides is in order.

African affairs expert at Al-Ahram Establishment Attia Essawy believes that South Africas role in the negotiations' methods were lukewarm... no meaningful progress was made in the negotiations under its auspices.

That was because it [South Africa] did not play any effective role during the negotiations, represented in not submitting any alternative proposals to those rejected by any of the three parties, Essawy told Ahram Online.

Hani Raslan, head of the Sudan and Nile Water Basin department at Egypt's Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies, told Ahram Online he believes that the role of South Africa in overseeing the negotiations was meagre, and was even tainted by favouritism towards Ethiopia.

The GERD negotiations under the presidency of South Africa proceeded in a vicious circle without any controls or clear goals, and there was no significant progress achieved, Raslan said.

Essawy explained that since the US-sponsored negotiations took place in Washington DC in early 2020  where the three sides agreed on 90 percent of the points of disagreement but Ethioipia refused to sign on anything  there was no significant progress in the remaining 10 percent of disputed issues during the sponsorship by the AU, represented by South Africa, of negotiations.

In November 2019, the US stepped in to host negotiations after Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia announced that talks on the operation and filling of the dam had reached a dead end.

Though the three sides agreed during these talks to entrust the US and the World Bank with the preparation of a draft agreement, Ethiopia skipped the signing meeting in February 2020, citing "domestic reasons."

So, Essawy believes, "one cannot say that South Africa's period of sponsorship of the GERD negotiations was positive."

South Africa: Impartial mediator?

In June 2020, South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the 2020 chairperson of the AU, launched efforts to sponsor and push the negotiation process forward between the three sides after a one round of Khartoum-brokered negotiations, which followed the aborted attempts in Washington, had also deadlocked.

South Africas involvement in the negotiations process came a few days before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was scheduled to discuss the GERD dispute in an open session upon Egypts request.

In the same month, an emergency online GERD-focused summit of the AUs three countries was chaired by Ramaphosa. The three sides agreed in the meeting that they would "refrain from taking any unilateral measures, including the filling of the dam," before a final agreement was reached.

The three sides agreed in the meeting to form a committee of technical and legal experts from the three countries and the AU in order to conduct further negotiations and reach a deal in two weeks.

That two-week deadline never materialised, and Ethiopia started immediately after the online summit the first filling of the dam, announcing shortly afterwards that it has completed the initial filling with 4.9 billion cubic metres of Blue Nile water in the GERDs reservoir.

The AU held two summits last summer in dam negotiations, after which Ethiopia reversed what was agreed upon in both meetings, and South Africa did not issue even a statement about such violations as if nothing had happened, Raslan said.

Such unilateral action by Ethiopia was not only a breach of the outcomes of that AU summits, but was also a violation of its legal obligations, especially the Declaration of Principles in 2015, Egypt charged at the time.

Ethiopia recently announced, in a new sign of disdain for any meaningful negotiation process or hopes for a deal, that it would start the second phase of filling the controversial dam during the rainy season of August 2021 with 18.4 billion cubic metres of water.

DRCs mediation: What to expect?

The mediation of the GERD file is due to be shifted from South Africa to the DRCs hands after the DRC assumes the 2021 presidency of the AU at the African summit on Saturday, which is due to be held online over coronavirus concerns.

Regarding what to expect in the GERD file under DRC sponsorship, Egypts former Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Nasr Allam said that in order to judge, we initially need to clarify what is supposed to be required from the sponsoring party.

A roadmap for meaningful negotiations to reach a deal that ends the dispute requires "setting a reasonable timeframe for negotiation, setting an agreed-upon agenda, determining what the contentious items are and presenting the position of international law on them  all this is the role of legal experts and the African Commission," Allam explained to Ahram Online.

If the DRC can impose such rules of engagement, the negotiations will be fruitful in the coming period, Allam said.

Essawy, however, maintained that he is "not optimistic" that the DRC chairmanship and mediation can change things as they now stand.

Though the DRC is enthusiastic to make progress in the GERD negotiating file, its good relations with Egypt might lead Ethiopia to claim that it favours Cairo," Essawy fears.

"From a different perspective, despite the countrys large size and potentials, the DRC is neither diplomatically nor economically as strong as South Africa in a way that would allow it to pressure the three parties to reach an agreement, Essawy said.

Meanwhile, in Raslans point of view, DRCs management of the GERD file might work in ways different from South Africa's.

The most important thing, however, is whether DRC can make an impact on the talks; I do not think that DRC will be able to deter Ethiopia, especially given that Ethiopia is boastful in its stances even though they violate international law, Raslan said.

Essawy not only echoed Raslans pessimistic forecast for the coming period in negotiations, but also provides reasons and other conflicts beyond the GERD issue that warrant a pessimistic outlook.

I do not think there will be progress in the negotiating process in the near future because the dispute is no longer centred solely on the rules for regulating the filling of the GERD during drought, prolonged drought or even the need to reach a legally binding agreement on the operation of the $4.8 billion mega-dam, but also because of the conflict on the borders between Ethiopia and Sudan, Essawy said.

Since late last year, tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan over the disputed eastern border region of Al-Fashqa have been mounting, with both sides trading opposed claims over ownership of the agricultural area.

The decades-old dispute over Al-Fashqa, land within Sudan's international boundaries that has long been settled by Ethiopian farmers, erupted into weeks of clashes between forces from both sides in late-2020.

Essawy believes that the tension on the borders between the two countries would have an impact in one way or another on the GERD issue, and will lead to hardening of both parties' positions during the negotiation."

If these border tensions are settled, and Ethiopia gives up its obstinate stance in negotiations and accepts a greater role for observers, then there could be progress in the deadlocked GERD talks, he said.

What if negotiations continue to stall under DRCs sponsorship?

In the event that differences are resolved and an agreement is reached, this is fine, but if solutions are not reached, the AU is supposedly obligated to submit a report to the UNSC regarding the issue, Allam said.

Raslan, meanwhile, believes that prolonged deadlock in negotiations might spur new US mediation efforts, and this could facilitate the role of the DRC.

Likewise, Essawy said the US may have a role in facilitating negotiations and bringing views closer, but only if the new administration in Washington is able to win Ethiopia's trust.

This scenario could materialise only if Ethiopia gives up its rejection of the involvement of a "third" party in the mediation, Essawy noted.

According to Allam, the Declaration of Principles signed between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan in 2015 stipulates that mediators can be resorted to in the event that a solution is not reached during negotiations, and we have been negotiating for 10 years now with little progress."

Raslan stresses that Ethiopia is afraid of involving a mediator in the negotiations because it fears pressure, especially because Addis Ababa believes it is not in a position to challenge the US or resist its pressures given the problems it already faces because of strife inside the country.

Ethiopias Tigray conflict has entered its fourth month, with thousands of people killed as Ethiopian and allied forces fight those of the now-fugitive Tigray government that once dominated the country's government for nearly three decades.

On Thursday, the new US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed in a call with Ethiopia's prime minister grave concern about the crisis in the embattled Tigray region and urged immediate, full and unhindered humanitarian access to prevent further loss of life, a US spokesman said, according to AP.

Essawy picked up the same thread, saying that pressure is in itself the basis for Ethiopia's acceptance or rejection of mediation, because if it is left without pressure, it will not accept the intervention of any party as a mediator."

Arab role?

Essawy suggested that certain Arab countries could also play such a role.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait can also play the same role of mediating, especially since they have great economic interests with Ethiopia, Essawy said, referring to the similar role that the UAE and Saudi Arabia successfully played in 2018 between Eritrea and Ethiopia to settle their border conflicts.

The UAE, which imports half of its meat needs from Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, which imports 20-30 percent of its meat from Ethiopia, and Kuwait, which hosts about 50,000 Ethiopian workers, are able to bridge the gap and reduce discord, he said.

Egypt has from $3 to $5 billion investments  mainly in infrastructure projects  in Ethiopia. And if the negotiation process gets tough, we should start with ourselves and withdraw such investments and then cut off diplomatic relations, and after that we may ask the Arab countries to put economic pressure on Ethiopia, he said.

Back to the UN?

Also, Egypt can, without anyone blaming it, return to the UNSC, or can with Sudan file a complaint with the International Court of Justice, Essawy noted.

Though the courts decision is not binding, it can still be used in the UNSC, which may issue a decision according to it. The UNSC can also form a committee to study the issue and take a binding decision, impose sanctions, or even intervene by force according to Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, he said.

Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations provides the framework within which the UNSC may take enforcement action. It allows the Council to "determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression" and to make recommendations or to resort to non-military and military action to "maintain or restore international peace and security."

Raslan, however, doubts the possibility that the UNSC could play a role in resolving the dispute.

In June 2020, the UNSC held an open session on the dam  in response to Egypts request  in which Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed during his speech that the council should remain actively seized of the matter until efforts are successful towards an agreement.

Holding a session in the UNSC last year to discuss the GERD crisis was a success for Egyptian diplomacy. However, the council has never resolved or even looked into such issues before, Raslan said.

Egyptian and Sudanese fears

During the UNSCs GERD session last year, Shoukry stressed an unwavering commitment to support African nations, especially in the Nile Basin and including Ethiopia in efforts towards greater prosperity, adding that Cairo has cooperated with every Nile Basin state in constructing dams and other projects.

This reflects our unshakable belief in our common destiny as Africans, and confirms our conviction that the Nile River is not the exclusive property of Egypt or of any riparian state, but the common heritage and sacred trust of all our peoples, Shoukry said.

He also affirmed Egypts commitment to negotiations on the 6,000-megawatt dam for almost a decade in an aim to reach a fair and just agreement that guarantees that Addis Ababa achieves its developmental objectives while minimizing effects of the dam on Egypt and Sudan.

Egypts 100 million-plus population relies on the River Nile for more than 95 percent of its renewable water resources. It fears the massive $4.8 billion hydropower near-complete project will significantly diminish its crucial water supply, which is already below scarcity level.

According to an independent study on the GERD by Deltares, published by the Egyptian Embassy in the US, a decrease of only 1 billion cubic metres of water could eliminate more than 1 million jobs and $1.8 billion in economic production annually in all economic sectors in Egypt.

Urbanisation would skyrocket due to rural depopulation, which would lead to an increase in unemployment, crime rates and transnational migration, causing serious ramifications in the Middle East and Europe.

A loss of 1 billion cubic meters of Nile water would cost Egypt 130,000 hectares of lost cultivated land, $430 million of lost agricultural production, and $150 million increase in food imports, the embassy said, quoting the Deltares study.

Such figures come amid Ethiopias continuous refusal during the decade-long negotiations to provide any socio-economic and environmental impact studies of the dam on downstream countries  a requirement under international law. Moreover, the embassy said, Ethiopia has blocked every attempt to conduct such studies, whether through an impartial party, or jointly with its co-riparians.

On the other hand, in its three-page letter to the UNSC last June, Sudan said the GERD "will completely change the flow regime of the Blue Nile" by flattening its hydrograph, and with its gigantic size it "poses substantial threats to Sudan if not properly designed, constructed, filled and operated."

Even though the AU called for a binding agreement on the GERD filling and operation, Ethiopia announced that it is not seeking a binding agreement, but rather guidelines that can be modified any time at Ethiopias discretion.

Among such harmful impacts, Sudan fears the GERD would put the operation of its Roseires dam and the lives of Sudanese citizens  20 million Sudanese rely on the Blue Nile  at "a very high risk" if an agreement regulating its operation and filling is not reached.

Sudan depends on its Roseires dam  whose reservoir is located only 15km away from the Ethiopian dam and is 12 times smaller than the storage capacity of the GERD's 74 billion cubic metre reservoir  to generate 280 megawatts.

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A chicken is seen outside a tent at an internally displaced Syrian camp, in northern Aleppo near the Syrian-Turkish border

The United Nations release a report warning that no single Syrian family has been left unscathed in the decade long war in the country.

By Nathan Morley

A UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria has said in its latest report that no Syrian family had been left unscathed by the conflict in the country.

UN Human Rights Council-appointed investigators revealed that more than 60 separate probes were currently underway outside Syria, backed by thousands of interviews and information on alleged individual perpetrators.

At the same time, Commission of Inquiry Chair Paolo Pinheiro led renewed calls for a ceasefire in Syria, whilst urging the international community to expend efforts to support a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the conflict.

The goal, he said, was to help place Syria on a path toward a stable future.

In their report, the Commission stated that more than half of the pre-conflict population had been internally or externally displaced.

In blunt language, Pinheiro said the population of Syria had paid the price as the Government unleashed overwhelming violence to quell dissent. Those in urban areas had endured aerial and artillery bombardments and chemical weapons attacks, along with sieges leading to starvation and restrictions on humanitarian aid.

Commissioner Hanny Megally said progress was also needed for families whose relatives had been detained, often disappearing without a trace.

The Commission stated that for the last decade, humanitarian aid had been consistently delayed or denied  despite the clear needs of so many Syrians, as well as Palestinian and other refugees.

Regarding the spread of the Coronavirus, Commissioner Karen Koning AbuZayd asserted that infections were already overwhelming the remaining medical staff and frontline workers in the country, where hospitals and clinics have been vastly diminished.

Separately, the World Food Programme says the number of Syrians who lack access to sufficient food has reached a record 12.4 million, or nearly 60 per cent of the population.

As it stands, the cost of basic foods to feed a family for a month - including bread, rice and lentils exceeds average salaries.
Saturday Night Live comedian Michael Che has been accused of anti-Semitism after cracking a joke about Israel's vaccination efforts.

Che made the offending quip during last night's Weekend Update, saying: 'Israel is reporting that they've vaccinated half of their population.

'I'm going to guess it's the Jewish half.'

The joke elicited a small laugh from the studio audience before outraged viewers flocked to Twitter to accuse Che of perpetrating anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli tropes.

Many critics demanded an apology from the host for his suggestion that Israel is unfairly giving vaccine priority to Jewish residents - despite statistics showing that is not the case.

Saturday Night Live comedian Michael Che has been accused of anti-Semitism after cracking a joke about Israel's vaccination efforts during a Weekend Update segment. 'Israel is reporting that they've vaccinated half of their population. I'm going to guess it's the Jewish half,' he said

'So are we not going to talk about Michael Che's antisemitic joke on weekend update?? @nbcsnl maybe be better than antisemitism,' one viewer tweeted.

'#MichaelChe of @nbcsnl engaging in more antisemitic humor. Stoking hatred against Jews by perpetuating libels is no laughing matter,' another wrote.

'Why make such a tasteless, humorless joke that does nothing but spread an ugly antisemitic lie, Michael Che? Why do this? Yuck,' a third viewer added.

A recent article in the Christian Science Monitor detailed how 43 percent of Israel's Arab residents over the age of 60 have been vaccinated, compared with 75 percent of Jewish residents in that age group.

It said the difference in vaccination rates could in large part be chalked up to Arab populations' mistrust of Israel and of the vaccination itself. Also, some Arab populations live far away from vaccination sites.

But after a recent government push to improve numbers, vaccinations of Arab Israelis now were rising.

On social media, SNL critics said the vaccine was no laughing matter.

'43% of Israel's Arab citizens have been vaccinated - and that already large # would be even higher if the kind of hateful propaganda spread by Michael Che weren't around,' one man wrote.

Che's joke elicited a small laugh from the studio audience before outraged viewers flocked to Twitter to accuse Che of perpetrating anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli tropes

Several critics pointed to a recent article in the Christian Science Monitor detailing how 43 percent of Israel's Arab residents over the age of 60 have been vaccinated, compared with 75 percent of Jewish residents in that age group, though the disparity has been pegged to Arab mistrust of Israel and the vaccine as a whole - something that education efforts are turning around

The backlash against Che came as SNL received renewed criticism for once again declining to skewer President Joe Biden - a far cry from the frequent barbs that were dished out at his predecessor, Donald Trump, during his four years in the Oval Office.

The latest show opened with a skit mocking Senator Ted Cruz for jetting off to Cancun while his home state was in the throes of a humanitarian crisis and eviscerating Governor Andrew Cuomo for his role in New York's nursing home deaths scandal.

In the skit, Cruz, played by Aidy Bryant, and Cuomo, played by Pete Davidson, were invited onto a talk show hosted by pop star Britney Spears (Chloe Fineman), who gave the two beleaguered politicians a chance to apologize for their recent actions.

Joining Cruz and Cuomo was Gina Carano, the actress who was fired by Disney and Lucasfilm from her role in the Disney+-streamed Star Wars hit series The Mandalorian.

Carano, played by SNL cast member Cecily Strong, was offered a chance to apologize for an Instagram post in which she compares conservatives in the United States to Jews who were massacred during the Nazi era.

Saturday Night Live's latest cold open mocked New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo (played left by Pete Davidson) and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas (played right by Aidy Bryant)

Cruz and Cuomo were invited onto a talk show hosted by pop star Britney Spears, who gave the two beleaguered politicians a chance to apologize for their recent actions. Spears is played above by Chloe Fineman

Joining Cruz and Cuomo was Gina Carano, the actress who was fired by Disney and Lucasfilm from her role in the Disney+-streamed Star Wars hit series The Mandalorian. Carano is portrayed above by SNL cast member Cecily Strong

Spears says she started her fictitious talk show, Oops, You Did it Again, so that 'people can come on and apologize for things they've done wrong.'

'After the 'Free Britney' documentary came out, I'm receiving hundreds of apologies a day,' she says.

Last week, Spears was in the news in real life after a documentary, Framing Britney Spears, streamed on Hulu.

The documentary, which was produced by The New York Times, chronicles Spears' rise to stardom and her subsequent fall triggered by a decline in her mental health, which led to her finances being placed in the hands of her father.

Spears has gone to court in an attempt to dissolve her conservatorship, which is controlled by Jamie Spears.

The documentary, which inspired the social media hashtag #FreeBritney, painted the pop star in a sympathetic light, prompting her ex-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, to apologize to her.

Fans of Spears have also demanded apologies from media figures and comedians, including David Letterman, Diane Sawyer, Sarah Silverman, and Perez Hilton, for either making jokes about her mental health more than a decade ago or for casting her in a harsh light.

In the SNL skit, Spears says that the episode of her talk show is sponsored by the Notes app, which people can use for 'posting a lame apology 20 years too late.'

To the tune of her hit song Toxic, Spears then welcomes Cruz to the show.

Cruz, played by Bryant, is seen carrying a pina colada drink in one hand and wheeling a suitcase in the other. His hair is braided while he is sporting a t-shirt that reads 'Cancun family vacation.'

'Hola, everyone!' Cruz says upon sitting down.

When Spears comments that Cruz looks tan, he replies: 'I'm not tan. I just cried myself red over my fellow Texans.'

He then takes a sip of his cocktail, remarking: 'That's why I drink in their honor.'

Spears reminds Cruz that Texas is in the midst of a crisis due to a massive, statewide power outage and disruptions in water service caused by two snowstorms and sub-freezing temperatures.

Acknowledging the backlash sparked by his trip to Cancun, Cruz said: 'I'm in a little bit of hot water, which I'm told is a thing no one in Texas has.'

The SNL cold open featured an episode of a fictitious talk show hosted by pop star Britney Spears, Oops, You Did It Again, a play-on-words of the title of her hit song from the late 1990s

Cruz, played by Aidy Bryant, is seen carrying a pina colada drink in one hand and wheeling a suitcase in the other. His hair is braided Caribbean style while he is sporting a t-shirt that reads 'Cancun family vacation.'

From left: Gina Carano as portrayed by Cecily Strong; Cuomo as played by Pete Davidson; and Cruz as portrayed by Aidy Bryant

Spears gives Cruz a chance to apologize, and the senator does, in a way.

'I deeply regret my actions over the last couple of days - mostly flying United,' Cruz says.

'I'm sorry, I'm pretty bad at human stuff.'

When Spears asks Cruz if he understands why people are calling him a coward, the senator responds: 'Coward is actually the nicest word I heard.'

He then shocks Spears by asking: 'Would a coward have the cajones to blame his actions on his young daughters?'

Cruz then jokes that there's 'so much for the girls to do in Cancun' including 'going to the topless beach' and 'taking shots at Senor Frogs' as well as 'swimming with sick dolphins.'

In an implicit reference to her legal battles with her own dad, Spears then admonishes Cruz, telling him: 'As someone who is often blamed for other people's problems at a young age, maybe leave your daughters out of it because it could really mess up with their heads.'

Spears then invites Cuomo onto the show because he, too, 'has some splainin' to do.'

'Hey, hello, alright, let's get this over with,' a gruff Cuomo tells Spears.

When Spears asks Cuomo why he is here, the governor tries to change the topic, touting the fact that 'indoor dining is back in New York.'

The image above shows the cold open ending as the cast members start the show

Spears then scolds him, prompting Cuomo to say: 'I know, it's because of the nursing home stuff.'

In explaining the scandal, he says that 'some of the people who died in the nursing homes were not counted as nursing home deaths.'

Cuomo said what his administration did is no different than what they do at Disney theme parks.

'People die and they move the bodies,' the governor says. 'They say, 'Oh, I guess Brenda died in the parking lot, not on the tea cups'.'

The governor added: 'We just did the Disney thing.'

Spears finally coaxes Cuomo into apologizing, but the mention of New York Mayor Bill de Blasio prompts him to lose his cool and call him names.

'What did that bird b**** say about me?' the governor says as he works himself into a rage.

In real life, Cuomo has been accused of bullying lawmakers who criticize him on his policies.

'I'm sorry, I get a little angry now and then - and always,' the governor says on SNL.

Spears then invites Carano, who was victimized by 'cancel culture.'

When Spears asks her if she wants to apologize for her Instagram post mentioning the Holocaust, she says: 'I'm actually here for the opposite of that.'

'On Instagram you said conservatives have it as bad as people living in Nazi Germany,' Spears says.

'I never would have made that Nazi comparison if I had known everyone was going to be a Nazi about it,' Carano replies.

Cruz then tries to sympathize with Carano, but the actress wasn't having any of it, not wanting to be associated with the senator.

'If you compare yourself to me, I will blast you to the farthest desert of Tatooine,' Carano tells Cruz, referencing the fictitious planet from Star Wars.

'Anything to get out of Texas,' Cruz replies.
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President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the crash of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350 aircraft on Sunday in Abuja, which claimed the lives of seven personnel.

President Buhari made his feelings known in a statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday.

Mr Buhari extended heartfelt condolences to family members, friends and colleagues of those who died as a result of the tragedy.

He joined the Nigerian Air Force, the military and other Nigerians in mourning the unfortunate loss of the dedicated and courageous personnel who died in the line of duty.

The President noted that while investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, the safety of the Nigerian airspace remains a key priority of the government.

He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved families and the nation and grant the souls of the departed peaceful rest.

NAF had earlier on Sunday reported that its Beechcraft King Air B350 aircraft crashed while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after reporting engine failure en route Minna.

The aircraft departed Abuja on Sunday in the morning before it crashed, killing all the persons on board.

(NAN)
This week's Russian-brokered prisoner exchange between hated rivals Syria and Israel prompted speculation that their ties might soon normalize. An as-yet-unnamed Israeli woman wandered into Syria two weeks ago where she was promptly detained. As CGTN writes, Tel Aviv and Damascus immediately began to indirectly negotiate with one another over this incident through their shared Russian partner. It was eventually agreed that Israel would release two jailed Syrians in exchange for the woman, who was flown to Moscow before returning home. Up until that announcement, talks between all three parties were a closely guarded secret by each of them.

U.S. outlet Axios reported that the deal also concerns Israeli's provision of COVID-19 aid to the Arab Republic. If proven to be true, then this would represent a dramatic breakthrough in relations between the two. Syria officially doesn't have any relations with Israel and has previously demanded the return of the illegally annexed Golan Heights as a condition for peace talks. Damascus is also a proud supporter of the Palestinian cause and used to host many such armed opposition groups. Former President Hafez Assad's government entered into high-level U.S.-brokered talks with Israel in 2000, but they ultimately fell through and nothing was achieved.

With U.S. influence in the Mideast declining in recent years, Russia has sought to replace the diplomatic void left in its wake. Moscow's ongoing anti-terrorist military intervention in Syria that began in late 2015 has positioned the Eurasian great power as indispensable to any regional political solution involving the Arab Republic. While it's true that the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords were made without Russia's involvement, none of the participating Arab countries were ever in a real state of war with Israel like Syria is. The so-called "New Middle East" that the U.S .and Israel envision cannot be achieved without a peace deal between Tel Aviv and Damascus.

That's a lot easier said than done, however, considering the complicated geopolitics involved. Russia is on equally excellent terms with both Israel and Syria, masterfully balancing between the two by not intervening whenever Tel Aviv bombs the Arab Republic per the de-confliction agreement that Moscow has with the former while also aiding Damascus with its anti-terrorist operations. Iran is just as close, if not more, with Syria, but unlike Russia, it hates Israel with a passion. In fact, all of Israel's bombing runs in Syria have been undertaken on the pretext of preventing Iran and its Hezbollah allies from threatening the Jewish State from its territory.

Syria is therefore between a rock and a hard place, diplomatically speaking. Its Russian ally would ideally like to broker peace between it and Israel in order to trump America's recent diplomatic achievements, while the Iranians would regard this move as a betrayal of what it describes as the Axis of Resistance between them and a few other regional parties like Hezbollah. Nevertheless, the latest prisoner exchange proves that Syria won't shy away from indirectly negotiating with Israel on immediate matters of pragmatic and especially humanitarian interest provided that this is mediated by their shared Russian partner.

There's another diplomatic wrinkle to consider too. The UAE and Bahrain were the first two Arab countries in recent memory to recognize Israel, but back in late 2018, they were also diplomatic pioneers of a different sort after they reopened their embassies in Damascus. Both countries have expanded ties with Russia over the past few years and shared Israel's security concerns about Iran. Their governments are also very wealthy and therefore well-positioned to assist in Syria's reconstruction. This opens up the possibility of them playing a complementary role to Russia's in seeking to bring Syria and Israel closer through diplomatic and other means.

Observers also shouldn't forget that Israel will hold its fourth election in two years on March 23. The prisoner exchange might greatly bolster incumbent Prime Minister Netanyahu's political position at home. If he fends off the latest challenge to his rule, it would partly be because of this recent diplomatic success that was interestingly made possible by both Russia and Syria. In exchange, he might become more flexible in his approach towards Syria, perhaps building upon the latest positive developments to explore the possibility of restarting negotiations between the two with Russian and Emirati support following Syria's coming elections.
As of midnight, Saturday February 20, the HPSC has been notified of 679 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of the new cases this evening, Limerick with 59, is second only to Dublin in case numbers, 11 ahead of Galway. There is now a total of 215,057 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. For all your latest figures, click here

The 5 day moving average (to midnight 20Feb2021) for Limerick now stands at 44, while the 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population (07Feb2021 to 20Feb2021) is at 258.1

Also, the total number of New Cases during last 14 days (07Feb2021 to 20Feb2021) is at 503.

Of the cases notified today:

335 are men / 342 are women

71% are under 45 years of age

The median age is 32 years old

230 in Dublin, 59 in Limerick, 48 in Galway, 47 in Kildare, 29 in Tipperary and the remaining 266 cases are spread across 19 other counties.*



As of 8am today, 744 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 148 are in ICU. 45 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 1 additional death related to COVID-19.

There has been a total of 4,136 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of February 18th, 326,475 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland:

205,955 people have received their first dose

120,520 people have received their second dose



Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said; While the level of disease in our communities remains very high, we are still making progress.

We have reported less than 1,000 cases each day this week and our 7 day average has fallen from 1,022 two weeks ago, to 862 last week, to 792 today. The number of people in hospital has fallen from over 1,200 two weeks ago, to 744 today.

Do not underestimate the power of your actions as we seek to protect the gains we have made and further reduce transmission. This week, please continue to work from home unless essential and do not visit other households unless for essential reasons or as part of a support bubble.

The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community including daily data on Irelands COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
Four people have died from Ebola during a new outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where people are resisting measures to contain the disease, officials said Sunday.

Since the epidemic's resurgence this month, "we have already registered six Ebola cases. We have lost four infected people," Doctor Eugene Syalita, the provincial health minister in North Kivu province in the DRC's northeast, told AFP.

Syalita said one person died Friday and another on Saturday, while the two others died at the beginning of the month.

Two patients are receiving care at an Ebola treatment centre in Katwa, he added.

Syalita complained that the region's residents were not taking the new outbreak seriously enough.

"Some families categorically refuse to have their homes disinfected or to hold dignified and safe funerals," the doctor said.

"People have not yet understood that Ebola has reappeared. Everything is not yet clear for them."

As in past outbreaks, the population of the region refuses to believe in the existence of the Ebola disease and rejects measures aimed at checking the virus' spread, such as avoiding touching sick people or not washing the dead who are infected.

The tenth epidemic, which was declared on August 1 2018, was only eradicated on June 25 last year because of unrest caused by armed groups and the population's resistance to anti-Ebola measures.

With more than 2,200 deaths recorded, it is considered the most serious in the history of Ebola in the DRC since its appearance in 1976.

The Ebola virus is transmitted to people through infected animals. Human transmission is through bodily fluids with the main symptoms being fevers, vomiting, bleeding and diarrhoea.

Ebola has also resurfaced in Guinea, where it has already killed five people.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Surge testing is to be deployed in a region of Essex after health authorities detected a single case of the South African coronavirus variant.

Residents in the CM13 postcode of Brentwood, Essex, are being urged to come forward for a Covid-19 test, even if they do not have symptoms.

Genomic sequencing in the area will also be ramped up as part of efforts to control and suppress the spread of the South African variant, which is capable of diminishing the effectiveness of the Covid vaccines.

Positive cases that are picked up in Brentwood will be assessed to determine which coronavirus variant was responsible for the infection.

People with symptoms should book a test in the usual way, the Department for Health and Social Care said on Sunday, and those without symptoms are being asked to visit their local authority website for more information.

Targeted testing regimes were also set up this week in parts of Leeds, Norfolk, Southampton and Woking.

According to Public Health England, a total of 167 cases linked to the South African variant have been detected in the UK to date.

The variant carries the concerning E484K mutation in its spike protein, which is responsible for gaining entry to human cells.

This makes the virus less recognisable to the bodys immune system and more resistant to the current generation of vaccines - though evidence shows that the jabs remain effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalisation and death from the South African variant.

The deployment of surge testing in Brentwood comes as health secretary Matt Hancock said that the number of coronavirus cases linked to the South African and Brazilian variants are falling in the UK.

There is evidence that the measures that we are taking, both the enhanced contact tracing and also stricter measures at the border, are working, he told Sky News on Sunday.

If one of these new variants doesnt respond to the vaccine as well as the others  as well as the standard variant in the UK, which is the Kent variant  then, if thats the case, then thats obviously a very serious risk for the vaccination programme.

Were doing a lot of work to find out the impact of the vaccine on these new variants  especially the ones discovered in Brazil and South Africa  because, clearly, the answer to that question is critical to understanding how much of a risk the new variants pose.

But the good news is the actions were taking right now do appear to be working.
Costco announced Saturday that it would begin providing coronavirus vaccines at select locations in California, including one in Marin County.

Its the latest pharmacy chain to offer vaccines in California: Some CVS, Safeway and Rite Aid locations are already giving shots.

The superstores pharmacy in Novato will administer the vaccine, but currently only health care workers are eligible, according to Costcos booking page. There is currently some availability on Friday.

Some Costco stores Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties are also offering vaccines.

Outside of California, Costco stores in New York, Oregon and Puerto Rico are also among those providing the vaccine.

Costco officials did not immediately respond to a request for further information, including when other locations in the Bay Area might begin offering vaccines.

Several CVS locations in the Bay Area are carrying the vaccine, in cities including Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, San San Francisco and San Jose. Additional CVS locations will carry the COVID-19 vaccine once supply becomes more available, the pharmacy chain said.

Costcos website said the store would be offering a limited number of coronavirus vaccines  typically Moderna  at its available locations. The site discouraged patients from directly contacting Costco pharmacies, as they are unable to schedule an appointment or provide current eligibility requirements.

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy
Tallinn:

US Vice President Mike Pence on Monday said Moscows demand that Washington cut 755 American diplomatic staff in Russia will not lessen the US commitment to its allies.

We hope for better days, for better relations with Russia but recent diplomatic action taken by Moscow will not deter the commitment of the United States of America to our security, the security of our allies and the security of freedom loving nations around the world, Pence said in Estonia after meeting with the leaders of the three Baltic states.

At a news conference, Pence said he had passed on a simple message from President Donald Trump to the three countries: We are with you.

President Vladimir Putin yesterday said the United States would have to cut 755 diplomatic staff in Russia and warned of a prolonged gridlock in its ties after the US Congress backed new sanctions against the Kremlin.

Putin added bluntly that Russia was able to raise the stakes with America even further, although he hoped this would be unnecessary.

Estonia, where Pence had yesterday raised the possibility of deploying the Patriot anti-missile defence system, is the first stop of his European tour which will also take him to Georgia and Montenegro.

The aim of the trip is to reassure Americas allies who say they are worried by Russian expansionism.

We stand with the people and nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and we always will, Pence said.

A strong and united NATO was important, as Russia continued trying to redraw borders, he said.

The US will check any attempt to use force, Pence said.

The US government hoped for a better relationship with Russia, but stood by the NATO treatys article 5 on collective defence. An attack on one of us is an attack on us all, he said.

Pence also said that exports of US liquid natural gas to the Baltic states, which have already started, will contribute to prosperity and security in the three countries which are still heavily dependent on Russian gas.

Pence is scheduled to address NATO troops deployed in Estonia before travelling on to Tbilisi.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Even as some party leaders and constituents on social media say they will no longer support Katko, there are others who not only continue to back the four-term congressman but believe he made the right decision to support impeachment.

Michael Luber, who has chaired Katko's hometown GOP committee in the town of Camillus for nearly 10 years, was horrified by what he was on Jan. 6. The rioters who stormed the Capitol acted like animals, he says.

He also recognizes the role Trump played in inciting the attack, not only with his comments at a rally before the mob rushed the Capitol but with his repeated claims of election fraud. For months after Election Day, Trump made false claims about voter fraud and other irregularities. Several courts threw out his legal challenges. Katko was among those who said the now-former president lacked evidence.

Attempt to censure John Katko for impeaching Trump fails at Cayuga County GOP meeting More than a month after U.S. Rep. John Katko was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to im

"How can anyone say that Trump did not cause this or did not have a hand in causing it or did not anger the crowd? How can anyone think that?" Luber said in an interview with The Citizen. "I have to take a stand like John did, and I'm proud of that stand. I think that it's just too bad that people actually believe that Trump did nothing wrong. It blows my mind."
New Delhi: Senior military commanders of India and China on Sunday agreed to continue discussions to further stabilize the border areas in Ladakh and carry on the momentum post the withdrawal of troops by both sides around the Pangong Lake area, among the most contentious sectors along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The commanders positively appraised the smooth completion of disengagement of frontline troops in the Pangong Lake area noting that it was a significant step forward that provided a good basis for resolution of other remaining issues along the LAC," according to a joint statement on Sunday.

The statement was issued after almost 16 hours of talks between Lt. General PGK Menon, who heads the Leh-based 14 Corps tasked with securing the Ladakh sector along the LAC, and South Xinjiang Military Region commander Major General Liu Lin. The talks took place at the Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) point in Moldo on the Chinese side of the LAC opposite Chushul.

Menon and Liu had candid and in-depth exchange of views on other issues" along the LAC, the statement said, referring to the proposed disengagement of troops from friction points such as Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang.

The two sides agreed tocontinue their communication and dialogue, stabilize and control the situation on the ground, push for a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues in a steady and orderly manner, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," the statement added.

Lt. General (retd) Deepender Singh Hooda, former head of the Indian Armys northern command, said however, that it is too early to expect" another round of disengagement.

The ninth round of commander-level talks held on 24 January facilitated the disengagement of troops around the north and south banks of Pangong Lake, wherein the armies of both countries stood eyeball-to-eyeball for more than 10 months. The disengagement was announced on 11 February. As per the terms of the agreement, which was drafted and signed by the two sides, Chinese troops withdrew from Finger 4 area of the northern bank of Pangong Tso to beyond Finger 8. India also moved its troops back to just short of Finger 3 to the Dhan Singh Thapa posta position that the Indian troops held in April 2020, when the Chinese mobilization was first noticed.

Fingers refer to mountain folds jutting into the lake. The two sides also pulled back soldiers and tanks from the south bank of Pangong Tso lake where India had secured vantage positions on the heights of the Kailash ranges overlooking Moldo on the Chinese side. The process of disengagement from the north and south banks was concluded on Friday, the Indian Army confirmed. Hooda said the tone and tenor of the statement" was fairly positive".

Though disengagement from the Hot Springs and Gogra areas is expected to be fairly easy, withdrawing troops from Depsang is likely to be a complex exercise. Speculation is rife that there was no further news of disengagement in the joint statement as India may want the two issues to be dealt simultaneously.

Depsang, located at an elevation of more than 16,000 feet, lies between the Siachen Glacier and Chinese-controlled Aksai Chin. China has been blocking Indian patrols in the area, seen as strategic point for India considering that it lies close to a 255-km road connecting Leh to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO)the highest airfield in the world.

Depsang is not going to be easy to resolve given the differences in perception of where the LAC lies are very far apart," on both sides, said Hooda. This will take some tough negotiations. We need to be patient," he said.

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Killeen, TX (76540)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with widely scattered showers or thunderstorms possible this afternoon. High 82F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

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Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Europe's biggest Hindu temple, situated in northwest London, has set up an inoculation centre to administer COVID-19 vaccine shots to residents, especially amongst the ethnic minority communities of England. The public vaccination centre has been set-up inside a school on the grounds of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London. The centre is helping the National Health Service (NHS) in its effort to vaccinate as many people as possible.

Read: UK Ministry Confirms Second HQ Outside London In Historic Move

The inoculation centre at the Neasden temple opened earlier this month, where at least 12 vaccination units have been set up inside the drama room of the school on the premises. As of February 13, volunteers at the temple had vaccinated more than 15,000 people through their inoculation centre. The temple is administering AstraZeneca/Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine, which was approved for use in the UK on December 30.

Amazing #covidvaccine effort at Swaminarayan temple at Neasden, north London. Volunteers like Nishtha are a vital part of the achievement- 15,000 people vaccinated through the temple and #generalpractice #covid19 pic.twitter.com/bCjp5SxwCJ  Prerana Issar (@Prerana_Issar) February 13, 2021

Volunteers & health professionals from the #KingsburyMandir & local community give their time every week to support @HarnessUK to #vaccinate 1000s every week. The power of #community and #collaboration is a lasting testament to the temples founder #AcharyaSwamishreeMaharaj. #NHS pic.twitter.com/QmBkX8WR2g  Swaminarayan Mandir (@SGadiLondon) February 13, 2021

Read: Hand-holding But No Hugs: UK OKs Some Nursing Home Visits

'Pleased to help NHS'

British Home Secretary Priti Patel visited the temple earlier this month to see the ongoing vaccination programme. "As a regular visitor to the beautiful NeasdenTemple, it was great returning today to see the team helping as many people as possible get protected by the vaccine. Thank you for all you do to support the Hindu community. I hope we can all be together again soon," Patel sad tweeted on February 4.

The Home Secretary @PritiPatel visited the vaccination centre at #NeasdenTemple today. We are pleased to support the #NHS in its heroic efforts to get the nation vaccinated, so that we can all overcome #Covid19 together. pic.twitter.com/y33huTTQam  Neasden Temple (@NeasdenTemple) February 3, 2021

Read: UK Urges UN Resolution For Pause In Conflicts For Virus Jabs

The centre is not just administering vaccine shots, but it is also working to raise awareness and dispel misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. According to new data, people from ethnic minority communities in the UK are less likely to take COVID-19 vaccines because of their lack of trust in authorities and institutions. The temple, through its daily sermons and other means, is trying to get more people from the community vaccinated. The UK government data suggests Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority communities are hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read: UK COVID-19 Infections Falling As Govt Mulls Easing Lockdown
For those who lost money in Neil Woodford's failed funds empire, the very idea of his making a comeback is outrageous.

For the City regulators, however, it would be par for the course. The Financial Conduct Authority has a lamentable record of letting down consumers and small firms, whilst failing to hold to account the likes of Woodford for the losses they inflict.

The so-called watchdog has repeatedly betrayed customers, investors and taxpayers through its culture of delay, avoidance and slavish adherence to its arid rule book.

Finger on the pulse?: The Financial Conduct Authority has a lamentable record of letting down consumers and small firms

The pitiful response to the Woodford affair  which has been under investigation for 18 months  ought to hammer home the point that this organisation is not fit for purpose. No wonder Woodford treats the FCA with contempt. It is unclear whether regulators knew of his planned new operation until reading it in the newspapers.

Investigations take far too long. The FCA has been looking into how Barclays' boss Jes Staley characterised his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the bank's disclosures to the regulator, for a year. A whole year, not to probe the ties between the two, but to check whether they were properly described. This procrastination is unfair to Barclays' customers and shareholders, and possibly to Mr Staley.

In FCA time, a year is as a mere minute. It did not even bother to start an investigation into the conduct of top bosses at HBOS until 2016, eight years after the bank came to the edge of ruin. Five years on from that, it has not reached a conclusion. Whilst the regulators suck their thumbs, former chief executive Andy Hornby, at the helm when HBOS almost went bust, has earned millions in a string of senior corporate jobs.

Taxpayers who were forced to bail out that lender, just like Neil Woodford's savers, deserve answers. They  we  should not have an interminable wait to hear them.

The regulator's lacklustre performance comes at a time when, post-Brexit, we need a robust financial system and we want the EU to accept our standards are as good as theirs. This feeble showing hardly helps.

It is an embarrassment for Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey, who previously ran the FCA. On his watch, there were episodes including London Capital & Finance and claims of a whitewash over the mistreatment of small firms by RBS.

The crisis in confidence in the FCA goes beyond Bailey, who inherited a deeply inadequate organisation, which, ironically, was set up in 2013 because of the ineptitude of the previous regime in the financial crisis. A report by PA Consulting, which landed soon after he took over, revealed it was riddled with defects in supervision.

Rot set in early. Absurdly, its first chairman was John Griffith-Jones, a former boss of KPMG, which was HBOS auditor at the time of its downfall  a conflict of interest.

The tenure of the first chief executive, a hapless fellow called Martin Wheatley, was marred by the leaking of price-sensitive information that knocked 3bn off the shares of life insurance companies.

The regulatory remit is too broad, with responsibility for 56,000 firms across a wide range of financial activities. That is too many. By all accounts, there is also a shortage of staff and resources.

But the real problem is one of attitude.

There is no hunger at the FCA to fight for ordinary investors and to come down hard on errant firms and individuals  or if there is, it is very well-hidden.
IT czar and Wipro founder-chairman Azim Premji Sunday proposed to the Indian government to immediately allow private participation in the countrys mega vaccination drive against Covid-19 saying that over 500 million people can be vaccinated in 60 days if the government engages with private sector.

Addressing an interactive session hosted by Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Premji hailed India's vaccination programme and said that the Covid-19 vaccine has been developed at a record time. He said that deploying and administering the vaccine in large proportion was the key requirement today.

"There is a possibility that we can get the Serum Institute to supply vaccines at about 300 a shot and hospitals and private nursing homes can administer this at a cost of 100 per shot. So with a 400 a shot, it is possible to do mass vaccination of the population," Premji told Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a post-budget interaction at the venue.

According to him, if the government engages the private sector, it can rest assured that the country can achieve a coverage of 500 million people within 60 days.

Premji also spoke about the IT industry's transformation amid the coronavirus pandemic. He said 90 per cent of the workforce in the country's technology industry continue to work from home, and lauded the hybrid model of work.

Premji said the IT industry and the government have appreciated the value of a permanent hybrid model where people would work partly from office and home even after the end of the pandemic.

Stating that the hybrid model would have huge comparative advantage, Premji said it would drive inclusive growth, better participation from all parts of the country and greater number of women who would have flexibility to work from home. "Technology is becoming the lifeline for us as individuals and also businesses," he said. If there was any doubt, the year 2020 showed how fundamental technology has become.

Premji stepped down as Wipro chairman and managing director in 2019 and handed over the company's reins to his son Rishad. The septuagenarian currently holds the position of Wipro founder-chairman and non-executive director.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was also present at the event, said the Union Budget 2021-22 is about the role of government as a facilitator and the private sector as a key driver of economic growth, without which the country would be losing a big opportunity.

"The most important component or input required here is the participation of the private sector. Unless the private sector is energised enough, unless it is facilitated enough, India is just losing a very big opportunity," Sitharaman said.

According to the Finance Minister, the coronavirus vaccine was a big example of government-private partnership. "To be a world leader with that specific India touch, which is more humane, more about bringing everybody together, which is peaceful, which actually wishes that the world progresses for everybody's good. If that is the way India approaches its responsibility, that will be incomplete unless the government plays the role, it is expected to play the facilitator and unless the private sector plays the role of a key driver. So that's the message this budget has talked about," the Finance Minister told the gathering.

Apart from Premji and Sitharman, the event witnessed a galaxy of tycoons including former director of Infosys T V Mohandas Pai, noted cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Prasad Shetty and president and chairman of Volvo Group India Kamal Bali.









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The European Unions decision to renew sanctions against Zimbabwe was another demonstration that the international community is increasingly getting frustrated with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his governments reluctance to reform.

In 2017, European countries were some of the key allies that embraced Mnangagwa after the coup that toppled Robert Mugabe and were prepared to give him a chance despite the way he assumed power.

The world had gone grown tired of Mugabes despotic rule and Western countries were eager to see a leader that would extricate Zimbabwe from years of economic quagmire.

Mnangagwa was saying the right words, including promising a new and unfolding democracy.The opposite, however, is true of the Zanu PFs leaders stewardship of the country since the coup.

Summing up the international communitys frustrations with the leadership in Harare, the EU expressed concern that Zimbabwes multifaceted and prolonged crisis has further deepened.

It noted that: The lack of substantial reforms has allowed the continued deterioration of the humanitarian, economic and social situation. Violations of human rights and limitations on the democratic space are also persisting.

The EU is especially concerned about a proliferation of arrests and prosecutions of journalists, opposition actors and individuals expressing dissenting views, and the use by high-level officials of speech that could be interpreted as incitement to violence.

We carry elsewhere in full the EUs statement, which succinctly explains why Zimbabwe remains isolated internationally even after Mugabes ouster.

Only last month, one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the military putsch, introduced its own set of targeted sanctions against Zimbabwe after its departure from the UK on December 31, 2020.

The UK also slapped State Security minister Owen Ncube, Zimbabwe Republic Police commissioner-general Godwin Matanga, Central Intelligence Organisation director Isaac Moyo and Zimbabwes ambassador to Tanzania Anselem Senyatwe with travel bans and asset freezes.

As expected government mandarins are dismissive of these restrictive measures, which they believe aid their propaganda that they are being unfairly targeted.

A progressive government will use the opportunity to evaluate its performance and ensure that it is delivering on its promise.

It is Mnangagwa himself who promised the international community that he will stop the Mugabe era human rights violations, the stifling of freedom of speech and ruinous economic policies.

He practically developed the score card he is being judged on. The EU and UK sanctions are an indicator that his performance has been dismally.

It will indeed require a radical shift from Mnangagwas government for Zimbabwe to rid itself of the pariah status and the signs coming out of Western capitals are not promising. Standard












An Ogun State High Court has ordered a UK-based blogger, Maureen Badejo, to pay 500 million to the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) and its General Overseer, Daniel Olukoya, for defamation.

Abiodun Akinyemi, while delivering the judgment, also ordered Ms Badejo, the proprietor of Gio TV, to pull down and erase the offending online publications concerning the claimants from the internet.

The judge further ordered the blogger to tender a written apology and retraction of the offending publications prominently on social media and at least three national dailies.

Watching and listening to the broadcasts when demonstrated in open court, I was taken aback at the reckless and defiant attitude of the defendant, said the judge.

What was more, it was a phone-in programme in which the defendant even granted audience to the public to make contributions on the information provided by her concerning the claimants.

I cannot imagine a worse case of reckless defamation or evil use of the internet and social media. Considering the totality of the circumstances of this case, and in particular the conduct of the defendant, I am of the view that the claimants deserve to be substantially compensated in aggravated and exemplary damages.

The suit

The claimants had filed a suit before the court on September 7, 2020, seeking 10 billion compensation for aggravated and exemplary damages.

The judgment was delivered on February 9, but PREMIUM TIMES obtained a certified true copy of the document on Friday.

Ms Badejo was, last year, accused of using her social media channels to blackmail Mr Olukoya and his church on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

She claimed that Mr Olukoya and his church, the claimants, duped the United States Government by selling his books in the U.S. without paying due tax.

She also alleged that a pastor from MFM in the UK paid 150,000 into the personal account of Mr Olukoya and then went to Nigeria to meet the cleric so he could help him cover up his fraud.

According to the two witnesses called by the claimants, the bloggers broadcast gave them the impression that Mr Olukoya has a pending case against him in the UK and being a fraudulent and criminally-minded person, had no moral content to hold the office of clergyman and spiritual counsellor to millions of people all over the world.

The witnesses were Frederic Alewi and Ayodeji Owolabi, two pastors in the MFM.

ALSO READ: Court strikes out defamation suit against Nigerian journalist

The judge said he found the evidence of the witnesses to be uncontradicted and unchallenged.

On September 15, the court ordered that the defendant be served originating processes by DHL courier service and given time to appear and defend herself.

With the time given to the defendant having elapsed, the claimants filed an application for judgment in default, which the court granted.

The judge said the defendant was afforded every possible opportunity of being heard but she chose not to take advantage of it.

There was nothing more that the court could have done to hear her side of the matter, that was not done.

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Where a party to a proceeding has been given ample opportunity to be heard but chooses not to utilise the opportunity, it cannot be said that he has not been given fair hearing, he added.

The judge noted that the offending publications were repeated over several days and there was no evidence that the defendant published a retraction.

Given the content of the publications, particularly those bordering on allegations of crime, their gravely damaging effect on the claimants is not in doubt, the judge continued.

Yet, the defendant published them with such recklessness. The words used were careless, reckless, unguided, unguarded, and dripping with incredible venom and malice.

They were published to the whole world, so to say. There could only have been one intention, to damage the image, ministry and reputations of the claimants irreparably.

Israel agrees to secretly fund vaccines for Syria

Israel has secretly agreed to fund the supply of vaccines to rival state Syria as part of the prisoner swap deal, according to a report in The New York Times. In a rare moment of cooperation, the two nations which have fought several wars, agreed to a prisoner swap of Israeli woman held captive for crossing over illegally into Syria. In exchange, two Syrian shepherds held by Israel will be released. Under the secret deal, Israel will also pay Russia, which acted as the mediator, to send its Sputnik V vaccines to the Syrian regime, an official who is familiar with the negotiations was quoted as saying. However, the Israeli government and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied any funding to Syria for vaccines and said no Israeli vaccines were being sent. Read here

Let's look at the global statistics Global infections: 111,085,606 Global deaths: 2,460,726 Nations with most cases: US (28,077,609), India (10,991,651), Brazil (10,139,148), United Kingdom (4,117,739), Russia (4,105,424). Source: John Hopkins Research Center

Patience is one of the casualties of Germanys second wave

Much to the envy of its neighbours, Germany, with its effective tracing and testing systems, has contained the first wave of quite well. The countrys death and infection rates were among the lowest in the European Union. However, as the second wave dragged on and with more than two months of lockdown, Germans ran out of patience and got tired of waiting for vaccines, compensation from the government, or even a return to normalcy. Germany has floundered on the vaccination front, along with other European nations. It was slow to get off the block and start inoculations, and only 3.5 per cent of its citizens have received their first shots, and roughly 2 per cent have been fully immunised. Read here

Eswatini King recovers from Covid with Taiwan's help

The king of Eswatini, a land-locked country in southern Africa, has recovered from the infection after getting help from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who sent antiviral medication to help King Mswati III recover. "I am grateful to the president of the Republic of China on Taiwan for sending through this medication to treat me," the king said using the island's formal name. Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is Taiwan's only remaining diplomatic ally in the continent, and Taiwan has provided great economic and other aid during the current crisis. Read here

Vaccinations begin in Australia

Led by prime minister Scott Morrison, Australia vaccinated a small group of people with Pfizer jabs, in an exercise said to be the "curtain raiser" before formal start of the roll-out to the general public. The government said the prime minister getting the shot is intended to build public confidence in the safety of the vaccines. Morrison received the vaccine at a televised event in Sydney. The formal vaccine rollout will start on Monday. Read here
A young woman who started a petition that led to hundreds of schoolgirls speaking out about their teenage sexual assaults says schoolboys are so poorly educated about consent they barely even know what it is.

Dozens of harrowing claims emerged due to a petition demanding schools implement better sex education that teaches consent.

The petition, launched on Thursday by former Kambala student Chanel Contos, 22, prompted disturbing allegations against boys from prestigious private schools.

Ms Contos on Sunday said it was 'frustrating' to think a male classmate who allegedly assaulted schoolgirls may not have even realised he did something wrong.

Hundreds of girls who attended Sydney private schools has claimed they were sexually assaulted and raped by private school boys and are demanding schools implement better sex consent education. Pictured: Chanel Contos is calling for better sex education

Ms Contos on Sunday said it was 'frustrating' to think a male classmate who allegedly assaulted schoolgirls may not have even realised he did something wrong

'I decided the best way to approach it is to attack the education system because ultimately it is the education system that failed us on this,' she told Weekend Today.

'If I was to improve [education about consent] I would say it needs to be more wholistic and taken to factors such as toxic masculinity and rape culture and slut-shaming.

'It is all those things the concoction of these things that creates this environment. But even though that consent talk [we had in Year 10] was great, it happened too late.

'Me and a lot of my friends walked out of that room with the heavy realisation that we had actually been sexual abused.

'I remember we we went to lunch that day and we were going around the circle going, "Oh, my god, my guy could get 14 years, my guy could get 7 years."

'It was shocking to think something that we just think it's just normal, we think it happens to us, we think it's part of growing up because no-one tells us otherwise is, yeah, a criminal offence.'

Ms Contos said police did not deal with sexual assault very well and often told girls not to report them because it would mess up with schooling or be too traumatic in court.

However, she said though how police dealt with rape cases was problematic, she wanted to address the underlying causes of sexual assault so they don't happen in the first place.

'It's no about letting girls know, no means no. That's not good enough. It's not just no means no it's social pressure means no, it's, "I'm not sure," means no, it's physical body language means no.

At least 1,500 former students have signed the petition or shared stories of their own alleged assaults, with some boys even saying they perpetrated assault as students. Pictured: Chantel Contos said she was forced to perform oral sex as her first sexual experience

Chantel Contos (pictured) is calling for schools to provide consent sexual education to students from a young age

'All these things, they don't get properly addressed and it needs to be done at the root.

'My point is the boys should be educated to know in the first place that it's not the right thing to do because I don't think they are. I don't think a lot of the things these boys did when they were 14, 15, 16 they would do in their late 20s.

'But, a lot would - those behaviours are learned early and they're hard to change but there is such a weird line because it doesn't take the blame off the boys but they don't know any better.

'How can we expect them to know better if we don't teach them?'

Principals have vowed to change their schools' culture after hundreds of private schoolgirls came forward to allege they were sexually assaulted by male students.

Dr Julie Townsend, principal of St Catherine's in Sydney's eastern suburbs, said the school will work with boys' school Waverley College to further educate students on sexual assault.

'While the instances in the petition are all outside of school, schools have the opportunity to be part of the counter-cultural change,' Waverley principal Graham Leddie told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Ms Contos said police did not deal with sexual assault very well and often told girls not to report them because it would mess up with schooling or be too traumatic in court

Ms Contos' petition now has 6,400 signatures and nearly 700 testimonies from woman aged between 13 to 50-years-old from across Australia

Dr Townsend said she was grateful the girls came forward to detail their horrific experiences.

'I'm really grateful to those girls. They have done the next generation of boys and girls a great, great service,' she wrote in a letter to parents.

However, principals said parents had an important role to play and needed to work with schools to educate students about consent together.

'Parents know best when to have the vital open and honest conversations about sexual matters with their daughters and sons,' Dr Townsend wrote..

'As the online testimonies reveal, teenage parties can be the scene of sexual assaults, so it is important that you and your children are clear about the risks they pose and how you and they can mitigate that risk.'

Ms Contos said Kambala High School (pictured) gave her a 'great consent education but they gave it too late'

St Catherine's intends to book a speaker for parents to form a support system for past students.

'There are so many men who are upright and respectable young men, we don't want to lose that in this. But I think it's a difficult culture to break,' Dr Townsend told the SMH.

Wenona principal Briony Scott said her school regularly talked about consent to parents and students, and the dangers of alcohol and 'party culture'.

'Despite this, every year something goes wrong, somewhere... Together, as a community, as a society, we can all do so much more,' she said.

Kambala principal Shane Hogan plans to provide information to parents about consent and respectful relationships.

'[We are] commending the bravery of the young women to call out this behaviour and calling on any Kambala girls or old girls who have experienced this to contact us to access our on campus counselling support and support,' he said.

Nearly 12,000 people, including many former students of private schools, have signed the petition or shared stories of their own alleged assaults.

Ms Contos told Daily Mail Australia she started the petition after her friend confided in her about a sexual assault case that happened when she was 14-years-old.

'When I saw how distressed she was eight, nine years later, I knew that something had to be done,' she said.

'The realisation you've been sexually assaulted, it's a hard thing to go through'.

Ms Contos said she was forced to give oral sex to a boy when she was in Year 8, but did not realise she had been raped or learn about consent until she attended a sex consent class in Year 10 that presented by a former police officer.

'I was angry, but also had a sense of clarity around that I had in fact been sexually abused,' she said.

But she wasn't the only girl who realized they had just been sexually abused.

'I walked out of that room together with my friends and I remember the girls saying 'my guy could get seven years' or 'mine could go to jail for 17 years',' she recalled.

Chanel Contos' petition nearly has 7,000 signatures from men and women across Australia

Testimonials on the petition have accused unnamed students from Sydney's most exclusive all-boy schools, including St Ignatius Riverview (pictured)

Ms Contos said despite her school giving her a 'great consent education, they gave it too late.'

'A lot of people are already sexually active by 15 or 16, and you need to have this consent training before you become sexually active', she said.

'People who have contacted me have said they received no consent sexual education, especially boys schools said that it was minimal to none.'

Ms Contos' petition now has 6,400 signatures and nearly 700 testimonies from woman aged between 13 to 50-years-old from across Australia.

Allegations outlined in testimonials on the petition including being drugged and raped, being assaulted while intoxicated, waking up to find boyfriends having sex with them and being forced to perform oral sex.

Ms Contos said two boys have left testimonies allegedly they have also experienced sexual assault, and around 15 have messaged to say they are questioning their past sexual experiences.

Some former private schoolboys even confessed anonymously to perpetrating sexual assault or harassment, saying they regretted their actions.

'When I was younger I hooked up with a girl at a party when she was so drunk she couldn't stand. Since then I have apologised to her and she has accepted,' wrote one person who said they were a student at in 2015.

'However I still think about the potential damage I did to her and wonder what longstanding damage I could've done to her as an adult.'

Testimonials on the petition have accused unnamed students from Sydney's most exclusive all-boy schools, including Scots, Cranbrook, Sydney Grammar School, St Joseph's, Waverley, St Ignatius Riverview, and Shore.

Women said they had attended all-girls schools including Kambala, Kincoppal-Rose Bay, St Catherine's School, Pymble Ladies College, Wenona, Queenwood and Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College.

The petition called for schools to provide consent sex education to students 'from a young age.'

'These are uncomfortable conversations to have with young teenagers,' it reads.

'[But] it is far more uncomfortable to live knowing that something happened to you, or a friend, or perhaps that you were even the perpetrator of it, and it could have been avoided.'

Schools told the Sydney Morning Herald they needed to be allowed to teach consent and sex education without being restrained by politics.

'It is also essential that schools (both public and independent) are allowed to teach about such matters rather than have them being constrained by the personal but public opinions of politicians or criticised when wanting to educate around sexuality,' said Wenona principal Dr Briony Scott.

Ms Contos (pictured) said she hopes the petition will bring change to sexuality education to students across Australia

St Catherine's School headmistress Dr Julie Townsend said it was 'heartbreaking' to read the testimonials.

'It is clear from these girls' testimonies that many of them have suffered in silence for years, and we need to ensure that, not only do they understand what assault is, but know their rights in reporting it and charging someone,' she said.

Principal of boys school Waverley College Graham Leddie said schools needed to be held to 'a high standard.'

'We need to raise our expectations of a generation of boys in Australia that have a reputation for being self-serving, entitled and craving instant gratification,' he said.

Ms Contos said she's thankful for the discussions and reflection the petition has opened across Australia and worldwide.

'I hope the petition brings change to sexuality education, it needs to be more holistic, not by only incorporating consent, but also the forces that shape behaviors such as toxic masculinity and rape culture', she said.

'I hope this will better equip younger generations, so they never had the delayed realization that they've been victims or perpetrators of sexual assault'.

If this story has raised issues for you, please contact 1800 Respect 1800 737 732, Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 224 636, Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63
(Newser)  A shooting incident at a Louisiana gun store and shooting range on Saturday left three people dead, including the initial shooter, the BBC reports. Two other people were injured in the shootout, which occurred around 2:50pm at the Jefferson Gun Outlet in the New Orleans suburb of Metairie, per the AP. "We're trying to put it all together, piece it together, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto told reporters during a briefing. The gunman entered the store with a loaded, unholstered gun, WDSU reports. He reportedly got into an argument with an employee, who told the man that he should not have a loaded gun until he is inside the range. Shots were fired during the argument. It appears that several individuals ended up engaging that original suspect, Lopinto said.

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From what I understand I have multiple shooters here at this location that were either customers, employees, or individuals here at the location itself, he said. People who were attending a conceal-and-carry course at the store during the incident told the AP that the gunfire was much louder than the muffled shooting that comes from the shooting range. It got extremely loud, like a bomb almost, Wanetta Joseph said, adding that she and other students hid beneath a table. Tyrone Russell described a scene of shattered glass and bullet casing scattered around the store. He said he saw someone laid out in the parking lot near his car, which had been hit by gunfire. (Read more shooting stories.)
Alleging that notices are being served on people backing the agitation against the farm laws, BKU leader Balbir Singh Rajewal on Sunday asked farmers to gherao personnel if they come to their villages to make an arrest.

The BKU (Rajewal) leader also asked the Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government that the state police should not cooperate with the Delhi cops.

If the personnel come to arrest you, gather the entire village and oppose them," Rajewal told farmers at a "Kisan-Mazdoor Ekta Maha Rally in Punjab's Barnala on Sunday.

The rally was organised by the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union. Two days ago, Haryana BKU chief Gurnam Singh Chaduni had made a similar appeal.

Rajewal asked farmers not to appear before the if they get notices for joining investigation and told them to 'gherao' the Delhi Police personnel if they come to make an arrest.

Claiming that the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre is scared of the farmers' agitation, he alleged that those serving 'langar' or extending help to farmers at the protest sites near Delhi borders are being issued notices by police.

Those who are bringing 'langar' material or extending help to us in whatever manner they can, they are being slapped with notices. It is in my knowledge that many FIRs have been lodged against unknown persons by the Delhi Police, the BKU leader said.

I want to make it clear to all farmers and labourers that if anyone gets notice, do not bother, forward one copy to us. No one needs to appear before police, he said.

Rajewal said it is a moment of test for the Punjab government, which should tell the state police not to cooperate with the Delhi Police.

Rajewal further said the farmers' agitation against the laws has now turned into a jan andolan (people's movement).

It is a question of your future and children, he said, adding that they would not return until the farm laws are withdrawn.

He also praised village panchayats for their decision of sending people to the protest sites on rotational basis.

Rajewal said the Union government had no right to bring the laws as the agriculture is a state subject.

He also defended commission agents (arhtiyas), saying they only charge for their service and accused the Centre of bringing corporates as middlemen with these laws.

On farmer leaders' multiple rounds of meetings with the government earlier, Rajewal said, We told the government that when they are ready to make many amendments in these laws, what is the problem in rolling back them.

The BJP had propagated that they framed these laws keeping in view the farmers' interests but we confronted them and asked where farmers demanded the legislations, he stated.

Addressing the gathering, BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan said his outfit has planned to hold a big gathering in Delhi on February 27 and decided to observe International Women's Day on March 8 in the capital.

Referring to the Republic Day violence, Ugrahan said it was done by a group which acted at the behest of the government.

He asked farmers to prepare for a long battle against the farm legislations. This is not a fight of a religion or caste. It is a fight of secular people. This agitation is for occupation. It is a fight of the country's farmers, he said.

BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan also sought release of labour rights activist Nodeep Kaur, lodged in a Karnal jail.

Kaur, a member of the Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, was arrested for allegedly gheraoing an industrial unit and demanding money from the company in Sonipat on January 12.

(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.)
At least two anti-coup protesters were killed by riot police in Myanmar in what was the bloodiest day since the military Feb. 1 military takeover of the government. Dozens of people were injured in the demonstration in Myanmars second city of Mandalay as security forces used live rounds and tear gas to disperse protesters.

Twenty people were injured and two are dead, Ko Aung, a leader of the Parahita Darhi volunteer emergency service, tells Reuters. Another volunteer tells AFP that 30 people were injured and half of the injured were shot with live rounds. One of the dead was shot in the head and died at the scene while another, identified as a 36-year-old carpenter, was shot in the chest and died on the way to the hospital.

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The shootings took place near Mandalays Yadanabon dock, where police had used tear gas and rubber bullets earlier in the day to disperse protesters. Around 500 police officers and soldiers took part in efforts to disperse striking dock workers who had joined a national disobedience movement that aims to stop work until the military junta that took power restores the democratically elected government.

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The killings Saturday came a day after a young woman who was shot in the head during protests last week died. Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, 20, was the first confirmed death in the protests that were spurred by the military coup that included the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and others. The use of live rounds in Mandalay illustrates how security forces have been relatively restrained in the capital of Yangong but appeared to be toughening their stance in areas where there is less media presence, reports the Associated Press.

The U.S. Embassy in Myanmar condemned the fatal shootings. No one should be harmed for exercising the right to dissent, the embassy said on Twitter. British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab also condemned the shootings, calling htem beyond the pale. Raab added that We will consider further action, with our international partners, against those crushing democracy & choking dissent.

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No one should be harmed for exercising the right to dissent. We are deeply troubled by the fatal shooting of protestors in Mandalay, a day after the death of Mya Thwe Thwe Khine in Nay Pyi Taw. The military must stop violence against the people of Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/E3DNpcwtkV  U.S. Embassy Burma (@USEmbassyBurma) February 20, 2021

A 95-year-old resident of Tennessee who was a guard at a Nazi concentration camp during World War II was deported back to his home country of Germany Saturday. Friedrich Karl Berger, a German citizen, was sent to Germany because of his role as an armed guard at the Neuengamme concentration camp system near Hamburg, the Department of Justice said. A U.S: immigration judge ordered Berger removed from the United States in February of last year due to his willing service as an armed guard of prisoners at a concentration camp where persecution took place, DOJ said. Berger was ordered to be removed from the United States under a 1978 law known as the Holtzman Amendment that forbids anyone who participated in Nazi persecution from living in the United States.

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After a two-day trial in February of last year, the judge ruled that prisoners at the camp where Berger worked were held in atrocious conditions and were forced to work to the point of exhaustion and death. Berger admitted he worked as a guard and prevented prisoners from escaping. He also acknowledged he never requested a transfer and was still receiving a pension from Germany. At the time, Berger was incredulous at what was happening to him in a country that he had called home since 1959. After 75 years, this is ridiculous. I cannot believe it, he told the Washington Post. I cannot understand how this can happen in a country like this. Youre forcing me out of my home.

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Its unclear whether Germany will take steps against Berger. German prosecutors said he would be questioned for accessory to murder but he was not taken into custody after arriving on a medical transport plane at Frankfurt Airport on Saturday, according to Germanys Deutsche Welle. Prosecutors had previously suspended an investigation into Berger due to a lack of sufficient suspicion. At the time, the prosecutors said that admitting to being a guard was not the same as admitting to killing prisoners and they had not been able to link him to a concrete act of killing.

The Department of Justice said Berger was the 70th Nazi persecutor deported from the United States. Bergers removal demonstrates the Department of Justices and its law enforcement partners commitment to ensuring that the United States is not a safe haven for those who have participated in Nazi crimes against humanity and other human rights abuses, said Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson. Acting ICE Director Tae Johnson added that we are committed to ensuring the United States will not serve as a safe haven for human rights violators and war criminals.
Arkansas Governor Says He Wouldnt Support Trump Run in 2024

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he wouldnt support former President Donald Trump if he runs for president in 2024, even as polls show that Trump remains highly popular among GOP voters.

We got to respond to the people that like Trump, Hutchinson, a Republican, said Feb. 21 on CNN. Weve got to respond and identify with the issues that gave him the first election and gave him support throughout his presidency.

Hes got a good family, Ive worked with Ivanka and others, and they love America, but I would not support him for reelection in 2024. We cant let [Trump] define us for the future because that would further divide our country, and it would hurt our Republican Party, he added in comments that are sure to draw rebuke from a number of Republican voters.

He will only define our party if we let him define our party, Hutchinson said of Trump. Thats one of the reasons that my voice is important, others voices [are] important in this debate.  Sen. [Bill] Cassidy from Louisiana, those that have different points of view, still arch-conservatives, but a different voice for the future of our party.

The twice-impeached former president was acquitted in the Senate on Feb. 13 of inciting an insurrection on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, with seven Republican senators joining Democrats in voting to convict. Days later, the former president criticized Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), asserting that the Republican Party wont recapture the Senate majority with McConnell as the leader.

Cassidy, a Republican, voted to convict Trump, and the Louisiana state Republican Party voted unanimously to censure him on the same day.

Then-President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump step into Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Jan. 20, 2021 (Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump, meanwhile, hasnt declared whether he would seek the 2024 nomination.

I wont say yet, but we have tremendous support. Im looking at poll numbers that are through the roof, the former commander-in-chief said in an interview with Newsmax last week.

Trump was selected on Feb. 18 to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), as a number of polls show the former president enjoying outsized support among Republicans.

According to a survey from Rasmussen Reports published last week, it found that 70 percent of likely voters said the recent impeachment proceedings against Trump either didnt make much difference in their opinion of the former president, or they now have a better opinion of him. Another poll in February revealed that 36 percent of Republicans called Trump the best president ever, while 18 percent called President Ronald Reagan the same, 13 percent called President Abraham Lincoln the best, and 11 percent said the same for President George Washington.

Officials at Trumps Save America PAC didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.
Conjugation (or mating) of ciliates is a unique phenomenon among living beings. They have sex not for reproduction or pleasure  they seek to increase genetic variation. Scientists from St Petersburg University, together with colleagues from Poland and France, have studied the mating process in five sibling species of the Paramecium aurelia complex. Their findings enabled them to describe genetic mechanisms behind this phenomenon. The research results have been published in the prestigious scientific journal Genome Biology and Evolution.

The mating process is one of the most important mechanisms for maintaining genetic variation in natural populations. The emergence of sexual reproduction turned out to be the most important evolutionary innovation that facilitated the evolution of eukaryotes. Paramecium is a well-known genus of ciliated protists with a complex system of 'sexes', or mating types. Paramecium reproduces asexually, by binary fission, which is not related to the mating process.

During conjugation, Paramecium of compatible mating types exchange haploid nuclei, equivalent to gametes. The nuclei of each organism then fuse to form a diploid genome. This genome is stored in germline micronuclei of the exconjugants. It then undergoes large-scale rearrangements in the somatic macronucleus, including the elimination of virtually all non-coding DNA. Thus, there are two Paramecium cells before the formation of a conjugating pair, as well as after conjugation: no offspring are produced. However, by the time the two cells go their separate ways, both of them will have changed. Firstly, now they will have become genetically identical, and, secondly, they will both have acquired a new genetic identity, different from their 'parental' genotype.

I will draw an analogy with humans, whose sexual activity is not always associated with procreation as well. It is as if after sexual intercourse the two partners became identical twins. Moreover, the transformation is so radical that they change directly into their own offspring, as if being reincarnated in the same body but genetically different." Dr. Alexey Potekhin, Professor, Department of Microbiology, St Petersburg University

For several years, the scientists have studied mating-type systems in five closely related species of the ciliate Paramecium. They sought to find out how mating-type polymorphism is maintained in organisms that do not exhibit any sexual characteristics. 'Ciliates are unorthodox about sex. For example, different Paramecium species have multiple, as well as binary mating types systems. The multitude of mating types significantly expands the choice of mating partners. Most importantly, mating occurs between cells of different genotypes, i.e. of different mating types. As for the binary systems, they are what we humans call "bisexual". As practice has shown, two sexes are quite enough,' says Alexey Potekhin.

Some species of Paramecium have two mating types, O (Odd) and E (Even), which might be broadly called representatives of different 'sexes', since conjugation occurs only between cells of different mating types. However, the mechanisms of sex, or mating-type, determination remained unknown for a long time.

Previous work in Paramecium tetraurelia revealed the key role of the mtA gene. It encodes a transmembrane protein that is specifically expressed in sexually reactive cells of type E. The mtA protein is directly involved in the species-specific recognition of type O reactive cells. For E expression, the mtA protein requires two other proteins, mtB and mtC, which encode factors that are necessary for mtA transcription in E reactive cells. All three proteins are specifically required for type E expression, whereas no gene is specifically required for type O expression.

To reconstitute functional genes in the somatic genome, ciliates rely on the programmed genome rearrangements, which include the excision of the unnecessary elements from coding sequences in the macronucleus. This excision event depends on a special class of small RNAs that scan the parental macronuclear genome to identify missing sequences and correlate it with the new one, which is to be formed after conjugation.

Consequently, all DNA sequences that are absent from the parental macronucleus are eliminated. The parental macronucleus is then destroyed, and the new functional macronucleus is formed. 'Meanwhile, the new macronuclear genotypes differ from the parental one, as it is expected to be as a result conjugation,' notes Alexey Potekhin.

The mating type of Paramecium tetraurelia is inherited maternally by programmed genome rearrangements. In other words, each progeny acquires the mating type of its cytoplasmic parent. 'A type O cell has an mtA gene that is inactivated during development, because the DNA segment, containing the mtA promoter (its transcription start site) and elements directly downstream, is reminiscent of transposons.

The latter are also known as transposable elements, or jumping genes. They make up a large fraction of the non-coding DNA and can be eliminated from the macronuclear genome as unnecessary. In such case, this fragment will always be deleted in the next generations during macronuclear development. After all, it has already been lost from the "template". Thus, the mtA gene is inactivated, and the progeny inherits the mating type O,' explains Alexey Potekhin.

Among species with cytoplasmic inheritance of mating types, there are several species of the Paramecium aurelia complex: P. biaurelia, P. sexaurelia, P. septaurelia, P. octaurelia, P. decaurelia, and P. dodecaurelia. In the new study, the scientists have shown that these sibling species use the same mechanism, but different modes of mating-type determination.

Several species use the same regulation mechanism as P. tetraurelia - an epigenetically inherited deletion of the fragment containing the mtA promoter and the elements directly downstream from the start site. Conversely, in P. sexaurelia, it is the last of the base pairs of the coding sequence of the mtA gene that undergo correction during genome rearrangements. In two other Paramecium species, P. biaurelia and P. septaurelia, the mtB gene was found to be rearranged differently - some fragments of the mtB gene may get deleted leading to the mtB deficiency. Due to the absence of functional mtB, the mtA gene cannot function properly. Thus the absence of functional mtB is what determines mating type O in these species.

'When I was a student 25 years ago, I was amazed that within a small group of ciliates there are three different modes of mating-type determination and inheritance. Such evolutionary plasticity of mating-type systems is unique and cannot be found in multicellular organisms. At the time, it was an absolute mystery, because then no one had an idea of genome scanning, nor of mating-type genes. Our research team has been able to make a great contribution to the study of this phenomenon, and I am pleased with the scientific results we have achieved. It has been a real scientific quest,' stresses Alexey Potekhin.

In Paramecium tredecaurelia, mating types are not inherited cytoplasmically, but follow a classical pattern of Mendelian inheritance. It has been shown that in that species, O and E mating types are genetically determined by the loss of a single nucleotide in the mtA promoter in type E clones. The genome of P. tredecaurelia contains no functional mtB gene; therefore, another transcription factor plays its role.

The conducted experiments enabled the scientists to establish that the transcription factor binding site is located in the promoter region with a discovered one nucleotide deletion, while the mtA gene is activated by such a promoter. If there is no deletion, then the site is not recognised and the mtA gene is not expressed during sexual reactivity. The same binding site in the mtA promoter is also observed in three more species of the Paramecium aurelia complex, with all of them lacking the mtB gene.

'This implies that in the evolution of these sibling species, there occurred several evolutionary transitions between mating-type determination systems. Despite different molecular solutions, the result was always the same: in a natural population, there will be cells of both mating types. The evolutionary history of the Paramecium aurelia illustrates that any regulation mechanism for maintaining mating-type polymorphism in cell populations can take hold, involving mating-type biased gene expression and programmed genome rearrangements. This shows how important the mating process is even for unicellular organisms,' notes Alexey Potekhin.
Asthma may be a disease with one name. But experts say that unbeknownst to most people who have it, it is not just one disease, nor is there a one-size-fits-all treatment for it.

Rather, as detailed in a new 54-page set of guidelines developed by an expert panel, in the 13 years since the last guidelines were issued, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the causes and physiological effects of various kinds of asthma and the different approaches needed to treat them and minimize flare-ups in children and adults. The guidelines were published in December in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

In recent years, weve recognized that everyones asthma is a little different, with different underlying mechanisms, and the paradigm for treating it has changed completely, said Dr. Michael Wechsler, an asthma specialist at National Jewish Health in Denver.

Asthma is now recognized as a far more complex condition than experts realized in 1991 when the first comprehensive guidelines were issued. It is now considered a syndrome with many different characteristics, or phenotypes, that result from the interaction between a persons genetics and environment.

Also, though not discussed in detail in the updated guidelines, the newest treatment with what are known as biologics is heralding new forms of personalized therapy for patients with severe asthma that is not well-controlled by other, albeit cheaper, remedies. Biologics are drugs made from modified molecules from the cells of live organisms designed to target specific disease pathways that culminate in asthma symptoms.

The last 13 years have seen an explosion of new strategies, new concepts, new understanding of mechanism, new drugs and new treatments, Wechsler said in an interview. In just the last five years, five new drugs have been approved for treating asthma.

The new guidelines can be especially helpful for people being treated for asthma, mild or severe, that is now not adequately controlled. More than half of asthma patients are treated by primary care doctors, with referrals to specialists like pulmonologists or allergists when their condition is severe or doesnt respond well to treatment, said Dr. Michelle M. Cloutier, professor emerita at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, who chaired the expert panel.

Asthma afflicts about 25 million people in the United States, including 5.5 million children. It is not an infection, although the body reacts as if an enemy had attacked it. Rather, asthma is a chronic respiratory disease in people whose airways become inflamed in response to various triggering substances or behaviors. The inflamed airways swell and narrow and the muscles surrounding them tighten, causing a bronchospasm. Unless the bronchospasm is quickly reversed, it can become very difficult to breathe and result in hospitalization or death.

Although people with asthma always have some degree of airway inflammation, they are particularly sensitive to certain factors that can make the inflammation much worse and result in labored breathing. Thus, some people with asthma have environmental allergies, for example, to pollen, animal dander, dust mites, rodents or cockroaches, that when encountered can trigger an asthmatic attack. Others are sensitive to irritants in the air, like tobacco smoke, air pollutants or substances with strong odors.

For some people with asthma, a viral infection, like the flu or common cold, or use of a medication like aspirin, an NSAID or beta-blocker, can enhance inflammation in the airways and result in labored breathing. Still others experience constricted airways when they exercise, especially in cold weather.

Even strong emotions, like fear, anger, excitement or laughter, and sudden changes in the weather are problems for some people with asthma.

Although several people I know with asthma feared they would be especially susceptible to contracting Covid-19 and becoming severely ill, the evidence has not shown an increased risk either in contracting the coronavirus or developing a worse infection if they did, Dr. Wechsler said. In fact, he added, treating asthma may even protect against Covid.

Researchers now recognize that the triggering event of an asthma attack can have different manifestations within the airways and therefore respond better to different treatments. As Cloutier explained, in allergic asthma, inflammatory cells called eosinophils collect in the airways, but when a viral infection triggers the inflammation, cells called neutrophils are released, warranting a different treatment.

The new guidelines highlight the value of a measurement called FENO, which stands for fractional exhaled nitric oxide, a biomarker described as useful in correctly diagnosing and adequately treating asthma in different patients. For children aged 5 and older, a nitric oxide measurement can help confirm the diagnosis of asthma and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

Although the guidelines do not provide hard-and-fast rules, they offer valuable treatment suggestions when currently used remedies do not result in the best relief possible. For example, the panel stated unequivocally that encasing mattresses and pillows in allergy-protective covers is not in itself an adequate remedy for someone allergic to dust mites.

Single-component interventions often do not work in efforts to control indoor allergens, the panel wrote. Among the combined approaches suggested were using pesticides against house-dust mites on carpets, mattresses and furniture; air-filtration systems and air purifiers, including those with HEPA filters; removal of wall-to-wall carpets and area rugs, at least in the allergic persons bedroom; and mold mitigation.

The report also cautioned against relying on a negative result from an allergy test if the person reports worsening symptoms when exposed to the allergen tested. On the other hand, some patients who test positive on an allergy test may not react to that substance in real life. Some may have developed a tolerance to the allergen that could be undone by attempts to reduce the patients exposure to it.

In sync with current trends in medicine toward shared decision-making, the panel emphasized the value of doctors and patients collaborating to come up with the most practical and effective approach to treat asthma in different individuals. For example, the panel wrote, allergen mitigation interventions may be expensive or difficult for patients to use or maintain. Doctors were urged to take into account the severity of the patients symptoms and life circumstances before recommending remedies that could be too challenging for the patient.

Patients should be engaged in treatment decisions, Dr. Cloutier said. Those with mild disease, for example, might prefer to take a single medication every day and use a rescue medication occasionally if they develop symptoms, while others would rather use the same two medications but only when needed.
Coronavirus vaccine rollouts have begun worldwide, raising hopes that the global economy can start to reopen.

Strict movement restrictions and social distance measures have discouraged consumption, and savings have increased substantially in major countries.

The correlation between movement restrictions and consumption suggests that consumption is likely to recover once the restrictions are eased -- a swift vaccination program will significantly impact the economic recovery.

Nikkei studied the correlation between the stringency index calculated by Oxford University -- an index that measures the strictness of mobility restrictions -- and personal consumption in 37 member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and found out that the more the mobility restrictions are eased, the more consumption bounces back.

Between July and September 2020, personal consumption increased 11% quarter-on-quarter on average in the member countries of OECD as their economies reopened. The U.K. saw a 19% increase. Consumption was sluggish globally between October and December 2020 due to another wave of infections, but the vaccines are expected to ease restrictions from January to March 2021 onward.

The rebound of consumption will be supported by a significant increase in household savings. The savings rates -- the percentage of money left for savings from disposable income -- in Japan, the U.S., Europe and other major economies, rose sharply to historical levels due to mobility restrictions and stimulus measures. The U.S. personal savings rate surged to about 30% between April and June 2020, more than double the average recorded between 2007 and 2019. The policy to hand out $1,400 per person is likely to have further increased household savings.

In Europe, too, expectations are high regarding the easing of movement restrictions, which is set to unleash a huge amount of coiled-up energy as people will be able to travel about again. Andrew Haldane, chief economist at the Bank of England, wrote in the Daily Mail: "A decisive corner is about to be turned for the economy too, with enormous amounts of pent-up financial energy waiting to be released, like a coiled spring."

According to travel data company Adara, the number of bookings for airplane tickets for sightseeing trips more than three months in advance is increasing in Europe.

In countries that were able to deter infections even before the start of vaccination programs, consumption has begun to recover. According to Singapore restaurant booking site Chope, the number of reservations in January increased 37% year-on-year.
The Coast Guard icebreaker Polar Star returned Saturday to home port in Seattle after a northern cruise that marked the first time since 1982 that a U.S. government vessel had ventured into the winter Arctic.

The crew encountered dense, shifting sea ice, daylong darkness and wind chills that plunged to 50 degrees below zero. On Dec. 25, the Polar Star reached a latitude of 72 degrees, which was farther north than any U.S. government vessel, other than a submarine, had reached in winter.

The mission was a serious test of the capabilities of the 45-year-old, 399-foot Polar Star with challenges that included generating enough heat to keep the ship warm.

Capt. Bill Woityra, the vessel's commander, said the "crew's resilience was unyielding ... we accomplished everything we set out to do and more."

The Polar Star is one of two U.S. icebreakers and the only one classified as "heavy"  able to break through ice up to 21 feet thick. The vessel left Seattle in early December and traveled through the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea and then through the thick ice of the Chukchi Sea.

It was a big shift from the Polar Star's usual mission. The Polar Star typically heads south to assist in the summer resupply of the McMurdo Station on Ross Island, close to the Antarctic continent. As late as August, the 134 full-time crew were still preparing for their traditional role.

But that mission was scuttled by the National Science Foundation as the coronavirus pandemic prompted research to be cut back and restrictions put in place to reduce the risk of the virus reaching Antarctica. So, in September, the Coast Guard decided to send the Polar Star north.

The vessel in recent years has had mishaps and maintenance problems, including a 2019 fire that damaged a shipboard incinerator and a leaking shaft repaired with the aid of a scuba diver. During this fall-winter cruise, despite the extreme weather, the vessel had no major breakdowns or accidents, according to Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier, of Coast Guard public affairs.

"There was no lost time due to malfunction," Strohmaier said.

In the Chukchi Sea, the Polar Star rammed  again and again  through a heavy blanket of ice. Crew members came up with a lot of descriptions for the auditory experience of this noisy passage, comparing the sounds to "screeches and bangs from a perpetual car crash, a blaring elephant, freight train or driving through concrete," according to a dispatch written by Petty Officer 1st Class Cynthia Oldham and Petty Officer 2nd Class Tedd Meinersman.

They wrote that the ice the crew experiences during the Antarctic summer is warmer and softer, and makes less noise when it is compressed and crushed by the hull.

In the Arctic, the winter ice was mostly flat, and several feet thick. But it was wind driven, and some areas piled up in pressure ridges that the crew worked to avoid, a task complicated by the lack of light that greatly limited visibility, according to Woityra.

The Arctic winter ice was also was very hard. "I was shocked by how hard and ridge and tough it was totally foreign to me," said Woityra, who noted that the noise of the ice-breaking was a constant cacophony that made sleep elusive despite the perpetual night.

The Polar Star headed north with researchers from an Army Corps of Engineers cold weather laboratory, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the University of Washington and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.

Researchers deployed buoys that will transmit information about ice floes, and the crew aided research to develop a better understanding of the hydrology of the Chukchi Sea.

Also during the trip, the Polar Star and a Russian aircraft in mid-January patrolled a portion of the two nations' maritime boundary in the Bering Sea. The patrol included communications exercises that demonstrated the importance of a working relationship in an area where the two nations have agreements for combined operations in search and rescue and countering illegal fishing, according to Capt. Jason Brennell, chief of enforcement for the Coast Guard's 17th District.

Woityra, the Polar Star's commander, said he expects the Coast Guard will be heading to the Arctic more often in the future, and in different seasons.

"Polar Star's winter Arctic deployment has served to better understand and prepare for the challenges of operating in such a harsh and unforgiving environment," Woityra said in a statement released by the Coast Guard.

The isolation of the cruise was heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented shore leaves at Alaska ports during 78 days of the cruise. And in Seattle, the first order of business as the crew disembarked was vaccinations.

The crew now has three weeks free of ship duties. Then they will bring the Polar Star down to California for maintenance work in preparation for next year's cruise, which is expected to be a return to Antarctica.

This article is written by Hal Bernton from Seattle Times and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
Blueprint Gaming Announces Launch of Lucksome Studio

Published February 21, 2021 by Ivan P

Based out of Malta, Lucksome Studio represents continuation Blueprint's efforts to diversify their gaming portfolio and strengthen their ties with the operators.

Blueprint Gaming, one of the best-known game developers in the iGaming industry, has announced they've launched Lucksome Studio. This latest move represents the continuation of Blueprint's efforts to diversify and better cover current players' needs and expectations.

Localized Games Putting Player First

Although it is still early days for the studio, Blueprint has announced that their intention is to create localized titles that focus on the player. The company has also hinted that new releases will be filled with innovative concepts.

Based out of Malta, Lucksome Studio will aim to achieve these goals in the upcoming period, led by the industry veteran Bryan Upton who used to work for NetEnt as a content strategy and game design specialist. Johan John and Josefin Uppeke will also have prominent roles in the new studio.

Fresh Slots and Completely New Game Concepts

According to Blueprint, Lucksome Studio will focus primarily on the development of video slots, which doesn't come as much of a surprise. However, the company is also looking to develop some completely new and unique gaming ideas, featuring fresh styles and multi-game concepts.

If things go to plan, first games from Lucksome should hit the virtual shelves of online casinos sometimes during the second quarter of 2021.

This is a very important move for Blueprint as it seeks to improve its global presence and strengthen ties with operators. Having a base of operations in Malta will go a long way towards achieving this goal.

Blueprint isn't the first company to adopt the multi-studio approach. Microgaming, for example, has several independent studios developing games exclusively for them. This approach has worked very well for them, as they've been able to really diversify their portfolio and broaden their presence thanks to many unique and interesting games. In the months to come, Blueprint will probably look to achieve the same through Lucksome Studio.




By Lee Jeong-cheol







When you think about North Koreans, what image comes to mind?







I would guess that most people would say Kim Jong-un or probably North Korea's nuclear weapons.







But I think of North Koreans who have been suffering in North Korea. I think about their sad-looking faces.







I have lived in South Korea for 14 years and one of the things people used to tell me was, "Jeongcheol, smile!" Whenever I took pictures with friends, they would remind me that I needed to smile.







I would tell them, "I am smiling."







However, later, I realized that I was not smiling. My face looked depressed.







When I was in North Korea, there was nothing much that made me smile. My greatest memory of childhood was about hunger. I think I was always hungry when I was in North Korea.







I have learned to try to smile. When I would wake up in the morning, I would go to the bathroom to practice smiling. And I learned from practice. I learned how to smile.







Now that I have learned how to smile, some people tell me, "You don't look like someone who is from North Korea." They will also tell me, "It seems you didn't go through hardship in North Korea."







Needless to say, my life in North Korea was difficult. When I was eight years old, my mother went to China. I never felt I was full, I was either always hungry or starving, but never full. I had to work on a farm, sometimes I went up to the mountain to get timber during the winter. When I was 14, I also left North Korea to join my mother.







For a while, when people in South Korea commented on my appearance, making it seem that I had not experienced hardship, I would explain how terrible my life was in North Korea.







But these days, I don't explain. I just enjoy my life.







It has taken me some time to get to this comfort level. I was born in Hyesan, Yangang province in North Korea. I came to South Korea in 2007 via Laos and Thailand.







If I could have driven from my home in Hyesan to South Korea, it would have taken about 8 hours. But because one of the most dangerous borders in the world is between South and North Korea, I couldn't do it. Instead of 8 hours, it took almost 18 months.







The North and South have been divided for decades.







There are about 25 million people in North Korea. Ninety percent of them are living like slaves under the dictatorship. They can't smile much. Ten percent of them are part of the regime's elite. Most of them live in Pyongyang.







When I was in North Korea, my dream was to live in Pyongyang because it meant my life would get much better.







But for me, moving to Pyongyang was harder than coming to South Korea.







I wish we could help more North Koreans to live in freedom. However, many people approach North Korean human rights politically. They focus more on criticizing or blaming Kim Jong-un and his regime rather than on helping North Koreans.







There are many North Koreans who need humanitarian help, such as rice and medicine. The sad thing is, some people first ask questions like, "Will Kim Jong-un change?" or "Will he give up his nuclear weapons?" But they don't talk about how to help North Koreans.







What can be done? If you want to help North Koreans, I think it's important to have dialogue with the North Korean regime, even though Kim is one of the most notorious dictators in the world. Otherwise, it's almost impossible to save North Koreans, because there is no reason to have talks with Kim Jong-un if we just focus on politics.







I wouldn't want to sit down at a table with Kim because he is a notorious dictator. But if it helps North Koreans, then I would work up the courage to engage in a dialogue with him. Kim Jong-un is already smiling and happy. Even if he continues smiling, we need to do something for North Koreans so that they can also smile.







."



Lee Jeong-cheol is host of the YouTube channel, " James from North Korea ," producer at a media company based in Seoul, and a Keynote Speaker in Freedom Speakers International.The article was edited by Casey Lartigue Jr., the editor of " Voices from the North
COVID-19 vaccination: Priority list discarded; controversy as over-60s are turned away By Kumudini Hettiarachchi View(s): View(s):

The current COVID-19 public vaccination programme is mired in controversy and confusion after the health authorities arbitrarily discarded the priority list.

With a major deviation from the planned list which is based on international practices taking into account the high-risk groups, the Health Services Director-General, in a damage control move, on Friday evening instructed that the over-60s who had been excluded be included.

The programme which was rolled out among the public on Wednesday, with limited vaccine doses, after the frontline health and security forces personnel had got their jabs, immediately ran into trouble with strong protests from many quarters.

The Sunday Times also understands that there has been a high-level change with regard to the epidemiological coordination of the programme but it was unclear whether it was linked to the priority-list fiasco.

By Friday afternoon, the DG issued instructions to vaccination centres in the high-risk Western Province where the programme was underway to extend vaccination to those beyond 60 years of age, but questions arose whether there would be enough stocks to do so.

Earlier, those on the priority list, were the frontline health workers, the frontline security forces personnel  both groups who have been vaccinated with around 250,000 doses of the 500,000 doses of COVISHIELD donated by India  followed by the high-risk elderly category of people over 60 years of age and the high-risk younger people (from 19 years to 60 years) who had co-morbidities.

A lightning decision, reportedly by the Epidemiology Unit, had dumped this priority list even though earlier repeated assurances had been given by those heading the vaccination initiative that it would be adhered to and no one would be allowed to crash the queue.

The Sunday Times understands that vociferous protests had ensued at a meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (CDs) on Wednesday. A majority of members of this highest technical committee chaired by the Health Services DG, had finalised the priority list and insisted that the ad hoc decision be rescinded immediately.

Repeatedly in the past, both Presidential COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force chief Lalith Weeratunga, and National Vaccines Committee head Dr. Lakshmi Somatunga, had assured that the jabs would be given according to the priority list of the National Vaccine Deployment Plan. These assurances have been published in the Sunday Times.

Who decided to throw out the priority list and on what basis, asked former Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, saying that this sudden change of plans, with only limited quantities of doses being available, was to create utter confusion and get politicians and their henchmen to jump the queue.

He said that COVID-19 vaccines should be given to prevent deaths firstly and when looking at data anyone could see that most of deaths were among the elderly and younger people with co-morbidities. This change in the priority was unacceptable.

Other health sources said there were two schools of thought. One is that the elderly and those with co-morbidities should be vaccinated to prevent deaths, while others argued that it is better to vaccinate the young to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

The source said that many were opposed to the second school of thought because sochcham doses (small amounts of doses) would not break the chain of transmission.

Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) President Dr. Padma Gunaratne, when contacted, reiterated that the first priority, through vaccination, should be to prevent deaths, complications, developing symptoms, hospital admissions and ICU occupancy.

Those who are likely to get severe COVID-19 and succumb to illness are older individuals and those with co-morbidities including kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension etc., Prof. Neelika Malavige, Head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, told the Sunday Times.

She said that in all countries, after immunising the frontline workers such as healthcare workers, they immunise these vulnerable groups of individuals. In Sri Lanka, the incidence of COVID-19 is so much more in Colombo than other places. Therefore, older individuals in the Colombo district are more likely to develop severe disease and fatal COVID-19. In fact, over 50% of those who have died are from the Colombo district.

Therefore, it would be important to immunise older individuals giving preference to those living in COVID-19 hotspots. The reasons for deviating from this commonsense approach is beyond me, added Prof. Malavige.

What is the basis on which the priority list was changed, queried Consultant Paediatrician Dr. LakKumar Fernando, pointing out several instances where home-bound young people have been vaccinated this week, while people over-60 who are going to work have been refused the jab point blank.

Many dissenting voices also came from the outstations, with Dr. Sunil Seneviratne, a past SLMA President, stating that when he sent his frontline health staff from his clinic with a letter, to get vaccinated at the Matara Hospital on Thursday, they were turned away.

The medical officer refused to vaccinate my staff and they were turned away, with the excuse that he has no authorization to give vaccines to our staff. In fact, over the week I gave several calls and sent an email too to the Epidemiology Unit in Colombo, but they too refused to accommodate our health staff saying they have to save the vaccine for garbage collectors and other high-risk people, he said, adding that there is obviously a mix-up of priorities.

Some calls to areas in the Western Province where the vaccine was being administered brought to light some heartrending tales of how the healthcare staff had to turn away those over 60 years and how sons and daughters were agonized over the decision to vaccinate them without including their parents in the programme.

Calls and messages to Presidential Task Force Head Lalith Weeratunga, National Committee Head Dr. Lakshmi Somatunga and the Epidemiology Unit elicited no response.
San Franciscos public schools have been virtual-only for nearly a year, despite increasing pressure from parents and politicians to reopen for in-person instruction.

In an opinion piece published in The San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Board of Education president Gabriela Lopez said working to reopen schools will be the boards only focus. The board has faced intense pressure on school reopenings, while also sparking controversy with efforts to rename 44 district schools and a recent decision to halt merit-based admissions at Lowell High School.

The school district is set to vote on a plan Tuesday that would allow schools to reopen in Californias second-most-restrictive red tier once staff is fully vaccinated.

But local politicians say that plan is still too restrictive, given the reality that vaccinations are proceeding slowly because of lack of supply.

Some have noted that other major school districts across the U.S. have opened to some form of in-person schooling  despite having higher levels of community transmission than San Francisco.

In New York City, where an average of 51 people per 100,000 are testing positive for the coronavirus every day, elementary schools have been open on a hybrid schedule for months, and middle schools are in the process of reopening. Other large school districts, including Atlanta and Miami, have fully reopened for elementary, middle and high school students (with remote learning options), despite having higher daily case rates than San Franciscos current rate of 9 per 100,000.

Supporters of San Franciscos prolonged closures have argued that keeping children and teachers at home is part of whats driving the citys low case rates, and that opening schools too quickly could lead to transmission among students and teachers.

We need a clear and coordinated state, county and local plan that puts the health and safety of our communities first and does not take shortcuts toward the path of opening schools in person, the California Teachers Association wrote in a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom in late January as part of an effort to keep schools in counties under the states widespread purple tier closed for 100 days.

The idea that keeping schools closed has kept coronavirus numbers low isnt supported by the evidence, according to numerous Bay Area health experts.

There is not data to support that claim, Dr. Jeanne Noble, head of UCSFs emergency department COVID-19 response, said in an email. Noble cited a December study published by the CDC that found that, among children younger than 18 in Mississippi, attending school or child care did not make students more likely to test positive for the coronavirus. Instead, children who didnt consistently wear masks or had close contact with people outside of their household were more likely to test positive.

In fact, Noble said, the study found that kids who had gone to school or day care where masking was enforced during the previous 14 days were more likely to test negative for the coronavirus.

In other words, not only did attending in person not raise the risk for acquiring COVID, attending a school with universal masking actually lowered the childs risk for acquiring COVID, suggesting that schools may indeed be protective, she said.

In another recent study of 90,000 students and 10,000 teachers in North Carolinas school system, only 32 in-school transmissions occurred  all of which were related to breaches in masking protocol, Noble said.

Carrie Byington, executive vice president of University of California Health, said the rate of coronavirus within a community remained an important factor when considering whether and how to reopen schools.

Case rates and other indicators of community transmission are important considerations when planning for school openings or any in-person activity, she said in an email.

But she agreed that opening schools was unlikely to drive San Franciscos infection rates up: There is now evidence from the U.S. and other countries that in-person school is not a primary driver of community transmission of SARS-CoV2, she said.

Some experts said that case rates  a factor that the CDC has weighed heavily in its school reopening guide  should not even be considered when making the decision to reopen.

We have seen major cities all over the country including New York, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Washington DC, Miami, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Boston open to some component of in-person learning (hybrid or full-time) despite much higher case rates than San Francisco without significant issues of school-based transmission, Dr. Mitul Kapadia, associate clinical professor of pediatrics at UCSF, said in an email.

Kapadia pointed out that many public schools in Marin County have been open since October, with more than 17,000 students attending school in-person on a daily basis. With similar case rates  Marin Countys daily new case rate is at 12 per 100,000 residents  Marin has seen minimal school-based transmission and zero transmissions from student to teacher, he said.

Safe school reopening can happen despite high levels of community transmission, Kapadia said. The biggest predictor of transmission within schools is consistent implementation of layered mitigation strategies particularly mask use and physical distancing.

Susie Neilson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: susan.neilson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Susieneilson
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The police in Lagos have arrested two suspects at the Festac area on Saturday for being in possession of vandalised rail tracks belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Lagos police spokesperson, the suspects were arrested by operatives attached to the office of the Area Commander, Area E Festac, around 4 p.m.

The policemen that were on routine check stopped the vehicle driven by one Victor Akpan, m, 21, of Ijora, Lagos and his accomplice, one Adesina Folorunsho, m, of No 36, Biefield, Apapa road, and discovered the vandalised rail tracks in the said vehicle.

They could not give any satisfactory account of the vandalised items but claimed that they got them from some miscreants.

Mr Adejobi said the suspects were arrested and the vehicle containing the vandalised rail tracks seized.

In another operation, police operatives attached to Satellite and Aguda Divisions of the command have arrested four suspected traffic robbers at different locations in their areas.

Mr Adejobi said police officers attached to Sattelite Division arrested two suspected armed robbers along Agboju/Alakija on Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Friday around 10:35 p.m.

The suspects, Solomon Ayuba and Manase David, 26 and 20 years old respectively, were caught in the act by the police when they were attacking unsuspecting commuters in the area, while other members of the gang took to their heels, the police said.

The police operatives had placed suspected armed robbers under surveillance for some days before they were eventually arrested. Items recovered from them include one locally-made pistol, some cartridges and 2 face Masks, Mr Adejobi, a Chief Superintendent of Police said.

Operatives attached to Aguda Division on Saturday, also arrested two suspected traffic robbers while they were attacking and robbing a Toyota Siena Bus with Reg. No AAA 30 AZ, driven by one Apele Mohammed, m, on transit at Olatunji Onimole Street by Brown Junction.

The police spokesperson said the suspects, Ismail Abayomi and Seun Akinbunu, and others at large attacked the bus, broke its side screen and robbed one Atinuke Adisa of her Infinix-8 phone.

The police said the suspects have been taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti for thorough investigation while the police are on the heels of the fleeing suspects.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talks to the media during a visit to the Fitness gym in Petah Tikva, Israel, ahead of its reopening (Tal Shahar/Yediot Ahronot/Pool/AP)

Israel lifted many of its coronavirus restrictions and started reopening its economy on Sunday as the countrys vaccination drive and third nationwide lockdown have started to bring down infections.

Most grade school and high school classes have reopened after a nearly two-month closure, along with museums, libraries, shopping centres and markets.

Some restrictions on the number of people in attendance remain in place.

Expand Close Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shows off the green badge app during a visit to the Fitness gym in Petah Tikva ahead of its reopening (Tal Shahar/Yediot Ahronot/Pool/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shows off the green badge app during a visit to the Fitness gym in Petah Tikva ahead of its reopening (Tal Shahar/Yediot Ahronot/Pool/AP)

The entire education system is expected to return to normal operations in early March.

Gyms, pools, cinemas and restaurants are reopening for people who have received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

Israel unveiled its plan to allow those who have been vaccinated to attend cultural events, fly abroad and patronise restaurants and health clubs by using a green badge app on Saturday ahead of the reopening of the economy.

However, the rollout of the app has been fraught with technical difficulties.

After striking a deal with Pfizer to trade data for doses, Israels vaccine campaign became the worlds speediest in the past two months.

Almost half of the countrys population of 9.3 million have received the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, and nearly three million have had their second vaccination.

Israel has faced international criticism for largely excluding Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip from its highly successful vaccination campaign.

The dispute highlights the Palestinians reliance on Israel even as they struggle to combat the pandemic on their own.

Expand Close A medic vaccinates a Palestinian man during a one-day clinic near the Al Aqsa Mosque compound to inoculate worshippers following Friday prayers in the Old City of Jerusalem (Maya Alleruzzo/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp A medic vaccinates a Palestinian man during a one-day clinic near the Al Aqsa Mosque compound to inoculate worshippers following Friday prayers in the Old City of Jerusalem (Maya Alleruzzo/AP)

Last week, Israel facilitated the transfer of the first 2,000 doses of Russias Sputnik V vaccine from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip.

The coronavirus is still spreading rapidly in Israel, however, and restrictions on movement and assembly have remained in place since the government imposed a countrywide lockdown in late December.

Israel has recorded at least 743,000 cases of Covid-19 and at least 5,521 deaths since the start of the pandemic last year.

Its three lockdowns have paralysed the economy and driven unemployment to more than 20%.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - In the dead of winter when things are feeling cold and bleak - it's important to give back to struggling families in the fight against hunger.

The Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council based in Rochester teamed up with area local unions Saturday to host a free food giveaway near the Rochester airport.

The Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council is a united labor movement of 40 thousand union members and frontline workers in 16 counties in southeast Minnesota.

The US Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families program provided over a thousand 30 pound boxes of pre-packaged food and gallons of milk.

All at no cost, no eligibility requirements, and no limit.

Nate OReilly, President of the Southeast Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council says, Some folks are pulling up might be one person in the car - but they're picking up for three or four families. So whatever they ask for we can provide and fill them up with. They want one box - or they want ten boxes."

Pommella Wegmann, President of the Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council says Rochester has a large number of low wage workers - with 40 percent of workers earning under 15 dollars an hour - or under a living wage.

"We know about how many families are struggling - and just the tough year that folks have gone through - and we thought today would be the perfect time to try and give back to the community," says Wegmann.

Families from all surrounding areas came to take part in the union's first food giveaway in the Med-City.
Weve all been there  its a Wednesday night and were already exhausted from a long week thats only halfway over We have a family to feed and just a random assortment of ingredients in the cabinet. A trip to the grocery store is just about the last thing anyone wants to do. So is it take-out once again?

Food Network might have some help for that whats for dinner? conundrum that many of us face on a regular basis. Their new show, Kitchen Crash, may inspire some of us to think outside the box and get creative with that seemingly useless jumble of ingredients we often have in our kitchens.

Food Networks Kitchen Crash is a big hit with lucky homeowners

Food Network has a new competition that puts a twist on their typical culinary gamesthis time, theyre coming into YOUR kitchen. Well, maybe not technically into your kitchen (unless youre lucky enough to be a contestant!), but theyre visiting ordinary neighborhoods and raiding pantries for everyday ingredients just like you have in your home.

Kitchen Crash, hosted by Jeff Mauro, brings the Food Network into a variety of neighborhoods across the country. The competition pits neighbors against one another as three lucky families are chosen to host a talented chef.

The chefs raid their host kitchen, scrounging up whatever they can use to create a game-winning dish. In the meantime, Mauro sets up an incredible outdoor kitchen area where the chefs will battle it out. The winning chef shares a cash prize with their host family.

The show has quickly become a big hit. Fans love seeing the creativity involved in making delicious meals with the limited resources found in an ordinary kitchen. Theyre also inspired to try their hands at creating their own unique meals at home.

Who is Jeff Mauro?

Jeff Mauro | John Lamparski/Getty Images for NYCWFF

Jeff Mauroknown by many as the Sandwich Kingis a renowned chef with a flair for comedy. The culinary master was born in Illinois, and grew up with a brother and two sisters. His siblings knew from an early age that Mauro had a knack for entertaining peoplehe always enjoyed filling the house with laughter.

He became involved in performing arts at an early age, and soon discovered his love for food. He opened a deli and catering company with his cousin after graduating from college. Cooking became a huge part of his life. He would indulge in one passion by day and another at night, working days in his deli and spending his nights performing in the Chicago play, Tony and Tinas Wedding.

Mauro eventually enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu to broaden his culinary knowledge. After graduating, he returned to Chicago where he became a cooking teacher, corporate chef, and sandwich artist. He continued to perform on stage in his free time, and entered the Food Network Star competition. His win led to his own Food Network series, Sandwich King, and the rest is history.

What happens to the host families whose chefs dont win?

RELATED: Watching Jeff Mauro Cook With His Son on The Kitchen Is Helping Fans Through Tough Times

Since the Kitchen Crash crew is raiding peoples homes and using pretty much all the ingredients in their kitchens, fans are wondering what happens to the families who dont win that great cash prize

Some fans took to Reddit to talk about the show, asking if the families are reimbursed for the food the chefs use. Jeff Mauro himself answered the Reddit thread, saying 100%. they all get reimbursed regardless of bringing home a W.

While many viewers are enjoying the series, there are always a few skeptics in the bunch. The Reddit threads showed that some viewers arent buying the surprise elementWow sure you can raid my pantry random door knocker!  person dressed up with makeup done and hair did on a Saturday morning

Mauro took the time to respond to the skeptics, explaining the details behind the show,  Full disclosure, the families DID know a television show was filming on their block and they could possibly be featured. They DID NOT KNOW it was a Food Network show or a food competition in any way.
Press Release

21 February 2021

The Global Hospitality Group just hosted a very timely webinar discussing the state of the hotel and CMBS industries. Our program featured senior representatives from Argentic, Greystone, and Situs - three of the largest CMBS special servicers with the most distressed hotel debt - as well as leading data and analytics firm Trepp, HREC's runway capital program, Manhattan Hospitality for hotel industry perspectives, and our own hospitality workouts and receivership expert to break down the current state of the distressed hotels market and CMBS special servicing.

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Two of our panelists, Jack Westergom of Manhattan Hospitality Advisors and Manus Clancy of analytics firm Trepp, presented slides packed with useful information, and we wanted to make them available to those who were not able to attend the program. Jack's update on the state of hotel industry, and Manus' state of the CMBS industry presentation are both available for download below.

State of the Hotel Industry: Jack Westergom, Manhattan Hospitality Advisors

State of the CMBS Industry: Manus Clancy, Trepp

We will continue to host programs to help you understand what is happening in the hotel industry as the economy begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, in whatever shape that recovery takes. Please continue to send us your feedback and questions as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of the next several months.
Philippines has announced that work on its country pavilion for the Expo 2020 Dubai, has entered into a fast track mode and is due for handover next month.

Spanning a 1,386-sq m area, the Bangkota evokes the coral reef as a metaphor for the Filipino capacity for extreme interconnectedness.

The pavilion's architectural design was conceived by Budji+Royal Architecture+Design. It is curated by Marian Pastor Roces, who selected accomplished artists to use their own visual languages to convey updated information about Philippine culture.

In a scheduled visit to the construction site for the Philippines pavilion, Hjayceelyn Quintana, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, expressed her satisfaction about final stages of the work.

Quintana also lauded the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (PDTI), the lead agency organising the Philippine participation to the World Expo, for its efficient project administration.

"We are immeasurably proud to witness the Bangkota vision evolving from a blueprint, and taking shape as a truly world-class, sustainable structural showcase that is set to enthrall Expo visitors, as well as make the Filipinos proud," she stated.

The Philippine Ambassador and her delegation were received by Expo 2020 Dubai officials who also toured them around Terra  The Sustainability Pavilion, which is focused by an interactive experience on humanitys relationship with the planet.

"We are in solidarity with UAE as it forges ahead with optimism for the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai on October 1. The construction of the national pavilions, including our Bangkota, moved at an immense pace thereby showing UAEs extraordinary ability as host of this global event to overcome unprecedented challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic," she added.-TradeArabia News Service

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The COVID-19 vaccine aid provided to Belarus by the Chinese government has arrived in Belarus.

At a handover ceremony of the vaccines at the airport on Friday, Belarusian Health Minister Dmitry Pinevich expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for providing such valuable vaccines.

China has provided the vaccines in support of the important consensus reached during a recent telephone conversation between the heads of state of the two countries, and the gesture proves once again that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Belarus and China can stand the test of hardships, Pinevich said.

Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Xie Xiaoyong said that China is offering this assistance to express the friendly feelings of the government and people of China towards the government and people of Belarus.

The diplomat stressed that in the face of huge demand for COVID-19 vaccines in China and abroad, China's assistance in providing Belarus with the vaccines is a tangible embodiment of the high level of Chinese-Belarusian relations and a concrete step towards the implementation of important agreements between the heads of the two states.
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait on Sunday said he will soon be visiting to drum up support for the movement against the Centre's contentious farm laws.

He said this as he met visiting groups of supporters from and Maharashtra at Ghazipur on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border where he has been camping along with his supporters since November.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson also claimed that farmers will eventually not be able to take any part of their farm produce because the new laws will favour only the corporations.

Citing an example, he said, The milk produced in villages cost around Rs 20-22 per litre but when it reaches cities through corporations, it costs consumers anywhere above Rs 50 per litre.

Now the corporations are building large storage houses and warehouses to store foodgrains and once there will be shortage in market, they will sell it at rates of their choice, Tikait said, according to a statement issued by the BKU.

We will not let such a situation arise. We are only concerned about this and will not let corporate control crops in the country, he said.

Tikait was presented with a charkha (spinning wheel) by the visiting group from Gandhidham in

Gandhiji had used charkha to drive the British out of India. Now, we will use the charkha to drive out corporates. We will soon go to Gujarat and mobilise support for the farmers' protest for repeal of the new laws, he added.

Meanwhile, over 20 women from Rohtak district of Haryana also joined the stir at Ghazipur and assured their support to the movement.

Thousands of farmers are camping at Delhi border points of Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur with a demand that the Centre repeal the three new farm laws and make a new one guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for crops, fearing the legislations would hurt their livelihood.

The government, which has held 11 rounds of formal talks with the protesting farmers unions, has maintained the laws are pro-farmer.

(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.)
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's 'touchingly casual' photos of the first-time father holding their newborn son suggests the pair will 'share childcare behind the scenes', according to a body language expert.

The daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, 30, welcomed her first child, August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, who is 11th in line to the throne, on February 9 at London's Portland Hospital with financier Jack.

The new dad, 35, broke royal tradition by holding baby August in the photos, appearing 'every inch the first-time, besotted dad', body language expert Judi James told Femail.

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Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank yesterday shared the first family picture with their son August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, looking 'openly delighted and excited'

Proud: In the first photographs of the family-of-three, Jack cradled newborn August in his arms, a sign he's ready to be a hands-on dad

The couple were pictured leaving the hospital three days later on February 12th and yesterday shared the first family picture with their son, looking 'openly delighted and excited', rather than offering the typical royal 'bashful, suppressed smiles' the public has grown used to.

By being the first to carry the newborn during August's first public appearance - in the same way Prince Harry did after birth of baby Archie in 2019 - it implies the pair divide childcare equally, with Jack's 'relaxed' stance a sign that this is 'a norm' rather than a stunt for the cameras.

She explained: 'Like Harry did when he broke with tradition, its Jack holding the baby here and the very relaxed finger position as he not only cradles it but also tilts it towards the camera suggests quite high degrees of confidence, as though sharing the care of little August is a norm behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera.'

Their facial expressions are openly delighted and excited rather than the traditional royal look of bashful, suppressed smiles... Judi James, body language expert

The photos showed Jack holding the baby son, who had been swaddled in a baby blue blanket with a matching hat atop his head, as little August clutched at his mother's finger.

'There is something touchingly casual, normal and down-to-earth about these photos', explained Judi, 'With Jack showing the baby off to the camera while Eugenie allows it to clutch at her finger.

'Both Jack and Eugenie look casual and lacking in anything bordering on royal formality here and their facial expressions are openly delighted and excited rather than the traditional royal look of bashful suppressed smiles.'

While Jack's expression exudes confidence and excitement, Eugenie, 30, is sending out a 'strong message' of dedication in her role as a mother and a wife.

'Jack spent his wedding day wearing a beaming smile of excitement and utter pleasure and he wears it again here, looking every inch the first-time, besotted dad, she said.

The new mother, 30, confirmed the name on her Instagram page and shared her first family picture with her son alongside husband Jack (left, and right)

'Eugenies expression suggest shes equally doting and the way she uses her hand to allow the baby to clutch her finger and to show off her very simple wedding band sends out a strong message of her roles as loving mother and equally loving wife here.'

The royal also gave a nod to her mother Sarah Ferguson by wearing the 204 Thada headband by Jennifer Behr, a signature accessory of the Duchess of York, showing her daughter's eagerness to share her happiness with her mum.

'There is also a nod to her role as a loving daughter, too', Judi explained. 'That slightly incongruent-looking golden headband is very much a signature accessory of Sarahs and, worn with an otherwise very casual outfit suggests Eugenie might be keen to share this moment with her mother as well.'

Shortly after Eugenie shared her post, Sarah Ferguson posted a tribute to her new grandson, in which she said she and Prince Andrew were 'thrilled' over the new arrival (pictured left, Fergie, Andrew and Princess Beatrice with Eugenie and right, her message today)

The new mother revealed the name of her child - the Queen's ninth great grandchild - alongside the photos, which are thought to have been taken in the grounds of Frogmore Cottage, where the couple are currently living.

Posting a series of photographs on Instagram, the Queen's granddaughter wrote: 'Thank you for so many wonderful messages. Our hearts are full of love for this little human, words can't express. We are excited to be able to share these photos with you.'

Princess Eugenie is 'doing really well' after giving birth to her baby boy 'via C-section due to her previous spinal surgery for scoliosis', a royal source told People magazine (pictured leaving hospital last week)

According to the source who claimed to have spoken to the royal, Eugenie sounded 'very content' and said the baby is 'a complete dream'

Eugenie went on to reveal the name was a touching tribute to Queen Victoria's Husband Prince Albert, whose birth name was Franz Albert August Karl Emanuel, and Prince Philip, who is currently in hospital.

She wrote: 'On his grandfather's birthday weekend, thinking of my grandfather, we are introducing our little boy. He is named after his great grandfather and both of his 5x great grandfathers.'

She added that the photograph was taken by their 'wonderful midwife', adding: 'Thank you to the wonderful essential workers including our midwife who came to discharge our boy.'
QUITO, Ecuador (AP)  Final results from a Feb. 7 presidential election in Ecuador confirmed that former banker Guillermo Lasso came second behind leading candidate Andres Arauz, meaning the two will contest a runoff vote in April, election officials said Sunday.

Lasso, who had lost the last two presidential contests, won 19.74% of votes in the election while Indigenous candidate Yaku Perez came third with 19.38% after all votes were counted, the National Electoral Council said. Just 32,600 votes separated the two candidates.

Perez alleged fraud after the results that indicated he had fallen just short of defeating Lasso and making it to the runoff.

The council may declare fraudulent electoral results, but the true results are in the hearts of Ecuadorians who supported a new political project that reflects the dreams of a dignified and honest Ecuador, Perez tweeted.

The attorney general's office has said it is investigating the allegations.

Democracy has triumphed, Lasso tweeted after the final results. He has had a long career in business, banking and government and favors free-market policies and Ecuadors rapprochement with international organizations.

Arauz led with 32.72%, a frontrunner status that became clear in partial results and only left open the question of who he would face in the April 11 runoff after the tight race for second place.

Arauz, who is backed by ex-President Rafael Correa, has proposed making the wealthy pay more taxes, strengthening consumer protections, public banking and local credit and savings organizations. He also says he wants to back away from agreements with the International Monetary Fund.

Indigenous communities led protests in October 2019 that forced Ecuadors government to back down on a move to end fuel subsidies.

The electoral mission of the Organization of American States said any parties that are dissatisfied with the announced results can file administrative and jurisdictional appeals, as long as they have evidence of inconsistencies and irregularities.

Social media users have urged others to 'remember their humanity' after Prince Charles was criticised over his 200-mile round-trip drive to visit the Duke of Edinburgh in a London hospital.

The Prince of Wales arrived at the back of King Edward VII's hospital in Marylebone at around 3.30pm on Saturday to visit his father, 99, who was admitted last week as a 'precautionary measure'.

The hashtags #princephilip and #princephillip have been trending on Twitter this morning, with many criticising the heir-to-the-throne's visit during the ongoing lockdown in England.

One Twitter user said: 'I do hope Prince Phillip gets better but why was Prince Charles allowed to visit his father in hospital when families all around the country are not getting to visit their loved ones who are in hospital when its not COVID related?'.

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Prince Charles is pictured arriving at the rear entrance of King Edward VII hospital ahead of the visit on Saturday afternoon

Philip, pictured above in 2013, is expected to remain in hospital until next week. He was admitted on Tuesday after feeling unwell

A number of London police officers were pictured outside the King Edward VII Hospital, where Prince Philip is being treated, on Sunday afternoon

Many leapt to the defence of the Prince of Wales, with several insisting they do not 'begrudge' the royal's journey, saying he was simply 'going to see his sick dad in hospital'.

On Sunday afternoon, a number of London police officers were pictured outside the hospital where the Duke of Edinburgh is being treated.

Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan was vocal in his defence of the Prince, saying: 'What an incredibly sad picture. A tearful son after seeing his seriously ill 99yr-old father in hospital. If your first instinct is to spew abuse or rage about Prince Charles visiting Prince Philip today, shut the f*ck up.'

Charles is the first member of the royal family to visit Philip; it's thought the heir-to-the-throne spent, 72, spent around 30 minutes with his father after making the 100-mile journey from Highgrove in Gloucestershire to the capital.

The Prince appeared visibly emotional as he was driven away from the London hospital, which is currently only considering visitors in 'exceptional circumstances' due to the Covid pandemic.

The social media reaction began shortly after photos of the Prince emerged driving away from the London hospital.

One Twitter user raged: Not disrespect to #princephillip. But double standards. Is prince Charles getting a fine?'

Another asked: Why is it #PrinceCharles can visit his father #princephillip in hospital? Relatives who have lost family through #Covid-19 have been unable to say goodbye to there loved ones. once again double standards in our country.'

The Marylebone hospital entrance appeared to have a strong police presence this afternoon

Several other social media users have jumped to the defence of the Prince of Wales, with several insisting they do not 'begrudge' the royal, who was simply 'going to see his sick dad in hospital'

However, there was plenty defending the journey. One user penned: 'There is a backlash about Prince Charles going to see is sick dad in hospital where has humanity gone in this country ffs'.

Another wrote: 'Prince Philip has a family like all of us. Who love him and doesnt want to think of a life without him. Only #PrinceCharles has visited, like many around the country. This pandemic has turned people into ar******s.'

A third commented: 'I didn't get the chance to rush to the hospital that my boyfriend was flown too and I didn't get to go to the funeral to say goodbye either. Does this mean I begrudge Prince Charles visiting his father. NO. What happened to showing a bit of kindness guys eh?'

Charles arrived at the back of the London hospital where Philip, the 99-year-old husband of his mother Queen Elizabeth, has been since Tuesday. He returned to Highgrove after the short visit

Emotional: Prince Charles, pictured following his visit to the Duke, made a 200-mile round trip to spend half an hour at Philip's side

King Edward VII Hospital in London: Royals' favourite where Philip, the Queen, Charles, Kate and the Queen Mother have all been treated - and where Princess Margaret sadly died Prince Philip has been admitted to the the King Edward VII Hospital in Central London (pictured here, when Queen Elizabeth II recovered after she was admitted with symptoms of gastroenteritis in 2013) Prince Philip will be in familiar surroundings at the private hospital in Westminster after being previously admitted there in December 2019 and April 2018. The hospital, which only has 56 beds across its wards, was set up in 1899 to treat former servicemen and the general public as soldiers returned from the Second Boer War. King Edward VII became the hospital's first patron in 1901 and it continues to be recognised by the royal family today. In recent years, it has been used by Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cambridge. In 1995, the Queen Mother had her right hip replaced during an operation at the hospital. The 90-minute operation was carried out at the famous hospital and she had had treatment there before. Meanwhile, in 2002, Princess Margaret suffered a stroke and died at the hospital at the age of 71. Advertisement

The Palace reiterated to MailOnline today the statement made about the Duke's health last week, saying the 99-year-old is likely to stay in hospital into next week, adding that all decisions have been taken with 'an abundance of caution'.

Charles arrived at the hospital at around 3.20pm on Saturday in a grey Tesla car, and exited the vehicle wearing a face mask, before leaving around 30 minutes later.

Clarence House confirmed last night that the Prince of Wales did not stay in the capital and instead made the two-hour, 100-mile journey back to his Gloucestershire home, rather than choosing to remain close to the hospital or be with his mother Queen Elizabeth in Windsor.

It is thought Charles had not seen his father since before Christmas because of the nationwide coronavirus restrictions, with the Duke staying at Windsor Castle with the Queen.

Today is Philip's sixth day in the private London facility and comes as the fallout from the news about Harry and Meghan's departure from working royal life continues.

He is understood to have been aware the announcement on Harry and Meghan was due to be released yesterday.

Royal author Penny Junor said of Philip: 'We do all know he doesn't like fuss, and he would regard a visit as fuss.'

She said she did not know the reason for the visit, but added: 'Momentous things are happening in the family at the moment and I suppose it's perfectly possible that Charles wanted to go and talk to his father and reassure him about Harry.'

His visit to the hospital to see his father comes a day after he appeared alongside his wife the Duchess of Cornwall in a video message to urge ethnic minorities ignore fake news and get their Covid jabs.

Charles who along with the Duchess of Cornwall, 73, has had his first coronavirus jab, told of his concern about the 'variable uptake' among black and Asian Britons.

The Prince, who spent much of the first lockdown at Birkhall in Scotland with the Duchess of Cornwall, spoke last year of not being able to see his father as coronavirus restrictions persisted.
More than 5,500 people have entered the State from countries deemed high risk from Covid-19, including over 2,000 passengers from Brazil, during a 28-day period this year, the Sunday Independent can reveal.

The confidential figures given to the Cabinet have emerged amid concern about the arrival of the so-called P1 Brazilian variant in Ireland.

The first three cases of the more transmissible variant were associated with recent travel from Brazil.

Public health officials say there is no evidence of wider transmission of this variant, against which vaccines may be less effective.

Read More

Ministers were told that over a 28-day period in January and February, 5,564 people arrived from the 20 category two high-risk countries, including 2,194 from the UAE, 2,004 from Brazil, 499 from South Africa and 867 from the other 17 countries on the list.

At present, arrivals from these countries are required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days, but legislation to be passed in the coming weeks will set up mandatory hotel quarantine for all arrivals, including Irish citizens, from these 20 countries.

Meanwhile, speaking about the arrival of the so-called P1 Brazilian variant to Ireland, Assistant Professor of Virology at Trinity College Dr Kim Roberts said "mutations occur whenever the virus has a chance to replicate.

"So wherever transmission is high, new variants can appear, so whether or not a variant comes in from another country, or is home grown and arises here, we need to just keep an eye on what's going on with how the virus is mutating," she told RTE's This Week programme on RTE Radio 1.

She said that the P1 variant has some of the same mutations that have been found in UK variant, the B117 variant.

She said the problem with these new variants is they are more infectious, they are transmitting more easily from person to person, "so all the interventions we have at the moment in place to block transmission, they have to work harder, they are not as effective as they were last year.

"So it's what else we can bring in, can we think about ventilation and potentially using C02 monitors, finding dead spots where there isn't as much air exchange as we think and the air can build up, with potential build up of virus there. Can we think about extending not only when we wear face coverings, but also the quality of the face coverings that we are wearing."

Dr Roberts said there are things we can do, and it's likely that we are going to need to revisit these things in order to keep transmission numbers going down.

It comes as the three Coalition party leaders and senior ministers were told on Thursday that 500,000 people in Ireland will be fully vaccinated by the end of April, with up to 2.2 million receiving their first and second doses by the end of July.

The Cabinet Covid sub-committee was given new indicative timelines which show that as many as 3.5 million first doses will be administered by the end of July, provided there is no disruption to anticipated supplies of vaccines.

Ministers now expect that 250,000 people will be given vaccine doses every week, beginning in April.

This means Health Minister Stephen Donnelly's target of having every adult in the country being offered a vaccine by the end of September will be met, provided there are no supply issues or the impact of new variants disrupts distribution.

Mr Donnelly is expected this week to outline plans to increase vaccine prioritisation for those with underlying health conditions.

A revised Living with Covid plan will outline proposals for a slow and cautious reopening of the country, but with no firm dates, as the Government remains concerned about the impact of new variants on both the disease and the vaccination programme.

Separately, a major overhaul of outdated licensing laws could allow pubs, bars, nightclubs and off-licences to open for longer and make it easier for theatres, galleries, and other cultural venues to sell alcohol. Justice Minister Helen McEntee is planning new legislation this year as part of plans to revitalise the night-time economy once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said yesterday that he did not foresee pubs or restaurants reopening before the middle of the summer - which would be the end of June - prompting a renewed warning from the hospitality sector that businesses are facing "financial ruin and meltdown".

Also speaking yesterday, HSE chief operating officer Dr Colm Henry told RTE that the three people that arrived with the Brazilian variant were identified at Dublin Airport and are in isolation.

"I can't say they've been completely ring-fenced but the actions taken by our public health teams - we have a special outbreak team looking at South Africa and Brazil - has ensured these cases were isolated and tested. That contact tracing and observation is not yet complete, but our hope is that we can ring-fence these cases," Dr Henry added.
Jalan Kalrock Consortium, the winning bidder for Jet Airways, expects to restart operations of the defunct airline in four to six months after receiving approval from the NCLT for its resolution plan.

Jet Airways, the once-storied full-service carrier was grounded in early 2019 and subsequently is undergoing proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

Against the backdrop of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) likely to take a final call on the resolution plan for the airline, the winning consortium's lead member Murari Lala Jalan told PTI that "everything is on track" as far as the revival efforts for the carrier are concerned.

Stressing that he is very positive about the Indian aviation sector, which is recovering from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Jalan said that initially will resume flying with around 25 aircraft.

"After NCLT decision, we will be able to start the airline within four to six months. I am very positive about Indian aviation and the future is bright, " Jalan said during a telephonic interaction.

"We are very hopeful that it (NCLT nod) will come," he said, adding that that a delay of one or two months here and there would not make a difference for such a big thing as reviving the airline.

In October last year, the consortium comprising UK-headquartered Kalrock Capital and Jalan, a UAE-based entrepreneur, emerged as the winning bidder for Jet Airways, which has not flown since April 17, 2019.

According to Jalan, the airline is likely to resume services with roughly 25 planes as per the revival plan submitted to the Committee of Creditors (CoC), within this year. The fleet is expected to be a mix of narrow-body and wide-body planes.

"We will start with passenger services. All options, either it is cargo, or international (services) or anything, are open," Jalan said. The CoC-led by State Bank of India (SBI) has approved the resolution plan and under the IBC, the clearance of NCLT is required before implementing the plan.

Noting that for resuming overseas services, a lot of things need to be worked out, Jalan made it clear that while there will be hundreds of things, including getting a lot of permissions, the consortium's "interest is to come (bring Jet Airways) to the sky".

"Everything is on track... In the future also, it (things) could be delayed but we are very much on track," Jalan said.

Justifying the consortium's decision to relaunch at a time when the aviation industry globally is in financial distress, he said the pandemic is the "best" time to foray into the airline business as there is a cost advantage.

"This is the best time for anybody to enter the airline business since because of the pandemic, everything (such as) prices of inputs are down. On output, when we start, things will be in a normal situation," he pointed out.

Sounding optimistic, Jalan said that in the four to six months, domestic air travel will be absolutely normal.

"We have already reached a 70 per cent level. So, our income is going to be in the normal situation and all our expenses, including buying aircraft, will be on the lower side," he noted.

About business plans, Jalan said the consortium will be looking flying people from places like Ranchi and Patna to destinations where they want to go.

"If required, we will go to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong... We are quite open... I would like to see people from small towns directly fly to destinations they want to fly," he said.

In December last year, the consortium had said that Jet 2.0 hubs will remain in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru like before as the revival plan proposes to support Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by creating sub-hubs in such cities.

In preparation for restarting the airline subject to NCLT approval for the resolution plan, the consortium has already held discussions with the civil aviation ministry on the issue of airport slots.

Once the airline resumes operations, Jalan said concentrating on proper aircraft and human resources will be the two most important challenges.

Deciding the routes will be another important thing in the beginning and also there is a need to keep a check on cost.

"We see healthy competition, India is a great market... I feel there are a lot of opportunities. We have the cost advantage. We bought the airline at a very attractive price...," he said.

Jalan also emphasised that he is not "concerned" about the competition at all.

When asked about the optimism on reviving Jet Airways, he said, "we are entrepreneurs. We are always looking at opportunities wherever possible. I am fortunate to get this opportunity in a very proper time".

However, specific details about the consortium's business plans for the airline were not disclosed.

About his business activities, Jalan said there are two smart city projects in Tashkent and among other interests, he is a shareholder of Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon.

Stating that he should be described as an "entrepreneur", Jalan said, "I have come from a small city of Ranchi. I don't have a background of Delhi and Mumbai people. Although I left Ranchi 30 years back, I am looking at whenever and wherever there are opportunities. I have businesses in many countries, including Russia, Uzbekistan, UAE...".

To a question on the possibility of the consortium onboarding a strategic investor for further funding, he said," I don't think I am ready for that. I am not looking at any opportunities like that. But nothing can be ruled out".

(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.)
Kolkata: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reached TMC MP Abhishek Banerjees residence in Kolkata on Sunday (February 21, 2021) to issue a notice to his wife Rujira Narula in connection with coal case.

A three-member CBI team visited the residence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew just days ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections.

CBI asked Rujira Narula to appear before the probe agency in connection with on going investigation into the coal scam.

The central agency had filed the case in November 2020 to probe the alleged illegal mining and theft of coal from Kunustoria and Kajoria coal fields of Eastern Coalfield Limited.

It is alleged that the coal mafia paid regular kickbacks to leaders of Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress.

Abhishek Banerjee is seen by many as the political heir of Mamata Banerjee and his rapid rise in the party is said to have alienated many leaders.

Notably, just a few days ago CM Mamata Banerjee had challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to contest an election against her nephew Abhishek Banerjee first and then think of fighting against her.

(This is a breaking news, more details are awaited)
Gherao Delhi cops if they come to arrest you: Rajewal to farmers

India

pti-Deepika S

Chandigarh, Feb 21: Alleging that notices are being served on people backing the agitation against the farm laws, BKU leader Balbir Singh Rajewal on Sunday asked farmers to gherao Delhi Police personnel if they come to their villages to make an arrest.

The BKU (Rajewal) leader also asked the Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government that the state police should not cooperate with the Delhi cops.

"If the Delhi Police personnel come to arrest you, gather the entire village and oppose them," Rajewal told farmers at a "Kisan-Mazdoor Ekta Maha Rally" in Punjab''s Barnala on Sunday.

The rally was organised by the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union. Two days ago, Haryana BKU chief Gurnam Singh Chaduni had made a similar appeal.

Rajewal asked farmers not to appear before the Delhi Police if they get notices for joining investigation and told them to ''gherao'' the Delhi Police personnel if they come to make an arrest.

Farm laws like death warrant for farmers: Kejriwal after meeting protesting farmers

Claiming that the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre is scared of the farmers'' agitation, he alleged that those serving ''langar'' or extending help to farmers at the protest sites near Delhi borders are being issued notices by police.

"Those who are bringing ''langar'' material or extending help to us in whatever manner they can, they are being slapped with notices. It is in my knowledge that many FIRs have been lodged against unknown persons by the Delhi Police," the BKU leader said.

"I want to make it clear to all farmers and labourers that if anyone gets notice, do not bother, forward one copy to us. No one needs to appear before police," he said.

Rajewal said it is a "moment of test" for the Punjab government, which should tell the state police not to cooperate with the Delhi Police.

Rajewal further said the farmers'' agitation against the laws has now turned into a "jan andolan" (people''s movement).

"It is a question of your future and children," he said, adding that they would not return until the farm laws are withdrawn.

He also praised village panchayats for their decision of sending people to the protest sites on rotational basis.

Rajewal said the Union government had no right to bring the laws as the agriculture is a state subject.

He also defended commission agents (arhtiyas), saying they only charge for their "service" and accused the Centre of bringing corporates as "middlemen" with these laws.

On farmer leaders'' multiple rounds of meetings with the government earlier, Rajewal said, "We told the government that when they are ready to make many amendments in these laws, what is the problem in rolling back them."

The BJP had propagated that they framed these laws keeping in view the farmers'' interests but we confronted them and asked where farmers demanded the legislations, he stated.

Addressing the gathering, BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan said his outfit has planned to hold a big gathering in Delhi on February 27 and decided to observe International Women''s Day on March 8 in the national capital.

Referring to the Republic Day violence, Ugrahan said it was done by a group which acted at the behest of the government.

He asked farmers to prepare for a long battle against the farm legislations. "This is not a fight of a religion or caste. It is a fight of secular people. This agitation is for occupation. It is a fight of the country''s farmers," he said.

BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan also sought release of labour rights activist Nodeep Kaur, lodged in a Karnal jail.

Kaur, a member of the Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, was arrested for allegedly gheraoing an industrial unit and demanding money from the company in Sonipat on January 12.
The Prince of Wales visited his father at the King Edward VII Hospital in London on Saturday (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

The Prince of Wales wanted to visit his father due to the 99-year-olds extended stay in hospital.

Charles made the 200-mile round-trip to see the Duke of Edinburgh, who is spending a fifth night at King Edward VIIs hospital in London.

He is the first member of the royal family to visit Philip, who was admitted on Tuesday evening as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell.

The duke is said to have walked unaided into the medical centre.

Charles arrived at the hospital at around 3.20pm on Saturday in a grey Tesla car, and exited the vehicle wearing a face mask, before leaving around 30 minutes later.

It is understood the prince travelled from his home in Highgrove, Gloucestershire, to the hospital in the capital.

A Clarence House spokesman confirmed he returned to Highgrove following his visit.

Charles is understood to have wanted to see Philip in light of his extended stay at the hospital.

It is thought Charles had not seen his father since before Christmas because of the nationwide coronavirus restrictions, with the duke staying at Windsor Castle.

Expand Close The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to hospital on Tuesday (Chris Jackson/PA) PA / Facebook

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The visit came the day after Charless son the Duke of Sussex and his wife the Duchess of Sussex were stripped of their prestigious patronages, as the couple confirmed Megxit was permanent.

The duke, who turns 100 on June 10, is in hospital for an undisclosed reason, although it is not coronavirus-related.

The hospitals website states visitors will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Regarding the visit, Buckingham Palace said it had nothing to add to its previous statement on the dukes admittance to hospital.

Philip is known for his no fuss attitude.

Royal author Penny Junor told PA: We do all know he doesnt like fuss, and he would regard a visit as fuss.

She said she did not know the reason for the visit, but added: Momentous things are happening in the family at the moment and I suppose its perfectly possible that Charles wanted to go and talk to his father and reassure him about Harry.

Charles spoke last year of not being able to see his father as coronavirus restrictions persisted.

The prince, who spent much of the first lockdown at Birkhall in Scotland with the Duchess of Cornwall, said in June 2020: Well I havent seen my father for a long time.

Hes going to be 99 next week, so yes, or my grandchildren or anything. Ive been doing the FaceTime, is all very well but

Expand Close The Prince of Wales visited his father at the King Edward VII Hospital in London on Saturday (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Prince of Wales visited his father at the King Edward VII Hospital in London on Saturday (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

It isnt the same, is it? You really want to give people a hug.

At Christmas, Buckingham Palace confirmed the Queen and Philip spent the holiday period together at Windsor, apart from the rest of the royal family.

In early December, the Queen had a socially-distanced royal reunion with William, Kate, Charles, Camilla, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Anne at Windsor at an outdoor Christmas carol concert at the end of the Cambridges royal train tour.

But there was no sign of Philip at the festive gathering.

Ahead of Christmas, the duke released a rare public message praising teachers and school staff for their efforts teaching the nations children during the pandemic.

On Friday, sources told the PA news agency: Following consultation with his doctor, the Duke of Edinburgh is likely to remain in hospital for observation and rest over the weekend and into next week.

Expand Close Twanna Saleh had a get well message for the duke (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Twanna Saleh had a get well message for the duke (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

As we have said previously, the doctor is acting with an abundance of caution. The duke remains in good spirits.

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, 10-year-old Twanna Saleh, from Camden, north London, wished the duke a quick recovery outside the hospital with a home-made sign.

Twanna said: When I was little I used to have chemotherapy for five years and I felt sad for Philip so I wrote this letter so he can feel better.

My sister helped me to draw the heart and the flower.
Kasganj : , Feb 21 (IANS) Moti, the main accused in the murderous attack on two police personnel in Kasganj on February 9, was killed in an encounter with the police in the early hours of Sunday.

Moti, who had been absconding after the incident, was hiding in the forest area near the Kali river. On receiving a tip-off, a police team began combing the area late on Saturday night.

Around 3.a.m on Sunday, the police team closed in around Moti's hideout and the latter, and his accomplice, opened fire on the police team.

While the accomplice fled in the darkness, Moti was injured in the shootout and was taken to the Sidhpura community health centre where the doctors declared him dead.

It may be recalled that on the night of February 9, a police constable was killed and a sub inspector grievously wounded in assault by aides of Moti, a known liquor smuggler.

Moti's brother, Ilkar, was shot dead by the police a few hours after the incident.

The deceased constable was identified as Devendra while the injured SI was Ashok Kumar.

The two policemen had reportedly gone to serve a legal notice for attachment of property to Moti over his alleged liquor smuggling activities when they were ambushed by his aides, stripped and assaulted with sticks and other weapons and taken hostage.

A search operation was conducted and additional forces were called after the policemen, who had managed to flee from the site of the incident, informed the officials.

The two police personnel were found with serious injuries in a field in Nagla Dhimar village under the Sidhpura police station and were taken to a local hospital. However, Devendra succumbed to his injuries later during treatment.

The police team recovered Ashok Kumar's bike from the spot.

The policeman's bike was found fallen on the ground with their uniform and shoes on top. It is believed that the attackers also humiliated the policemen by stripping them and then assaulting them.

The Chief Minister's Office later released a statement saying "Action to be taken against the culprit under the National Security Act."
Electricity grid operators in Texas knew the approaching polar vortex would test tight supplies, but they were confident the market would meet the challenge.

A 2011 storm taught the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, ERCOT, how quickly cold weather could freeze power supply and spur soaring electricity demand. Those lessons fueled new weatherization standards for power plants, and they had seemed to work. Until late last Sunday

Five hours after the sky started pelting Houston with snow, sleet and freezing air, power generators tripped offline in rapid succession. The grid lost 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation between 11 p.m. Sunday and 1 a.m. Monday alone  the equivalent of power to roughly 2 million homes.

On HoustonChronicle.com: State's power crisis spills into retail market with fewer choices, higher prices

Wind turbines iced over, natural gas wellheads froze and power plants lost electricity needed to move gas through cold pipes. At the darkest moments, more than 4 million Texans were without power as the grid operated at less than half its total capacity, with a whopping 46,000 megawatts out of commission.

Ive never seen that much be taken offline for a weather event in Texas, said Joshua Rhodes, an energy researcher at the University of Texas at Austin.

ERCOT began preparing for the storm Feb. 8, warning power generators and canceling planned maintenance outages, said Dan Woodfin, ERCOTs senior director of system operations. While the grid manager was prepared to lose some generation, the amount defied expectations.

The grid lost few generators during a 2018 winter storm that mimicked the 2011 storm, which forced around 14,000 megawatts of generation offline. From these experiences, it appeared power plants had been sufficiently winterized, Woodfin said, but this weather event was more extreme than either of those.

As generation rapidly went offline, temperatures fell further from freezing, driving up the need for electricity as heating systems worked harder to keep homes warm. The system hit a new winter demand record early Monday morning of more than 69,000 megawatt hours, well above the previous winter record of about 66,000 megawatt hours set in 2018.

Outages dragged on for days in some neighborhoods, with deadly results. The human costs are still being tallied, but at least four dozen deaths in Texas have been attributed to the power outages so far. People have died from exposure, loss of essential medical devices, and carbon monoxide poisoning from running cars and generators in enclosed garages to keep warm.

It looks like we missed the mark, here, and its not something you can do without consequences to health and safety, said Tim Morstad, associate state director of AARP Texas, a longtime critic of Texas deregulated power markets.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Perfect storm: Energy supply chain slashed by extreme weather

Restoring power generation took days, slowed by repairs to frozen pipes, broken lines and other equipment needed to run the plants, experts said. Natural gas shortages also affected power generation.

Gas pains

Natural gas is used to generate more than half of Texas electricity, according to the U.S. Energy Department, but natural gas producers in the Permian Basin and Panhandle experienced unprecedented freezing conditions that cut production by as much as 7 billion cubic feet per day, according to Bloomberg and S&P Global Platts.

Natural gas does not freeze in cold temperatures, but the water used in hydraulic fracturing to extract the gas from shale rock does. The gas also contracts when chilled, causing pipelines transporting it from the shale fields to market to lose the pressure needed to move the product.

These extreme weather conditions impacted every aspect of the Texas energy supply chain, Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association, said earlier this week. The entire Texas system from the wellhead to the meter on the home is designed to deal with multiple 100-degree days rather than multiple single-digit days.

Natural gas supplies for electric generation are already strained in the winter, the peak season for heating. The unusually cold weather only increased heating demand and tightened supplies further.

About 60 percent of the generation came offline, or about 28,000 megawatts, came from thermal sources, primarily natural gas, according to ERCOT. The balance of supply loss, or 18,000 megawatts, was attributed to wind turbines that were unable to operate.

ERCOT and generators followed best practices for weatherization, Woodfin said, but the storms severity was unprecedented  well beyond the design parameters of an extreme Texas winter.

To spare the grid a catastrophic shutdown as power supplies plummeted, ERCOT ordered utilities to cut power to customers to reduce demand on the system. Electric supply and demand need to be balanced or the grid could collapse, plunging all customers into darkness.

CenterPoint Energy, the utility that delivers electricity to Houston-area homes and provides natural gas service, started the ERCOT-ordered blackouts in the Houston region around 1 a.m. Monday. For some, the outages lasted days while others were minimally affected.

Blame and lessons learned

ERCOT on Friday apologized for the misery Texans have suffered. Bill Magness, ERCOTs president and chief executive, said an investigation of the catastrophe and the grid managers handling of it is warranted.

Its completely appropriate that we look at an issue like this, he said, and we investigate how we can avoid this sort of extended period with people not having power in the future.

Political leaders, meanwhile, already are arguing over who and what is to blame for the disaster, and how to fix states deregulated electricity market.

The ability of Texass power grid to keep up with a growing population's demand for electricity has become an issue in recent years, as generation shortages on hot summer days  and now cold winter ones  drove wholesale power prices to soaring levels, maxing out at the state cap of $9,000 per megawatt hour.

Power companies complain electricity prices, which in 2020 averaged $22 per megawatt hour, are too low to provide incentives to build new power plants or improve older ones. Some power generators have argued for Texas to shift from a so-called electricity-only market, in which the only incentives to invest in new generation are prices and profits, to one that pays power companies both to generate electricity and maintain extra capacity for times of high demand.

Conservatives were quick to blame the crisis on the states increased reliance on renewable sources, particularly wind energy, while environmentalists pointed to the shutdowns of gas-fired plants. In truth, virtually all forms of power generation in Texas suffered outages during the cold snap, with early reports showing natural gas plants sustaining the most failures.

On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott said reform at ERCOT would be an emergency item during the legislative session, calling the agency, anything but reliable.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Perry says Texans willing to suffer blackouts to keep feds out of power market

Legislative hearings slated for this week will likely give way to power reforms, said those who have studied past power crises. The Texas Legislature passed a law in 2011 requiring power companies to file regular reports with the Texas Public Utility Commission about weatherization efforts.

Plenty of Texans blame the deregulated market as the reason for these crises, but major structural changes to the system are unlikely, said Cyrus Reed, interim director and conservation director of the Sierra Clubs Lone Star Chapter. Reed serves as a consumer representative on ERCOTs Reliability and Operations Subcommittee.

Past and future

Likely to win the day, he said, are incremental reforms such as imposing enforceable weatherization requirements on generators, and paying consumers to reduce their usage when demand spikes, he said.

Reed said he also advocates for ERCOT to model its best practices with weather predictions that acknowledge a changing climate. Planning based on weather extremes of the past only sets the grid up for failure, he said.

Then hurricanes happen, bigger droughts happen, and people are always surprised by it, he said, Because people arent planning for it.

Marcy de Luna, Paul Takahashi and James Osborne contributed to this report.

amanda.drane@chron.com

twitter.com/amandadrane
When the founders of Black Market Street--a platform for showcasing Alabama-based, Black-owned businesses-- launched the project last spring, they initially planned for the endeavor to be a statewide traveling pop-up shop.

A joint program sponsored by Terri Reynolds of Levis Grace, Inc. and Gregory and Iyishia Jones of The G.I. Jones Foundation, the mission of Black Market Street is to encourage entrepreneurship and economic growth within communities of color.

Last year, their plans included networking events in Birmingham, Huntsville, Demopolis, Montgomery, and Mobile. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Alabama, the trio had to go back to the drawing board. So they regrouped and designed a series of virtual events and programming that would allow the project to spotlight Black-owned businesses without the public health risk.

One of those virtual programs is Black Market Streets Ready, Set, Pitch! video competition, which offers more than $4,000 in promotion and cash prizes to Black- owned businesses and start-up ventures in Alabama.

This week, organizers extended the deadline for the competition with another open call for Black business owners around the state to submit a video pitching their products or services to the public.

Just in case you missed the announcement, were extending the Ready, Set, Pitch competition through March 31! Learn... Posted by Black Market Street, USA on Friday, February 19, 2021

To qualify for the competition, video pitches must be 90 seconds or less and focused on a business, product, service, or brand. All pitches must be emailed to Black Market Street by March 31, 2021. Interested business owners can find full competition details under the Pitch section at www.blackmarketstreet.org.

The top three winners receive cash prizes of $2,000, $1,000, and $500. The top 10 entries will have the opportunity to participate in The G.I. Jones Foundation Small Business Bootcamp, which will teach business owners strategies for growth. Participants in the bootcamp will also have the chance to pitch the businesses to potential angel investors. The top 20 pitch videos will also be eligible for additional sponsored promotion of their businesses. Black Market Street will feature all eligible videos on its YouTube Channel, website, and social media platforms.

Levis Grace cofounder Terri Reynolds says Black Market Street started the pitch competition to give newly formed and established Black-owned businesses a free platform to showcase and promote their products and services.

Additionally, we hope the cash prizes from the pitch competition will allow the winners to invest that money back into their businesses to expand their reach and business operations, Reynolds explained to AL.com in an email.

As the calendar transitions from Black History Month into Womens History Month in March, Black Market Street will focus on identifying women-owned businesses to spotlight across its platforms.

Reynolds says encouraging economic growth in traditionally underrepresented communities will allow Black Market Street to contribute to improving disparities in healthcare, particularly in maternal and infant health-- two areas central to the mission of Levis Grace, a non-profit focused on helping families who have suffered the loss of a pregnancy or newborn due to neonatal or chromosomal disorders.

It was important for Levis Grace to support this mission because we know that economic empowerment of underserved and underrepresented communities is a critically important pathway to addressing long-standing disparities in maternal health and infant mortality, said Reynolds.

Black Market Street is exploring ways to make the Ready, Set Pitch, competition an annual event for emerging Alabama businesses and entrepreneurs. The program also has a number of virtual events for more seasoned business owners, including BMS Business Break, a video series highlighting conversations with established Black-business owners in Alabama about the challenges and triumphs of business ownership.
Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El-Molla and Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz discussed on Sunday ways of boosting cooperation to maintain the energy security of both countries.

The ministers agreed to prepare an agreement aiming to link the Leviathan gas field with Egypt's liquefying natural gas units through marine pipelines, the petroleum ministry said in a statement.

They reaffirmed their support for the establishment of a coherent and strong energy infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean to maximise the region's natural gas resources and reserves, it added.

The two ministers also stressed the importance of contributing to the 2030 goals of the United Nations and the Global Climate Agreement to reduce harmful emissions by 2050.

They also discussed ways to increase Palestinians energy independence, including developing a Gaza marine field, the establishment of a power plant in Jenin, and supplying natural gas to the Palestinians.

This is the first visit for an Egyptian minister to Israel since 2016.

Earlier on Sunday, El-Molla headed to Ramallah and Jerusalem to have talks with his counterparts over the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, the petroleum ministry said.

According to the statement issued by the ministry, El-Molla met and held talks with Mohamed Mustafa, the adviser to the Palestinian President for economic affairs in Ramallah, and Steinitz in Jerusalem to support the goals and efforts of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum.

The visit aims to crystalise a common vision and a systematic dialogue to develop a regional market, as the forums charter [comes into effect] in a way that supports the member states efforts to invest their gas reserves and use the existing and future infrastructure through fruitful and constructive cooperation, the statement read.

The Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forums founding countries include Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, Jordan, and Italy.

Short link:


Tech platforms such as Facebook, Google and Twitter could issue regular warnings to users about the trustworthiness of news articles and advertisements under a newly formed code designed to reduce the spread of misinformation and harmful content on the internet.

Political advertisements that misrepresent or deceive the public could also be prohibited and tools to help users know if theyve been targeted by a political party are also expected to be introduced by the platforms in order to meet a series of commitments laid out in a voluntary misinformation and disinformation code of practice.

Google and Facebook are among the signatories of a new code of practice. Credit:Getty

Such a move could reduce the prominence of false information in the lead up to a possible federal election this year and avoid the spread of claims such as the 2019 Labor death tax. It would add to efforts by the tech platforms to manage misleading claims during the 2020 US election.

People misleading others, or people being misinformed, are not new problems  but the digital era means that false information can spread faster and wider than before, DIGI Managing Director Sunita Bose said. Companies are committing to robust safeguards against harmful misinformation and disinformation that also protect privacy, freedom of expression and political communication.
The National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) has called on Ghanaians to exhibit a high sense of political tolerance during and after this years election petition at the Supreme Court.



It said with the election petition ongoing, it is only prudent that the NCCE educates the public to be politically tolerant throughout the election petition hearings and embrace peace, unity and ensure political cohesion after the final judgement is pronounced by the apex court.



The commission deems it necessary to educate the citizenry to accept the outcome of the judgment and respect decisions of the Supreme Court. By so doing, the countrys institutions will get the free space to discharge their duties, it said, among other things.



2021 programmes



The NCCE made the call in a statement signed by the Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, Mr Samuel Asare Akuamoah, to outline its well-thought-out citizen-centered programmes to actively engage Ghanaians this year on their civic rights and responsibilities in line with Article 233 of the 1992 Constitution.



It said its working theme for this year would be: We are one, Ghana First", to remind Ghanaians of the essence of togetherness and national cohesion for nation building.



After journeying through keenly contested national elections in 2020, it is only prudent that the commission champions a national agenda of reviving patriotism, nationalism and political tolerance among the good people of Ghana, it said.



It added that the commission was poised to sensitise and actively engage citizens on certain areas of national interest.



Members of Parliament



The statement said the NCCE would give priority to educating Ghanaians on the role of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the body politic since it had become a serious issue, especially when feedback from the public during the commission's 2020 voter education hinted that citizens were confused about the role of MPs and district assemblies.



The commission, through its sensitisation strategies, will actively engage citizens on the work and functions of MPs as well as target Members of Parliament for their active participation in this exercise when it kicks off, it said.



COVID-19 Education



It said the commission would continue to rigorously reach out to young citizens in schools with its COVID -19 sensitisation activities, adding that the NCCE, within its limited resources, would design and distribute posters, flyers, stickers and other civic education materials to students to constantly alert alert them on the pandemic which remains a global health crisis.



Messages will be centred on the strict adherence to the COVID-19 safety protocols, de-stigmatisation among others. The Commission has commenced outdoor outreaches on the mandatory wearing of nose masks.



This has been intensified following the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country. The NCCE will be seen on the streets, market centres, lorry stations and terminals engaging citizens on the need to adhere to the safety protocols, it said.



It stated that public education on the introduction and administration of COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana would be carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Medical Association.

Source: Graphiconline.com









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A left-wing activist who was appointed by Sadiq Khan to review London's statues has been accused of racism over disparaging comments about prominent black figures including Diane Abbott and David Lammy.

Toyin Agbetu, who was appointed to the Mayor of London's Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm, accused Ms Abbott of being 'disloyal to her own community' and called Mr Lammy a 'poor example of Africans'.

The activist's comments in an online blog have led Shaun Bailey, the Conservative Mayor of London candidate, to urge Mr Khan to remove him for his 'racist past', The Telegraph reported.

Toyin Agbetu who was appointed by Sadiq Khan to review London's statues has been accused of racism

The Mayor faced criticism of his commission which he set up to review statues after historians claimed it excluded conservative viewpoints

The activist's comments in an online blog have led Shaun Bailey, the Conservative Mayor of London candidate, to urge Mr Khan to remove him for his 'racist past'

Mr Khan had hired Mr Agbetu, 53, in the wake of last year's Black Lives Matter movement which led to criticism over the capital's statues which celebrate figures with colonial links.

The Mayor faced criticism of his commission which he set up to review the statues after historians claimed it excluded conservative viewpoints.

Mr Agbetu wrote in a blog post about Abbott's decision to run for Labour leadership in 2010 that she had been 'disloyal to her own community and, worst yet, with minimal coercion, willingly betrayed herself' by getting involved in frontline politics.

He added Labour should not be 'elevating a woman who - to be frank - the African community is embarrassed about'.

Mr Agbetu accused Diane Abbott of being 'disloyal to her own community' in an online blog post

Shaun Bailey published an open letter in which he accused Mr Agbetu of spreading 'deeply dangerous information'

The activist also published harsh criticism of Mr Lammy, Baroness Scotland and Baroness Amos.

Baroness Scotland is the Secretary General of the Commonwealth and former attorney general under Gordon Brown, while Baroness Amos served as British High Commissioner to Australia.

Mr Agbetu wrote: 'Lammy, Amos and Scotland are all poor examples of Africans whose quest for influence and status has dwarfed their duty to human rights, social justice for African people and opposition to imperialism.'

The activist was previously known for his 2007 outburst in front of the Queen in 2007, when he shouted 'you should be ashamed' during a service at Westminster Abbey.

He also attracted criticism for expressing scepticism about the Pfizer vaccine, saying: 'We are being encouraged to relax our compliance with these relaxed restrictions because apparently a magical vaccine is around the corner from the Viagra specialists.'

The activist also published harsh criticism of David Lammy who he said was a 'poor example of Africans'

Agbetu (pictured) was slammed last week for expressing scepticism about the Pfizer jab's ability to deal with the spread of coronavirus

In a video recorded in November, he claimed the Pfizer jab was 'ethically unsound' because of a 'profit over people Government'.

He does not suggest the vaccine is ineffective, but claimed too little was known about it for such an optimistic roll out.

Shaun Bailey penned a letter to Mr Khan asking for Mr Agbetu to be removed from his commission.

He said: 'When he's not comparing British people to Nazis, Agbetu is casting doubt on the safety of Pfizer's vaccine.

'For the safety of Londoners and the communities that you and I come from, you must remove Agbetu from his post and publicly denounce his lies.'

Mr Bailey said this week he vows to scrap Mr Khan's diversity commission if he is elected.

In a post alongside the video he labelled the Pfizer coronavirus jab a 'magical vaccine from the Viagra specialists'

Toyin Agbetu (pictured when he stormed to the front of Westminster Abbey during a service attended by the Queen in 2007), 53, was recently appointed a member of Sadiq Khan's new diversity commission

He also highlighted how Agbetu once called the Metropolitan Police 'institutionally racist' and branded the army a 'paid militancy' in an article written for his human rights agency Ligali.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: 'Sadiq makes absolutely no apologies for acting to ensure our public realm reflects the amazing wealth of diversity of our city and our history.

'We have a basic moral duty to ask questions about whether it's right for people like slave owners to be disproportionately represented in the public realm.

'City Hall carried out an open and transparent recruitment process in order to form an inclusive and representative board of the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm.

'All panel members were assessed for the role by a review panel and a decision made based on what they could bring to the role.

'Toyin Agbetu was appointed for his significant expertise, knowledge and experience as a social rights activist and in setting up Ligali, which challenges the misrepresentation of African people and culture in the media. His vast experience will provide a valuable contribution to the Commission.'

Mr Agbetu, Ms Abbott and Mr Lammy have been contacted for comment.
Kolkata, Feb 21 : In a surprise action ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls, a CBI team arrived at the Kolkata residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee to question his wife in the coal scam case.

A CBI source related to probe told IANS, "A team of CBI has gone to Abhishek's residence to issue notice to his wife in a coal scam case the agency registered last year in November." The source said that the team delivered the notice to his wife to question her at their residence. He said that the agency was waiting for the response of his wife for questioning.

The CBI had registered a case of illegal theft of coal last year in November. The agency had registered a case against coal mafia kingpin Anup Majhi alias Lala and other unidentified people, including some employees of the ECL and other central government offices. It was alleged that Majhi was involved in coal theft from leasehold mines of ECL in Kunustoria and Kajora areas.

On November 28 last year, the CBI had conducted raids at 45 locations in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh in connection with a coal smuggling racket.

On Friday, the CBI team carried out searches at 13 locations in four districts of West Bengal including the premises of Jaidev Mondal.
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This is an opinion column.

It was early November 2008, a few days before the U.S. Presidential election. I lived in New York and was at lunch with a friend. There was much anticipation and optimism in my circles about the possible election of then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama to Americas highest officeand concern.

For his safety.

I just hope, my friend said, her voice trailing off. The words needed not be said.

I sought, best I could, to ease her fears, to change the subject.

If hes elected, I said, I guarantee you two things will happen: One, hell have the best Secret Service in history, and two, hell make white folks crazy.

We laughed out loud.

Funny thingor not so much, reallythats exactly what happened.

Now, nowbreathe. Not all white folks, of course. It was hyperbole. So, chill.

Still, it happened. The election of the first Black President of the United States turned up the burners beneath the simmering stew of racism percolating in the darkest crock pots of our nation. And for the next eight years, a whole bunch of folks sat down at the table and indulged.

Until their bellies overflowed. Until they were enraged. So much so that .

 congressional leaders of the opposing party flat-out said theyd lend zero to support his policiesno matter whom they might benefit.

 those same lawmakers petulantly refused to consider an Obama Supreme Court nominee during the final days of his presidency even, defying the very Constitution they haughtily claim to defend.

 a president was elected whose primary policy seemed to be to simply unObama Americaoh, and enrich himself and already-enriched friends.

 his zealots stormed the U.S. Capitol, an act of insurrection none of us has seen, and hopefully will never see again.

 our own states leadersAlabama Republicans, lets be clear, led by Gov. Kay Iveyfor years steadfastly and petulantly refused to expand Medicaid, refused to access millions of federal dollars to help provide more Alabamians with health insurance coverage. Coverage that might improve their lives. Coverage that might incentivize them to go to the doctor before theyre gripped by a life-threatening illness.

All because, well, degummed, it was Obamas idea. It was part of Obamacare, the term they tried to derisively deploy to stain the Affordable Care Act, the flawed but what-else-you-got effort to create affordable healthcare options for Americans most in need. (The former president ultimately flipped the deriders and laughingly embraced the term.)

Now, here we are, more than 12 years since 2008, and Im grateful. Grateful that, according to a new poll, most Alabamians have finally come around on expanding Medicaid to cover more low-income adults, mainly working adults whose employers do not provide insurance or who still cannot afford it.

Sixty-nine percent of respondents to the poll from Cover Alabama, a group of 90 organizations that support Medicaid expansion, either strongly or somewhat support it, too. Even a smidge more than half of Alabama Republicans (50.6 percent) support expansion after staunchly railing against it because, frankly, it was part of the ACA.

Some, including Gov. Ivey, guise their opposition as fiscal. Whenever the subject arises, she usually responds with some derivation of, Can we afford it?

We blew our chance at a rare federal freebie and it cost the state millions. When expansion was launched in 2014, the federal government paid 100 percent of the cost for the first three years. We had a winning lottery ticket lost it in the washer.

After the first three years, the feds still paid 90 percent of any increased costs to states. Now, theyre about to pay more. As my colleague Kyle Whitmire pointed out earlier this week, the Democrat-crafted stimulus percolating in the U.S. House includes a provision boosting federal coverage to 95 percent of costs.

The question Gov. Ivey and other holdouts should be asking: Can we not afford it?

Especially now, as Alabamians contend with the disastrous effects of COVID-19. Effects that shined a light on embarrassing, long-ignored racial and socioeconomic disparities. Effects likely to manifest themselves for years, maybe decades, among Alabamians who survived the virus.

Its estimated Medicaid expansion would touch more than 200,000 low-income residents. Individuals earning up to $17,609 and families with incomes of about $30,000 would qualify.

As Donald Trump failingly tried to dismantle Obamacare, six more states approved Medicaid expansion during his presidency, including ruby-red Oklahoma and Missouri.

Now, were one of only 12 states still stubbornly without Medicaid expansion. Aint we proud?

Give up the ghost, Gov. Iveythe Obama ghost. Or risk being haunted by something far more frightening: failing, once again, to help Alabamians struggling to help themselves. Especially so now.

Thats truly nuts.

A voice for whats right and wrong in Birmingham, Alabama (and beyond), Roys column appears in The Birmingham News and AL.com, as well as in the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register. Reach him at rjohnson@al.com and follow him at twitter.com/roysj
EDWARDSVILLE  It took a lot of time and effort, but Lana Maue and her husband, Mark, discovered a new way to take a road trip.

The Edwardsville couple are the proud owners of a Skoolie, which is a school bus that has been retired from its school district and then gutted and refitted as a tiny home on wheels.

We bought the bus in June of 2018 because my husband is a YouTube junkie and watches all kinds of videos, Maue said. At first, it was van lifers, which is people that redo vans and either travel in them or live in them. I told him I thought it was a little small, so he told me there is a whole network of people that refit school buses and they are called Skoolies.

We have three grown kids and when they were younger, we had a camper and used to go camping. My husband said this was something different and I told him Im all about different, so lets go for that.

Maue and her husband have spent about $10,000 on the project, including the cost of the bus.

They bought the bus for $3,500 from a crabby older gentleman in Missouri, which turned out to be an adventure in itself.

He had an ad on Craigslist, so we went to test drive it, Maue said. When we got back, he started yelling at us because of how long we were gone, but we literally got it on the highway up to the next exit and turned around.

We went back and forth about the price and it was just a mess. We left and we actually sent my husbands friend back with money to buy the bus for us.

Maue and her husband worked on the Skoolie every night after they got home from work and on weekends, and they basically had the refurbished bus completed by September of 2018.

Their first trip on the bus was to the upper peninsula of Michigan, all the way to the Canadian border.

Last year, they took a three-week trip to Idaho, South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado.

We do stay in campgrounds, but thats not our favorite, Maue said. We like to do what they call boondocking, which is staying on government-owned land, or just finding a Walmart parking lot. Were all about being frugal.

In a year that will be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic, the Skoolie provided a ready means of escape for the Maues.

With 2020 being crazy, it was hard for us personally. We had two deaths in the family and two pet deaths, and I had an unexpected hospital stay, Maue said.

This bus was a blessing for us because when travel kind of stopped, we were happy to hop in the bus and take off and go to different places.

Fun facts about the Skoolie include:

 Its a 2002 Bluebird on a Chevy B7 chassis.

 Its 28 feet bumper to bumper.

 In the Skoolie world, it is referred to as a 7 window.

 It has a Caterpillar 3126 engine with an Alison transmission.

 It is wired so that when the Maues are driving, they are charging the batteries they use for their outlets, lights, phone chargers, etc.

Thats all my husbands doing because he is very handy and can do just about anything, Maue said. We bought a deep freeze from Home Depot and we converted that to a refrigerator by using an external device called a CoolBot, which controls the temperature.

It starts and stops the power to keep it at a temperature a refrigerator would keep. A typical 12-volt refrigerator for an RV will cost $1,000, but this was $150 from Home Depot.

The Skoolie has a queen-size bed, kitchen, a sort of bathroom, and a couch Maue and her husband built themselves, as well as two closets. They cut a hole in the roof and made a skylight.

They welded a platform on the back to hold one of their mopeds and a platform on the front to hold the other. They painted the entire exterior themselves with direct to metal paint from Sherwin Williams in Edwardsville.

They also built a deck on top of the bus and even had nine people on it to watch fireworks.

When I say bathroom, we literally took a Home Depot bucket and cut it in half and built a base to set it down in, Maue said. We then attached a toilet seat on top of that. Its our own version of a composting toilet, but youd pay $1,000 for a real composting toilet.

The Skoolie has allowed the Maues to meet so many people in their travels because everyone is interested in the green bus.

Were driving on the highway and we get the peace sign a lot, Maue said.

Maue and her husband are often asked, Why didnt you just buy an RV? but their answer never changes  Anyone can buy an RV.

Still, they caution that building a Skoolie is not a project for the fainthearted  or those that dont have a do it yourself streak.

You need to have a lot of tools and you need to have some knowledge, Maue said. We dealt with electrical and plumbing and even though we made it kind of basic, there is some know-how involved.

We want to retire a little earlier than most people, so wed like to sell our house and travel for a year in the Skoolie. Then we can decide where we want to settle down and live smaller.
Art is like humanity. Art comes in different colors, different shapes, different sizes and from different countries. There are also different traditions.

by Dr Laksiri Fernando

What is art? What is the meaning of art to you and me? These are the themes that I would like to discuss in this essay. In general terms, art includes paintings, statues, dramas, operas, dances, music, songs, and poetry. However, I am here going to focus on paintings. Therefore, when I mention art, I mainly mean paintings.

Let me at the outset introduce a broad concept. Art is like humanity. Art comes in different colors, different shapes, different sizes and from different countries. There are also different traditions. However luckily, there are no different languages! There is only one language. That is the language of humanity. That is the beauty art. Art speaks in one language, or no language.

There is another important beauty of art. All productions of art exist without conflict or animosity. Therefore, art represents not just humanity, but common humanity. In that sense art represents peace and harmony.

Background to My Interest

Before coming to stay at the Bruce Sharp Lodge (BSL), I have never touched a brush, after my grade ten exam. That was in Sri Lanka in 1960. At that exam, I had only an ordinary pass and I believe I am better now! I came to BSL with my wife on 23 December 2019, after a long (near death) illness in hospital. I was invited for an art class, somewhere in mid-January, where around eight people attended. It is important that it was at the BSL Chapel.

I was given a partly drawn canvass with a printed picture by the art therapist. Therefore, I was rather copying! But I made some changes and that is what is now called the Light for Fishers (See 4th in the first row). I managed to finish it within two days. It was like a miracle. Can miracles happen in the process of art? I believe it is the case. It is true that within my spare time during my working career (in some periods) I have taken interest in collecting art works from different countries. The collection included a cavass reproduction of Francisco Goyas la Mujer bought from Madrid museum. I gave them away after retirement (2010) to our son and relatives. At the end of my career, I have also taken interest in promoting artwork of others. I have written one article and given two speeches. Therefore, the miracle in this case is not without a background.

What is Art?

Let me ask this question. Why do we appreciate art? I believe people in general appreciate art because of the beauty. That is what I did when I was collecting art of others. When we appreciate art, I believe we also appreciate the meaning. At BSL, among what I painted initially, my wife appreciated mostly what is called Bushfire Disaster because of its meaningfulness. That is about the recent bushfire disaster that we faced, with the possibility of it repeating in the future. Therefore, the meaning or the message is also important in appreciating art. Now we have the disaster of the coronavirus pandemic.

The above answer is basically from the point of view of the spectators, or art fans, or art-lovers.

But what about from the point of view of artists or art critiques? It can be different, and also different from one artist to the other. Art critiques are more complicated! As you know, art critiques have invented or identified different schools of artists. Some have obscure names. Some have meaning. What are they? Eastern and Western art are very broad two schools or categories. Ancient and modern art are two other categories. Then you have the schools or categories of Renaissance Art, Modern Art, Realistic Art, Abstract Art, Cubism, Impressionism, Surrealism, Romanticism, Pop-Art, Post-Modernist Art etc.

But for me, (assuming I am now an artist!), art is a means of communication. On this matter, my view goes along with Leo Tolstoy in general. He said, I quote:

The activity of art is a most important one, as important as the activity of speech itself and as generally diffused. Art is the transmission of an emotion felt by the artist. (What is Art? Translated by Aylmer Maude, 1960, Cambridge, p.52).

In speech, we communicate or transmit our thoughts. This is what we do even in writing. Before starting painting at BSL, one of my main preoccupations was writing. There, I always wrote down my and/or others thoughts on various matters.

But at my age and under health conditions, I have more feelings than thoughts! Therefore, I paint. I think this is important for anyone in my condition. That is one reason I believe why painting is introduced as a Therapy at our Uniting aged-care centers. When you communicate your feelings and emotions in the form of drawings or paintings, it helps you, I believe, to calm down yourself. You become more and more content about life. I am not a specialist on this subject, and therefore I leave further discussions to others on this matter.

Further Meaning and Form of Art?

Apart from therapy to oneself, there is another broader purpose in art. I think that is what the professional artists engage in. They communicate meaning to life, of course depending on the artist. At least they communicate beauty to life in this ugly, hectic, and violent world. Beauty brings calm and peace to peoples mind. Especially under the present coronavirus restrictions (if not lockdowns) art can bring therapy, engagement, meaning, peace, and harmony to the minds of the people.

It is not only beauty that art could communicate. It could communicate thoughts or meaning. That is one reason why from the beginning I opted to select a theme, or after painting, to give a title to a painting. It gives meaning. There are artists who do not do that. They leave up to the spectators to figure it out or give an interpretation. I respect that view as well.

Art generally uses three or four methods or means. (1) Colors. (2) Shapes. (3) Lines. And in the case of Aboriginal Art, (4) Dots. The synthesis of these three or four things is an art. It is normally said, colors give feelings, shapes give substance or meaning, and lines some mental rhythm. This is the case whether it is a realistic art or an abstract art.

In the case of Aboriginal Art, instead or in addition to lines, dots are used. This is the special beauty of Aboriginal Art in my opinion (first two drawings in the first row). Why? Because the dots resonate more effective rhythm in our minds than lines. That is why I appreciate Aboriginal Art, in addition to other merits (i.e. story telling).

Concluding Remarks

Art from an objective point of view is imagined realities. I do not have much time to elaborate on that matter. Art is not completely real, even in the case of realistic art. They are largely or partly imagined. In the case of abstract art, they are primarily imagined, but on some reality.

All art in common or in general, in my opinion (as I said at the beginning), represents the humanity and more correctly, common humanity. As common humanity, we have one origin and a common destiny.

To the extent art represents the common humanity, that is the beauty of art. And that is something we particularly should emphasize at the present juncture of human history, to promote peace, reconciliation, conflict resolution and harmony among humans. And also with the other species and the nature. Art is also spiritual. It could promote spiritual awareness, ethical behavior, moral integrity, and finally spiritual awakening.

(This was an essay submitted to Uniting aged care residents, NSW, Australia, August 2020)
ALBANY  It remains unclear why the chairman of New Yorks ethics commission resigned. But the decision certainly seemed abrupt.

On the afternoon of Feb. 10, Michael K. Rozen had been scheduled to lead a subcommittee meeting of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. But just hours before it was set to begin, Rozen sent an email stating he was resigning after serving six years in the position.

To critics of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, the timing suggested he was tightening control over JCOPE, two days after news broke of a rare investigation initiated by the watchdog panel that would touch Cuomo's office. In addition, not long before he resigned, Rozen is said to have expressed openness to filling the long-vacant post of JCOPE executive director with a candidate without close ties to Cuomo  which would be a first in the panel's decade-long existence.

Whatever the reason for Rozen's exit, Cuomo had the unilateral power to replace him and appoint a new chair. He immediately named Camille Joseph Varlack, an attorney who served in the governor's administration for four years. A review of Varlacks resume reveals deep involvement in a Cuomo program that  like JCOPE  has been touted as a good-government initiative, but has in the view of critics been used to keep a lid on scandals.

In 2015, longtime Cuomo aide Linda A. Lacewell set up a little-noticed program spanning the executive branch. Lacewell, at that point in the post of "chief risk officer" for the Executive Chamber, embedded highly paid senior attorneys in two dozen state agencies.

"I hired them and put them there," Lacewell said in 2018.

They were to be the eyes and ears of the governors office, on alert for ethical pitfalls. They would quickly report back to Lacewell, allowing Cuomo to better control and direct agency actions. Varlack was part of this network of administration attorneys, and quickly rose in the ranks, eventually taking over Lacewell's position as chief risk officer.

When announced, New Yorks first-ever statewide ethics, risk and compliance initiative was framed as bringing a private-sector risk management model to state agencies and public authorities. But for the governors office, the job also means managing negative information that might come to light  a practice now exploding into public view during the scandal over Cuomos suppression of nursing home death data.

Lacewell, now the superintendent of the state Department of Financial Services, leads Cuomo's COVID-19 task force that is a focus of the Brooklyn U.S. Attorneys recently initiated investigation into the administration's handling of the virus in nursing homes.

A function of special counsels embedded at state agencies, according to sources speaking on condition of anonymity, has been helping flag and manage potentially troublesome Freedom of Information Law requests filed with those agencies by the media and others  exactly the sort of requests that are at the center of the administration's controversial handling of nursing homes during the coronavirus pandemic. Cuomo's administration often drags out, by months and even years, the release of public records.

When Varlack joined the Cuomo administration in May 2015, it was as an officer in Lacewells new risk management program, serving as the Department of Financial Services special counsel for ethics, risk and compliance. Varlack was quickly promoted to a job in Cuomos office, where she became Lacewell's deputy director of the recently created program. She was promoted to director of state operations and chief risk officer before leaving for a private law practice in April 2019, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Varlack has become chair of JCOPE as it has endured years of increasing criticism over the perception that its actions  as well as its penchant for inaction  are dictated by Cuomos office.

Cuomo senior advisor Richard Azzopardi said that Varlack, a former prosecutor in Brooklyn and the first Black woman to lead JCOPE, had "helped build and run a nation-leading statewide ethics program, which helps reduce risk and elevates standards of integrity."

"Additionally, she brings much needed diversity as the chair of JCOPE and we are honored she agreed to serve," Azzopardi said.

Minister of Defense

Lacewell, a veteran of the same Brooklyn U.S. attorneys office that's now probing the coronavirus task force, has a reputation as an especially loyal and combative aide in an administration known for those traits.

In 2018, on the witness stand in Manhattan federal court, Lacewell was asked how she came to be referred to as Cuomo's Minister of Defense.

Testifying in the 2018 corruption trial of former top Cuomo aide Joseph Percoco, who is serving a six-year prison sentence, Lacewell explained that while other top Cuomo aides would rush down the political playing field scoring points, her job was to make sure they don't fall into a pitfall or trap for the unwary.

My role was principally on what we call the defense side, Lacewell said. And so I would typically be in the room to focus on ethics and risk  and potential reaction from the public or the press.

Lacewell testified that the ethics, risk and compliance initiative was meant to reduce the potential liability posed by dozens of state agencies handling billions of dollars in contracts. Her team of agency lawyers kept Cuomos office abreast of those risks, allowing the Executive Chamber to quickly direct responses to emerging threats  whether cyber, litigation or financial  as well as Freedom of Information Law requests.

Embedding senior lawyers at two dozen key agencies who reported back to Lacewell would save taxpayer money and protect integrity across the state, Lacewell testified. The agency lawyers each have the title of special counsel for ethics, risk, and compliance." The initiative derived from a "direct conversation" with Cuomo, Lacewell said.

Lacewell testified that she had done similar work volunteering her time for Cuomos political campaign, examining the optics of campaign donations from companies seeking state government contracts. A main motivation for this practice, Lacewell again stated, was avoiding public criticism from the media and good-government groups.

Percocos defense attorney, Barry Bohrer, asked Lacewell if her work as Cuomos Minister of Defense meant her job was to protect the reputation of the office.

Protecting the employees, the governor, and the public trust, Lacewell said.

One accomplishment touted by Lacewells initiative is New Yorks Open FOIL program, which allows the public to easily submit open records requests at more than 50 agencies. Azzopardi called it an "award-winning, first-in-the-nation online platform which improves transparency, efficiency and ease of use for FOIL requestors.

But streamlining and centralizing the process also allows the governors office to more immediately flag potentially problematic requests filed at state agencies, which then often face the lengthy delays.

Among other recent accomplishments, Cuomo's office said the special counsels led efforts to flag fraudulent unemployment claims that saved the state billions, and vetted the credentials of 80,000 medical volunteers assisting with COVID-19.

Azzopardi said many of the special counsels are former prosecutors and "any challenge to their integrity or commitment is outrageous and whoever you are talking to doesn't know what they are talking about."

"Let's be clear, the inclination that they somehow impede the FOIL process is wrong," Azzopardi said. "They are neither gatekeepers nor decision makers in the FOIL process."

Reached by phone, Lacewell referred the Times Union to her agencys press office, which declined to make her available for an interview.

Lacewell has a long history of screening Cuomo's official records. In 2012  after the Times Union filed a request seeking documents from Cuomo's term as attorney general  Lacewell visited the State Archives five times, sign-in sheets showed. The State Archives housed records from Cuomo's attorney general tenure, and Lacewell ended up personally pulling dozens of folders so they could not be scrutinized.

Legal layers

When Lacewell testified during the Percoco trial, private attorney Judith Mogul was sitting in the courtroom. At one point, Mogul emerged from the audience to argue that a Cuomo document was legally privileged information. Mogul stated that she was representing Lacewell in personal and professional capacity.

Mogul at the time was a principal at a New York City law firm, Morvillo Abramowitz, that has a deep history of navigating Cuomo through legal trouble. The white-collar firm has represented the Executive Chamber during three criminal investigations, including the Buffalo Billion-related trials as well as one civil matter.

In total, Morvillo Abramowitz has been paid $670,000 by Cuomos campaign, and $3.2 million by state taxpayers. The cost might be more, except that Mogul  who billed hundreds of hours working for Cuomo while at the law firm  was hired away by Executive Chamber in early 2019 as a $173,000-a-year special counsel.

In her current post, Mogul is now the boss of the Executive Chamber staffer who leads the ethics, risk and compliance initiative that Lacewell founded. And Mogul is one of the two staffers in the governors office who principally interacts with JCOPE, according to the agency's general counsel Monica Stamm.

At the ethics agencys most recent meeting in January, Stamm said that in the Executive Chamber, she primarily interacts with Mogul and Julia Kupiec, a special counsel and ethics officer for Cuomo.

Varlack, who did not respond to requests for comment, is a former Executive Chamber colleague of both of those Cuomo liaisons to JCOPE. And Mogul was the attorney for Lacewell, Varlacks former boss.

As chair, Varlack will be tasked with working with JCOPE staff and setting the agenda for meetings. She will also presumably lead the the now-20-month search for an executive director to lead the agency.

Since JCOPE was founded in 2011, all three of the agencys top staffers had previously held positions working under Cuomo  a pattern that has fed the public perception that the ethics agency lacks independence from the governor. Though similar complaints of coordination with elected officials have at times been leveled against non-Cuomo appointees to the panel, the governor names more commissioners to JCOPE than any other leader does.

Cuomo-appointed JCOPE commissioners have been pushing for Stamm  a Cuomo staffer when he was state attorney general  to be promoted to the executive director position. But the six legislative appointees have resisted hiring anyone with close ties to Albanys political infrastructure, and Stamm has not gained the necessary eight commissioner votes needed.

At a panel discussion held last week by the New York City Bar Association, Stamm said she did not actually know Cuomo "well," noting that since working in Cuomos attorney general office, she has held a job at JCOPE for nine years. She argued that all three prior JCOPE executive directors were eminently qualified," and that it was a misconception that Cuomo exerts undue influence.

I think that people tell that story, and manipulate that story, but I think If you looked at the work that we do, you dont really see that playing out, Stamm said. There hasnt been any interference that the public is concerned about.

A setback'

In the days before Rozens abrupt replacement as chairman, several issues were swirling related to JCOPE and Cuomo.

Three days before Rozen resigned, the Times Union reported that although JCOPE approved the October publication of Cuomos most recent book, American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic, Cuomo's office wouldn't answer a question about whether, in seeking the agency's approval, the governor submitted all information that JCOPE says is required of state employees.

Then, two days before Rozen resigned, the Times Union reported that JCOPE was investigating the Syracuse-area firm COR Development  a company at the center of the Buffalo Billion scandal that rocked the Cuomo administration.

Meanwhile, with Cuomo's six commissioners unable to push through Stamm's appointment as executive director, Rozen before his resignation expressed openness to hiring a former judge to the position, a source said. Such a candidate might have been acceptable to JCOPE's legislative appointees looking to back someone with more distance from Cuomo's orbit.

Before Rozen resigned, commissioners had gotten the green light to check the references of three finalists for the post. With Rozen gone, its unclear where the process stands.

Reached last week, Rozen declined to answer questions.

Azzopardi, the Cuomo advisor, did not answer specific questions about whether the governor's book deal, the COR Development investigation or JCOPE's executive director search contributed to Rozen's departure.

I dont follow every one of these wild theories, but he resigned and we thank him for his service," Azzopardi said.

The status quo may serve Cuomo's interests: Over the past 20 months, Stamm has been serving as JCOPEs de facto executive director. Even if she cant win the votes to be formally promoted, the Cuomo commissioners preferred candidate is still running the agency.

JCOPE Commissioner Gary Lavine, a Senate Republican appointee to the body, has been a vocal advocate for making JCOPE more independent of Albanys political establishment.

Rozens resignation hinders those efforts, he said.

It does not serve the public interest to leave the (executive director) position open. Its been open already for an extended period of time, Lavine said. The resignation of Chairman Rozen  in my view  is a setback in the process.

The feat was supposed to herald a shift in the way machines served up answers to questions big and small, opening up new revenue streams for Big Blue specifically and Big Tech more generally. A key target: healthcare, a trillion-dollar industry many say is saddled with inefficiencies that some tech advocates say AI could cure.

A decade later, reality has fallen short of that promise. IBM is now exploring the sale of Watson Health, a unit whose marquee product was supposed to help doctors diagnose and cure cancer.

IBM spent several billion dollars on acquisitions to build up Watson. Former senior IBM executive John Kelly once touted the initiative as a bet the ranch" move. It didnt live up to the hype. Watson Health has struggled for market share in the U.S. and abroad and currently isnt profitable.

Alphabet Inc.s Google DeepMind unit, which famously developed a Go-playing algorithm that vanquished a champion human player in 2016, later launched several healthcare-related initiatives focused on chronic conditions. It also has lost money in recent years and run into privacy concerns over how health data was being collected.

The stumbles highlight the challenges of attempting to apply AI to treating complex medical conditions, healthcare experts said. The hurdles include human, financial and technological barriers, they said. Having access to data that represents patient populations broadly has been a challenge, the experts say, as have gaps in knowledge about complex diseases whose outcomes often depend on many factors that may not be fully captured in clinical databases.

Tech companies also sometimes lack deep expertise in how healthcare works, adding to the challenge of implementing AI in patient settings, according to Thomas J. Fuchs, Mount Sinai Health Systems dean of artificial intelligence and human health.

You truly have to understand the clinical workflow in the trenches," he said. You have to understand where you can insert AI and where it can be helpful" without slowing things down in the clinic.

For IBM, the retreat underscores the difficulties new CEO Arvind Krishna faces in restoring growth at the iconic tech company. Mr. Krishna has said AI, along with cloud-computing, would be pivotal for IBMs prospects.

Watson Health was one of IBMs first and the largest AI efforts, said Toni Sacconaghi, an analyst at Bernstein Research. IBM initially promoted it as an engine for growth, but more recently has given it less prominence amid mounting business struggles, leadership changes and layoffs, he said.

Watson may be very emblematic of a broader issue at IBM of taking good science and finding a way to make it commercially relevant," Mr. Sacconaghi said.

Even as Watson Health ran into problems, the companys research arm has continued to give priority to AI and healthcare. IBM Research and Pfizer developed speech tests last year to predict the onset of Alzheimers disease, the company said last year.

IBM wouldnt comment about the sale, but said Watson Health has had successes over the years. This work began nearly 10 years ago, at the beginning of the AI revolution, and we explored groundbreaking space in helping physicians advance healthcare through AI," the company said. IBM is continuing to evolve the Watson Health business, based on our decade of experience, to meet the needs of patients and physicians."

A sale would mark Mr. Krishnas second major move to exit struggling businesses in less than a year at the helm. IBM last year said it planned to spin off its managed IT services division, which generated about $19 billion of annual revenue, or about a quarter of its total sales.

By slimming IBM down, Mr. Krishna expects IBM to deliver consistent mid-single-digit growth following a decade filled with revenue declines. IBM had $73.6 billion in sales last year, down from almost $100 billion in 2010.

IBMs climb down also serves as a warning to the wider tech industry that sees healthcare as a promising growth market. Watson Health and some other tech-industry AI projects that have struggled were overly ambitious, trying to answer broad, complicated health-related questions, experts said. Watson Health, for instance, was marketed broadly as finding answers to all kinds of cancer, they said.

When the notion is, Well, we can answer any question in cancer care with this data, its too overwhelming. We dont have the power to do that right now," said David Agus, the chief executive of the Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine at the University of Southern California and an early tester of the Watson system.

Another challenge is the lack of data-collection standards, which makes taking an algorithm that was developed in one setting and applying it in others difficult, experts said. The customization problem is severe in healthcare," said Andrew Ng, an AI expert and CEO of startup Landing AI, based in Palo Alto, Calif.

The most successful applications of AI in healthcare to date have been when the technology aims to solve discrete and narrow problems, according to Cynthia Burghard, research director at IDC Health Insights, a technology market research and advisory services firm. Such applications include alert systems that warn doctors which of their patients might be at risk for readmissions or severe outcomes and chatbots that help answer basic questions.

Recently, some healthcare providers and insurers also have married different data sources, including medical history and income-related information, to come up with risk scores for patients to identify those potentially more vulnerable to Covid-19 exposure to target outreach to them, she said. Such applications are easier to manage because they dont involve diagnoses.

Other areas where AI has seen some successes include radiology and pathology, disciplines where image-recognition software can be applied to answer specific questions, experts said.

Its about incremental improvements. Its not about solving the most complex things in healthcare," she said. We might get there someday, but [right now] its crawl, walk, run."

Another area where the technology has had inroads is in streamlining business processes, like billing and charting, rather than in making diagnoses, experts said, because the stakes are lower, and there is better data to make these systems work. There are also clear financial incentives, they said.

Theres a lot of human capital invested in these things, and a lot of that could be markedly reduced with AI support." said Eric Topol, a cardiologist and executive vice president at Scripps Research.

Despite the challenges of applying AI in healthcare, experts said they expect investments to continue.

The market size is infinite," said USCs Dr. Agus. Healthcare is probably a trillion-dollar market and its probably 40% to 60% inefficient. So the notion that you can make it dramatically better with something as elegant as a machine-learning algorithm, or AI, which is scalable, obviously is very enticing."

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 14:14:43|Editor: huaxia

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Staff members unload a temperature-controlled cargo container with COVID-19 vaccines from Chinese company Sinovac inside from a plane at the airport in Mexico City, Mexico, Feb. 20, 2021. The first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines from Chinese company Sinovac arrived in Mexico City on Saturday, authorities reported. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines from Chinese company Sinovac arrived in Mexico City on Saturday, authorities reported.

The vaccines arrived about a week after health authorities announced that Mexico's Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks had authorized emergency use for the Sinovac and CanSino Biologics vaccines.

The arrival of the vaccines marked new advances and important triumphs in cooperation between the two countries, Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Zhu Qingqiao said at the airport.

"The completion of the delivery of the vaccines shows, once again, that the people of China and Mexico are close sisters and brothers, and it reflects the great importance given by China to the Sino-Mexican relations," he said.

Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs Martha Delgado was also present at the arrival of the shipment, and said that the Mexico-China relationship has been strengthened through "great examples" of collaboration between the two sides since the beginning of the pandemic.

Jorge Baruch Diaz, head of the Travel Clinic at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, told Xinhua that Chinese vaccines will play an important role in Mexico's vaccination campaign. Enditem
akant Newbie

Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1 Thanked: 31 Times

Revv Car Subscription, Delhi-NCR We live out of the country so while planning a trip back home to visit family, we needed a vehicle. Not a taxi as it doesn't provide the level of independence that I am used to. Also, buying a car for a month and a half didn't make much sense so alternatives were being looked into. My wife suggested renting a car for whenever we needed and that prompted me to look for car rentals. Looking for car rentals was never really a thing whenever we visited earlier. We always had a car but it was sold off when we realized it wasn't being used enough.

While renting a car for 45 days turned out to be unnecessarily expensive, I came across a new service called Car Subscriptions. It was specifically a company called Revv, that was providing this service and was cheaper than renting for a long while. I had heard about Revv a few times but didn't know anyone who had tried it. I decided to give it a shot and experience it for myself. I tried to book a rental from the airport itself and get a drop off at my home in Faridabad. It was a feature advertised to rent the car and drop it off somewhere else. On trying multiple combinations, I figured that Faridabad was not one of the locations that were supported for this feature. This was not mentioned anywhere and hence wasn't obvious to anyone. So, in Delhi-NCR region, I realised that at least people in Faridabad were being considered as Second-class citizens.

I kept looking though and figured that Revv subscriptions were still an option but not from the airport itself. Also, given the Covid situation, I wasn't expecting to travel much so renting a car for a long while didn't really make much sense anyway. I also considered renting cars on-demand whenever needed and it made sense as well. But then again, getting them to drop the car in Faridabad and pick it back from there was going to be challenging. Brainstorming for sometime, I figured Subscriptions would probably be my best option. I decided to book a subscription for a month after reaching India. This would give me some time to acclimatise to the conditions and have a car till the end of my trip.



Booking Experience

On the mobile application, the subscription booking would redirect you to the browser so the app experience wasn't any good. I decided to use my laptop instead to make the booking. Browser experience was relatively intuitive and straightforward. Coming to India after a while, my priority was to get an automatic so that its easier to drive and protect in traffic. Santro was shown as one of the options and Santro was recently launched as well. I expected it to have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Besides, apart from being easy to maneuver, having a small car meant that I could try the service and invest some more next time if I liked it. I decided to go for it and 5th of January was going to be the delivery date for the vehicle. I could see a few discount coupons on the website as well but I wasn't able to apply them due to one condition or the other. These were the so-called fine prints and I only got to know about them when I called their customer care.



Docs Review process

The entire payment was to be made upfront which made sense. One is required to pay an extra 5000INR as security deposit which was ok as well. It was when I made the payment that I started getting issues. I got an email asking to send the scanned copies of all my ID proofs. This was alright except for the security-concerned enthusiast in me. I wasn't very comfortable in sending all my ID proofs like PAN card, Aadhaar card, etc. as an email attachment. So, I crossed and wrote on every ID proof the purpose for which they were being sent. This was better than sending plain scanned copies in my mind. Revv didn't seem to like it very much and started calling me asking for colored scanned copies this time. I tried asking logic behind this but couldn't get a convincing reply. Having argued over this for a while, I told them to cancel my booking and refund my money.

An hour later, I got a call from another sales rep that I remember having spoken to earlier (<<< Shubham >>>). He had been a reasonable person so far so I told him my point of view. He agreed to proceed, obviously with the condition that original documents will be shown at the time of delivery. This was fine by me and made total sense. So the booking was finally through and I could move forward.



Booking Confirmation

Over the next few days, I got at least 5 calls confirming the same thing. They wanted to know if the booking was still on and my address for delivery. Exhausted by innumerable calls at sometimes inconvenient times, I said I had provided this info over and over again. I was told them that those could have been different teams. This was the first time ever that I got such a reply from an entity. They couldn't come up with the logic to check internally first before bothering the customer multiple times. Anyhow, by then, either all the teams had called me or they finally figured that booking was confirmed.



Santro Unavailable

Around a week before the scheduled delivery, I got an email saying that vehicle was not available anymore. They mentioned contacting me (once, but I couldn't be blamed for not picking it up at this stage) over the phone. So, I had to get on a call again and try to sort this out. By this time, I had been on at least 10 different calls with them and I hadn't even gotten the car yet. Since Santro wasn't available, I was told that an upgrade to Celerio was available. This required an additional amount of 1200INR on top of what I had already paid.

I hate to bring this comparison here again but I couldn't help it this time. I have rented cars in US, Europe and Australia and have experienced this a few times. If the car you chose in the booking isn't available at the time of delivery, you are given a free upgrade. Also, you are never phoned to discuss this as if this was your mistake.

Here I was, shocked yet again at how I was being treated as a customer and was forced to argue over something unnecessarily. I mentioned that it wasn't my mistake that the vehicle I chose was not available with them. Also, I asked, if they only had one car in subscription that they were allocating to me. I was told that the previous customer had extended their subscription so the car couldn't be allocated to me. I decided to drop that there and figure out what I could get. I knew Celerio definitely wouldn't have CarPlay but moreover, the automatic gearshift wasn't as smooth as Santro's. And yet, here was the rep asking me to bear the difference. I stood my ground and was placed on hold while the rep spoke to the supervisor. After a hold of about 2 minutes, I was told that I will not be required to pay anything and I will also be due an amount of 400INR. I wouldn't really bet on the due amount as I didn't really trust their calculation at that time. I was just relieved that this was resolved.



Contract Signing

The contract is sent over an email and has a lot of fine print. When has someone actually went over the entire fine print before signing a car rental contract. It could do with some bullet points listing the most important aspects of the subscription. This will be reflected upon further in forthcoming sections. Digitally singing the contract was pretty straightforward and hassle-free for a change.



Vehicle Delivery

Come the day of delivery, I was eagerly waiting for a drive. I had already seen a few Celerio reviews on YouTube and couldn't wait to get my hands on one. I also had a doctors' appointment later in the day that I intended on using this car for. I was communicated a time of 10AM for the delivery and that's what I had requested in my booking as well. I was also informed that I will be called at least an hour earlier before the deliver. I woke up around 9:15AM only to realize that I hadn't received a call. I waited till 10AM to see if I get a call. Also, Revv doesn't operate its call centers before that time so I had little options but to wait. I finally called them around 1015AM and was told that delivery time is actually a window and not a fixed time. The window is between 10AM-12PM and I was to expect the delivery till then. Another first, I told them that I had a doc appointment at 12 but little do they care. I was told to wait till 12PM and they promised to get in touch with the team to expedite the delivery. It was 12PM and I had taken a cab to go see the doctor. I still hadn't received a call from the delivery person. So, I had called again only to get a response that they weren't aware and would reach out to the concerned team and get it expedited, yet again.

Around 1PM, I got a call from the Revv driver that he would reach me in an hour. Finally, I thought, the vehicle will be delivered and I would be able to run some errands.



Vehicle Condition

It was around 2PM that the car finally arrived. White in color, it looked like I had called a cab, a rather cheap one at that. I didn't believe at first that this was the car but the driver came out and said he indeed was from Revv. I found myself at loss of words as to what had happened. The car was a yellow number plate with black number. There was also yellow lining along the car and a yellow block and black text above the fuel tank that had the owner's information. The latter is also a typical sign of taxis being run by drivers who are not actual vehicle owners. The only indication that this was a Revv car were the stickers on the side indicating the same.

The car's condition, unlike advertised, was definitely not like new. It had scratches and small dents all around. Also, I later realized that the plastic cladding underneath the driver seat was coming off. I hadn't taken a picture of them when taking the delivery and this could be an issue when they take it back.

Finally, being a taxi number meant that I will be required to pay MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) tax every time I entered Delhi. This is a sum of 100INR and is different from the normal toll that I will also be required to pay. I agreed to paying the toll which is normal but this MCD toll was unreasonable.

I called Revv while asking the driver to wait. I was told that this was normal which I still don't agree with. They said that all Revv cars either come with a Yellow-Black or a Black-Yellow number plates. I also told them of the car and that it looked like a taxi to which they agreed to look into. Later in the day, I got a call telling me that they could send me a Manual transmission Swift that also had a private number. That, however, would take another 2 days and they will take the existing car back that itself.

I understood they intended on starting another contract and cancelling this one. I was not going to stay in India that long to use that subscription. Also, I needed the car that day itself to get things done. I decided to live with this car for the period of the subscription.



Living with the car

Being a taxi lookalike, I knew I will have unnecessary challenges. If you are in NCR region and not Delhi, you have to make innumerable Delhi visits in a month. Paying 100INR on top of car rental, fuel and taxes without running a taxi is unreasonable. Yet, there was little that I could now do about it. I was bound by contract and had to live with it. One day prior to the end of subscription, I was stopped at the MCD toll booth. Reason being, the car did not have MCD pass and they had mandated a pass on every car entering Delhi. It was almost 9PM and I knew I'd get extremely limited support from Revv on this and waste more time. I tried to explain my situation and argue with at least 3 people. It took me about 30 minutes and an argument with their supervisor to pass that booth. This was one of the major incidents.

Couple of small ones included being denied/delayed parking as it was a commercial number in malls/outside shops etc. It was easy for people to mistake it for a taxi and then behave accordingly.



Subscription End and Vehicle Collection

I was expecting some issue while returning car as well. We had gone to Delhi on a real taxi this time to get my in-laws' car for the last 2 days of our visit to India. The collection team from Revv called me to confirm the time and I asked them to come in late afternoon. There was another call a bit later from the person himself who was to collect and we decided on the time. He also asked me my current location and wanted to collect the car from Delhi itself but then agreed to come to Faridabad when I told him that I haven't brought the car with me. The car was smoothly picked up from my home after a visible inspection by this person in the evening. There was no confirmation email/call from Revv so I called them to confirm the car was being picked up before letting the person drive away with the car.

There was no email confirmation from them till the next day when I finally got the finally bill. I had made the payment through PayTM and security deposit was also returned to my PayTM account.





Conclusion

My experience of a rental subscription turned out to be a mixed bag. While the onboarding was painful, the subscription ending was relatively smooth. I could have been better prepared with what I needed. I didn't ask for a non-commercial number plate which I later realized was feasible. I also didn't ask for specific features like CarPlay. So, next time when I book, I'd know exactly what I want from them. All in all, I think it was a value for money deal but I could have asked for a better service at the time of booking. Attached Thumbnails





Rival parties hit for populism over airport plan



Both the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) have come under fire for collaborating in pressing ahead with a new airport project in Busan. The project is apparently based on populism to woo voters ahead of the April 7 mayoral by-elections in Seoul and the country's second-largest city.



On Friday, lawmakers of the DPK and the PPP on the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee approved a special bill aimed at constructing a new international airport on Busan's Gadeok Island. The bill is expected to get final approval from the Assembly's plenary session this week. The rival parties should take the blame for engaging in pork-barrel politics in their desperate efforts to win the elections.



In 2016, the then President Park Geun-hye administration decided to expand the existing Gimhae International Airport to meet the rising number of passengers flying into Busan. The decision was based on a feasibility study conducted by ADPi, a French firm specializing in airport architecture and engineering. The study gave the highest marks for the expansion plan, putting on the backburner other options such as a new airport on the island.



In many respects, the expansion of the Gimhae airport is the best option as it would cost only 4 trillion won ($3.6 billion). Building a new airport on Gadeok Island would require a far higher sum of over 10 trillion won. However, the Moon Jae-in administration has sought to reverse the previous government's decision purely for political reasons: to garner more votes in polls.



Last November, a panel under the Prime Minister's Office recommended a fundamental review of the airport expansion, citing safety and environmental issues. It gave a lame excuse for the government to relocate the airport to the island. The relocation plan is only based on populism to boost the DPK's popularity in Busan where a majority of its residents is in favor of a new airport.



The Gadeok Island option has gained momentum since then Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don, a member of the governing DPK, resigned last April over allegations that he had sexually harassed a female employee. As the mayoral by-election approaches, the liberal DPK is going all-out to appease Busan citizens by pushing the new airport project. The conservative PPP is also resorting to pork barreling to recapture the mayoralty in its traditional power base from the DPK.



But the rival parties have gone too far. They have colluded to exempt a preliminary feasibility survey on the airport plan. It is wrong to include a clause in the airport bill that would open the way for the airport to be built without a feasibility study. Any state infrastructure project with a 50 billion investment or more in total, including at least 30 billion won of state budget, is required to have a feasibility survey to ensure its economic viability and prevent the waste of taxpayers' money.



Of course, such a survey could be exempted in some cases to achieve policy goals such as balanced regional development. However, it is doubtful if the massive Gadeok airport project is eligible for such an exemption. The Moon government has so far allowed 88 trillion won worth of state projects to proceed without feasibility studies. The airport plan will increase the sum to over 100 trillion won. This is a cause for concern as state debt is snowballing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration and the ruling party should stop pork-barrel politics.




Photo: Getty Images

Sammy Losee isnt what you would call a patient person.

I hate waiting for things, she said with a laugh.

So when the 43-year-old Pembertonian was unsure if the splitting headache she was experiencing earlier this month was connected to COVID-19, she jumped at the chance to get a rapid test in Whistler, in lieu of the more common Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

I was eager to get the results immediately, said Losee, who noted she got her positive results back in less than 10 minutes. I work for a childcare centre and it had been a couple days since symptoms started, but the first day or two, I didnt really know I was experiencing COVID symptoms.

Losees situation exemplifies what advocates argue is one of the main benefits of rapid antigen tests: cutting down on the time it takes to receive results (PCR results generally can take a full day or more), so a patient can enter quarantine and begin notifying potential exposures sooner. For essential workers like Losee, that extra time can be crucial. As it stood, because health authorities still require a PCR test if a patient receives a positive rapid test result, as the antigen tests are considered less accurate, contact tracing didnt begin in Losees case until Feb. 9, a full week after she last worked at the childcare centre.

It doesnt [cut down on contact tracing time] but it does allow people to have knowledge of potential exposure, she said of the rapid test, which she wants to see adopted on a wider scale.

It gives you a faster idea if you are positive, so that you can make the changes necessary to nip it in the bud as quickly as you can.

With coronavirus cases on the rise locally at the time, B.C.s Ministry of Health began rapid testing in Whistler the last weekend of January as a trial, and continues to administer them.

In an email to Pique, the ministry said rapid testing is used in outbreak response, and B.C.s Medical Health Officers can pilot or otherwise use rapid [point-of-care] testing in additional settings where risk of transmission is higher and people are more vulnerable to infection.

Although not favoured as a single test for active infection, because the rapid antigen test is quicker, cheaper, and easier to administer, typically as a nasal or throat swab, some experts recommend it as a broad approach, with several countries turning to rapid testing as they struggled to contain the second wave of the virus.

Another key distinction of the rapid antigen test is that, although not diagnostic, it is meant to screen people who may not be aware of their infection, the health ministry explained, an important resource for communities with younger populations such as Whistler.

The thing with the antigen test, its confirming people that are infectious, said Whistlerite Philip Johnson, who contracted the virus in late January and has been a vocal advocate for rapid testing. [Since March 2020, he has also been an investor in Sona Nanotech, a Nova Scotia-based firm that has been approved to manufacture rapid tests for the European Union.]

With the PCR test, its just confirming that youve had or have COVID. I know people are going into isolation, missing two weeks of work because theyve had COVID and arent infectious anymore. So thats where the PCR test is actually not great for containing an infectious disease, because its not testing for people who are infectious. Its just finding people who have COVID in their systems.

As of Feb. 8, B.C.s health ministry has made 277,446 rapid tests available to health authorities to use, and, for the most part, that has taken the form of pilot projects in settings such as schools, correctional facilities, remote First Nations communities, and long-term care homes. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix have pointed to concerns about the tests accuracy, as well as its potential strain on an already overloaded healthcare system, as reasons for not adopting it more broadly.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) will reassess the need for rapid testing in Whistler on an ongoing basis, the health ministry said.

VCH said in a Feb. 10 release that the spread of the virus within Whistler seems to be slowing compared to recent weeks. Forty-three new cases were identified between Feb. 2 and 8, as well as an additional 24 older cases with earlier symptom onset dates, bringing Whistlers total caseload for the year to 614.

Meanwhile, the Howe Sound health region, of which Whistler is a part, added 72 new cases for the week ending Feb. 13. The region saw a total of 1,111 COVID-19 cases between Jan. 1, 2020 and Jan. 31, 2021.
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In a recent turn of events, Kangana Ranaut took to the social media site, Twitter, to claim that she's always rebelled and her out-spoken tweets are not a recent development. In fact, she has always criticised Bollywood.

 Kangana Ranaut/ Twitter

To prove the former statement, she even went ahead to share an old video and wrote along with the post that she "became the first rebel Rajput woman at 15". Earlier, she had opened up about how she had previously rebelled against her father, who was stunned to see her reaction and stopped instantly.



My father has licensed rifle and guns, growing up he didnt scold he roared, even my ribs trembled, in his youth he was famous for gang wars in his college which gave him a reputation of a gunda, I fought with him at 15 and left home, became first Baaghi Rajput woman at 15.  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) February 20, 2021

She further wrote on Twitter in another post, "My father has licensed rifle and guns, growing up he didnt scold, he roared, even my ribs trembled, in his youth, he was famous for gang wars in his college which gave him a reputation of a gunda, I fought with him at 15 and left home, became first Baaghi Rajput woman at 15."

This chillar industry thinks success got to my head and they can fix me, I was always Baaghi its only after success my voice got stronger and today I am one of the most prominent voices in the nation. History is a witness whoever tired to fix me I fixed them instead.  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) February 20, 2021

This was a Twitter thread, and in a series of posts, she also added, "This chillar industry thinks success got to my head and they can fix me, I was always Baaghi it's only after success my voice got stronger and today I am one of the most prominent voices in the nation. History is a witness whoever tried to fix me I fixed them instead."

My papa he wanted to make me the best doctor in the world, he thought he was being a revolutionary papa by giving me education in best institutions, when I refused to go to school he tried to slap me I held his hand and famously told him  if you slap me I will slap you back pic.twitter.com/5nU6x6iQtL  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) February 20, 2021

Kangana spoke about her relationship with her father and how a particular incident made things sour. "My papa he wanted to make me the best doctor in the world, he thought he was being a revolutionary papa by giving me an education in best institutions, when I refused to go to school he tried to slap me I held his hand and famously told him 'if you slap me I will slap you back.

"That was it the end of our relationship something changed in his eyes, he looked at me than my mother and left the room, I knew I had crossed the line and never found him back again but one can only imagine the extend I can go to break free, nothing can keep me caged," she added.

People commended her for her post.

It takes a lot of courage to say the things as they are!

You're brave but at the same time, one must understand that there's a difference between being Bold and Aweless!

What you did was ""

   ,     !  Bharti  (@SoulfulBharti) February 21, 2021

Kangana posted the clip in the morning, also supplementing it with the caption, "Another clip from 2012, teaching Bullywood cinema n urging them to stop embarrassing India globally, I am only sharing these to bust this propaganda by mafia media that I starting criticising Bullywood after became hugely successful post Queen release in 2014, Fact check- not true."

People applauded her courage.

Appreciate that u fought back the hammering done to you.

What did you do is rare ?

India is a country of failures.

India is a country of characterless.

India is a country of weakness.

Hope, you could inspire more and more females of this country.

Every right mindset wants them1/2  Prem Swaroop (@PrmSwrp) February 20, 2021

The said video shows her speaking about her winning the award for her debut film, Gangster, but being jobless right after. She also added, that a superstar told her right after that her career was over.

People even suggested her to save this for her memoir so she could add juicy anecdotes.

Everyone has their life path and so do you. You are where you are because thats how you led your life. I would suggest keep such things for your memoir/autobiography.  Pradnya (@pradnya_real) February 20, 2021

Some even asked her to acknowledge the fact that she's gotten this fire within her from her father.

Thanks to your father who gave you birth and made you so strong that you can fight with him back..

Thanks to him who gave you power to be a revolutionary...

After all blood that run around in your viens is of your father only....  Harjot Kaur (@HarjotK95796419) February 20, 2021




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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

The abstracted architecture shimmers and folds across an acrylic canvas in phosphorescent hues that both beckon and disturb.

Michael Naminghas (Tewa-Hopi) operatic Altered Landscapes series is abstract, photography-based work. The bent angles juxtapose geometric shapes in bright neon colors against black-and-white aerial landscapes from the Four Corners region. The artist mounted the compositions to shaped plexiglass, creating the illusion of sculpture.

These images dont shout. They record the environmental impact of the oil and gas industry, and imply references to the artists Indigenous ancestry.

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................................................................

Namingha says it all started during a slide lecture at New Yorks Parsons School of Design.

I remember seeing The Black Place painting (by Georgia OKeeffe) and wondering where it was, Namingha said. It was so abstract, I thought it was two clouds together with a bolt of lightning in the middle.

Namingha later researched the painting at the Georgia OKeeffe Museum and learned of the artists camping trips to the Galisteo Basin she called The Black Place.

In 2014, Namingha used Google Earth to locate the exact spot. On federal land about a mile from the turnoff to Chaco Canyon, The Black Place is surrounded by evidence of the worlds energy needs: oil rigs, pipelines, storage pads; the detritus of fracking.

He had begun to explore shaped photography as a result of feeling frustrated by being confined to a square or a rectangle.

A turning point came when he attended the Metropolitan Opera during a break at the New Museum incubator program for creative people.

I was intrigued by opera set design, not only here, but also in New York City, he said. I went to the Met quite a bit. I loved the music (of La Boheme) so much that I went to see it twice. I realized how far the set designs work to trick the viewers eye  and how they trick perspective.

The stage was slanted at an angle; an apartment building loomed larger in the front than in the back.

It made it more realistic, Namingha said.

He began moving the center of his aerial photographs to the center, bookending the sides toward the back.

Naminghas Altered Landscape 11, although taken in Santa Fe in 2019, was inspired by the results of a Canadian wildfire that billowed over New York in 2020.

I was on the West Side near the meatpacking district, he said. The sun was this intense red ball. The clouds were orange and pink. People were stopping taking photographs.

I started thinking about growing up in New Mexico and how prominent fire season has become, he said. Last summer, we had multiple fires. The smoke was coming from California. When all these fires were burning, we would have an air quality index color every day. So I started to incorporate some of those colors into the landscape.

Some of the works feature black bands to represent pieces of the landscape that could be lost, he added.

Altered Landscape 9, with its metal structure, gas line and pump, is the only image containing the obvious imprint of oil and gas extraction, Namingha said.

Those are within spitting distance of where OKeeffe used to go camping with (photographer) Maria Chabot.

Georgia OKeeffe referred to the softly rounded gray formations on either side of N.M. 550 as a mile of elephants. Namingha saw something else.

As I was zooming in and out, I saw that what looked like parking lots were actually drilling pads, he said

The artist journeyed to The Black Place carrying a single tool  a drone camera  so as not to damage the fragile land that crumbled into ash at the touch of a hand. At his first visit in 2017, he encountered a member of the Environmental Defense Fund who said NASA scientists had photographed the area above The Black Place.

NASA discovered the largest methane gas cloud in North America, Namingha said. It showed up on their satellite images as red and yellow, so I used those colors in the compositions.

Back home, he divided, shifted and pulled the images using commands such as skew and distort. The Georgia OKeeffe Museum displayed the results in 2018 as part of a series of contemporary artists creating responses to OKeeffes work.
The government may consider privatising Oriental Insurance or the Co as their financial health has improved after a series of capital infusions, people aware of the development said.

To further strengthen their financial health, the government is expected to infuse Rs 3,000 crore in the public sector general insurance during the current quarter.

Both Oriental Insurance and the Chennai-based may be able to generate interest from the private sector because of their improved financials, sources said.

The process of choosing a suitable candidate for privatisation has just started and will take some time to decide, sources said while not ruling out the possibility for listed New India Assurance, where government stake stands at 85.44 per cent.

As per the plan, NITI Aayog will make recommendations to the government for privatisation and Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) under the Ministry of Finance will take the proposal to its logical conclusion.



Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget 2021-22 had announced a big-ticket privatisation agenda including privatisation of two public sector banks and one general insurance company.

As part of the divestment strategy for the financial sector, the government has decided to go for mega initial public offering (IPO) of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and residual stake sale in IDBI Bank during the financial year beginning April.

The government has budgeted Rs 1.75 lakh crore from stake sale in public sector and financial institutions during 2021-22.

Last year, the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared a proposal to provide capital support to National Insurance, Oriental Insurance and

The cabinet had also decided to increase the authorised share capital of National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) to Rs 7,500 crore and that of United India Insurance Company Limited (UIICL) and Limited (OICL) to Rs 5,000 crore each to give effect to the capital infusion decision.

At the same time, the Cabinet junked the earlier Budget proposal of merging NICL, OICL and UIICL.

(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.)
Vegan wonders at your fingertips By Shannine Daniel View(s): View(s):

Halfway to becoming vegan? Although Sri Lankan cuisine has many vegan dishes to offer, and there are South Indian vegan and vegetarian restaurants all over the island, the market for vegan food products is still at an infant stage. Check out some of the up-and-coming brands and online stores where you can find everything from vegan chocolates and biscuits to alternative sweeteners.

The Vegan Kade

A group of friends of Sri Lankan origin are the brains behind The Vegan Kade. They have a large variety of products including vegan meat substitutes to help people transition to non-meat products easily.

We believed that by merging two vibrant markets of vegan products in the UK and Sri Lanka, we could aspire to offer a wide-ranging selection of vegan products to our Sri Lankan customers, they told the Sunday Times Magazine.

Our most popular range is dairy alternatives including milk and cheeses. We have been able to meet the demands of our discerning customer base in Sri Lanka with everything from vegan chocolates, biscuits, desserts, salad dressings, marinades, egg replacers, health supplements, superfoods and pasta to frozen products  including plant-based burgers.

Our seasonal offerings of vegan panettone, Christmas pudding and mince pies were snapped up even before they hit Sri Lankan shores. Our products are driven by consumer choice. We are always responsive to the requests of our widening customer base, endeavouring to meet them in the shortest possible time scale, they added.

The Vegan Kade offers a collection service in Colombo 6. They also sell their products via Shoppa.lk and JustGoodness  two online platforms who provide home delivery within Colombo and throughout the island. Customers can also message them on Instagram (thevegankade) and Facebook (The Vegan Kade), and can contact them through email (thevegankade@gmail.com) as well.

 

Palmyra Organics

Palmyra Organics takes pure Palmyra jaggery, processes it and dries it to make it into palm sugar.

Palmyra Organics (Pvt) Ltd. was formed to develop Palmyra palm sugar in Sri Lanka. The company is now a year old and our product has become extremely popular among people who want a healthy alternative to refined white sugar, the owner and founder of Palmyra Organics told the Sunday Times Magazine.

We are a fast growing business that works closely with small-time producers of Palmyra palm sugar from the north and east of Sri Lanka. Our products are vegan certified by the EU and UK and are 100% natural, she said.

Right now, Palmyra Organics is one of the few companies in Sri Lanka that produces and sells Palmyra palm sugar which can be used to sweeten beverages, and in cooking and baking.

We offer free delivery in Colombo and can ship to any place in Sri Lanka. We also export to health food stores worldwide. Palmyra Organics products can be found in many stores in Sri Lanka including the Good Market, Park Street Gourmet, Just Goodness, Honda Hitha, Milk & Honey, Barefoot, Branas and select Cargills Food City stores, the owner of Palmyra Organics said.

Customers can also place orders through Instagram (palmyraorganics), Facebook (Palmyra Organics) and their website (www.palmyraorganics.com).

 

The Vegan

Electronic and Electrical Engineer Navod Payagala is the founder of The Vegan  a vegan restaurant located in front of the Keells Super store at Raththanapitiya in Boralesgamuwa. Navod who has been a dedicated vegan for more than six years, opened The Vegan in August 2019 with his brother Vinods help.

During my journey of being a vegan I found it extremely difficult to find places to buy vegan food. To address that issue, I decided to start a restaurant chain to bring international experience to the Sri Lankan Vegan Community. We provide a mouth-watering and cruelty-free dining experience, Navod told the Sunday Times Magazine.

The Vegans menu comprises a blend of Sri Lankan and international dishes such as pizza, submarines, burgers, pastas, wraps and Sri Lankas trusty favourite kottu. Customers can visit The Vegans restaurant in Boralesgamuwa or place their orders through a hotline number (0113 640 470), WhatsApp (0763800470), Instagram (theveganlk) Facebook (The Vegan), UberEats and PickMe Foods.

We sincerely welcome all of you to visit our store and have an amazing experience with vegan food, Navod said.

 

Oh My Oats

Oh My Oats is a brand of homemade and freshly baked oatmeal cookies run by fashion designer Vidushi Samarasekera. Oatmeal cookies in various flavours and combinations can be bought from Oh My Oats in packs of six or 12.

Baking was always a family affair for me. As a kid I would bake with my mother, and even after growing up, it is still a part of me. Many cupcakes and brownies later, my sister-in-law introduced me to oat cookies. I poured my heart and soul into developing my unique oat cookie recipes and after many days at home during the lockdown in Colombo, I finally decided to take this passion to the next level, Vidushi told the Sunday Times Magazine.

Oatmeal cookies have a high fibre content compared to normal cookies, and they also contain a significant amount of calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. My cookies are 70% oats and they are a healthy snack, she added.

Some of the popular flavours at Oh My Oats include classic chocolate chip, marshmallow, cashew and raisin and almonds and white chocolate. They also have vegan and sugar free options.

Customers can get in touch with Vidushi through Facebook (ohmyoats.lk) and Instagram (oh_myoats) and a delivery option is available for areas within and right outside Colombo. They are currently working on a website where customers can buy directly and pay online.
Television

Allen v. Farrow: In a documentary series that explores allegations that Woody Allen sexually abused Dylan, the daughter he and his former partner Mia Farrow adopted, directors Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering explore the ambiguities, conflicting narratives and conclusions that have, over the years, made the case so emotional. (9 p.m. Sunday, HBO)

Related: HBOs Allen v. Farrow explores the painful case of Woody Allen, Mia Farrow and sexual abuse allegations

When Calls the Heart: The period drama returns, with Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) trying to decide if her heart is calling for a handsome Mountie or a handsome businessman. (9 p.m. Sunday, Hallmark Channel)

Mr. SOUL!: Independent Lens programs a documentary about Ellis Haizlip, the producer and host of SOUL!, a variety show on public television that brought Black culture and conversation into living rooms from 1968 to 1973. (11:30 p.m. Monday, PBS)

Superman & Lois: Tyler Hoechlin plays Clark Kent/Superman, and Elizabeth Tulloch (Grimm) is Lois Lane in a new series that finds the two of them married, and parents of two sons, while also pursuing their careers. (8 p.m. Tuesday, The CW)

Snowfall: The crime drama chronicling how the crack epidemic impacted members of the community in Los Angeles in the 1980s, and led to a war on drugs, returns for Season 3. (10 p.m. Wednesday, FX)

Streaming

Luda Cant Cook: Ludacris may be a successful hip hop artist, and a restaurateur, but his own cooking skills need help. And thats what he gets from chef Meherwan Irani in this one-hour special. (Available to stream beginning Thursday, Discovery Plus)

Punky Brewster: Soleil Moon Frye returns as Punky, whos now all grown up, and who takes a girl into her home who reminds Punky of her younger self. (Available to stream beginning Thursday, Peacock)

Already streaming

For All Mankind: The drama, which tells the story of NASA astronauts in an alternative past, where the Soviet Union beat the U.S. to the moon, returns for Season 2. (Streaming, Apple TV Plus)

Attack of the Murder Hornets: A documentary (with what looks like some horror movie flair) about the dangers presented by the honeybee-killing hornets that have been most unwelcomely found in the U.S., including in the vicinity of Blaine, Washington. (Streaming, Discovery Plus)

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-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist


Lawton, OK (73501)

Today

Showers and thunderstorms. High near 70F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Locally heavier rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 61F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL WEAPONS

February 21, 2021: In northern North Korea (Chagang Province) it was recently revealed that a new (late 2020) Ganggye Chemical Factory for producing paint and varnishes was actually producing chemical weapons. This was revealed because the factory was next to the Changja River. The truth about the factory was revealed when people living downstream along the Changja River noted lots of dead fish in the river. Since people get drinking water from and wash clothes in that river this caused some alarm. Complaints were made to local officials and police, who also use the river water, and the initial response was that production of paint and varnish was causing the dead fish. Then some locals who worked at or near the factory revealed that Ganggye Chemical Factory was one of those facilities that really produced chemical weapons and called itself something else because chemical weapons are top-secret items and producing them so close to the Chinese border offends the Chinese. Because the factory is close to the border the news quickly jumped the border because North Koreans living near the border often have Chinese cell phones that can connect with a Chinese cell tower if the user is close enough to the border. This has always been dangerous because it is strictly forbidden and police have an added incentive to catch those with cell phones because they can demand a large bribe from those wanting to avoid arrest and time in a labor camp. The calls are usually to friends, family or business associates in China or anywhere in the world. North Korean cell phones only allow calls with in North Korea and these are monitored by the police. The secret police have special equipment for monitoring Chinese cell phones and that soon revealed that many North Koreans now knew about what Ganggye Chemical Factory produced despite the locals being ordered to keep quiet about that and the dead fish. Anyone who had recently eaten river fish was ordered to appear for a medical exam. By early 2021 North Korean leaders were mainly worried about international condemnation for exposing civilians to toxic byproducts from a chemical weapons plant.

As recently as 2018 North Korea was subjected to international condemnation for their production of chemical and biological weapons. That process began in 2018 when a North Korean soldier who recently defected to South Korea was found to have anthrax anti-bodies in his blood. This came at about the same time as rumors of North Korea planning to equip its long-range ballistic missiles with warheads containing anthrax. The reality is that anthrax does not make a very effective biological weapon, but it is an easy one to obtain and hardy enough to survive delivery via ballistic missile. Moreover, anthrax is not contagious but it does occur naturally in many parts of the world and many people acquire immunity by surviving exposure (not uncommon) or receiving a vaccination (less common).

North Korea could not afford to vaccinate the entire population against Anthrax, or even all its troops. Only those assigned to guard facilities storing Anthrax filled bombs, shells or warheads, or manufacturing facilities would need the vaccination. If used in a combat zone troops moving into the contaminated area would need vaccination to avoid getting sick or dying from the anthrax.

What was not reported was any more details of the North Korean soldier with the Anthrax anti-bodies. That was done to prevent North Korea from figuring out what South Korea knew of their biological and radiological weapons programs. It is known that South Korea gives defectors thorough physical exams, including world class analysis of blood and tissue samples. Over 30,000 North Korean have managed to reach South Korea, most of them in the last twenty years and all have been thoroughly examined. All South Korea will reveal is that the data has been very useful, not only in treating the defectors for the many infections and maladies they have, but also for getting an idea of what, so to speak, is in the air, water and soil up there over time and where.

Another item of information that became public in the last few years involved recent defectors who showed signs of radiation poisoning. Since they came from the area where North Korea tests its nuclear weapons underground, it indicates that rumors of massive radiation leaks were true. The Chinese certainly believed it and ran TV and print ads warning citizens near the border to get checked if they showed certain symptoms. There were also illustrations on how to clean oneself to avoid accumulating enough exposure to develop symtims.

There was another North Korea biological weapon scare in 2015 when a PR video of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visiting a recently refurbished North Korean Pyongyang Biotechnical Institute became available. Western analysts noted in the background there was some industrial equipment for making large quantities of new biological agents. North Korea said it was doing some research on biological pesticides for some local crops. But that expensive equipment could make biological weapons like militarized Anthrax. North Korea denies that is the case but it was noted that sanctions never banned pesticides or medicine. However North Korea could always have large quantities of some new pesticide made in China much more cheaply than doing it themselves. Then again, a lot of what North Korea does makes no economic sense and they keep doing it anyway. That is likely the case with this Anthrax scare. Then again, there is some danger and whatever is produced in the new Ganggye Chemical Factory appears to be more dangerous than anthrax.

Even the most potent militarized Anthrax isn't that powerful. We know this from a military Anthrax accident in 1979. A Russian biological warfare plant outside the city of Sverdlosk accidentally released some militarized Anthrax. Thousands of people in the area were infected. But fewer than a hundred died. What was particularly discouraging to Russian military bioweapon scientists was that only one of the dead was of military age and he was already ill from other ailments. All of those that died from the Anthrax were old and usually sick. All the victims had weakened immune systems. Many had lung ailments. The Russians initially denied that there was an accident and did not treat the locals for Anthrax. Later they said the deaths were caused by people eating meat infected with Anthrax, which is a common way for people to die from Anthrax. It was only after the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991 that Western researchers were able to get into the area and interview survivors and discover that people with normal immune systems were able to fight off an Anthrax infection.

North Koreans know about the shortcomings of anthrax and other chemical weapons and now the world, not just people along the Changja River or across the border in China, wants to know just what the Ganggye Chemical Factory is producing.
Posted Sunday, February 21, 2021 7:46 am

OLYMPIA  Gov. Jay Inslee signed a $2.2 billion COVID-19 funding allocation bill into law on Friday, clearing the way for relief for Washington businesses and families struggling because of the pandemic.

The bill, which passed the Legislature just over a week ago, allocates $2.2 billion of the state's federal stimulus fund to schools, business, renters and others.

"The focus this year is relief, recovery and resilience," Inslee said Friday. "This will make big progress in all three."

Here's the breakdown of the bill:

* $714 million for school assistance, including $46 million for private schools.

* $618 million for public health, including COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution.

* $365 million for housing, including rental assistance.

* $240 million for business assistance.

* $91 million for other income assistance, such as immigration services and food assistance.

* $50 million for child care grants.

* $26 million for food assistance grants for hunger relief organizations.

The bill has an emergency clause, so it will go into effect immediately. However, Office of Financial Management Director David Schumacher said Friday it may take a few weeks for the federal money to get here.

In the meantime, Inslee has allocated more state money for business and rental assistance, a proclamation he signed last week. That money will fill the gap between last year's federal allocation and this year's, Schumacher said.

Most of the federal money had allocation guidelines from the federal government, and much of it will go toward programs created with the first round of federal money last year.

According to the bill, the funds for schools must be used for costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also requires school districts to submit reopening plans to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction by March 1.

OSPI indicated on Friday the money would only go toward schools that reopen, although the office clarified on Twitter that the bill requires schools to have a reopening plan before receiving the money. That plan could be hybrid or fully in-person.

Inslee said he does not believe it is OSPI's intention to give more funding to schools that are fully open and less funding to those that are hybrid.

Inslee has said schools should begin to reopen to in-person learning, despite teachers not being eligible for vaccinations. Most schools have already brought back some kids, with an option for parents to keep their kids remote.

"What we've had is a very elegant way to allow communities to do what works best for them," he said.

The Legislature began working in December on preparing an early action bill for COVID-19 relief, said Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairwoman Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island.

"And here we are six weeks later with a bill to be signed by the governor," she said.

The Legislature will pass a statewide operating budget by the end of April that will likely include more COVID-19 relief.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has named Harry Boyd-Carpenter as managing director of green economy and climate action.

EBRD said that the position is critical for the Banks delivery of its goal to become a majority green bank by 2025.

During its annual meeting held in October, the EBRDs board of directors approved the banks new five-year strategy that aims at supporting the transition to a green, low-carbon economy in its member countries as one of its key priorities.

In his new role, which he will take up on 1 April 2021, Boyd-Carpenter will be responsible for coordinating the green economy work and climate action agenda of EBRD as well as contributing to further shaping the future of the EBRDs green economy transition approach.

Prior to his appointment, Boyd-Carpenter acted as the director and head of energy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In September, EBRDs Associate Director and Deputy Head for Egypt Khalid Hamza told Ahram Online that they are currently in the process of updating its strategy in Egypt, which is expected to be approved in 2021.

It will further the banks mandate in tackling Egypts most pressing matters, whether in the water sector, upgrading its infrastructure or digitising its economy, it allows Egypt to benefit from the EBRDs green transaction finance facilities.

According to the EBRD to date, the EBRD has invested more than seven billion euros in 125 projects in Egypt, where the banks areas of investment include the financial sector, agribusiness, manufacturing and services, as well as infrastructure projects such as the power sector, municipal water, wastewater services and transport.

Egypt is the largest country of the EBRDs operations and the biggest investment country for the bank as well.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-22 04:08:42|Editor: huaxia

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Medical workers unload COVID-19 vaccines from a truck at Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 21, 2021. A total of 20,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines, funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), arrived in the Gaza Strip on Sunday through the Rafah border crossing. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- A total of 20,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines, funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), arrived in the Gaza Strip on Sunday through the Rafah border crossing.

"Today, we have received the shipment of COVID-19 vaccines funded by the UAE," Ghazi Hamad, undersecretary of the Hamas-run ministry of social development, told reporters at the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

Hamad added that the UAE will send more doses of coronavirus vaccines to the Gaza Strip in the near future.

The arrival of the coronavirus vaccines in the Palestinian coastal enclave is "an important opportunity to save the people in Gaza Strip from the spread of the virus in light of the lack of medical staff as well as equipment," Hamad said.

The Hamas official expressed his gratitude to the UAE, which has been continuing its support to the people in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health said in a statement that it will launch a vaccination campaign on Monday morning to inoculate its medical staff members in the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that it will also vaccinate those who are vulnerable to the infection of the virus, especially the elderly people.

On Wednesday, the ministry already received a batch of 2,000 doses of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines, dispatched by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the West Bank city of Ramallah. The batch of the vaccines was sent to the Gaza Strip through the Israeli-controlled commercial crossing point of Kerem Shalom.

The Gaza Strip has recorded a total of 54,642 coronavirus cases, while the tally of infections in the Palestinian territories amounted to 196,439 since March last year.

The internal Palestinian division between the Islamic Hamas movement and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas-led Fatah party began in 2007 when Hamas forcibly took over the Gaza Strip from Fatah. Since then, the Palestinian territories have been split into the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and the Fatah-dominated West Bank. Enditem
Marcus Wareing believes a work ethic is something children should get from their parents (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images for Maybelline New York)

At 18, he got his first job as a chef at The Savoy and at just 26, he earned his first Michelin star, one of only a handful of chefs to be recognised at this age. In 2008, aged 37, he opened his first restaurant. With a 30 plus year career in the hospitality trade, its clear that Marcus Wareing works hard, a trait he says his father passed down to him.

Speaking on White Wine Question Time, he said that a work ethic is something all parents need to instil in their children.

I think it's down to the parents to put that into their young children  and to make sure that they have a family value and a get up and go work ethic, he told host Kate Thornton.

Read more: Wareing pleads with Brits top support UK restaurants

At just 11, Wareing was working for his father in his fruit and vegetable business, packing potatoes and helping with deliveries. Its a training hes grateful for  especially when he entered the tough world of restaurants.

Listen: Marcus Wareing talks about what is was really like working with Gordon Ramsay

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My father taught me a work ethic and how to stand on your feet for 15 hours a day was not an issue for me, he exclaimed.

We worked some serious, long hours when I worked with my dad. I was just a trained worker at whatever I did.

The Masterchef Professional recalled when he first moved to London to work at The Savoy. Despite struggling to settle in, he was determined to make it work so as not to disappoint his father.

Read more: One in six children may never catch up after Covid school closures

I was really home-sick, and it took me years to get over leaving Southport, he admitted.

But my father would never let me come back to Southport. Whenever I used to speak to him on the phone, it was: Don't you ever think about coming back here because there's nothing in this town for you. You're in the best place. Stick with it. That was it.

Marcus married Jane in 2000 and the couple have three children together (Image: Getty Images)

His strong work ethic is something he's keen to pass onto his own children and he believes that this period of homeschooling  where Wareing said he never thought hed hear his kids say they miss school  will help change children for the better.

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I know one thing when my kids go back to school, they'll go back a little bit wiser, a little bit stronger and they'll go back with a completely different view on their schooling and appreciation for their schooling, he told Thornton.

Read more: Marcus Wareing warns 'our industry is on the verge of collapse'

He continued: I hope it's a game changer. Our children will certainly talk about it, but I hope it is it changes the world moving forward in so many ways.

As well as encouraging a strong work ethic in his three kids, Wareing also wants them to appreciate what they have. His eldest son Jake, who is studying at Durham University, has been working in a food bank  and hes keen for all his children to give back to others.

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I did say  and I really mean this  don't do for your degree. Do it because it means something, because it is about giving back. I do it all the time and may not go work in a food bank every day, but I do things for charity. It's all done in different forms, but the charitable work has to begin somewhere.

Hear Marcus Wareing talk about how he hopes the government will help restaurants get back on track in the latest episode of White Wine Question Time. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, acast and Spotify.

Watch: Top tips on how to help children navigate lockdown
PARIS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 22nd Feb, 2021) The UN educational and cultural agency, UNESCO, has encouraged people everywhere to celebrate the worlds diversity by supporting multilingualism at school and in everyday life: the theme for International Mother Language Day, observed on Sunday.

The annual commemoration honours linguistic diversity and multilingualism, which UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay called "this priceless heritage of humanity."

The focus this year is on inclusion, both in the classroom and in society.

"This is essential, because when 40 percent of the world's inhabitants do not have access to education in the language they speak or understand best, it hinders their learning, as well as their access to heritage and cultural expressions," Ms. Azoulay said in her message for the Day.

"This year, special attention is being paid to multilingual education from early childhood, so that for children, their mother tongue is always an asset," she added.

International Mother Language Day is being celebrated as the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, which has widened inequalities in education.

Ms. Azoulay said many of the 1.5 billion students worldwide unable to attend school at the peak of the crisis had no access to distance learning.

The pandemic is also threatening cultural diversity, as festivals and other events have been cancelled, with the impacts affecting creators and the media.

Ms. Azoulay underscored her agencys commitment to promoting multilingualism, including on the internet. UNESCO is also the lead agency for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, which begins next year.

She said the International Day, like the Decade, presents the challenge of ensuring the diversity of the worlds languages is preserved as a common heritage.

"For when a language dies, a way of seeing, feeling and thinking the world disappears, and all of cultural diversity is irretrievably diminished," she said.

"On this International Day, UNESCO therefore calls for the celebration of the world in all its diversity, and support for multilingualism in everyday life."
New Delhi, Feb 21 : Indian Navy diving team has carried out an assessment of glacial-lake formation at Tapovan in Uttarakhand.

The team had gone to the area on Saturday.

At least 67 died in the massive flooding in the Tapovan-Reni area of Chamoli District on February 7. Rescue operations are still continuing in the area.

Thereafter, a lake formation occurred in the Rishi Ganga river situated around eight kilometers from the Reni village, which was the epicentre of the flash floods.

Indian Navy divers were winched by Indian Advanced Light Helicopter at a height of 14,000 feet above Mean Sea Level to measure the depth of the glacial lake formed five kilometres upstream of Tapovan.

The scientists will use this critical data to determine the pressure on the mud wall of the dam.

"The naval divers undertook the challenging task of winching down from the helo and recording of depth using a handheld echo sounder -- depth measuring equipment -- in the near freezing waters," Indian Navy said.

"Throughout the evolution the Indian Air Force pilots maintained accurate positioning in the difficult terrain," said the Navy.

Due to the avalanche there was a formation -- an artificial reservoir of water/mini lake on Rishi Ganga river at a height of 14,000 feet.

The water catchment, not being natural, the administration urgently needed to assess the condition of the catchment by measuring the depth of water.

With no road access and time criticality, Indian Navy diving team were quickly mobilised onboard the Advanced Light Helicopter to the particular spot.
Samar Ali, TwoCircles.net

Kerala: Activists and leaders of various political parties, religious and cultural organizations have been booked by Kozhikode town police in a case related to the protests against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on December 17, 2019. Among those who have received the summons include prominent personalities and academicians like J. Devika and T.T Sreekumar, activists K.K Baburaj and N.P Chekutty, Nasar Faizy Koodathayi (Samastha), Hameed Vaniyambalam (Welfare Party), Nahas Mala (Solidarity Youth Movement), Salih Kottappilly (SiO).

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A total of 49 leaders and activists have been summoned.

The action by Kozhikode police takes place days after Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayans assurance that the state will not implement CAA. Chief Minister Pinayari was reacting to the Union Home Minister Amit Shahs statement that the CAA will be implemented all over once the Covid-19 vaccination process is over.

This government will never implement such a disastrous law, CM Pinayari had said during the inauguration of the upcoming Assembly Elections campaign.

Activists have pointed out the double standards of the government Kerala government, which earlier had ensured that no action will be taken against the anti-CAA protests.

Its a two-track strategy of Kerala government, which tells minorities that the government is supporting them and at the same time gives out a message to the Central BJP government that its taking enough action against the protesters, N.P Chekutty said.

Chekutty adds that he was summoned for baseless charges of indulging in violence during the protest, when he was not even present near Kozhikode city on the day of the protests.

These charges have been filed based on signing a statement of solidarity for the protests, he told TwoCircles.net.

K.K Baburaj told TwoCircles.net that the Kerala government is trying to eradicate the public role played by social activists and leaders.

This government is acting like any other BJP governed states. It took them 8-9 months of planning and is now witch-hunting everyone who performs as allies to the minority groups, Baburaj said.

Baburaj added that by framing these activists and leaders as criminals, the government is implicating anyone who comes forward in support of marginalized sections. Baburaj has not received the summons yet, even though his name is included. This seems suspicious since the police is not telling us about the order and so we wont appear for the hearing, he said.

Following the charges and the summons, protests took place at various parts of the state against the governments move. The Welfare Party of Kerala conducted state-wide demonstrations condemning the Kerala governments action.

The incident unveils the double-standard of Kerala CM, said Hameed Vanyabalam, president of Welfare Party Kerala, who also has been summoned.

Students Islamic Organization (SIO) Kerala conducted a march at Kozhikode town questioning the police action.

This is part of the systemic efforts made by the Kerala government to sideline minority protests. By suppressing these voices, the government is indicating its agreement with the law, said Amjad Ali, president of SIO Kerala.

Over 500 cases have been registered in the past year, all against the anti-CAA protests by the Kerala government.

The charge included in the summons is of abetment, which is baseless since holding a protest is not an offensive act. We are waiting for the charge sheet and will decide for further proceedings, said Ameen Hassan, the advocate appearing for many activists in the case.

Other sections of charges mentioned in the summons include IPC 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 283 (Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation), and 149 (Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of an offence committed in prosecution of common object).

(Reuters) - U.S. scientists have successfully cloned an endangered black-footed ferret using frozen cells from a long-dead wild animal, the first time any native endangered species has been cloned in the United States.

Black-footed ferret recovery efforts aimed at increased genetic diversity and disease resistance took a bold step forward on Dec. 10, with the birth of Elizabeth Ann, created from the cells of Willa, a black-footed ferret that lived more than 30 years ago, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.

"Although this research is preliminary, it is the first cloning of a native endangered species in North America, and it provides a promising tool for continued efforts to conserve the black-footed ferret," said Noreen Walsh, director of the Service's Mountain-Prairie Region.

The species, North America's only native ferret, were once thought to be extinct but were brought back from nearly vanishing forever after a Wyoming rancher discovered a small population on his land in 1981. They were captured to begin a captive breeding program to recover the species.

But only seven of the original wild animals bred, and all living ferrets today are closely related. That puts limitations on the species' genetic diversity, creating challenges for resilience to changing environments and emerging disease threats.

Related: Endangered species around the world

Elizabeth Ann is a genetic copy of Willa, a black-footed ferret captured among the last wild individuals, who died in the 1980s and has no living descendants, so is not one of the seven founders.

The Wyoming Game & Fish Department had the foresight to preserve her genes and sent tissue samples from Willa to San Diego Zoo Global's Frozen Zoo in 1988. Years later, that provided viable cell cultures for the project.

The team - which includes biotech conservation group Revive & Restore, private pet cloning company ViaGen Pets & Equine, San Diego Zoo Global and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums - is working to produce more black-footed ferret clones in the coming months as part of continuing research efforts.

(Reporting by Deborah Gembara, Writing by Marguerita Choy, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)


Hong Kong: 20 COVID-19 cases detected

(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today said it is investigating 20 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 19 are locally transmitted.

Among the local cases, six have unknown sources of infection.

The centre's Communicable Disease Branch Head Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan told a press briefing this afternoon that four of the new cases are related to Caritas Lok Yi School in Sai Wan Ho while another two workers have also tested preliminary positive.

"For the special needs school, Caritas Lok Yi School, so far there is one student and one worker confirmed with COVID-19 plus two preliminary positive workers related to this school. I also mentioned that two family members of one student are also confirmed.

"Because the students have special needs it is difficult for them to put a mask on all the time or even some of the time. So if any of them get infected, it is easy for them to infect others, especially in a residential setting where they have a lot of care assistance to the students."

Of the unlinked cases, one involves a minibus driver who had worked during the infectious period.

Dr Chuang pointed out that passengers who had taken the minibus, which runs on the Tsuen Wan to Kwun Tong route via Castle Peak Road, will not be classified as close contacts.

"I understand that usually the driver and passengers' usual contact is when handling money. This is a red minibus, so it is possible there's some money handling when you get off the bus.

"If the public is worried or they rode on this bus route, maybe they have to observe their symptoms and if they are worried, go and get tested.

The CHP also reported that there are more than 10 preliminary positive cases.

One of them involves an IT worker at a property company in Sham Shui Po, where a confirmed COVID-19 case had been detected earlier. About 100 staff are required to undergo quarantine.

Dr Chuang said: "For the Sham Shui Po preliminary positive case, the patient works at a property company where there was an earlier confirmed case and both colleagues work in the IT department.

"So, as there are two cases in the company, we have to put all the workers - even if they wear masks during work - under quarantine because we noted that there may be some transmission in the company."

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.

This story has been published on: 2021-02-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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As I have been addressing the failed Trump prophecies, some Christian leaders have challenged me, saying I am not going far enough. Instead, they believe, to be scripturally accurate, I must brand anyone who prophesies falsely a false prophet.

To quote the words of one pastoral couple who graciously challenged me, We would respectfully ask that Dr. Brown repent of his defense of these false prophets and false teachers, adding fanciful ideas to the word of God in the process  and publicly call for the removal of the false prophets from their pulpits, the same as we would expect him to do if these popular teachers were engaged in adultery, sexual immorality, or other grievous sin. False teachers are said to be deceived and being deceived at the same time. (2 Timothy 3:13)

But thats the thing. I have not defended those who prophesied falsely. I have called for accountability, and I have done so in very clear, strong terms.

That being said, the error of those who inadvertently prophesied falsely is not equivalent to adultery, sexual immorality, or other grievous sin, as Ill explain.

As for my so-called fanciful ideas, apparently this couple is referring to my belief that there is a difference between a true Christian prophesying falsely (or, a true Christian falsely claiming to be a prophet) and a false prophet.

I base this on the words of Jesus, who said, Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit (Matthew 7:15-18).

These people are not sincere believers who mistakenly claim inspiration for their words. They are deceivers and liars, bad trees bearing bad fruit.

Jesus also described them as deceivers, even miracles workers, who would lead people astray, putting them in the same class as false messiahs (see Matthew 24:11, 24).

This is in keeping with the character of false prophets in the Old Testament. They either led Israel into idolatry, prophesying in the name of false gods. Or they led Israel into sin and disobedience, prophesying falsely in the name of the true God.

As the Lord said through Jeremiah, Among the prophets of Samaria I saw this repulsive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led my people Israel astray. And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that not one of them turns from their wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah (Jeremiah 23:14-15).

False prophets are sinful people, not godly people who make a mistake.

Are we then to brand someone a false prophet because, in sincerity of heart and after much prayer, they wrongly prophesied Trumps reelection? Are we to put them in the class of wolves in sheeps clothing? Are we to compare them to leaders who strengthen the hands of evildoers or who prophesy in the name of false gods? Certainly not. To do so would border on spiritual abuse.

Think about it for a moment.

There are people who claim to be pastors and who even serve as pastors, but they are really not called by God to be pastors, as sincere and devoted as they might be. Do we denounce them as counterfeit shepherds?

Hardly. Instead, we say, Youre really not a pastor and you should find another area of service.

In contrast, if that person was a charlatan, an outright deceiver posing as a pastor, we would not hesitate to brand him a counterfeit shepherd.

And what about the countless thousands of pastors who made sincere mistakes when trying to help their people, ultimately hurting them in the end? Do we brand them counterfeit shepherds?

What about those who claim to be teachers of the Word but do not really have that spiritual gifting? Or those who claim to be teachers, yet they are weak in their understanding of the charismata (spiritual gifts) or they hold to an end-time view we reject? Do we brand them false teachers?

Peter wrote, But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them  bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute (2 Peter 2:1).

Peter, then, answers this question for us. A false teacher is not a true believer who teaches something erroneous. A false teacher is a heretic, someone who introduces damnable doctrines into the church, someone who is hell-bound as well.

Note also that Peter compares these false teachers to false prophets. Neither term can be applied to true believers.

In the same way, Paul speaks of false apostles as servants of Satan (see 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). This is different than someone today who believes in what is called five-fold ministry (see Ephesians 4:8-16) and wrongly calls himself an apostle.

Perhaps he is called to be a pastor and is a gifted, godly leader. The fact that he wrongly calls himself apostle doesnt mean that he is a false apostle and thereby a servant of Satan.

Thats why I will never call another believer a false prophet (or false teacher or false apostle). I will call out their error, when applicable. I will call for repentance, when appropriate. And I will urge them to stop calling themselves a pastor or teacher or prophet or apostle if, in fact, that is not their calling in God. And I will urge them to step down from ministry if they are not worthy of serving in the ministry.

But unless they are clearly not part of the Body of Christ, I will not use the false term to describe them. Put another way, I will only call a false believer a false prophet.

What about the Old Testament test for prophecy? According to Deuteronomy 18:15-22, if a purported prophet (speaking in particular of a national prophet) spoke in the name of a false god or presumptuously spoke falsely on the Lords behalf, because of which their word did not come to pass, that prophet was to die.

Interestingly, however, the term false prophet does not even occur in this context, even though it would be applicable. More importantly, this is not the test for New Testament prophecy.

As I have explained elsewhere, since everyone can potentially prophesy in New Testament times, every prophetic word must be tested by others. The good is to be embraced; the bad is to be rejected (see 1 Corinthians 14:29-31; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).

In the case of the failed Trump prophecies, I have consistently called for accountability (see here and here for recent examples). And I believe much damage has been done because of these very public words.

I have also warned that some leaders are going off into real delusion. And on my radio show, I have played clips by so-called prophets and have said plainly that these people are not prophets at all.

But, to repeat, unless I know these people are outside the flock, either denying fundamentals of the faith or living in persistent and willful disobedience to the Lord, I will not call them false prophets.

That is because I take the Lord and His Word very seriously. I will not go beyond what is written.
2FM DJ Tracy Clifford is a well-known voice on day-time radio. She worked on East Coast FM and Spin 1038 before joining 2FM in late 2015. Her show airs weekdays from noon on 2FM. She lives in Dublin with her fiance.

The winner of the RTE Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year 2020 will be announced live in a special Tracy Clifford show on RTE 2FM between noon and 3pm on March 4. Visit choicemusicprize.ie for more information.

What's the most important lesson about money your career as a broadcaster has taught you?

Money should not be your motivator - though it's important to be confident and forthright about your worth.

What has the coronavirus crisis taught you about money?

That no matter how rich you are, you can still get it.

The best advice you ever got about money?

When planning fun and deserved good times, my late Granny Clare - who prioritised craic over wealth - used to say: "The question of money doesn't arise." It was her way of saying just do it!

What's your favourite song about money?

Paper Planes by MIA.

What's your favourite Irish coin?

When I was a kid, I remember the old 20 pence piece being issued. It was a bronze colour with a horse on it and was different to all the other coins. I wear one on a chain now!

The most expensive place you ever visited?

If you are doing New York the New York way - with dozens of rooftop bars, it could prove pretty pricey. But for day-to-day costs, I would have to say Iceland where it's about 12 for a beer! But Iceland is so stunning, it's worth it.

Apart from property, what's the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

Outside my wardrobe, it's my car. Inside my wardrobe, it's my yet-to-be-worn (due to Covid restrictions) wedding dress!

What was your worst job?

Every part-time job that I had growing up was great because of the fun I had - mostly in retail. The only thing that bothered me was having to wear a uniform - like brown trousers with an unflattering cut.

What was your biggest financial mistake?

I'm sure there are plenty in my wardrobe.

What was your best financial killing?

Not exactly a killing but I suppose getting through negative equity on an apartment I bought in 2005.

Are you better off than your parents?

If someone's parents are mortgage-free, they are the better off ones for sure.

If you won the EuroMillions, what would you do with the money?

I would make all friends and family millionaires because being that rich on your own would be no fun. I would issue them their own credit cards with a million plus as the credit limit. I would also donate to charity. Then, I'd go have some fun!

What was the last thing you bought online?

Charlotte Tilbury make-up and Palo Santo from Down to Earth on South Great George's Street.

Have you ever made an insurance claim?

Yes - 16 years ago, after a bad car accident

Do you ever haggle?

If it's for something big, then yes. My dad is a pro at it in his business.

Are you a spender or a saver?

A little bit of both. I pay all my bills first when I get paid and save a set amount every month too.

Whatever cash is left over (however small) is usually flitted away.

What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt?

Having the heating on full in winter as I'm a very cold creature. My blonde highlights. My Environ skincare products.

Bengaluru, Feb 21 : Members of the Panchamasali sect of Karnataka's powerful Lingayat community held a massive rally in the city's Palace grounds on Sunday to seek inclusion in the 2A reservation category for government jobs and seats in state-run educational institutes.

"If the state government does not include our community in the 2A reservation category for government jobs and educational seats, we will intensify our agitation and lay siege to the state Secretariat," Panchamasali seer Basava Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami warned.

Over a lakh of the politically-dominant community's members reached the city since Saturday from Kudalasangama in the state's Bagalkot district after a 37-day march (padayatra) in support of their demand.

"We took police permission to stage the march from Kudalasangama and other 17 districts to hold the rally peacefully for ensuring social justice to us, as we have been neglected over the last 70 years," Lingayat Panchamasali Mahasabha president Vijayanand Kashappanavar told reporters here.

Besides scores of the sect's pontiffs, community leaders, legislators from the ruling BJP, including minister Murgesh Nirani, and opposition Congress and JD-S participated in the rally and addressed the gathering.

In his speech, Nirani said Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa was committed to ensure reservation to the Lingayat sect and efforts would be made to amend the law soon to include the community in the 2A category.

State Information Minister C.C Patil, senior rebel BJP leader Basangouda Yatnal and Congress legislator Lakshmi Hebbalkar and others spoke at the rally and urged the state government to include the sect in the 2A category.

Another seer Vacahnanda Swami, who marched to the city along with hundreds of the community from Basavakalyan in Bidar district, said though the previous BJP government in the state had set up a sub-committee for drafting the law during its 2008-13 tenure, they have not been given reservation as members of other communities.

"When Jagadish Shettar was the BJP's third Chief Minister after Yediyurappa and D.V. Sadananda Gowda, a legislative panel was set up in 2012 to study our demand. The panel report said Panchamasalis should be included in 2A," he said.

Of the 108 sub-sects in the Lingayat community, 34 are in the 2A category, while about 70 are in the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category.

Earlier this month, Yediyurappa told reporters that he would do his best to provide reservation to the communities, including Panchamsalis and Kurbas.

"I will not ask the pontiffs leading the agitations to stop their fight, but give me some time. I will work hard to meet their demand," he said.
Most people are doing a lot of cooking at home right now. These short cold days are the ideal time to enjoy steaming soup, warm roasted veggies and toasty bowls of comforting pasta. Newspaper is a good insulator, so why not turn it into a useful item that will protect your table from scorching dishes? (The reader Rhonda Fadum from Boulder, Colo., suggested this idea for a newspaper craft activity.)

Making these easy trivets is not only a fun activity for the afternoon, but it will also provide a tablescape conversation starter for months to come. Try the square version shown below, or get creative and make your own design.

Materials
Marine vets take samples from a fin whale washed up on a beach in Nitzanim Reserve, Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Israel has closed all its Mediterranean beaches until further notice, after an offshore oil spill deposited tar across more than 100 miles of coastline, in what officials are calling one of the countrys worst ecological disasters.

Activists began reporting globs of black tar on Israels coast last week after a heavy storm washed the petroleum by-products ashore, wreaking havoc on wildlife.

Researchers with the countrys Agriculture Ministry confirmed on Sunday that a dead young fin whale that washed up on a beach in southern Israel had died from ingesting the viscous black liquid, according to Kan, Israels public broadcaster.

Israels Nature and Parks Authority has called the spill one of the most serious ecological disasters in the countrys history.

Expand Close People clean tar from an oil spill in the Mediterranean at Gador nature reserve near Hadera, Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp People clean tar from an oil spill in the Mediterranean at Gador nature reserve near Hadera, Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP)

In 2014, a crude oil spill in the Arava Desert caused extensive damage to one of the countrys delicate ecosystems.

The exact cause of the spill has yet to be determined and is currently under investigation by Israeli environmental officials.

Volunteers took to the beaches on Saturday to help clean up the tar, and several were taken to hospital after they inhaled toxic fumes.

The Environmental Protection, Health and Interior Ministries issued a joint statement on Sunday warning the public not to visit the entire length of the countrys 120-mile Mediterranean coastline, cautioning that exposure to tar can be harmful to public health.

Environmental protection minister Gila Gamliel told Hebrew media that her department estimates the clean-up project will cost tens of millions of shekels.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu toured one of the countrys tar-strewn beaches on Sunday and praised the ministrys work.
Korean Medical Association chief Choi Dae-zip speaks during a virtual meeting with senior members of the group at KMA headquarters in Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap



By Bahk Eun-ji



A doctors' association has threatened to launch a strike and boycott the government's COVID-19 vaccination plan to protest the ruling party's attempt to revise the Medical Act, revoking the medical licenses of doctors who are sentenced to prison or receive heavy punishment for felony crimes.



The threat marks the latest clash between the government and the Korean Medical Association (KMA). During the previous clash last August and September, trainee doctors held a strike to protest the government's plan to increase admissions quotas at medical schools. The government was forced to put the plan on hold as it was essential for doctors to return to work as coronavirus infections continued to grow.



The KMA, which represents 130,000 doctors, issued a statement Saturday, expressing anger and saying it would never accept the revision to the Medical Act.



According to the bill, a doctor sentenced to imprisonment or heavy punishment after being found guilty of felony crimes such as murder, robbery or sexual assault, will be stripped of their medical license for five years after being released from prison. In the case of a suspended prison term, the doctor's license will be revoked for an additional two years after the suspended term ends. After those periods, they can re-obtain the license through due procedure.



"Indiscriminate disciplinary punishment is absolutely unacceptable as it will produce victims of good faith in the medical field and eventually the damage will be returned to the public," the group said in a statement.



The KMA said medical licenses should be managed through the group's self-disciplinary actions and not through a revision of the law.



It also said KMA members will stage a strike if the revised bill is passed by the National Assembly Legislative Judicial Committee. The committee has yet to set a date for a meeting to discuss the issue. If passed by the legislative committee, the bill is subject to discussion at a plenary session.



Earlier on Friday, the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee passed the revision bill.






Mumbai Saga: John Abraham And Emraan Hashmi Starrer To Hit Theatres On 19th March

Last month it was reported that John Abraham is not very happy about his upcoming gangster flick Mumbai Sagas digital release, even though it was sold to Amazon Prime Video for a whopping Rs. 65 crores. When a fan had shared a tweet expressing his disappointment with the OTT premiere, the actor had liked it from his official account. Well, theres a good news for Johns fans. According to latest reports, Mumbai Saga is now headed for a theatrical release.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Abraham (@thejohnabraham)

Also starring Emraan Hashmi, the film will now hit theatres next month. In a report shared by Bollywood Hungama, a source was quoted saying, The film was being pitched to have a digital premiere. But, with theatres opening up and given that 100 percent capacity in theatres is permitted, makers of the Mumbai Saga have decided to go for the big-screen release. The film will hit the silver screens on March 19, 2021.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emraan Hashmi (@therealemraan)

Other than Mumbai Saga, John has two other exciting releases this year. While his action entertainer Attack, co-starring Jacqueline Fernandez and Rakul Preet Singh, will release on 13th August, the much awaited Satyameva Jayate 2 will hit theatres on 14th May. Directed by Milap Zaveri, the vigilante action film is a sequel to Johns 2018 super hit Satyameva Jayate. Which film are you looking forward to?
Ghana has presented a total of 100,000 units of election thumbprint pads to the Republic of Niger to support its second round of its upcoming presidential elections.



Ghanas Ambassador to Niger, Mr. Jonathan R. Magnusen handed over the materials to the Niger Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) at a short ceremony at Niamey on Wednesday, 17 February 2021.



A statement released by the Embassy stated that Ghana was satisfied with the democratic path embraced by the people of Niger, which resulted in the elections of December 2020, hailed by stakeholders as generally free, fair, and credible.



The second round of the elections is scheduled for Sunday, 21 February 2021.



Mr. Magnusen said the high turnout at the elections, particularly the participation of women, was a demonstration of the will of the people of Niger to reinforce and consolidate democracy, good governance, stronger democratic institutions, and respect for human rights, justice, and rule of law.



Describing the gesture as another milestone in the long history of brotherliness, friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance in terms of relations between the two countries for over a century, He commended the CENI for its efforts to ensure a successful election in December 2020, despite security, infrastructural and logistical challenges.



He further urged CENI to replicate the hard work in the second round of elections.



Mr. Magnusen alsocommended President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger for his decision not to seek an extension of his constitutional two-term mandate.



This decision has earned him the respect and admiration of the international community, and placed him in the record books as the first President of Niger to supervise the handing over of political power from a democratically-elected President to another democratically-elected President, he said.



Mr. Issaka Souna, the President of the Niger Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), who received the items, expressed profound gratitude to the President of Ghana for the prompt assistance to facilitate the second round of the Presidential elections.



Mr. Souna thanked Ghana for the spirit of generosity, fraternity, solidarity, and cooperation that characterised the entire process of arranging and delivering the consignment to Niger.





Source: classfmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Puducherry: A day before the floor test in Puducherry Assembly, the ruling Congress-led alliance suffered a major setback as two more of its MLAs resigned on Sunday.

In a dramatic development, Congress' K Lakshminarayanan and DMK`s K Venkatesan announced their resignations.

Lakshminarayanan said he resigned because the party didn`t give him due recognition in the government and in the organisation.

Asked if he will join any other party, he said he would take a decision after consulting people of his constituency. He claimed that the government led by Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy has lost its majority.

Assembly Speaker VP Sivakolundhu confirmed that he has received resignations from two MLAs. "I have informed the Chief Minister and the Assembly Secretary about it. I am examining their resignations," he said.

Puducherry`s in charge Lt Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on February 18 had asked Chief Minister Narayanasamy to prove majority in the Assembly on February 22.

Hours after taking over as the in-charge Lt Governor, she said the Assembly session shall be summoned on February 22 with a single agenda of ascertaining whether the government continues to enjoy the confidence of the house.

Her direction came after the opposition BJP, the AIADMK and the All India NR Congress submitted a memorandum claiming that the Congress-led government in the Union Territory slipped into a minority.

All India NR Congress founder-leader N. Rangasamy, who is the Leader of Opposition, had claimed that the government had lost its majority after four of the MLAs of the ruling party resigned in the last 25 days. He also pointed out that a legislator of the ruling party was disqualified last year.

Before the resignation of two MLAs on Sunday, both the government and the opposition had 14 MLAs in 30-member Assembly. There are three nominated members and all three belong to the BJP.

Five seats fell vacant after the resignation of four MLAs and the disqualification of one MLA.

After the dramatic development of Sunday, the Congress-led alliance is now left with just 12 MLAs. Congress now has nine members. The DMK, which now has three, and an independent, are supporting the Congress government.

The AINRC has seven MLAs and its ally AIADMK four.

The Chief Minister has accused the BJP of engineering defections.

Assembly elections in Puducherry are due to be held in May this year along with the elections in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Kerala
New Delhi, Feb 21 : Setting an amitious goal, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is planning to meet all its energy requirements from clean solar energy.

Speaking to IANS, Anuj Dayal, Executive Director (corporate communications), DMRC, said, "Delhi Metro is a pioneer in the Metro sector in solar power generation. It is currently producing over 32 MW of solar power through rooftop solar plants at its premises." Some of its solar power plants are installed at Dwarka Sector 21, Anand Vihar, Pragati Maidan, Yamuna Bank, Yamuna Bank Depot, ITO, Ajronda Depot, Bata Chowk, Escorts Mujesar and Faridabad Metro stations.

These solar power plants have been installed under the Renewable Energy Supply Company (RESCO) model. Unlike a solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) model, wherein the consumer owns the system and invests upfront, the RESCO model is a zero-investment model.

Under the RESCO model, the solar plant is owned by the RESCO developer who makes the capital investment and the consumer (in the present case, the DMRC) pays only for the electricity generated.

The DMRC has signed the power purchase agreement (PPA) for 25 years which means that it shall only pay energy charges for the actual energy generated at the levellised tariff rates (which are fixed for 25 years) determined under the PPA.

For instance, DMRC is already sourcing power from the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) in Madhya Pradesh under the RESCO model.

RUMSL is a solar power plant in Rewa district in Madhya Pradesh with a total solar plant capacity of 750 MW. It is one of the largest single-site solar power plants in India and the world. The power received from Rewa is utilised for operational as well as auxiliary power requirements of the Delhi Metro.

In January, the DMRC had issued a tender, inviting bids from the eligible bidders, for the commissioning of a 2 MW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) power project under the RESCO model at the staff quarters and other RCC buildings of DMRC in Delhi.

The estimated cost of the 2 MW project is Rs 7.2 crore and the selected developers will have a period of 12 months to complete the project. The last date for bid submission is February 23, 2021 and the technical bids will be opened on February 24.

By the end of 2021, DMRC plans to phase out thermal electric generation resources by energy from the sun, aiming to become a zero carbon emitter.

Even as of now, it saves carbon emission of 20,850 tonnes per annum. In this process, the DMRC will act as a template for India to follow and fulfil India's binding commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.

As the scale of use of solar energy will increase, the tariff charges per unit will also go down drastically, which will lead DMRC towards achieving its goal of 100 per cent electrification through solar energy.
When Kazakhstans first president, Nursultan Nazarbaev, officially stepped down from office in March 2019 and Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev became president, Toqaev promised changes to a system that had not changed very much in nearly 28 years.

There were many fair words about reforms, but nearly two years later Kazakhstans political system looks to be much the same as it has been.

On February 10, the European Parliament released a joint motion for a resolution that detailed the many areas where Kazakhstan continues to fall well short of its commitments to respect basic rights.

Kazakh authorities responded with the now-common defense that the criticisms were superficial and failed to take into account all of the changes that are happening in Kazakhstan.

On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on Kazakhstan in which some say the situation is actually becoming worse, not better, despite Toqaevs promises.

This weeks guests are: from Almaty: Yevgeny Zhovtis, veteran rights defender and director of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law, and Marius Fossum, the Central Asia representative of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee; and from Prague: Aigerim Toleukhanova, a journalist in RFE/RLs Kazakh Service, and Bruce Pannier, author of the Qishloq Ovozi blog.

Listen to the podcast above or subscribe to the Majlis on iTunes or on Google Podcasts.
The Duchess of Cambridge's favourite designer branded a Government minister a 'coward' today as the fashion industry lashed out over post-Brexit trade chaos with the EU.

In an astonishing attack, Alice Temperley and legendary model Yasmin Le Bon took aim at Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden after he suggested fashionistas use their 'star power' to get Brussels to back down on rules stifling trade since January.

Earlier this month 450 leading industry figures including Dame Vivienne Westwood warned that the Brexit agreement would madly damage the 35billion industry due to cross-border levies and visa restrictions

But in his reply to an open letter organised by the Fashion Roundtable, Mr Dowden laid all the blame at Brussels door and said it was up to them to change the rules, adding: 'I trust you will also lend your star power to these efforts, and call on them to make life easier for fashion professionals working in countries across the EU.'

Ms Temperley, who designed a sleek green dress worn by Pippa Middleton to her sister's wedding reception in 2011, and has also been regularly worn by Kate, told the Sunday Times: 'For the government to come back with this, they are hiding, they are cowards.

Alice Temperley famously designed Pippa Middleton's emerald green gowns for the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding reception in 2011 (left) and other works for the Duchess herself (right)

Ms Temperley told the Sunday Times: 'For the government to come back with this, they are hiding, they are cowards'

In his reply to an open letter organised by the Fashion Roundtable, Mr Dowden laid all the blame at Brussels door and said it was up to them to change the rules, adding: 'I trust you will also lend your star power to these efforts, and call on them to make life easier for fashion professionals working in countries across the EU.'

Ms Le Bon added: 'We rarely speak up for ourselves for fear of seeming uncool, but this is about more, it's about hundreds of thousands of jobs that may potentially be lost'

'The government likes to entertain us during fashion week when we are all invited to 10 Downing Street to meet the prime minister.

'But now the government isn't here to help, there is no voice, there is no guidance and there is no clarity on the situation. No one is talking about the fashion industry.'

Ms Le Bon added: 'We rarely speak up for ourselves for fear of seeming uncool, but this is about more, it's about hundreds of thousands of jobs that may potentially be lost.

For once we need to be listened to and for the government to work with us before it is too late.'

However, sources hit back at the accusations, telling MailOnline there was a certain amount of 'internal fashion politics' involved, with the Roundtable not involved in discussions with the Government and 'a lot of work going on behind the scenes' to address issues being faced by the industry.

In the letter to Mr Dowden, the fashion leaders wrote: 'The fashion and textiles industry is the largest component of the previously thriving UK creative industries, growing 11 per cent annually, bringing vital jobs and innovation to the UK. We contribute more to UK GDP than fishing, music, film and motor industries combined.

'Yet we have been disregarded in this deal and our concerns overlooked in current policy decisions.

'This has significantly impacted our opportunity to build back better and grow our onshoring manufacturing, digital innovation and sustainable design and technology in the UK, where we now, more than ever, have the real chance to show global leadership.

'Everyone working across the EU, our largest trading partner for imports and exports, will now need costly work permits for each of the member states they visit and a mountain of paperwork for their products and equipment.

'This is a step backwards and out of touch with the realities of how the sector works. From travelling to the EU for trade shows to large value shoots and shows happening here in the UK, red tape delays and costs are impacting our industry already, with work relocating to the EU, all impacting our opportunities to trade and travel.'

A government spokeswoman said: 'We are working closely with businesses in the fashion industry  including UK Fashion and Textiles and the British Fashion Council who represent a significant part of the industry  to ensure they get the support they need to trade effectively with the EU, and seize new opportunities as we strike trade deals with the world's fastest growing markets.

'We have also established a new creative and cultural industry Working Group set up to look at issues around working and touring in the EU.

'To support any businesses facing challenges with specific aspects of trading with the EU, we are operating export helplines, running webinars with policy experts and offering businesses support via our network of 300 international trade advisers. This is on top of the millions we have invested to expand the customs intermediaries sector.'
The first woman to serve as Mexico's ambassador to the United States, Martha Barcena, arrived in Washington in December 2018 at a fraught moment in the two nations' shared history.

Newly elected Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a man with leftist roots, had sent Barcena to be his envoy to President Donald Trump, who was building a border wall and threatening to torpedo the Mexican economy because he was enraged at a Central American migration surge.

Barcena spent the next two years in the eye of the Trump storm, helping navigate the finalization of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and the implementation of controversial border and migration agreements such as the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which was crafted to placate Trump and deter migrants seeking asylum in the United States.

Barcena, 63, retired this month after 42 years in Mexico's foreign service, the last two of which were the most unusual. Trump's Washington was not a place for traditional diplomacy, and between urgent meetings with White House adviser Jared Kushner, late-night negotiations with Department of Homeland Security officials and the intense interest of Mexican broadcasters in her fashion tastes, Barcena became part of the show.

"In other embassies, you do foreign policy, bilateral relations, that kind of thing," she said in an interview. "But the job of the Mexican ambassador in the United States is very different. The relationship with Mexico is managed more at DHS and the White House than the State Department."

Barcena said the most difficult moment of her career came in late spring 2019, amid a record influx of Central American families arriving at the southern border that was making Trump furious.

Lopez Obrador had run for Mexico's presidency telling crowds he wouldn't do the "dirty work" of immigration enforcement for Washington and hiring well-known human rights figures from the Mexican left, where the defense of migrants was sacrosanct.

But now Trump was threatening to cripple Mexico's economy with escalating tariffs if Lopez Obrador didn't crack down on Central American families.

Mexico's foreign minister rushed to Washington to make amends, and Barcena joined several rounds of tense negotiations involving Kushner, Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and acting homeland security secretary Kevin McAleenan.

Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, was often the conduit to the president, Barcena said.

"He helped to smooth out difficulties, and sometimes conveyed forcefully to us what was the position of President Trump," she said.

Mexico agreed to deploy its own national guard troops to stop migrants headed to the United States, and to take back tens of thousands of Central Americans seeking asylum in a broad expansion of the Remain in Mexico program, formally known as the Migrant Protection Protocols.

Soon tent camps spread on the Mexican side and thousands of parents and children were stranded in dangerous border cities. Migrant rights groups denounced Lopez Obrador's acquiescence, and critics of the Mexican government - and Barcena - saw a betrayal.

"That was the most difficult moment of my career," Barcena said. "Mexico had been very clear what was our national interest. We were trying to protect our national interests and take measures that were less punishing and less dramatic for the populations involved."

"Did we manage to do that?" she continued. "Yes, and in some cases, no. In time, we'll have to evaluate and see - what did we do well and in what did we fail - so we don't have to repeat that scenario again."

Barcena traveled widely during her post and met with Democratic Party leaders, mayors and American executives. Earl Anthony Wayne, a retired career diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Mexico under President Barack Obama, said Barcena "did an exemplary job of walking the line productively between the two governments."

"She had two presidents who very easily could have had massive differences," Wayne said. "It's a culmination for a career diplomat, to use all your experience and wisdom from a lot of years of work, to be able to keep this massive relationship on an even keel and stop it from going in bad directions."

Barcena couldn't stop some elements of the relationship from going sideways. Last November, U.S. agents arrested Mexico's former defense minister, Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos, at the Los Angeles airport, accusing him of working with a drug cartel. He was the highest-ranking Mexican military official to be arrested on drug trafficking charges.

Mexico's military was outraged, and after Lopez Obrador threatened to curtail narcotics enforcement cooperation with the United States, Cienfuegos was freed and the charges were dropped, an embarrassment for the Department of Justice. U.S. agents in Mexico have long struggled with cartel corruption of Mexican security agencies and leaks of enforcement plans, but Barcena said the Mexican government was blindsided by an arrest that came with no warning.

"It was a loss of trust, which is a basis for any cooperation in matters of security and any cooperation," she said. "We were not informed, at least officially informed, even though (Attorney General William Barr) went to Mexico, twice. The incident created mistrust and misinterpretation."

Barcena said she thinks the Cienfuegos episode should prompt a wider reexamination of the drug war partnership between the two nations.

"Even the term 'war on drugs' has been a disaster," she said. "Measures concentrated on punitive actions have not brought the results expected, so that is one of the issues, when we start talking about the future of security cooperation, that has to be put on the table. What has failed? Why haven't we reached our objectives?"

Barcena served as Mexico's ambassador to Turkey during the Syrian refugee crisis - one of the reasons she was picked to manage the relationship with the Trump administration during a moment of growing tensions over migration. She said she's optimistic that President Biden and Lopez Obrador can work more productively because they share the goal of promoting investment and job creation in Central America to reduce emigration.

Mexico has 50 consulates in the United States, which serve roughly 40 million Mexican Americans and Mexican nationals, but she said there are still a few things both countries fail to comprehend about their neighbors.

Mexicans, she said, often lack an understanding of how U.S. decisions are made, and the limits on the power of the American presidency. "They do not understand the strength of Congress, for example, or of the many decisions taken at the state level. The president of the United States cannot just order a governor to change their decision."

Similarly, she said, many Americans fail to recognize Mexico's importance to the United States.

"They think of many other countries as just as important to the U.S., or more important," she said, "because they do not realize we have been your first or second trading partner, as well as historical links, and family and social links."

She would like American leaders to engage her country "in a more constructive way," she said, "instead of trying to lecture Mexico on what to do all the time."

The control room of the Texas electric grid is dominated by a Cineplex-sized screen along one wall. As outdoor temperatures plunged to arctic levels around the low-slung building 30 miles from Austin last Sunday night, all eyes were on it. The news wasnt good.

Electric demand for heat across the state was soaring, as expected, but green dots on the corner state map started flipping to red. Each was a regional power generator, and they were spontaneously shutting down  three coal plants followed quickly by a gas plant in Corpus Christi.

Then another metric began to flash: frequency, a measure of electricity flow on the grid. The 60 hertz needed for stability fell to 59.93.

Bill Magness, chief executive officer of the grid operator, was watching intently and understood instantly what was at stake. Below 59 and the states electrical system would face cascading blackouts that would take weeks or months to restore. In India in 2012, 700 million people were plunged into darkness in such a moment.

Texas was seconds and minutes" from such a catastrophe, Magness recalled. It shouldnt have been happening. After the winter blackouts of 2011, plants should have protected themselves against such low temperatures. The basis of the Texas system is the market  demand soars, you make money. Demand was soaring last Sunday, but the plants were shutting down.

If insufficient power came in, the grid wouldnt be able to support the energy demand from customers and the other power plants that supply them, causing a cycle of dysfunction. So over the following hours, Magness ordered the largest forced power outage in U.S. history.

More than 2,000 miles away in San Juan, Puerto Rico, power trader Adam Sinn had been sitting at his computer watching the frequency chart plummet in real time. He knew the dip would be enough to start forcing power plants offline, potentially causing more widespread blackouts. It was an unprecedented situation but, from his perspective, entirely avoidable.

In fact, it was a crisis years in the making. Texass power grid is famously independent  and insular. Its self-contained grid is powered almost entirely in-state with limited import ability, thereby allowing the system to avoid federal oversight. Its also an energy-only market, meaning the grid relies on price signals from extreme power prices to spur investments in new power plants, batteries and other supplies.

There is no way to contract power supply to meet the highest demand periods, something known as a capacity market on other grids. There are no mandates or penalties compelling generators to make supply available when its needed, or to cold-proof their equipment for storms like the one that slammed Texas last weekend.

So, as the cold began shutting in natural gas supplies, freezing instruments at power plants and icing over wind turbines, there wasnt enough back-up generation available to meet demand. As many as 5 million homes and businesses were abruptly thrust into frigid darkness for nearly four straight days as the crisis continued, ensnaring more than a dozen other states as far as away as California and roiling commodity markets across the globe.

Now, as the snow across Texas melts and the lights come back on, answers remain hard to come by. Whats clear is that no one  neither the power plants that failed to cold-proof their equipment nor the grid operator charged with safeguarding the electric system  was prepared for such an extreme weather event. What happened in those two hours highlights just how vulnerable even the most sophisticated energy systems are to the vagaries of climate change, and how close it all came to crashing down.

The warning signs started well before the cold set in. Nearly a week before the blackouts began, the operator of a wind farm in Texas alerted the grid manager, known as Ercot, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, that ice from the impending storm could force it offline, an early signal that capacity on the system would likely be compromised.

On Thursday, a natural gas trader trying to secure supplies for his companys power plants for the holiday weekend was surprised to see prices surging. The reason? There were concerns that gas production in West Texas was at risk of freezing off, which would crimp supplies for power generation. And Sinn, the owner of Aspire Commodities, noticed from his computer in San Juan that day-ahead power prices on Texass grid were climbing, a sign that the market was anticipating scarcity.

By Saturday, a considerable amount of capacity was already offline, some of it for routine maintenance and some of it due to weather. This is because in Texas peak demand is associated with summer heat so many plants do routine maintenance in winter.

Wind was the first to go, as dense fog settled over turbine fleets, freezing on contact. The slow build-up of moisture over several days caused some of the blades to ice over, while connection lines began to droop under the weight of the ice until power production from some wind farms completely ceased. But because the resource makes up a minor share of Texass wintertime power mix, grid operators didnt view it as a big problem. Then gas generation began declining. That was inconvenient, but not unmanageable. There was still plenty of supply on the system.

On Sunday, the mood in the control room grew tense. As the cold deepened, demand climbed sharply, hitting and then exceeding the states all-time winter peak. But the lights stayed on. Magness and his director of system operations, Dan Woodfin, watched the monitors from an adjoining room, satisfied that they had made it through the worst of the crisis.

We thought maybe we are OK for the rest of the night," Magness said.

They werent.

At 11 p.m., the green dots on the monitor overlooking the control room turned red. Across the state, power plant owners started seeing instruments on their lines freezing and causing their plants to go down. In some cases, well shut-ins in West Texas caused gas supplies to dip, reducing pressure at gas plants and forcing them offline. At that point, virtually all of the generation falling off the grid came from coal or gas plants.

Contrary to some early hot takes, gas and coal were actually the biggest culprits in the crisis," said Eric Fell, director of North America gas at Wood MacKenzie.

Back in Taylor, the town northeast of Austin, where Ercot is based, orange and red emergency displays began flashing on the giant flat-screens that lined the operators workstations.

It happened very fast  there were several that went off in a row," Magness said.

In the span of 30 minutes, 2.6 gigawatts of capacity had disappeared from Texass power grid, enough to power half a million homes.

The key operators realized, this has got to stop. This isnt allowed to happen," said Magness.

By that point, the temperature outside had fallen to 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 Celsius). Across the state, streets were icing over and snowbanks piling up. Demand kept climbing. And plants kept falling offline.

No one in the room had anticipated this. And it was about to get worse.

The generation outages were causing frequency to fall  as much as 0.5 hertz in a half-hour. Then we started to see lots of generation come off," Magness said.

To stem the plunge, operators would have to start shedding load." All at once, control room staff began calling transmission operators across the state, ordering them to start cutting power to their customers.

As we shed load and the frequency continued to decline, we ordered another block of load shed and the frequency declined further, and we ordered another block of load shed," said Woodfin, who slept in his office through the crisis.

Operators removed 10 gigawatts of demand from 1:30 a.m. until 2:30 a.m., essentially cutting power to 2 million homes in one fell swoop.

The utility that services San Antonio, CPS Energy, was one of those that got an order to cut power.

We excluded anything critical, any circuit that had a hospital or police," CPS chief executive Paula Gold-Williams said Friday. We kept the airport up."

Alton McCarvers apartment in Austin was one of the homes that lost power. The IT worker woke shivering at 2:30 a.m., an hour after the blackouts began, and tried turning up the thermostat. Even my dog, he was shaking in the house because he was so cold," he said.

McCarver wanted to take his wife and 9-year-old daughter to shelter with a friend who still had power, but the steep hills around their home were coated in ice and he didnt think they could make the drive safely. Youre hungry, youre frustrated, youre definitely cold," he said. I was mostly worried about my family."

The power cuts worked  at least in so far as Ercot managed to keep demand below rapidly falling supply.

But the grid operator shed load so rapidly that some generators and market watchers have wondered whether they exacerbated the problem.

Whats more, frequency continued to fluctuate through the early hours of the morning, potentially causing even more power plants to trip, according to Ercot market participants. The Sandy Creek coal plant near Waco was one them, falling offline at 1:56 a.m. in tandem with the frequency dip, according to data from the plant operator.

Ercot, however, maintains that the frequency stayed above the level at which plants would trip.

And as blackouts spread across the state, power was cut not only to homes and businesses but to the compressor stations that power natural gas pipelines  further cutting off the flow of supplies to power plants.

Power supplies became so scarce that what were supposed to be rolling" blackouts ended up lasting for days at a time, leaving millions of Texans without lights, heat and, eventually without water. Even the Ercot control center lost water, and had to bring in portable toilets for its staff.

Its just catastrophic," said Tony Clark, a former commissioner with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and a senior adviser at law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP.

By Friday, when Ercot declared that the emergency had ended, 14.4 million still lacked reliable access to public water supplies, and the crisis had already cost the state $50 billion in damages, according to Accuweather. The cost of power on Monday alone was $10 billion, according to estimates from Wood Mackenzie. The Public Utility Commission of Texas announced an investigation into the factors that led to the blackouts.

But at least the lights were coming back on. In the afternoon, shell-shocked people trickled out of their homes to soak up the sun. It feels crazy standing outside in the 40 degree sunlight," said Cassie Moore, a 35-year-old writer and educator, who offered up her shower and washing machine to her boss and friends who were still without power or water. In this same spot a few days ago I was worried that my dogs might freeze to death."

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In this Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 file photo, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a vial of the Oxford/Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine at a vaccination centre in Cwmbran, south Wales. The British government says it aims to give every adult in the country a first dose of coronavirus vaccine by July 31, a month earlier than its previous target. In addition, the goal is for everyone over 50 or with an underlying health condition to get a shot by April 15, rather than the previous target of May 1. (Geoff Caddick/Pool via AP, File)

The British government declared Sunday that every adult in the country should get a first coronavirus vaccine shot by July 31, at least a month earlier than its previous target, as it prepared to set out a "cautious" plan to ease the U.K.'s lockdown.

The previous aim was for all adults to get a jab by September. The new target also calls for everyone 50 and over and those with an underlying health condition to get their first of two vaccine shots by April 15, rather than the previous date of May 1.

The makers of the two vaccines that Britain is using, Pfizer and AstraZeneca, have both experienced supply problems in Europe. But U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Sunday that "we now think that we have the supplies" to speed up the vaccination campaign.

The early success of Britain's vaccination effort is welcome good news for a country that has had more than 120,000 coronavirus deaths, the highest toll in Europe. More than 17.5 million people, a third of U.K. adults, have had at lease one vaccine shot since inoculations began on Dec. 8.

Britain is delaying giving second vaccine doses until 12 weeks after the first, rather than three to four weeks, in order to give more people partial protection quickly. The approach has been criticized in some countriesand by Pfizer, which says it does not have any data to support the intervalbut it is backed by the U.K. government's scientific advisers.

In this Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 file photo, people wait in line for the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine at the mass vaccination centre in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. The British government says it aims to give every adult in the country a first dose of coronavirus vaccine by July 31, a month earlier than its previous target. In addition, the goal is for everyone over 50 or with an underlying health condition to get a shot by April 15, rather than the previous target of May 1. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)

News of the new vaccine targets came as Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Sunday with senior ministers to finalize a "road map" out of the national lockdown. He plans to announce details in Parliament on Monday.

Faced with a dominant virus variant that scientists say is both more transmissible and more deadly than the original virus, Britain has spent much of the winter under a tight lockdown. Bars, restaurants, gyms, schools, hair salons and all nonessential shops have been closed; grocery stories, pharmacies and takeout food venues are still open.

The government has stressed that economic and social reopenings will be slow and cautious, with nonessential shopping or outdoor socializing unlikely before April. Many children will go back to school beginning on March 8 and nursing home residents will be able to have one visitor from the same date.

Johnson's Conservative government has been accused of reopening the country too quickly after the first lockdown in the spring. The number of new confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all declining in February but remain high, and Johnson says his reopening road map will follow "data, not dates."

But he is under pressure from some Conservative lawmakers, who argue that restrictions should be lifted quickly to revive an economy that has been hammered by three lockdowns in the last year.

In this Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 file photo, Britain's Health Secretary Matt Hancock takes a selfie with the vaccine hub staff during a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England, to thank volunteers undertaking clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccinations. The British government says it aims to give every adult in the country a first dose of coronavirus vaccine by July 31, a month earlier than its previous target. In addition, the goal is for everyone over 50 or with an underlying health condition to get a shot by April 15, rather than the previous target of May 1. (Molly Darlington/Pool via AP, File)

John Edmunds, a member of the government's scientific advisory group, said British hospitals are still treating almost 20,000 coronavirus patients, half the January peak but almost as much as the height of the first surge last spring.

"If we eased off very rapidly now, we would get another surge in hospitalizations" and deaths, he told the BBC.

Edmunds said there is added uncertainty because of new virus variants, including one identified in South Africa that may be more resistant to current vaccines.

Hancock told Sky News that the government would take a "cautious but irreversible approach" to reopening the economy.

Despite the success of Europe's fastest vaccination campaign, the U.K. government has been accused of failing to protect disabled people, who are among the most at-risk from coronavirus.

In this Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 file photo, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson watches a patient receiving a dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, during a visit to Barnet FC's ground at the Hive, which is being used as a coronavirus vaccination centre, in London. The British government says it aims to give every adult in the country a first dose of coronavirus vaccine by July 31, a month earlier than its previous target. In addition, the goal is for everyone over 50 or with an underlying health condition to get a shot by April 15, rather than the previous target of May 1. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool Photo via AP, File)

The Office for National Statistics has found that 60% of people who died with coronavirus in England in 2020 had a physical or mental disability. But many disabled people, apart from those with "severe or profound" learning disabilities, have not been put in a priority group for vaccination.

Jo Whiley, a well-known BBC radio DJ, on Sunday highlighted the plight of her 53-year-old sister Frances, who has a learning disability. Whiley said her sister contracted the coronavirus in an outbreak at her care home, whose residents had not been vaccinated.

Whiley said her sister had finally been offered a shot of vaccinebut it came too late.

"She was actually called in for her vaccine last night. My mum got a message to say that she could get vaccinated, but it's too late, she's fighting for her life" in the hospital, Whiley told the BBC. "It couldn't be crueller."

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Iran's Minister of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic, Mohammad Alavi, made a rather strange analogy in his recent interview:

"[Supreme Leader Ali] Khamenei issued a fatwa (religious decree) in February 2010 stating that acquiring atomic bomb for Iran was considered a sin and the Islamic Republic would not pursue it. But if a cat is pushed to a corner, it may behave differently than if it was free. If Iran is pushed in that direction (production of a nuclear bomb), then Iran cannot be blamed for," said Alavi (Iran's Channel 2 TV, February 8, 2021).

Alavi likened the regime to a cat trapped in a corner. This analogy is a good indication of the situation in which the regime finds itself. Considering the volatile state of the Iranian regime, especially in recent months, one could be certain that these revelations could not have been expressed with Iran's supreme leader's permission. It is believed that Khamenei, via the intelligence minister, wants to put the International Atomic Energy Agency in a quandary and to convince them to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement. This quandary is just a wish for Iran's supreme leader and will never materialize.

But there's a March 3, 2021 deadline.

Speaking on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, warned the United States that with the new government in Washington, there is an opportunity to try a new approach towards Iran. Still, the present circumstances are not going to last long.

Zarif's deputy, Abbas Araghchi, reiterated that if sanctions were not lifted before Feb. 21, 2021, Iran would have no choice but to suspend the implementation of nuclear protocols. "If nothing happens before Feb. 21, 2021, and the sanctions are not lifted before that date, we have no choice but to implement the decisions of our government. So we will stop implementing the nuclear protocols, which means that the number of inspections by the IAEA will be decreased, and there would be fewer IAEA inspectors," said Araqchi.

Why is Iran so persistent on so many fronts?



The geopolitics of the region has changed entirely since 2015. Iran's influence in Lebanon and Iraq has been widely questioned and challenged. Regime forces in Syria have been bombed by Israel at least 500 times. Russia is pressuring Iran to reduce its influence and footprint in Syria further. Israel's agreements with the UAE and other Arab countries are a new front against Iran. The Islamic Republic has gone through two uprisings since 2015, in 2017 and 2019. In February 2019's mass uprising, the Khamenei's regime survived by opening fire at mass demonstrations, killing at least 1,500 people.

Ghasem Soleimani, the second person in the regime's hierarchy of power and the central figure in its regional influence, was killed in January 2020 in Baghdad. Considering all the above reasons, Western countries are unwilling to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement without discussing Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and its export of terrorism to the neighboring countries. Of course, Iran's worsening state of human rights could be also be included in the final agreement (if any).



In an interview with China's CJT network, Araqchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, rejected U.S. President Joe Biden's inclination to include Iran's missile program and other regional issues in possible negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. He mentioned that matters of discussion must consist of restrictions on Iran's peaceful nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. In a meeting with the commanders of the army's air force and air defense, Khamenei said: "The Islamic Republic's firm policy regarding the nuclear agreement is lifting all sanctions by the United States and its verification by Iran. Only then will Iran return to its obligations penned in the nuclear deal." In the past, Khamenei had repeatedly reiterated that Iran could do without the nuclear agreement.

On the contrary, Iran is in dire need of the revival of the nuclear agreement. Opposition to the nuclear agreement or exhibiting indifference towards it by different Iran authorities is intended to show a strong facade to the regime's loyalists and nothing more. On many occasions, Javad Zarif has admitted that he does not determine Iran's foreign policies. Moreover, according to Iranian law, Iran's Minister of Intelligence is appointed by Khamenei, so it is naive to think that either Zarif or Alavi have made such revelations without Khamenei's approval. All signs indicate that Khamenei is indeed eager to return to the 2015 nuclear agreement.



Will Khamenei sign a possible 2021 nuclear agreement?



The two uprisings of 2017 and 2019 and the increasing dismay of Iran's oppressed people have chased Iran's Supreme Leader into a corner, like a cat trapped in a dead-end alley seeking any refuge or escape. The oppressed people of Iran are on the move and are not planning to stop.

Some observers close to the regime's intelligence circles think that the regime had expected massive uprisings in the summer of 2021, perhaps one that would have brought this regime to the end of its life. The arrival of COVID-19 to Iran, and the high number of casualties provided the regime with some temporary breathing room. However, recent hasty executions (34 executions per month) and installing various patrols and guards throughout the country indicate that the regime is alert and watchful, hoping to prolong its existence.



Khamenei in fact is cornered by the imminent uprisings and an array of sanctions.

The Iranian regime's existence has always been based on two pillars: internal repression and the export of terrorism. Terrorism and war have been a cover-up for gross human rights abuses at home and a justification for suppressing the people's economic and social expectations.



A possible 2021 agreement could have advantages for Iran, temporarily. The regime will be forced to abandon one of its pillars of survival, the export of terrorism. The regime will lose its equilibrium and balance and speed towards its collapse and overthrown in this scenario. Looking back at the parliamentary elections of 2020 in Iran, most of the candidates not affiliated with Khamenei were disqualified and banned from being elected. Khamenei had tried to bring the parliament under his absolute control and was somehow successful. If Iran enters a possible 2021 nuclear agreement, it seems the so-called reformists may benefit from it politically, and it could be considered an act of defeat for Khamenei.

This situation could be a critical crack in its tight grip on people's will and will result in massive uprisings, the one that Khamenei's regime will not survive.



If Khamenei refuses any possible 2021 nuclear deal and lets the stream of sanctions and economic collapse continue, sooner than later, the beginning of a nationwide uprising will be ignited, one that Khamenei could not survive, too.

Image: Mostafa Meraji / Pixabay / Pixabay License
Demonstrators gathered in Cyprus' capital Nicosia Saturday to protest what they say is the endemic corruption and the authoritarian ways of the east Mediterranean island nation's governing elite.

They marched to register their anger over alleged corruption involving the country's now defunct programme granting passports to wealthy investors.

The protest comes exactly a week after police received strong criticism for allegedly using disproportionate force to disperse protesters demonstrating against corruption.

A probe is underway to determine whether police overstepped the mark by using a water cannon, stun grenades and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

The violence resulted in several protesters suffering minor injuries, including one woman who had to have surgery on her eye after receiving a blast from the water canon.

Police said they acted in line with a government ban on public gatherings as part of restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 and accused protesters of pelting police with rocks and other projectiles.

(Image Credit: AP)

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You are here: Business

China's light industry registered higher profits but lower revenue in 2020 with the sector's production and operation gradually recovering, official data showed.

Some 108,700 companies with annual revenue of over 20 million yuan (about $3.09 million) raked in 1.33 trillion yuan in profits last year, up 3.6 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

The operating revenue of these companies totaled 19.47 trillion yuan in 2020, dropping 1.7 percent from a year ago. The decline in revenue narrowed month by month with the sector's overall operation continuing to improve, the MIIT noted.

MIIT data also showed the value-added industrial output of the sector dipped 0.8 percent year on year in 2020.

Exports of the sector's eight major products stood at $362.1 billion last year, representing an increase of 7 percent, according to the General Administration of Customs.
Biden to Hold Virtual Bilateral Meeting With Canadas Prime Minister Next Week

President Joe Biden will participate in a virtual meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, marking his first bilateral meeting with a foreign leader since being sworn in as president.

The bilateral meeting, set for Tuesday, seeks to elevate cooperation between the United States and Canada, and review shared concerns such as the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) pandemic, climate change, and the economy.

During the meeting, White House officials will also meet with their Canadian counterparts to discuss bilateral and global issues.

The President will highlight the strong and deep partnership between the United States and Canada as neighbors, friends, and NATO Allies, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement.

The meeting also comes at a time when the alliance between the two nations is strained over Bidens decision to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline, which has Canadas backing. The move was considered a snub to one of Americas closest allies and has drawn ire from Canadian officials who have asked Biden to reconsider.

Its very frustrating that one of the first acts of a new president was I think, to disrespect one of Americas closest friends and allies, Jason Kenney, premier of Alberta, Canada, previously told Fox News. Alberta is Canadas biggest oil-producing province.

Trudeaus office confirmed the meeting in a statement, sharing that the meeting will also include discussions about growing the middle class and creating jobs, maintaining strong supply chains, the two nations bilateral energy relationship, defence and security, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Canada and the United States share one of the strongest and deepest friendships between any two countries in the world. It is built on common values, strong ties between our people, and a shared geography. I look forward to my meeting with President Biden, where we will work together to end the COVID-19 pandemic and support people in both our countries, Trudeau said in a statement.

Canada and the United States have strong trading relationships, with Canada being Americas top trading partner and largest customer.

Since taking office, Biden has been making calls to foreign leaders. Earlier this week, Biden spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking the first time the two leaders spoke since the start of his presidency.

The two leaders also discussed security issues posed by Iran, the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the United Statess continued support for peace agreements to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations, in what is commonly referred to as the Abraham Accords. This agreement, which was brokered by former President Donald Trump, serves to establish new cooperation and normalization between the United States, Israel, and Arab countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sudan, and Morocco.
Bong Go reiterates: "Vaccine rollout first before relaxing quarantine restrictions"

Amid proposals to relax Metro Manila community quarantine status from general community quarantine to modified general community quarantine, Senator Christopher "Bong" reiterated his position to allow the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines first before relaxing further community quarantine restrictions in the Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

"Para sa akin, personally, bakuna first. Bakuna first. Vaccine rollout first bago ninyo buksan... Vaccine rollout first bago natin luwagan ang ating ekonomiya," Go said in an interview after personally attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the Northeastern Misamis General Hospital in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental on Friday, February 19.

Go said that the situation in the country remains perilous without the implementation and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

"Dahil delikado pa po ang panahon. Importante po ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Ulitin ko, ang pera po ay ating kikitain. Pero 'yung perang kikitain po natin ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay," Go said.

"Kaya importante sa akin ang kalusugan, buhay ng bawat Pilipino bago natin unti-unting luwagan," he added.

Some officials have earlier proposed for the country to be put under the less restrictive MGCQ to revive its ailing economy. The more relaxed community quarantine will allow industries previously prevented from operating to resume or reopen.

The Metro Manila Council voted in favor of the proposal, with nine mayors voting for MGCQ, and eight voting to retain the current GCQ status.

The Metro Manila mayors and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, then, agreed to recommend placing the entire country under MGCQ in March, subject to the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte next week.

Go said that he is open to relaxing quarantine protocols if the proposal will be further studied and suggested in the coming months once the national vaccine program has commenced.

Go shared that President Duterte and his cabinet will discuss the proposal during a cabinet meeting next week. "Pag-uusapan ni Pangulong Duterte with the cabinet on Monday, sa February 22, kung papayagan nilang luwagan na at gawin na pong MGCQ po ang buong Metro Manila o buong bansa," he revealed.

As for Go, he said that he is steadfast with his position not to relax restrictions without vaccine rollout.

"Pero para sa akin, rollout first before natin luwagan ang ating quarantine restrictions. Remember, importante po ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Period," he ended.
While state officials scramble to get COVID-19 vaccines to those covered under Phase 1 guidelines, namely older residents and those suffering illnesses that worsen the effects of COVID, some are calling on those same officials to recognize who COVID has hit hardest, namely black, Latino and Native American residents, and make special efforts to vaccinate those communities. A group of activists and elected officials is pointing to local health centers as the best option for vaccinating and educating the most underserved groups.

The black, Latino and indigenous communities, and immigrant communities, have suffered a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 deaths, said Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Saturday. All of the inequities in our health care systems, coupled with air quality exacerbating health disparities, means that communities of color continue to suffer from the worst impacts of our health crisis. They were the first to get the virus then become the first to die, but the last to get the relief and the care they need during this crisis.

Markey said that state data shows huge racial disparities as vaccines are rolled out.

The latest state vaccination data shows that white residents have received 13 times more first doses than Black residents, and 16 times first doses than Latinos, he said.

Black Americans are twice as likely to contract COVID-19 and Latinos are three times as likely, he said.

Markey hosted a virtual conference Saturday afternoon seeking solutions to those racial health disparities. He was joined by Sen. Elizabeth Warren-D, Mass., U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., State Rep. Nika Elugardo, Michael Curry, president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and the Rev. Miniard Culpepper of the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

During the Facebook Live presentation, Markey laid out the problem and asked his invited co-presenters how to best address the inequities of the health care systems in place.

Warren said Congress has a lot of work to do in addressing the COVID pandemic and the resulting economic disruption and make sure there is full funding for a strong vaccination program.

We have a lot of work to do. Starting with ensuring that our response to the pandemic and to the economic recession is robust and that is equitable.

Michael Curry, CEO of the Mass. League of Community Health Centers, said local health centers are excellent resources for achieving racial equality in the fight against COVID.

Curry pointed to local health centers as trusted community resources and hot spots of education that can deal with a crisis that should have surprised no one.

We are very fortunate in Massachusetts to understand that health centers were born out of civil rights. This is our moment because we speak their language, we know their cultures, we are in their communities, he said.

Curry said it should not have surprised anyone that the poor and people who live in congested households would be the ones most likely to suffer in the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of transportation to escape pandemic hot spots and to get to health care services makes the issues worse, he said.

But health centers have a special place in underserved communities. Curry called them, the tip of the spear.

Recently the CDC and HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) identified 15 health centers here in Massachusetts, 250 plus across the country, that will be on the front lines receiving direct shipments of vaccines that will help supplement what we are getting from the state because people identify health centers as the tip of the spear. If anybody can walk into Brockton and convince a Cape Verdean or Haitian patient to consider taking the vaccine, its the Brockton neighborhood health center.

Pressley said the medical community will have to work hard to regain the trust of the black and Latino communities.

It is incumbent on the medical community to regain that trust of the people most affected by the pandemic. We are a health care mecca, she said. We have the existing infrastructure, like our community health centers. We have the expertise and wisdom of those who are closest to the pain and who must be part of developing a plan.

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley said the medical community must build trust with underserved communities.

As Congress finalizes the final reconciliation package for the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill, Markey pointed out that some $25 million is allocated for vaccination equality.

As we put together the final touches on the reconciliation package, we are going to make sure that racial justice, vaccination justice is at the heart of it. he said.
Saudi women can now apply to join the kindom's armed forces, following a ruling by the Ministry of Defense that opened the way them to sign up through a unified admission portal starting Sunday, said a report.

Interested female and male candidates can apply for military ranks from soldier to sergeant in the Saudi Arabian Army, Royal Saudi Air Defense, Royal Saudi Navy, Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force, and Armed Forces Medical Services, said an Arab News report.

All applicants must pass admission procedures according to specified conditions, have a clean record and be medically fit for service. But some additional criteria have been added for female applicants, it said.

Saudi female applicants must be between the age of 21 and 40 years, have a height of 155 cm or above, and cannot be a government employee.

Female submissions must also hold an independent national identity card and have at least a high school education. Applicants married to non-Saudi citizens will not be accepted.

The age range for first-time male applicants is between 17 and 40 while their minimum height is 160 cm, it said.
Disgraced fund manager Neil Woodford could be asked by a City law firm to stand as a witness against the supervisor company behind his failed fund.

Litigation firm Harcus Parker has amassed more than 6,000 investors to sue Link Financial Services, which shuttered Woodfords 3.7billion Equity Income fund in 2019. Legal proceedings could begin as soon as next month.

In an ironic twist, its plans could lead to Woodford appearing in court to help investors get their money back.

Ironic twist: Woodford could be appearing in court to help investors get their money back

Harcus Parker will argue that Link failed to check properly that the fund was able to meet withdrawal requests. Woodford made large investments in small firms, making it difficult to sell out when performance tanked.

Daniel Kerrigan, a senior associate at Harcus Parker, said the claim could run into tens of millions of pounds. The firm will also argue that Link did not properly assess the value of some of the private companies Woodford backed, which were sold off at a huge discount after the fund was closed.

Lawyers warn it is almost impossible to sue Woodford himself because of the way funds are structured, leaving Link on the hook.

The collapse of Woodfords fund, which had about 300,000 investors, is the biggest ever retail fund scandal. Woodford has blamed Link over the way it sold off assets in his closed fund. He has previously said he wouldnt in theory shirk from being cross-examined.

He shocked the market last week by revealing plans to launch a new investment company, WCM Partners, to be based in Jersey and Buckinghamshire. The Financial Conduct Authority said it is still investigating the downfall of the fund.

Jerseys financial watchdog said it was disappointed Woodford made the announcement before sending an official application.

MP Mel Stride, chair of the Treasury Select Committee, said it may understandably be of concern to investors who previously lost out.'

Link said: No legal proceedings have been served.

Anna Whites new business couldnt have come at a better moment. Designed to help women recuperate from a tough time, Rest & Heal in Chatham offers curated care packages. The recommended packages include feel-good indulgences like an alpaca wrap, a robe, a candle, a personal note and a helpful book themed to ease someone through grief, heartbreak, illness or the challenges of being a new mother. White launched this business hoping to use what she learned through her own illness to help others.

So far, most of the business has been gifts, she said in a phone interview. There has been some self-care. I think the idea is that when people are going through a hardship, a lot of times you just dont know what to do for them. Flowers can be a lovely gesture but a message of hope can be even better. We wanted to take the guess work out of how to support people and to just provide a simple and meaningful show of support.

White is from Tennessee and North Carolina, where she also went to business school. She moved to New York City and worked in finance on Wall Street, specializing in apparel and footwear stocks, as well as personal care and household products. But her own retail business has been in the back of her mind, especially after she and her family headed north to their weekend house in Austerlitz in Columbia County at the beginning of the pandemic.

Its something Ive been thinking about for a long time and it was inspired by these health struggles Ive had. But when we moved upstate for the pandemic, we were kind of going a little bit crazy in our little small weekend house so we started to look for office space in town. And this retail space was open and I just absolutely fell in love with it. I had originally envisioned the business to be a sleepwear business, but I had read a series of books going through my health struggles that really, really helped me and I wanted to find a way to sort of share that knowledge and so I pivoted to this care package idea and it all just kind of came together during the pandemic, she said. So I just kind of mapped the space and have built out the retail presence as well as the online business.

Whites own health struggles lasted nearly two decades. In 2003, I was just kind of hit with this fatigue. It was pretty acute. I recovered to some degree. Ive never actually been 100 percent. During that time, she heard Elizabeth Lesser, the author of Broken Open, speak during a work retreat and read her book.

This book changed everything for me. It changed the way I thought about hardship. The book is included in the Rest & Heal curated package for illness. The other books offered include Brene Browns Rising Strong for the heartbreak package; Eben Alexanders Proof of Heaven for the grief selection; and Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzells Parenting from the Inside Out for the new mother gift.

All items are also offered individually or you can build your own package that can be shipped nationally. Hand cream and bath salts are among the products offered.

Part of her goal was to support women-owned businesses and eco-friendly products. I just went on a search for small batch wellness products that met my sort of idea of a lovely aesthetic.

The store is on 25 Hudson Ave. in Chatham and is open by appointment and most weekend days due to the pandemic. Online shopping is also available at restandheal.com. The store walls are painted a soft pink and antique-style furniture displays products. A basket offers locally grown lavender for sale and art for sale hangs on the walls. Post-pandemic, White plans in-store classes and wellness speakers.

I really want to do regular meditation classes and also invite speakers in to talk about various wellness topics, different healing modalities, just anything related to health and wellness. The shop has come together really, really nicely. Its got a very peaceful vibe so Im hopeful that people will just come here and feel that sense of peace.
KYODO NEWS - Feb 20, 2021 - 23:17 | World, All

Myanmar riot police opened fire on anti-coup protesters in the country's second-largest city Mandalay on Saturday, killing two of them, local media outlets reported.

The incident occurred as a demonstration was being held near the shipyard. After participants surrounded security forces that arrived at the scene, the latter fired, possibly using live ammunition.

One of those who died was shot in the head, the other one in the chest. About 20 others were injured.

Footage and photos posted on social media showed citizens fleeing from water discharge and some with injured heads and backs.

The two deaths came a day after the first protester to be killed since the protests began following the Feb. 1 military coup died in hospital in the capital Naypyitaw after 10 days on life support.

Earlier Saturday, in the largest city Yangon, a rally was held in memory of the female student, 20-year-old Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, who was shot in the head while participating in a Feb. 9 demonstration.

Authorities say a policeman also died from injuries sustained in a protest, which would bring the total number of deaths since the coup to four.

On Saturday evening, the Foreign Ministry of Singapore, a fellow member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, chastised the Myanmar security forces and called for restraint.

"We are dismayed by the reports of civilian casualties following the use of lethal force by security forces against demonstrators in Myanmar. The use of lethal weapons against unarmed civilians is inexcusable," the ministry said in a statement.

"We strongly urge the security forces to exercise utmost restraint to avoid further injuries and loss of lives, and take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and restore calm."

"If the situation continues to escalate, there will be serious adverse consequences for Myanmar and the region," it warned.

ASEAN, which also includes Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, is considering to hold an urgent special meeting of foreign ministers on the Myanmar situation, as proposed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Also Saturday, ethnic minority groups sought the Japanese government's help in securing the freedom of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other detainees.

Hundreds of anti-coup protesters with the flags of each ethnic group gathered in front of the Japanese Embassy where an ethnic Chin female representative of the protesters read aloud an open letter in Japanese and English requesting support for the liberation of all detained people and the realization of democracy.

Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Maruyama himself received it personally and responded, "We do not ignore the voices of the people of Myanmar. We are calling on the armed forces to release detainees and solve democratic problems."

His remarks prompted applause.

In a related matter, the peace negotiation team of the 10 ethnic minority armed groups that are signatory to Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement issued a statement Saturday saying they have decided to suspend peace talks with "the military junta" and to support the civil disobedience movement.
The 43-year-old woman was left with deep cuts in both hands and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment, along with a 17-year-old girl, according to authorities and the Chicago Fire Department.
Dominic Raab will today call on the United Nations to confront the military coup in Myanmar after more protesters were shot dead.

The Foreign Secretary will also urge the countrys army leadership to step aside in a speech to the UNs Human Rights Council.

Yesterday he described the latest shootings in which two died as beyond the pale.

Britain has frozen the assets of three senior military officials while other sanctions are also in place.

Dominic Raab (pictured) will today call on the United Nations to confront the military coup in Myanmar after more protesters were shot dead

The military junta took over after detaining civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1.

The funeral of a protester drew thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of the countrys second biggest city.

Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, 19, was shot by police on February 9th. Her death was confirmed on Friday.

Two protesters were shot dead on Saturday - with 20 people hospitalised after the same incident.

Protests against the military dictatorship have spread across Myanmar amid growing concerns for the safety of those taking to the streets.

The military junta took over after detaining civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. Pictured: Protestors hold signs calling for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi

In Yangon, Myanmars biggest city, about 1,000 people honoured Mya Thwet Thwet Khine in a protest held beneath a flyover.

I want to say through the media to the dictator and his associates, we are peaceful demonstrators, said Min Htet Naing.

Stop the genocide! Stop using lethal weapons!

The two demonstrators shot dead on Saturday were protesting in support of striking dock workers.

Shooting broke out after neighbourhood residents rushed to the Yadanabon dock to try to assist the workers.

One of the victims, described as a teenage boy, was shot in the head and died immediately, while another was shot in the chest and died on the way to hospital.

The funeral of a protester drew thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of the countrys second biggest city. Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, 19, was shot by police on February 9th. Her death was confirmed on Friday. Pictured: A the casket of Mya Thwet Khine travels to the cemetery in Myanmar

Several other serious injuries were also reported.

Witness accounts and photos of bullet casings indicated that the security forces used live ammunition. The deaths were condemned by the international community.

Last night the Foreign Office released a draft of Mr Raabs UN speech: The position in Myanmar gets worse. The violations and abuses are well-documented, including arbitrary detention and draconian restrictions on freedom of expression. That crisis presents an increased risk to the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities.

The military must step aside. Civilian leaders must be released. And the democratic wishes of the people of Myanmar must be respected. That is why at this session we will again co-sponsor the resolution renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, so he can continue his essential work.

Yesterday Facebook announced that it had taken down the page run by the Myanmar military information unit. The Facebook ban came as the internet was shut down by the military for the seventh night in a row.

The military junta took power after detaining Ms Suu Kyi and preventing Parliament from convening, saying elections last November were tainted by voting irregularities.
Women in Saudi Arabia can trade their abayas for military uniforms on Sunday as the kingdom opens up the armed forces to female recruits.

Saudi Arabian women can be recruited as soldiers, lance corporals, corporals, sergeants, and staff sergeants, according to Arab News. Some additional criteria have been added for female applicants.

This move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at increasing the rights of women in the kingdom. The plan was first announced in 2019.





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A third-generation diamantaire, Amish Shah, President of ALTR Created Diamonds and pioneer of the lab-grown diamond market has never been afraid to challenge the status quo.

After gaining experience, through his family business in the diamond industry and fine jewelry at an early age, Amish joined R & R Grosbard Inc. in New York in 2001 and helped transform it into an international powerhouse.

Ten years later, Amish took over its operations and led a merger with his family business, conceiving R A Riam Group Inc. in New York, which includes ALTR Created Diamonds. As the only vertically-integrated diamond enterprise that provides a true end-to-end product, ALTR creates the purest form of diamonds --- type-IIa diamonds --- known to man.

Here, in an exclusive Interview with Rough&Polished, Amish Shah tells the Lab-Grown Diamond story with elan

Some excerpts

Though Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs) have been around for a long time now, the recent spurt in the growth looks like LGDs are here to stay. Your opinion?

Consumer acceptance drives the growth of any technological innovation. While the core of this technology was born in 1951, it took over 6 decades to bring gem-quality lab-grown diamonds to the market. Post their introduction to the consumer in 2016, education became the single most powerful driver that drove the desire for them. This was further accelerated after July 2018 when the Federal Trade Commission in the United States passed a ruling that a diamond grown above the earth and found below the earth are both diamonds. This ruling gave a strong booster to consumer confidence and removal of all skeptics within the trade. While the trade community was slow to accept this innovation, the consumer demand increased faster reaching a market share today of over 2 billion dollars.

Today's consumer is conscious about the products they consume and want experiences that synchronize with their values. Lab-Grown diamonds have risen above the hesitation and cloud that has been in the consumer mind for years regarding the supply chain, working conditions, environmental effect, and a controlled pricing model of Earth Mined Diamonds. Lab-Grown diamonds have enabled a consumers right to choose a larger and purer diamond whose pricing model is dynamically driven and has the benefits that will further expand with an economy of scale. By democratizing luxury, Lab Grown diamonds are heading towards opening the widest consumer base globally the diamond industry has ever experienced.

What is the growth potential of the LGD market globally, and what are the growth opportunities that might emerge going forward?

The Lab-Grown Diamond market is on track for a multifold growth in a stagnant industry who has been struggling to connect with its consumers for the last decade. The market share of Lab-grown diamonds is forecasted to grow over 5 billion dollars by 2023 and over 15 billion in the next decade. The clear shift of choice between the twins (Earth Mined diamonds & Lab Grown diamonds) is happening as consumers get more educated and their acceptance rate gets higher. Major fashion retailers as well as the engagement category globally are offering the Lab-grown diamond choice to the consumer. Various luxury brands are diving into the space as they see the opportunity to create a product that caters to a socially responsible and environmentally-conscious consumer.

The lab-grown diamond global market is also unlocking the potential of the aspirational consumers who are entering the market for fine diamond jewelry. While the luxury industry saw a drop in spending, jewelry retained its place as the top four desired gifts. Jewelry has always been symbolic to people bonding over lifes special moments. We have all survived through a pandemic together and jewelry bounced back faster than most of the other luxury products. The growth of the Lab-Grown diamond category was over 100% during this period over the previous year as consumers looked to make value-driven purchases without compromising on their desire for larger diamonds. This value was backed with the authenticity of the supply chain and transparency of information that enabled them to make the purchase confidently. This consumer conversion from Earth Mined to Lab-grown diamonds is permanent. Once a Lab-Grown consumer, always a Lab-Grown consumer.

Please run us through your company ALTR Created Diamonds history from the time of inception to date for the benefit of our readers. Also, give details of your products, market/s ALTR caters etc. Do ALTR Diamonds produce colored LGDs as well? Which of your product segment in terms of size has captured a high market share?

In 2006, we unveiled the world's first lab-grown diamond jewelry line (Firefly Collection) at the JCK Las Vegas Trade show. However, after being laughed upon by the trade, we went back to work to improve our product as well as an understanding that the trade community was not prepared for a disruption and that this needed to be communicated to the consumer. We officially re-introduced ourselves as ALTR Created Diamonds at the JCK Las Vegas trade show in 2016. We were clear about our goal to educate the consumer about their choice and our first retail partner was Borsheims Fine Jewelry (A Berkshire Hathway Company). As the only vertically aligned (Grow, Cut & Polish, Design and manufacture Jewelry) Created Diamond House in the world, we focused on bringing transparency and authenticity to the consumer with education. We unveiled the worlds only authentic lab-grown diamond film that educated the viewer on how an ALTR diamond is created. As flag bearers to this disruption, the House of ALTR has dedicated its resources not only to grow its brand footprint by opening global markets but also developing the world of Lab-grown diamonds to the consumer and the diamond industry.

We have been devoted to growing the purest diamond crystal found on earth identified as Type IIa which constitutes to less than 2% of the worlds purest diamonds. With 8 decades of industry experience, 48 diamond cut patents and automated robotic polishing, we have worked to ensure that ALTR Created Diamonds are cut to precision for the finest cuts in various shapes and the highest brilliance. These beautiful ALTR Created Diamonds are used in Fine Jewelry crafted with US (United States) Certified Recycled Gold ensuring that we are doing our part to contribute towards a low carbon footprint. We focused on our efforts of authenticity by grading our lab-grown diamonds with GCAL (Gem Certification and Assurance Lab) the only laboratory that guarantees the grade of a diamond and introducing the concept of E-Certs in the category. As a modern brand, we investigated every aspect of the process and worked to improve it.

The House of ALTR is focused toward growing the Lab-Grown Diamond category with a distribution model that services the mid-stream segment of wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers of jewelry and retailers through our global offices along with its our own brand.

ALTR focused on the concept of Larger and more beautiful diamonds through its Shine Brighter campaign that became an industry-standard after its launch. ALTR Created Diamonds from 0.50 ct to 5 ct focused and captured the larger dollar share in the engagement category that is now a standard offering in major retailers in USA, Australia, Europe, Canada, India, South Korea.

ALTR offers a range from fine cut white diamonds to beautiful shades of pink, blue and yellow colors. Our strength of diamond cutting in precision-based traditional round and fancy shapes allows the jewelry designer to think beyond the limitation they have been tied to for the last few decades.

ALTR has been honored with key accomplishments for unveiling the world's largest created pink diamond at the time as well as with Jewelry design award that helps uplift the category of lab-grown diamonds.

Can you update us briefly about your/ family business in India? What inspired you to enter the LGD sector? Do you have your LGD producing / manufacturing/trading presence in India as well? If not, any plans on the horizon?

My inspiration for entering the lab-grown diamond industry was my overwhelming passion for technology. I was born into a diamond business family and knew that was going to be my path. My grandfather who started the business in 1933 created Jewels for the Royals in India. My interest in technology drove me to marry my two passions, which is how I ended up focusing on the lab-grown side of the industry as a pioneer. After 88 years in the business, I get to be the generation that is taking the history of diamonds and fusing it with technology.

Our Lab-Grown diamonds are produced & polished in India with distribution in 20 countries including the United States, EU, Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, China, India, Canada, Thailand, South Korea, Israel, and South Africa but we are always looking to expand our consumer base even further.

We have offices to support the trading into the wholesale market in India, Hong Kong, USA & Australia.

Besides facing competition from the Natural Diamond industry, what other challenges do you think the LGD industry may have to face in the future? Color-gems are capturing the imagination of jewelry connoisseurs of late. Your thoughts?

The competition between Earth Mined and Lab Grown diamonds is healthy and advantageous for the long-term growth of the diamond industry. The challenges that the Earth Mined diamond industry faces are an opportunity for the Lab-grown category. Authenticity, transparency, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility are points that they can capitalize on with focused marketing towards todays consumer.

The biggest challenge that I foresee for the lab-grown diamond community is the closing window of creating value by marketing and branding. The value generated by technology depreciates over a period as it improves over time. The economy of scale takes over the value generated when the technology was born. Any industry has a period between innovation and the product becoming a mass item to create perception and desire with marketing that allows it to build long term value in the consumer mind. The diamond industry is not used to building value by marketing and I see that as a risk for the disappearing mid-stream segment over time.

Colored diamonds have always been desirable and more than ever they are now taking a front seat. With Lab Grown diamonds, this category is waiting to explode.

Also, as the competitive landscape in the LGD sector is already evident, what upcoming trends can new entrants invest in, given that product differentiation is not many to play around? What is ALTR Diamonds USP?

The opportunity for a new entrepreneur in the lab-grown category is immense. They need to focus on building value in the eyes of the consumer through design, branding and marketing. This is the space that is not occupied by the traditional diamond trade. Using various tools of technology to offer finer 3D printed jewelry, omnichannel consumer experience, made to order jewelry, try on options, new startups in the category should focus on a Direct-to-consumer approach that allows them to educate the consumer who is looking for a modern Jeweler that they can trust. They should base their brands on values that consumers connect with today.

ALTR is focused on growing the Lab Grown diamond category by amplifying its current strengths. Our USPs vary depending on the client we are working with but as the world's only vertically integrated created diamond house were focused on educating consumers not only on the quality of created diamonds, but also how to shop for one.

As per reports, the US market especially has taken to LGDs quite enthusiastically with sales of LGD diamond-studded jewelry growing by the day. Which other global consumer market/s do you think is showing or may show high demand in the future?

The US market dominates the major share of over 80% consumption of Lab Grown diamonds today. This share is slowing being reduced with growth from Australia, Europe, India, and China. While India and China are just opening as markets, their aspirational consumer base is very wide which will lead to a major growth in the next 5 years.

The natural diamond Indian industry is gradually accepting the LGDs as part of the industry. What is your opinion; and how do you think this trend will span out in the years to come? Is it possible for both the sectors to co-exist without friction as they grow in the coming years?

The consumer determines the fate of any industry. The future of the diamond industry is a combination of Earth Mined and Lab Grown. While it took a long time for the traditional trade to open their minds, there is no stopping it anymore. The future of diamonds is noticeably clear and the balance between the twins will be determined by the consumer.





Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished
Tech platforms such as Facebook, Google and Twitter could issue regular warnings to users about the trustworthiness of news articles and advertisements under a newly formed code designed to reduce the spread of misinformation and harmful content on the internet.

Political advertisements that misrepresent or deceive the public could also be prohibited and tools to help users know if theyve been targeted by a political party are also expected to be introduced by the platforms in order to meet a series of commitments laid out in a voluntary misinformation and disinformation code of practice.

Google and Facebook are among the signatories of a new code of practice. Credit:Getty

Such a move could reduce the prominence of false information in the lead up to a possible federal election this year and avoid the spread of claims such as the 2019 Labor death tax. It would add to efforts by the tech platforms to manage misleading claims during the 2020 US election.

People misleading others, or people being misinformed, are not new problems  but the digital era means that false information can spread faster and wider than before, DIGI Managing Director Sunita Bose said. Companies are committing to robust safeguards against harmful misinformation and disinformation that also protect privacy, freedom of expression and political communication.
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A'Saffa Foods, the largest fully integrated poultry and biggest snack food producer in Oman, said one of its units - A'Saffa Food Processing - is set to expand its factory in Raysut Industrial City as part of its efforts to implement modern facilities and practices.

A key player in the region, A'Saffa Foods owns several branches including the stores in Raysut Industrial City to ensure the distribution of its products in the wilayats and villages of Dhofar governorate.

Once the expansion work gets completed, the Al Rusayl plant will help contribute to increase the volume of production in line with high demand for white meat locally and regionally while ensuring the quality of the products, said a top official.

"A'Saffa Foods was able to meet the requirements of consumers in the sultanate and the GCC countries with the support and cooperation of concerned government bodies," remarked its CEO Mohammed bin Suhail Al Shanfari.

"The company has succeeded in achieving an increase of 28% in its sales during 2020 compared to 2019, which confirms the commitment of the company and its employees to meet the needs of the consumers and the sultanate in general," stated Al Shanfari.

He pointed out that since its establishment in 2011, A'Saffa Food Processing had always been committed to gaining the confidence and satisfaction of consumers by ensuring healthy and high quality products in line with international food safety standards.

"The company has also obtained ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System and HACCP, and is always committed to occupational health, safety and environmental requirements," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Aiemann Zahabi made certain that Drako Rodriguez's UFC debut would not be a good time. (Getty)

Aiemann Zahabi entered his bout with Drako (The Great Drakolini) Rodriguez on a two-fight losing skid, but this man was clearly not all that eager to add a third L to the streak.

The Canadian bantamweight knocked out Rodriguez in the first round on the undercard of Saturday's UFC Fight Night show Saturday, cracking his opponent with a fast, clean right hand straight to the jaw before finishing him off with a couple more blows as they hit the mat.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The two combatants were supposed to meet back in December before the 33-year-old was forced to pull out following a positive test for COVID-19.

"I feel fantastic," Zabai said after the bout, which lasted three minutes and five seconds. "I used to think winning in the UFC was great. But you know what feels even better? Breaking a two-fight losing streak, winning in the UFC with a knockout."

Zahabi, who hails from Laval, Quebec, had only fought twice since his last victory in 2017, dropping both of those bouts in November of 2017 and May of 2019.

Zahabi is now 8-2 in his pro MMA career, with five of of those wins coming by way of knockout.

More from Yahoo Sports
The Nigeria air force (NAF) has released the names of seven of its personnel who died in the aircraft that crashed near the Nnamdi Azikiwe...

The Nigeria air force (NAF) has released the names of seven of its personnel who died in the aircraft that crashed near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

Ibikunle Daramola, NAF spokesperson, published the names of the personnel in a statement on Sunday.

The Beechcraft KingAir B350i (NAF 201) crashed near the Abuja airport en route Minna, Niger state.

Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation, confirmed that the aircraft crashed as a result of an engine failure.





Daramola said the jet was scheduled to conduct surveillance missions over Niger and its environs as part of efforts to secure the release of students abducted from the Government Science College, Kagara.

As earlier stated, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has instituted an investigative

panel to determine the remote and immediate causes of the accident, he said.

While the panel has commenced its work, the NAF, having notified the Next of Kins/family members of the deceased, regretfully announces that the following 7 personnel lost their lives in the crash.

The NAF listed the deceased officers to include:

Haruna Gadzama, flight lieutenant who was the captain

Henry Piyo, co-pilot and flight lieutenant

Micheal Okpara, a flying officer and airborne tactical observation system (ATOS) specialist

Bassey Etim, a warrant officer (ATOS Specialist)

Olasunkanmi Olawunmi, a flight sergeant (ATOS Specialist)

Ugochukwu Oluka, a sergeant (ATOS Specialist)
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Donna Simone Johnson and Carene Mekertichyan are two Racism 101 panelists, a group of diverse Angelenos with strong voices we tapped to answer questions asked by our LAist audience. Visit laist.com/racism101 for more information on the project and to read other panelists' responses. Click here to ask your own question.

By Giuliana Mayo and Dana Amihere

We've solicited questions from our audience -- awkward, tough-to-ask, even silly questions -- that they've perhaps wanted to ask people unlike themselves but have been too shy, embarrassed or afraid to ask.

We created Racism 101 to help our audience facilitate their own thought-provoking talks around race, with a conversation "starter kit," and extensive anti-racism resource guides to inform and educate. To field these questions, we assembled a panel of Angelenos willing to answer so folks didn't have to ask their friends, or even strangers.

Since we began Racism 101 last fall, tone policing has come up many times in conversations with our participants, in public discourse and even in our newsroom. It's a term that's being used more frequently as more attention is paid to racial inequality in our society. But, what does the term "tone policing" really mean?

Ashleigh Shackelford is a contributor to Wear Your Voice, a digital magazine for and by LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC women. Shackelford is a self-dsecribed "queer, nonbinary Black femme writer, artist and cultural producer," and she had some real talk about tone policing:

"Tone policing is the act of invalidating or derailing a call out/call in/discussion based on your reaction to the incident...

"How I say or deliver what I feel shouldn't invalidate what I'm saying, especially if it's in response to violence. If someone rear-ends you, and you cuss them out, does that mean you shouldn't get an apology or the driver's insurance information? Nah...

"...Black women are erased, violated and invalidated...So, when someone does something violent to me in a world that protects and enables that violence against me, my response should never be invalidated.

"And if it's about anger. Let's be clear -- anger is valid. Anger is an agent for change. Anger does not mean hatred. Anger is power, pain and survival."

Tone policing doesn't have to be race-related. But, in the wake of George Floyd's death last May and the summer's Black Lives Matter protests, tone policing in a racial context took center stage. Protests in cities across the U.S. were tainted by mainstream media's depctions of acts such as vandalism and arson as widespread.

People, especially BIPOC women, encounter tone policing everywhere from the office to online encounters on social media to the workplace. No women saw this more than the three founders of Black Lives Matter, whose tone, approach to protest and even the name of their movement were questioned by everyone from the far right to Martin Luther King III, son of the slain civil rights leader.

Black Lives Matter co-founder Opal Tometi told The Guardian in an interview last September: "There's a lot of right wing thinktanks and nativist organizations that are putting out a lot of fake information about us to distract, confuse and give people any excuse to not support this movement. I say, look at the data."

Last October, The Washington Post analyzed the outcomes of more than 7,300 demonstration and protest events from May to June 2020. Data analysis by The Post suggested that 97% of events involved no property damage or police injuries, and in 98% of events, no injuries were reported among participants, bystanders or police. On June 6 alone, the height of the protests, more than half a million people in nearly 550 locations across the country participated in a protest event.

"...I'll be really honest: I'm not really concerned about broken glass," Opal said. "I'm concerned about people's broken faces, their broken bodies, because they had the audacity to stand up for human rights. Property can be replaced, people cannot ... I know it can be very confusing for people, but it really shouldn't be."

Demonstrators march during a peaceful protest against police brutality and racism on June 6, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. This is the 12th day of protests since George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Largely seen as a way to put aggrieved people back in their place, the harm tone policing does by dismissing real grievances that aren't delivered in the "right" way is real.

Now that we're having more difficult conversations about race in society, we wanted to use Racism 101 as an opportunity to take a deeper, more intimate look at tone policing, especially as it affects BIPOC women.

Below, Racism 101 participants, Donna and Carene talk to each other about what tone policing means to them, where they see it occur in their lives and how it affects them.

BEING TONE POLICED IN SPACES SHARED WITH OTHER PEOPLE OF COLOR AND ALLIES

"There might not be anything that's specifically 'wrong' with your tone; It's just that they don't even necessarily want to hear the content that you're sharing."

(Video by Caitlin Hernandez)

PEOPLE OF COLOR'S BURDEN TO CALL OUT TONE POLICING

"I mean, it depends. Some days I feel like teaching. Some days I want to go off. Some days I ignore you. It all depends, because we're not monoliths, either. We're people."

(Video by Caitlin Hernandez)

FIGHTING FOR YOUR PLACE IN THE ROOM

"I don't want to be having this conversation. I don't want to be sitting here trying to convince you of the value of my life."

(Video by Caitlin Hernandez)

WHY WE CREATED RACISM 101

The country erupted into protests, unrest and a renewed dialogue about systemic racism following George Floyd's killing. We held the first round of a virtual conversation event series, Unheard LA: A Deeper Listen with a tie in to Race In LA. The discussion repeatedly returned how Black and Brown people were being asked for their opinion, for resources and to answer questions on racial issues -- and how exhausting it can be.

MORE FROM RACISM 101
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 21:29:34|Editor: huaxia

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A meeting of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Joint Commission is held in Vienna, Austria, on Sept. 1, 2020. (JCOPA/Handout via Xinhua)

TEHRAN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran is considering the European Union's offer to attend an informal meeting between Iran and other parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, with Washington also attending as a guest, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said.

"We are now considering (the EU's chief diplomat) Josep Borrell's proposal and are consulting with other friends and partners," Araqchi said on Saturday evening in an interview on state TV.

On Friday, an EU senior official said the EU was working to organize such an informal meeting, after Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif suggested earlier that the EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell could coordinate a synchronized return of both Tehran and Washington to the commitment with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Araqchi reiterated Tehran's position that, in principle, "the return of the U.S. to JCPOA, the implementation of its commitments, and the lifting of sanctions do not require negotiations."

The Iranian deputy minister insisted that Iran will not negotiate its military capabilities or its regional policy, but voiced Tehran's determination to put other issues on the table if and after the U.S. becomes a JCPOA participant again after lifting sanctions against Iran.

Commenting on the current visit of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi to Tehran, Araqchi stressed that the journey has no relation to Tehran's parliament-mandated decision to stop the "voluntary implementation" of the IAEA's Additional Protocol on Feb. 23.

"Grossi himself expressed interest in coming to Iran to establish a new type of cooperation between Iran and the IAEA in this situation, so that the cooperation between the two will suffer the least damage," he elaborated.

Regarding the state of the IAEA inspections of Iran's nuclear program after Feb. 23, the deputy minister insisted that inspections will continue, but the agency's oversight capacity "will be reduced by about 20 to 30 percent."

Iran's parliament approved in December 2020 a Strategic Action Plan (to Counter Sanctions) mandating the Iranian government to re-launch 20-percent uranium enrichment, then stop implementing the IAEA's additional protocol if sanctions on Iran that should be lifted under JCPOA continues to be in place. 
Miami Dolphins star cornerback Xavien Howards name appears on police documents in the additional names list portion for an unsolved Atlanta-area shooting from last summer in which no one was hurt but one round pierced a childs playroom.

The home is owned by sports agent Damarius Bilbo, who represented Howard until he was fired in late October.

Dunwoody, Georgia, police on multiple occasions have requested an interview Howard, but he has declined to speak with them directly.

Howard has been in communication with Dunwoodys police through his attorney Darren Heitner, who said on Sunday he has spoken with the investigating officers multiple times, and has even sought updates on the cases status.

Xavien was not involved in this incident and there is no evidence to suggest otherwise, Heitner said speaking on Howards behalf.

Also named in the June 29 police report about the shooting were Ray Gibson, 29; Angelica Brown, 27, whose car was spotted at the crime scene; and Leonardo Ken Underwood, 45, an associate of Howard, who appeared to be in contact with Gibson multiple times on the day of the shooting before it happened, according to a report by The Miami Herald.

The Dunwoody police department was not available for comment, or to provide an update on the case Sunday morning.

According to a league source, the Dolphins have had knowledge of this matter for months, and are aware of Howard ending his business relationship with Bilbo, who negotiated the five-year, $75 million extension the cornerback signed with Miami before the 2019 season.

Biblo leads the football division of Klutch Sports Group, which is owned by LeBron James agent Rich Paul.

Howard and Biblo had a contract grievance that was settled over the summer. After it was settled, Howard kept Bilbo on as his agent for three months until firing him.

Howard, who led the NFL with 10 interceptions and was a candidate for the leagues Defensive Player of the Year honors, has since signed with South Florida-based agent David Canter. But until Canter gets Howard a new deal, Bilbo will receive a commission on the four years that remain on his current deal, which will pay the cornerback $12.1 million this season, and has the potential to pay him $13 million in 2022.

However, this year concludes the final portion of the guaranteed money aspect of the deal, and Howard and his camp have been pushing to get the contract reworked, likely so he could regain his status as one of the NFLs three highest-paid cornerbacks.

Last offseason the Dolphins signed Byron Jones to a five-year, $82.5 million contract that guaranteed him $46 million, and the deals Jalen Ramsey, Marlon Humphrey and TreDavious White got last offseason turned Howard into the sixth highest-paid cornerback in the league.
Finance Minister on Sunday said the Union Budget 2021-22 is about the role of government as a facilitator and the private sector as a key driver of economic growth, without which the country would be losing a big opportunity.

"The most important component or input required here is the participation of the private sector. Unless the private sector is energised enough, unless it is facilitated enough, India is just losing a very big opportunity," Sitharaman said here during the interactive session organised by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Sitharaman underlined that the nation's growing and aspiring needs and demands across the various sectors cannot be served just by the state government and central governments put together.

According to the Finance Minister, the coronavirus vaccine was a big example of government-private partnership.

"To be a world leader with that specific India touch, which is more humane, more about bringing everybody together, which is peaceful, which actually wishes that the world progresses for everybody's good.

If that is the way India approaches its responsibility, that will be incomplete unless the government plays the role, it is expected to play the facilitator and unless the private sector plays the role of a key driver. So that's the message this budget has talked about," the Finance Minister told the gathering.

Sitharaman noted that the budget was about setting the path for the decade.

She pointed out that the stimulus package, which largely depended on the governments borrowing, was aimed at sectors which provided the multiplying effect such as infrastructure, the budget funding, where public expenditure was going to be undertaken.

Observing that the Centre has clearly funded stimulus with the borrowed money, she said the government was aware of fiscal management.

"Debt to GDP, another indicators which are important for a healthy economy, has to be carefully managed in such a way that sooner in a sense, in a reasonable time frame, the fiscal deficit will also be kept under the healthy level and not let unattended for decades together," Sitharaman pointed out.

The Finance Minister said the government wanted uninterrupted yet sustainable growth.

The event saw a galaxy of tycoons and industry leaders such as Wipro founder Azim Premji, former director of Infosys T V Mohandas Pai, noted cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Prasad Shetty and president and chairman of Volvo Group India Kamal Bali



Premji, in his speech, emphasised on taking along the private sector in the COVID-19 vaccination drive to speed up the inoculation process whereas Pai said the nation wants the companies to set up their industries within the country instead of becoming a digital colony.

He also suggested giving away tablets to the children from weaker sections so that they were not left out in the 'Digital India' mission.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers are insensitive towards the sufferings of flood-ravaged people in the country, accused Congress on Monday. They also claimed that the ministers rushed to engineer defections but did not visit the flooded areas.



The Congress also accused the BJP government in Gujarat of not fulfilling its Raj Dharma by coming to the aid of the flood-affected people in the state. Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Modi government was in deep slumber over human tragedy by not providing any relief to those affected and was instead indulging in petty politicking.



The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha said the flood situation in the country was serious but neither the prime minister nor any cabinet minister had visited the flood-affected areas despite almost two months since the floods began.



When it comes to breaking governments the ministers rush to states to engineer defections, but when it comes to helping people affected due to floods then none visit the affected states, especially in the north east, he claimed. Azad said the government uses north-east only for political purposes and not to provide succour to flood-affected people.



An insipid BJP government sleeps over a human tragedy of gigantic proportions from east to west India. The central government has failed to provide relief to the affected people, he told reporters.



Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the BJP was indulging in stealing MLAs and instead of feeling sorry for doing something wrong, they were exulting.



You cannot abduct democracy by forcibly picking up MLAs and making them resign. If the ruling party misuses muscle and money power to force MLAs to resign, then we will not allow them to do so, Surjewala said.

ALSO READ: Army rescues 1925 people in Gujarat, fish out 25 bodies, death toll rises to 119



The BJP government in Gujarat is not fulfilling its Raj Dharma. What will happen to your Raj Dharma which is in power. The BJP should fulfil its Raj Dharma by helping those affected due to floods, he said.



Azad said one crore people have been marooned across the country and an estimated 300 people have died. Yet the BJP government makes only perfunctory voices, conducts aerial surveys and provides little relief, he said.



Azad said that the prime minister just made an aerial survey of Gujarat, where he was the chief minister for 13 years, but did not visit the affected areas there. Asked about the BJPs charge of absence of Gujarat Congress MLAs from the state, the Congress leader said, They say that the Congress MLAs are not present and are instead in Bangalore.



What was Gujarat chief minister doing when being in Gujarat he did not visit the affected areas and only kept looking at people dying, especially in the most affected Banaskantha district.



The MLAs not coming is the creation of the BJP. Even the chief minister has not visited Banaskantha in Gujarat. Even the central ministers, MPs of the BJP are sitting in Delhi and have not visited Gujarat. Why so?, he asked.



Azad said in most of the cases, it was the BJP which was feeding that Congress MLAs were not on the ground to help the flood-affected people so that an atmosphere was created against them. The ruling party is creating an atmosphere so that the Congress MLAs return and are forced to resign by the BJP, Azad claimed.



Azad said the MLAs are individuals who represent the Congress party which was very visible and active at the block and district level. The entire party was out there in the field looking after the people who have been affected and displaced, he said.



Azad said while 128 deaths have occurred in Gujarat due to floods, 82 people died in Assam, 16 in Rajasthan, four in Himachal Pradesh, 34 in West Bengal, six in Jammu and Kashmir, 18 in Odisha and eight in Jharkhand. He also called upon the Union Health Ministry to provide medicines and relief to the affected people.

ALSO READ: Heavy rains cause flood in Gujarat, Rajasthan taking death toll to 82, PM Modi announces Rs 500 crore for rescue work

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
There have been one further death of people with Covid-19 and 679 new cases of the virus confirmed by Nphet this evening.

This Summer will be one where we socialise outdoors as much as we can, according to Nphets Philip Nolan.

The modelling expert said Ireland is on track to be below 100 cases sometime in the course of April if the current progress is sustained, while speaking on RTEs This Week programme.

He urged caution with regard to when restrictions will be lifted as we are effectively dealing with a new virus in the B117 UK variant.

He said low risk, high return things will be prioritised as the country slowly reopens this year.

The vaccination programme brings enormous hope, Prof Nolan added.
Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group.

Dear Care and Feeding,

My daughter, Olivia, is 16 and has a cousin, Lila, also 16, with whom shes always been close despite living in different states. Lila was able to take a lot of extra classes while distance- learning and is graduating from high school this June; she is moving this summer to New York for college. Olivia hasnt been doing well at all with distance learning, even though I hired an in-person tutor for hershe failed three classes last semester and might not graduate on time next year.

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Olivia has now decided, since she thinks shes a failure at school, that she should quit school and move to New York with Lila. Lila thinks this is a great idea because she doesnt want to live by herself (her college doesnt have dorms, so shell be in an apartment with cohort roommates, with one room to herself). Olivia claims that a part-time job will be enough for her share of food and rent since shell be sharing Lilas room.

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I dont want to send my 16-year-old across the country to live when she hasnt even graduated from high school! Honestly, Im not in favor of Lila going to New York at 16 either, but I understand that she is in a very different place, scholastically and mentally, than Olivia is. Ive suggested to Olivia that she work harder at school and plan to join Lila next year, but both girls think this is a terrible idea. Ive suggested that Olivia visit Lila once a month during the school year, since Olivias school has a lot of three-day weekends, and Olivia said if she went to visit once, she just wouldnt come home! Ive suggested that both girls talk to a school counselor or a therapist but both have refused. Anything I say to Olivia is repeated immediately to Lila, and the two of them are forever hatching plans, determined to get around me. I think I need to talk with Lila and/or her parents, although Im not particularly close to my brother or sister-in-law. I dont want to rain on Lilas parade, but she needs to stop encouraging Olivia to join her next year! Can you offer any advice?

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Cousin Conundrum

Dear CC,

Sometimes you just have to say no and take the heat.

I certainly can. Tell Olivia she cannot go to New York to live with her cousin. Stop offering conciliationsstop suggesting things. Of course you dont want to send her across the country. So dont.

And dont expect Lila to stop asking her. (For that matter, dont tell Lila what she can or cant dothats not your job.) And leave Lilas parents out of this! Their daughter is nervous about being in New York on her own, and shes probably nervous about starting college at 16, even if shes ready (I did, and I was, and I was still nervous about itand I didnt travel across the country to do it). Lila will have to work that out, with or without the help of her parents. Both girls will be angry with you for not letting them have their way (a prospect that I imagine makes you miserable, which I understand is why youre not just putting your foot down)you will have to work that out, all by yourself. I hated that part of motherhood too, so Im sympathetic. (I really do know how hard it is to say no to a determined teenager, especially if shes a good kid who desperately wants to do something she is certain is a good idea, that you know is absolutely not. The handful of times I had to do it were painful.) But sometimes you just have to say no and take the heat. Olivia will get over it, I promise, just like my daughter did.

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 If you missed Fridays Care and Feeding column, read it here.

 Discuss this column in the Slate Parenting Facebook group!

Dear Care and Feeding,

I grew up in the Deep South. I dont know if its because I did a lot of theater as a teenager or just watched too much TV, but somehow I dodged the strong Southern accent everyone else in my family has.

After living overseas and in the Midwest for most of my adult life, my husband and I decided to move back to the area where I grew up so our children could be raised near my family. My oldest child is in kindergarten and has a fabulous teacher. Theres just one problem: She has a pronounced Southern drawl  and my son, who admires and loves his teacher and spends hours listening to her every day, has started speaking with one as well. I feel torn about this. Part of me thinks its adorable (and I also want to preserve his family heritage!), and part of me is concerned about the assumptions people make based on hearing a Southern accent. Ive had highly intelligent friends who were seen as stupid by people in other parts of the country because of the way they spokeand I have been told more times than I can count that I lost my accent because I am educated.

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Should I correct him when he says aint or turns a one-syllable word into at least three syllables? Or do I let it go because there are much bigger things to worry about in life right now?

Dialect Angst

Dear DA,

As a longtime fan of a Southern drawl (I swear, there was at least one boy I fell in love with in my 20s strictly because he had one) who married into a Deep South familythough my husband, like you, is the outlier in his familyand as a writer and English professor, I have strong opinions on this subject. Me, I wouldnt correct his use of ainta word with a secure place in spoken Englishbut Id model usage of are not or arent, etc., so that hes aware of the other possibilities for expressing what he means and is as comfortable with standard English as with dialect. For example:

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Adorable Child: I aint hungry.

Gentle Mother: You arent? Why not?

Adorable Child: He aint sharing and he aint going to.

Gentle Mother: He isnt sharing? What makes you think he isnt going to if you ask him nicely?

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And I would leave the accent entirely alone. Not because there are bigger things to worry about in life right now (there are always bigger things to worry about, but that doesnt and shouldnt stop us from the important work of raising our children), but because regional accents are a beautiful thingsomething to treasure, not to stamp out. And because the way to combat the ignorance of people assuming that someone who speaks with a Southern drawl is stupid is not to eliminate the drawl but to prove those ignorant folks wrong. (And to my dear readers who are poised to howl, Shame on you! Defending aint? And you call yourself an English professor?!: Allow me to refer you to my favorite grammar expert, who is wise on this usage, as on all matters related to grammar.)

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Help! How can I support Slate so I can keep reading all the advice from Dear Prudence, Care and Feeding, Ask a Teacher, and How to Do It? Answer: Join Slate Plus.

Dear Care and Feeding,

I have four adult children between 20 and 30. Three of them are very similar (house, spouse, kids, money, politics) and one of them, Raj, is not. His politics, profession of choice, sexuality, and pretty much everything else about him is different from the others. And although I tried to teach the importance of inclusion to my children when they were young, clearly it didnt stick. The three like-minded siblings are close to one another but not to Raj. They take family vacations together, have play dates with all three sets of their kids, take Christmas photos together, and engage in other exclusionary activities. Some of this is to be expected (Raj doesnt have kids and doesnt enjoy spending time with kids), but the three-against-one dynamic seems extreme to me. It makes Raj sad, toohe has confessed as much to me. Ive tried to bring it up with the other three, but they brush me off or ask me not to get involved.

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Ive watched this unfold for years now and Im at my wits end. I dont want to be in the business of regulating my adult childrens relationships, but I worry what will happen as they age and Raj, unlike the others, doesnt have a family to take care of him. Should I just butt out and hope it resolves itself? Try Zoom family counseling with a therapist? Speak to Raj about it, or to the other three? Im heartbroken and dont know what else to do.

Fours a Crowd?

Dear FaC,

There is nothing you can do. Its a pity all four of your adult children arent close, but the exclusionary threesome is right: You shouldnt get involved. If it makes Raj sad, its up to him to broach the subject with his siblings (or to talk to a therapist with whom he makes an appointment on his own). And plenty of people dont have a family to take care of them as they agethey have friends instead. (For that matter, plenty of people with a family have no one to take care of them as they age.) Youre going to have to find a way to let this gonot just by butting out, but also by accepting that it may never resolve itself. I know this will be difficult for you (it makes me sad for both you and Raj), but once our children our grown, we must let them live their lives as they see fit.

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Dear Care and Feeding,

Ive never been a morning person. But when my wife and I had our son four years ago, I had to become one, of course, for his sake. My wife and I have been taking turns getting up with him on weekend mornings. For the last few months, I am happy to report, hes been getting better at entertaining himself when he wakes up: Hell stay in his room and look at books or play with the few toys we have in there, instead of immediately coming to wake us up. My wife, unlike me, gets up as soon as she hears him wake up. Thats her choice, obviously. But recently she made a pointed comment about how I never get up with him. I told her that as long as he seems contentthat until he makes it clear that hes hungry/done playing in his roomthere was no reason for me to drag myself out of bed on the mornings when its my turn to start the day with him. She got further irritated and told me shes always the one to handle things. Which is somewhat true, but also, often enough, unnecessary. For instance, if our son is running and he falls, she immediately goes to him, whereas I give him a moment to see if he actually needs help (and usually hes fine; he might whimper for a second, if at all, then gets up and goes on about his business). Essentially, shes always there, whereas I tend to let him figure things out for himself, only stepping in if he needs something.

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I dont criticize her for the way she responds to him. If thats how she wants to handle things, fine. But Im not going to handle things the way she does and I resent her criticizing what I do (or dont do). I should mention that were on the same page about the big thingsdiscipline, bedtime routines, potty training when we went through thatso its not like were constantly sending our son mixed messages. She says its not the mixed messages that bother her; its that she feels unappreciated. And I just cant wrap my head around this. Of course I appreciate her! Ive told her so. But what am I supposed to do, thank her for getting up with our son, when shes the one who takes it upon herself to do it unnecessarily? Im at a loss here. How should I approach this?

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Dear AIW,

Im glad you dont criticize your wife (out loud) for the way she responds to your son, but you are critical of it, its clear (and maybe youre rightmaybe she is too quick to swoop inbut thats not the point in question). She knows you dont approve. How could she not know? And she doesnt approve of what youre doing, either. I dont see that it matters much which of you comes out and says this. To my mind, it is perfectly OK for the two of you to handle these day-to-day matters in your own wayyou are two different people with two different parenting styles and two different personal stylesbut you are going to have stop judging each other. Thats part one of my advice: accept that you arent exactly the same sort of parents, and be glad that your child gets to reap the benefits of two different sets of instincts.

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Part two is another thing altogether. Im going to go out on a limb here and suggest that your wife is exhausted, stretched too thin, and (because she is a different sort of person than you are, who experiences things differently) deeply stressed. She may be feeling insecure; certainly shes anxious. Telling her you appreciate her is easy (and words of affirmation may just not be her love language). Being appreciative, and showing it, in whatever ways are meaningful to her (stop and think about this: shes your partner, you know herwhat would make her feel properly appreciated?), is another. If the person you love tells you she feels unappreciated, dont complain about it. Do something about it.

Michelle

More Advice From Slate

Im guessing our 5-year-old is celebrating Black History Month at school because the other day in the bathtub he blurted out Who is Barack Obama? Tell me about him. It was cute. But Im struggling with how to explain Obamas historical significance in an age-appropriate way. My son has no racial consciousness. Hes biracial himself and we live in a very mixed neighborhood where whites are the minority. What should I say?
Press Release

February 20, 2021 Gatchalian raises more benefits of safe school reopening Aside from the need to hasten learning recovery following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, learners' continued access to safety nets adds urgency to the safe reopening of schools, Senator Win Gatchalian said. The lawmaker explained that aside from providing education, schools also offer different programs to support vulnerable learners. For some learners, the school-based feeding program is their only source of nutritious meals in a day. Schools also have healthcare programs such as immunization and deworming, while learners at risk of violence and abuse---which is already on the rise amidst the pandemic---can access child protection programs. Social interaction in the school setting would also benefit the mental well-being of learners, many of whom remain confined to their homes since the lockdowns. By allowing the resumption of limited face-to-face classes, learners can receive better guidance from their teachers, Gatchalian reiterated. "Maliban sa pagbibigay ng edukasyon, ang mga paaralan ay may mga programa rin para sa kalusugan, proteksyon, at kapakanan ng ating mga mag-aaral na maaari lamang maibigay sa kanila kapag nagkaroon na ng face-to-face classes. Higit na mahalaga ang pagtugon sa mga programang ito ngayong panahon ng pandemya," said Gatchalian. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture reiterated how studies made by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Northern Ireland's Public Health Agency (PHA), and the University of Warwick in England show that schools do not appear to play a big role in spreading coronavirus as long as measures like physical distancing, wearing of masks, regular handwashing and disinfection are observed. Experts from the CDC and PHA have pointed out that kids are more likely to acquire infections in communities than in schools while researchers from the University of Warwick found out that the absences incurred by teachers and pupils matched infection rates in the wider community, with no evidence that schools were a major driver of cases. Gatchalian emphasized that the reopening of schools should start in low-risk areas. As of February 9, about 433 municipalities have zero active cases of the coronavirus, based on the map of the University of the Philippines' COVID-19 tracker. # # # Gatchalian binigyang diin ang Ilan pang benepisyo sa ligtas na pagbubukas ng mga paaralan Maliban sa agarang pagkakaroon ng learning recovery sa gitna ng mga pinsalang dulot ng COVID-19 sa sistema ng edukasyon, binigyang diin ni Senador Win Gatchalian na ang pagpapatuloy ng mga safety nets para sa mga mag-aaral ay isang dahilan para bigyang prayoridad ang ligtas na pagbubukas ng mga paaralan. Aniya, may ilang programa ang mga paaralan upang masuportahan ang mga nangangailangang mag-aaral. Para sa ilan sa kanila, halimbawa, ang school-based feeding program ang tanging pinagkukunan nila ng masustansyang pagkain sa kada araw. May mga programa ring pangkalusugan sa mga paaralan tulad ng deworming at pagbabakuna, habang ang ilan naman sa mga bata na nanganganib na dumanas ng karahasan at pang-aabuso sa loob ng kanilang tahanan ay maaaring matulungan ng mga child protection programs ng eskwelahan. Matatandaang tumaas ang kaso ng karahasan laban sa mga kabataan at lalong nanganganib na umakyat ang bilang nito ngayong panahon ng pandemya. Makatutulong naman sa mental health ng mga estudyante ang pakikipag-ugnayan nila sa kanilang mga kapwa mag-aaral kapag natuloy na ang face-to-face classes lalo na sa low risk areas. Sa pamamagitan din ng limited face-to-face classes, maaaring makatanggap ang mga mag-aaral ng sapat na paggabay mula sa kanilang mga guro. "Maliban sa pagbibigay ng edukasyon, ang mga paaralan ay may mga programa rin para sa kalusugan, proteksyon, at kapakanan ng mga mag-aaral na maaari lamang maibigay sa kanila kapag nagkaroon na ng face-to-face classes. Higit na mahalaga ang pagtugon sa mga programang ito ngayong panahon ng pandemya," ani Gatchalian. Muli ring binigyang diin ng Chairman ng Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture na base sa mga pag-aaral na ginawa ng Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sa Estados Unidos, Public Health Agency (PHA) ng Northern Ireland at University of Warwick sa Inglatera, mas malaki ang posibilidad na mahawa ang mga kabataan sa mga komunidad kesa sa mga paaralan kaya posible ang pagsasagawa ng face-to-face classes basta ipagpatuloy lang ang health protocols tulad ng pagsuot ng mask, physical distancing, regular na paghuhugas ng kamay, at disinfection. Ani Gatchalian, ang ligtas na pagbabalik-eskwela ay dapat magsimula sa mga itinuturing na low-risk areas. Ayon sa mapa ng COVID-19 tracker ng University of the Philippines, may mahigit apat na raang (433) mga munisipalidad ang walang aktibong kaso ng COVID-19 buhat noong Pebrero 9.
Donald Trump will be making his first post-presidential appearance at a conservative gathering in Florida next weekend.

Ian Walters, spokesman for the American Conservative Union, confirmed that Trump will be speaking at the group's annual Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 28.

Trump is expected to use the speech to talk about the future of the Republican Party and the conservative moment, as well as to criticize President Joe Bidens efforts to undo his immigration policies, according to a person who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the plans.

CPAC is being held this year in Orlando, Florida, and will feature a slew of former Trump administration officials and others who represent his wing of the GOP, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.

Trump has been keeping a relatively low profile since he retired from the White House to Palm Beach, Florida, in January, but reemerged last week to conduct a series of phone-in interviews to commemorate the death of conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh.

Trump has a long history with CPAC, which played a key role in his emergence as a political force.

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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(Natural News) In case you were still wondering if its possible to retake the public school system from lunatic leftists and Marxist agitators who hate our country and its founding, whats taking place in Philadelphia should convince you of the futility of such efforts and of the need for Americans who love the country and want to preserve its promise to fund an alternative public education system.

As reported by City Journal correspondent and documentary filmmaker Christopher Rufo last week, an elementary school in the City of Brotherly Love force-fed blatant propaganda to fifth-grade students by making them celebrate black communism as well as mimic a Black Power rally in support of freeing noted 1960s terrorist Angela Davis.

Ive obtained exclusive whistleblower documents and photographs from the school, Rufo wrote in a tweet thread that ultimately linked to a story on the issue.

First things first: There is no such thing as black communism or white communism or purple communism  there is only communism, and its a top-heavy, authoritarian system of government built on the lie of sameness of outcome, which is not at all like equality of opportunity, which is what America was founded upon.

Granted, we didnt get it completely right at the beginning, but over the course of our history, thanks to the constitutional tools our founders gave us, we fixed the initial shortcomings.

Also, Davis is an ideological Marxist, former Communist Party USA member, and 1960s-era left-wing radical who is today feted by academia as some deep-thinking philosopher and social justice activist but who came to fame for her involvement in the takeover of a California courtroom that resulted in four deaths.

Once on the FBIs Top 10 Most-Wanted list, authorities linked her to the purchase of weapons that were later used by three inmates who took a judge and juror hostage during their trial in 1970 for killing a prison guard, Fox News reported. She was eventually arrested by the FBI and tried for providing the weapons but was acquitted.

In any event, Rufo notes:

According to whistleblower documents and a source within the school, a fifth-grade teacher at the inner-city William D. Kelley School designed a social studies curriculum to celebrate Davis, praising the black communist for her fight against injustice and inequality. As part of the lesson, the teacher asked students to describe Davis early life, reflect on her vision of social change, and define communistpresumably in favorable terms.

Following the unit of instruction, Rufo said, the teacher led the 10-and-11-year-olds into an auditorium where they were told to simulate a Black Power rally to free Davis, who was detained while awaiting her trial.

Now for the really bad part. Rufo noted that the school has long been one of the most troubled in Philadelphia. The student population, he writes, is 94 percent black and 100 percent economically disadvantaged. (Related: Natural News launches TOR browser (.onion) website to bring natural health and nutrition knowledge to the dark web.)

Academically, it is one of the worst-performing schools in Pennsylvania. By sixth grade, only 3 percent of students are proficient in math, and 9 percent are proficient in reading. By graduation, only 13 percent of Kelley students will have achieved basic literacy, he added.

Without the ability to even read, young graduates start out life with virtually no chance of success. Whats more, thats not because of white privilege, its because of left-wing teachers unions in the city who are more interested in creating generations of Democratic dependent Marxists than in actually providing these kids an education. How else do you explain this ridiculous Davis/Black Power curriculum?

The kids are not to blame; they can only learn what they are taught, and obviously theyre not being taught the basics  reading, writing, arithmetic  that are vital to being able to function successfully in a civil society.

But it goes to show that our public schools, like our federal governing institutions, are broken beyond repair. While we cant do much about Washingtons dysfunction, states and localities can  and should  stop funding failed public schools and establish their own independent districts adopting a pro-America, pro-American founding curriculum.

The old system cant be fixed.

See more reporting like this at Homeschooling.news.

Sources include:

ThreadReaderApp.com

City-Journal.org

FoxNews.com

Liberty.news

Forty homeless people in Saint Petersburg received coronavirus vaccine jabs on Sunday, under a charity initiative that has received the backing of local officials.

"Here there are many people at risk. It is important for them to be vaccinated," said Taysia Suvorova, of the Nochlezhka non-governmental that organisation provides aid to the homeless in Russia's second city.

The 40 people receiving the vaccine are currently housed by the charity.

According to official figures there are 15,000 homeless people in the former imperial capital, out of a total population of five million.

Nochlezhka believes the real figure is at least double that.

"Some people have been saying controversial things about the vaccine, but I think there are more advantages than negatives," 57-year-old Galina Ivanovna told AFP, after receiving the first dose of the vaccine.

"I'm pretty happy to do it," she added.

Fellow recipient Aleksandr Suvorov, 60, echoed her sentiment, adding that the vaccine was a good thing "because the situation is complicated with coronavirus".

An NGO has already launched a similar initiative for the homeless in Moscow, aided by the authorities in the Russian capital.

Russia registered its first coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V, back in August.

A second Russian vaccine , EpiVacCorona, was approved in October 2020. The country officially launched its programme of mass vaccinations in January.

On Saturday Russia announced the registration of its third coronavirus vaccine Kovivak.

According to official figures, 4.6 million coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia, 83,293 of wich have proved fatal.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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The yacht aboard which the fleeing Princess Latifa of Dubai hoped to reach India  and eventually a life of freedom beyond the clutches of her domineering father  was well-equipped for open water sailing.

A 29-metre ketch motor vessel captained by a former French intelligence officer, the Nostromo carried an array of advanced communication and navigation aids. Below decks, mobile phones, a laptop computer, VHF radio, radar, automatic identification system transceivers and receivers, a satellite Iridium phone and an internet satellite receiver blinked and flashed as they sent and received signals.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum in her latest video, aired this month. Credit:Screengrab/BBC

One of these devices gave away the location of the vessel, which on the eighth day of its 2018 journey was boarded in international waters off the coast of Goa by Indian and Emirati commandos, who carried Latifa kicking and biting back to her life of gilded seclusion in the UAE.

It was like a military operation, recalled Tiina Jauhiainen, the Finnish fitness instructor who was aboard the yacht with her friend and now campaigns for her freedom, this week releasing new videos of the princess in captivity saying she feared for her life.
The military stand-off between India and China had been going on for nine months and is now finally at an end. The situation tensed up a lot when Indian and Chinese soldiers engaged in hand-to-hand combat at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. The melee was just as bloody as it was chaotic and twenty Indian soldiers laid down their lives, while the Chinese too suffered heavy casualties.

The tenth round of military talks between India and China has ended today. These negotiations began on the morning of February 20 at around 10 a.m. The disengagement process around the banks of the Pangong Lake in Ladakh has finally drawn to a close and all armed forces have been withdrawn. Both sides are also dismantling any and all fortifications and infrastructure that they had raised within the contested zone.

Although the Pangong Lake affair is now over, the areas of Depsang, Hot Springs and Gogra are yet to be made clear of heavy military presence and these last talks covered just that. This round of talks was held at Moldo situated on the Southern Bank of Pangong on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The military stand-off between India and China had been going on for nine months and is now finally at an end. The situation tensed up a lot when Indian and Chinese soldiers engaged in hand-to-hand combat at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. The melee was just as bloody as it was chaotic and twenty Indian soldiers laid down their lives, while the Chinese too suffered heavy casualties.

Both military and diplomatic officials were involved and the talks finally came to fruition when the disengagement process was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs. Anurag Shrivastava from the Ministry of External Affairs reported that the agreement was reached after several rounds of sustained negotiations at the military and diplomatic level and the processes that are to follow have been already spelt out by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his speech in parliament.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY, Ore.  At least one of four crew members pulled from a capsized fishing boat on Saturday has died, according to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

A 38-foot fishing boat capsized at about 4:40 p.m. at the Tillamook Bay bar entrance, just a few miles south of Rockaway Beach. A representative for the Coast Guard said within about half an hour, rescue crews were able to retrieve all four people who were on board.

Two of the four people were unresponsive when they were pulled from the water. All four of them were taken to a hospital. The USCG confirmed Sunday one had been declared dead soon after the rescue. Another was flown to a hospital in Portland for more care.

The Coast Guard said its personnel was watching the vessel from a tower, at the fishing crew's request, as their boat crossed the bar to return to port. Then the Coast Guard dispatched rescue crews from a station in Garibaldi when the boat overturned.

"We had crews get on scene immediately via two small boats. And then we had a coast guard helicopter launch from Astoria," described Steve Strohmaier with USCG. "I know there were some restrictions on the bar crossing at that time, which is probably why the crew was concerned about the crossing."

Those restrictions were on recreational boats, not commercial vessels.

The Tillamook County Sheriff's Office assisted the Coast Guard with rescue efforts.

USCG's Pacific Northwest division posted on Twitter this month it has performed a number of rescues of fishing boats during crab season.
The Oregon U.S. Attorneys Office released on Friday its first missing and murdered Indigenous persons report as part of a nationwide initiative to improve law enforcement responses in such cases.

The report lists 11 missing and eight murdered Indigenous people with Oregon connections. The cases go as far back as 1984 and include any missing or murdered Oregon tribal member  and any Indigenous person whos missing or murdered in the state.

For generations, American Indians and Alaskan Natives have suffered from disproportionately high levels of violence. Tragically, this is not a crisis of the past; its a crisis of the present, outgoing Oregon U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams said in a statement. While we wont solve this problem overnight, our office is working closely with Oregon law enforcement partners, other U.S. Attorneys Offices, and the U.S. Department of Justice to end endemic violence in Indian Country.

Former U.S. Attorney General William Barr launched the Missing and Murdered Indigeous Persons Initiative in 2019 to address missing and murdered Native Americans. The plan called for increased FBI deployment, improved data collection and analysis, and training to support response efforts nationwide.

The same year, the Oregon State Legislature passed a bill requiring the state police to conduct a study on improving the criminal justice response to cases involving Indigenous people  and adding resources for reporting and investigating cases of missing and murdered Native American women in Oregon.

Discrepancies between reports from the U.S. Attorneys Office and other agencies illustrate the lack of comprehensive data on missing and murdered Indigenous people. Some Indigenous people were also previously misidentified as white.

A September report compiled by the Oregon State Police included 13 missing Indigenous women and three murdered men, while the National Crime Information Center database in January reported nine missing Indigenous people and three murdered men, according to the U.S. Attorney Offices report.

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons Systems, which only tracks missing people, reported there were eight missing Indigenous people as of December.

Oregons coordinator for the U.S. Attorneys Office initiative is Cedar Wilkie Gillette, a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes.

The U.S. Attorneys Office plans to meet this year with all nine federally recognized tribal governments in Oregon to gather additional data and analyze the initiatives impact on each tribe.

Crimes committed on Native American land fall under a combination of tribal, state and federal jurisdictions, depending on whether the perpetrator and victim are Indigenous. Federal law enforcement falls under the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

-- Jaimie Ding

jding@oregonian.com; 503-221-4395; @j_dingdingding
Frontline workers at Sydneys third COVID-19 vaccination hub in Liverpool have reported a smooth and seamless experience, as the rollout began on Monday.

The first person to receive the vaccine in the South Western Sydney Local Health District was SWSLHD Director of Critical Care Associate Professor Deepak Bhonagiri.

The first person to receive the vaccine in the South Western Sydney Local Health District was South Western Sydney Local Health District Director of Critical Care Associate Professor Deepak Bhonagiri.

Its important for health professionals to feel like theyre being protected and to be protected against getting COVID themselves and also transmitting it to the most vulnerable patients that we see within our critical care area, he said.

Weve set up a good system - a system that tracks people, a system thats able to respond and look after any small reactions that people get.

Daryn Mitford was the first nurse in the district to get the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.He said it was a privilege to take this step and set the standard for his staff in Campbelltown Hospitals emergency department.

Its seamless and theres no reason to not go and get it, he said. Lets stop this pandemic happening.

Liverpool paramedic Ashley described the process as nice and smooth.
Greta Thunberg has inspired a generation to embrace our planet and a grassroots programme equipping primary school children in Laois to play their part by taking a stand against litter in their area, through a unique school-based litter-picking programme called Picker Pals.

The programme, run by environmental NGO VOICE (Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment) aims to motivate but also equips children with Picker Packs containing everything children need to go litter picking. At the end of the programmes first year in operation, 10 schools in Laois (list at end of story) join 105 other schools from nine different local authority around the county in the Picker Pals programme.

VOICE is delighted that Laois County Council are funding the programme locally and supporting this very exciting journey, which aims to see a Picker Pack in every classroom in the country over the coming years, says Mindy OBrien Co-ordinator of VOICE.

Using upcycled and fully reusable packaging, Picker Pals provide each classroom with bespoke story and activity books, in both Irish and English, and litter pickers which are taken home by a different child every week. Each child goes on a litter-picking adventure in their local area with their family and reports back to their classmates on their activity.

VOICE says the Picker Pals song helps spread the message about tackling litter in a fun and upbeat manner to motivate children to get involved in this important social and environmental issue.

Its not just about learning about litter. Its not just about becoming aware of litter. Its about actually getting out there and picking up litter. Picker Pals gets children onto the first rung of the environmental ladder, says Patrick Jackson, Picker Pals Creator. More below picture.

Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a marked increase in the amount of litter in our towns and cities. VOICE SAYS A recent study showed less that 50% of Irish town are now deemed to be clean. Now more than ever we need everyone in the community to work together to reduce the amount of littering happening in the first place and also to help clean it up.

VOICE says this is exactly what Picker Pals is doing. The programme teaches children about the problems litter can cause to animals and the environment and also provides families with the tools to actually do something about this. !0 schools in Laois have signed up to the programme and will begin their activity once schools reopen.

VOICE says the programme is also active in eight other local authorities having being piloted in Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council in early 2020. Many schools in these areas are seeing the benefits of the programme.

Lynn Harley is the Principal at the Burrow National School in Howth.

We have noticed our pupils awareness and pride in looking after their local environment has increased hugely since the introduction of the programme in our school. I think all schools would benefit from being involved with the Picker Pals programme, he said. More below picture.

Picker Pal parent, Sheelagh Massey talks about the effect the programme has had on her daughter, Abby.

We had loads of fun. She really, really enjoyed the sense of responsibility and now every time we go for a walk, she takes a bag and we pick up litter. Its had a dramatic impact on her. The picker pack makes it so easy. Once they get the pack, theyre the boss!

Litter-picking can provide many benefits besides that of a cleaner local environment says Angela KennyPicker Pals Programme Manager.

Litter picking can have a really positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing, getting people out of the house, relieving stress and anxiety and giving a great sense of achievement and empowerment. It really is a great all round positive outdoor activity, she said.

The 10 schools in Laois who have signed up to the programme are;

Ballyadams National School , Ballyadams

Clonaghadoon National School , Mountmellick

Clough National School , Portlaoise

Cosby National School, Stradbally

Derrylamougue National School , Rosenallis

Errill National School , Portlaoise

Mayo National School , Crettyard

Rath National School , Ballybrittas

Rushall National School , Portlaoise

St. Fiacc's National School , Graiguecullen

More below picture.

VOICE is a member-based Irish environmental charity that empowers individuals and local communities to take positive action to conserve our natural resources. It also advocates for the government and the corporate sector to adopt environmentally responsible behaviours, and for the development of strong national policies on waste and water issues.

For more info see http://www.voiceireland.org

Picker Pals Linktree

https://linktr.ee/pickerpalsworld
Malcolm X knew that somebody was going to try to kill him.

Just a week before he was assassinated, on Feb. 14, 1965, his home in Queens, New York, was firebombed. No one was injured but the house burned to the ground.

He learned from the FBI that he was targeted for assassination. Just as he was starting to deliver a speech at 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 21, 1965, gunfire erupted in the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. Malcolm X was shot 15 times and died on the stage.

His lawyer claimed the slim, goateed Malcolm had known he was marked for murder, and was preparing in his speech to disclose the names of those who were trying to kill him.

Police blamed the slaying on a feud between Malcolm, 38, and the Black Muslim movement, with which he broke in 1963. The Muslims, however, denied any complicity, reported the Associated Press on Feb. 22, 1965.

Between 400 and 500 people were in the audience as multiple men shot Malcolm X. The bullets ripped through a thin, wood podium where he stood. He was shot 15 times.

Civil rights activist, Malcolm X, whose original name was Malcolm Little, joined the controversial Nation of Islam while he was in prison. He had been sentenced to 10 years for larceny and breaking and entering.

He rose to a leadership position within the National of Islam and encouraged blacks to fight racism by any means necessary, including violence.

Eventually, Malcolm X became disillusioned with the Nation of Islam leader, Elijah Muhammad.

Muhammad suspended Malcolm X from the organization after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Malcolm X said that Kennedys assassination was a matter of chickens coming home to roost.

In 1964 Malcolm X had a shift in his philosophy and founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity. According to history.com, Malcolm X and his more moderate philosophy became increasingly influential in the civil rights movement.

The Associated press at the time described the shooting of Malcolm X:

A diversion in the rear of the ballroom drew attention from the stage long enough for the assassins to race down an aisle and pump bullets into Malcolms chest from three weapons. He had just begun to address his followers, starting, Brothers and sisters 

Malcolms wife, Betty, 37, was nearby. She screamed, Theyre killing him  theyre killing him.

The killers turned around and raced from the second-floor ballroom with a mob shouting at their heels, Kill them - dont let them get away.

Police quickly arrested three black men who also had gunshot wounds. They were hospitalized under guard.

Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jimmy Breslin, writing for the Herald Tribune News Service, wrote this about the assassination:

Up in the front of the ballroom, on the stage, somebody was saying, Malcolm is a man who would give his life for you.

Then the people, 400 of them, the best crowd Malcolm X has drawn in three years, got up from their wooden folding chairs and clapped for 45 seconds while Malcolm X came up to the rostrum and stood there, waiting to talk.

The rostrum came up to Malcolms chest. But it was made out of thin wood and the bullets would go through it easily. The applause stopped and the people began to sit down and everybody was looking at Malcolm X and now the guys in the back of the ballroom made their move.

Get your hand out of my pocket, one of them yelled.

The other grabbed him and started a fight.

Stay cool, Malcolm X said from the front of the stage. His bodyguards ran over to stop the fight.

Brothers and sisters, Malcolm X began.

Now the other three went for him. One had a sawed-off shotgun. Two others came right down the aisle, reaching for the guns in their pockets, and somebody began to yell and then they got Malcolm X in a hurry.

They fired about 10 shots, the three of them, and the bullets went through the thin wood of the rostrum and Malcolm caught at least three in his body. Then one of them aimed at his head and hit him in the cheek.

Everybody in the room, this big crowd of 400 which he had drawn, was screaming and falling to the floor, and Malcolm X stood at the rostrum with four bullets in him and he stood there frozen and then tilted over and followed his head to the floor. He fell on the stage with a crash and began to die.

Breslin described how a stretcher was brought from Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, across the street. Malcolm Xs followers did not wait for an ambulance. They put Malcolm on it and surrounded it and carried the stretcher downstairs and then put it down on the sidewalk and rolled it across Broadway, screaming their threats into a street that now was becoming filled with people.

They wheeled Malcolm to the hospitals emergency entrance, which is on Broadway, and white-coated interns came from everywhere and some of them grabbed the stretcher and pushed it onto an elevator and others bent over the body and began to inspect it while they walked and there were more of them waiting up in the emergency operating room on the third floor.

The white hands that Malcolm X had preached so much hatred about clawed at his blood-soaked clothes and touched his body. One of the white hands clamped an ether mask over his face. Another while hand, holding a scalpel, came at his chest. Other white hands worked at the chest as it opened, and they massaged Malcolm Xs heart.

The operating room was filled with doctors and nurses, and they were all busy and working quickly, but it was all meaning less. The bullets had done the job on Malcolm X.

Nation of Islam members Thomas 15X Johnson, Norman 3X Butler and Talmadge Hayer were convicted of first-degree murder in March 1966 and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

File - In this May 22, 1964, file photo, civil rights leader Malcolm X speaks during a press conference in Chicago. (AP Photo/Edward Kitch, File)AP

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Biden Rewards Iran's Bad Behavior by Begging It To Make a Deal

President Biden has officially offered to restart nuclear talks with Iran, holding out yet another olive branch to Tehran despite the evil regime's continued, deadly behavior. Team Biden told Europ
More than a third (36.4 per cent) of students in junior and senior high schools in the country have experimented with different substances, a report by the Consultative Committee to Combat Drug Menace in Schools has found.



The report says the outcome is an indication of a higher risk of substance abuse in first and second-cycle schools.



The report further establishes that more than half (59.9 per cent) of boys tend to use cigarettes, while 54.1 per cent use cannabis and 36 per cent use alcohol.



In the case of girls, it says 72.7 per cent use pain relievers, while 34.3 per cent use shisha (a flavoured Arabian tobacco smoked in a hookah) and 32.1 per cent alcohol.



About 88.6 per cent of students that we have sampled undergo stress in our schools and drugs are the major influences of the stress, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Bright Appiah, said when he presented the report to the Minister designate for the Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery, in Accra yesterday.



Schools



The committee, set up under the directive of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, conducted the study in 176 basic and second-cycle schools over a one-year period.



The terms of reference of the committee, inaugurated by Mr Dery, on behalf of the President, on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, were to identify the sources and causes of increase in drug use in schools in the country and recommend to the President proposals to be discussed with stakeholders, including religious bodies, educational facilities and civil society organisations (CSOs).



Mr Appiah, who is also the Executive Director of the Child Rights International, a child-friendly non-governmental organisation, said the 11-member committee decided to use different methodologies of securing information in order to enrich the report.



The committee also had engagements with about 10 psychiatrists, 138 heads of schools and 72 guidance and counselling units of the various schools, Mr Appiah said.



Again, he said, the committee reviewed works by other institutions, such as the Food and Drugs Authority, the Narcotics Control Commission, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ghana Police Service and CSOs, to enrich the report.



He said there was availability of and accessibility to drugs and substances all over the place and the students used both legal and illegal drugs.



There is low risk of reporting of substance abuse to school authorities. Students find it difficult to report some of these issues, he said.



Mr Bright Appiah (right), Chairman, Consultative Committee to Combat Drug Menace in Schools, presenting copies of the report to Mr Ambrose Dery. Picture: GABRIEL AHIABOR



Recommendations



It was the recommendation of the committee, Mr Appiah said, for the strengthening of the countrys social support system.



One of them is the eating habit of our students in school because that is almost about 64 per cent of the cause of stress in students in our schools. They dont eat well and that is really causing stress in them, thereby making them engage in substance abuse, he said.



The committee proposed the need to attach rehabilitation centres to district hospitals, rather than have them in psychiatric hospitals because of the issue of stigma.



A number of them (students) would not want to go to such facilities because once you go there, you are perceived a lunatic. Sometimes the conditions they are in can be resolved by these district hospitals, he said.



Mr Appiah, who presented 15 copies of the detailed report to Mr Dery, said there was the need to study the trend of drug use in schools, since students used different kinds of drugs.



Milestones



Shortly after receiving the report, Mr Dery described it as one of the key milestones to be received on behalf of the President, who had the objective to halt the intake and abuse of illicit drugs by students.



He said the proposals and recommendations made by the consultative committee would be subjected to discussions by stakeholders on the way forward to combat the drug menace.



Mr Dery noted that the drug menace in schools had become one of the social problems in many developing countries and Ghana.



It accounts for abnormal behaviour among the youth. It has led to poor academic performance, increased absenteeism in school, increased hostility towards other people, physical deterioration, memory loss, difficulty in concentration, among others, he said.



He said the sustainable development of any society hinged on the youth, so there was the need to ensure their proper training.



However, the minister designate said, the drug menace was a threat to achieving that feat.



Mr Dery said peace and security were a prerequisite and, indeed, necessary to establish a conducive economic environment for development to take place.









Source: graphiconline.com









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A report by two Human Rights experts of the United Nations on the end of autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir and participation of minorities in politics of the region had received a strong response from India. Actor-critic Kamaal Rashid Khan was among those who expressed his displeasure over the report and called it as targeting of the country. He even suggested that India should 'boycott' the UN.

READ: UN Human Rights Office Calls Upon UAE Govt To Provide Proof 'Princess Latifa Is Alive'

KRK unhappy over UN experts report on India

Taking to Twitter, KRK wrote that that the 'Human Rights Watch' was targeting the country by blaming the government for many policies, in this case, the abrogation of the Article 370 of the Constitution. The Ek Villain actor termed it as Indias internal matter and was unhappy about the government being accused of 'targeting minorities.' Calling it unacceptable, he tweeted that India should 'boycott the UN.'

Human rights watch is again targeting our country and blaming government for many policies. Its our internal matter. How can human rights watch blame our government for targeting minorities like Sikh, Dalits and Christians. Its un acceptable. India should boycott UN.   KRK (@kamaalrkhan) February 21, 2021

UN Experts' report on India

Special rapporteur (SR) on minority issues, Fernand de Varennes and SR on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed in a joint statement released in Geneva had expressed concern on the new legislation leaving people of Jammu and Kashmir losing their power to legislate or amend laws for 'protection of their rights as minorities', 'altering the demographics' of the region and 'undermining' the minorities ability to exercise their human rights.

READ: Sri Lanka Approaches India For Support Ahead Of UN Human Rights Council Sessions In Geneva

The two UN experts had claimed, The loss of autonomy and the imposition of direct rule by the Government in New Delhi suggests the people of Jammu and Kashmir no longer have their own government and have lost power to legislate or amend laws in the region to ensure the protection of their rights as minorities.

The duo were concerned about Indias decision to end Jammu and Kashmirs autonomy and enact new laws could curtail the previous level of political participation of Muslim and other minorities in the country, as well as potentially discriminate against them in important matters including employment and land ownership, though they didn't cite any evidence for this. There have been times earlier where negative reports such as this have been published and even gone so far as to cite that they are based on news reports and not primary research.

They stated that these legislative changes may have the potential to pave the way for people from outside the former state of Jammu and Kashmir to settle in the region, alter the demographics of the region and undermine the minorities ability to exercise effectively their human rights.

MEA Hits Back

The Ministry of External Affairs had termed it deplorable that the experts went ahead with the statement without knowing the Government's and termed it as inaccurate assumptions.

The MEA statement read, "We have seen the Press Release on J&K issued today by Special Rapporteur on minority issues and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. ... It is deplorable that the SRs, after sharing their questionnaire on 10 February, did not even wait for our response. Instead, they chose to release their inaccurate assumptions to the media. The Press Release has also been deliberately timed to coincide with the visit of a group of Ambassadors to Jammu and Kashmir.

It highlighted that the new legislations aimed at ending decades of discrimination, enshrining democracy at the grassroot level through successful conduct of local elections for the District Development Councils, and ensuring good governance through back to village program and on fears of demographic change due to the issuance of domicil certificates as baseless and unfounded.

The MEA continued, The Press Release disregards the fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India and the decision of 05 August 2019 regarding the change in the status of the State of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory of India was taken by the Parliament of India. The Press Release fails to take into account the steps aimed at ending decades of discrimination, enshrining democracy at the grassroot level through successful conduct of local elections for the District Development Councils, and ensuring good governance through back to village program. The Press Release has ignored the positive impact of extending Laws applicable to the rest of India to Jammu and Kashmir, enabling the people of Jammu and Kashmir to enjoy the same rights as available to people in other parts of India.

As for the apprehensions of demographic change, the fact that an overwhelming majority of domicile certificates issued in J&K are to the erstwhile Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) holders shows that these fears are baseless and unfounded. This press release calls into question the larger principles of objectivity and neutrality that the SRs are mandated by the Human Rights Council to adhere to. We expect the Special Rapporteurs to develop a better understanding of the issues under their consideration before jumping to hasty conclusions and issuing press statements, the statement concluded.

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The prime suspect in the fatal shooting of a police officer is 'seriously ill' with coronavirus in hospital.

Louis De Zoysa allegedly shot Matt Ratana, 54, on September 25 last year while handcuffed in a cell at Croydon custody centre in South London.

The 23-year-old was also hit in the neck by a bullet and remains under police guard in hospital.

Last night it emerged he is now suffering from Covid, in another setback to the investigation over the shooting.

De Zoysa spent five months in a critical condition in St George's Hospital, Tooting, after firing a bullet into his neck while grappling with police officers in the moments after Sgt Ratana's fatal shooting.

Louis De Zoysa (pictured in a school photo in 2013) was arrested on suspicion of murder seven weeks after the shooting but has not been charged. Police are waiting for him to be declared fit by doctors before they interview him

It comes after De Zoysa's parents said he had drawn pictures of what happened in the moments leading up to Sgt Ratana's death.

Speech problems caused by his injuries meant he had been unable to give his lawyer full details of the events.

But they revealed he has drawn pictures of what took place  the first of them seized by police as part of their inquiry and the second now in the hands of his legal team.

His mother Elizabeth said: 'Louis drew a picture of what happened because he's been very, very anxious about the police presence and the police took it. [The drawing] was unprompted.'

De Zoysa was arrested on suspicion of murder seven weeks after the shooting but has not been charged. Police are waiting for him to be declared fit by doctors before they interview him.

The drawing could be used in a trial but also as part of an Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the incident.

De Zoysa allegedly shot Matt Ratana (pictured) on September 25 last year while handcuffed in a cell at Croydon custody centre in South London. The 23-year-old was also hit in the neck by a bullet and remains under police guard in hospital

One key question is how De Zoysa apparently managed to hide a weapon from officers during and after his arrest.

Mrs De Zoysa does not think her son, who is autistic, is well enough to be interrogated and says an appropriate adult should have been present when officers took the drawing from him in December.

'Louis has slow processing and poor organisation skills,' she said. 'He's very, very intelligent but he can't put two and two together.'

Her son, who works for HM Revenue & Customs, was arrested on suspicion of possessing ammunition and intent to supply Class B drugs near his parents' home in Norbury, South London, at 1.30am on September 25. His family are pressing the IOPC for more information about what then happened.

His mother clings to the hope that the gun was fired accidentally in a struggle.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said officers were liaising with medical staff to make an assessment of when De Zoysa would be fit to interview. The IOPC said it would be inappropriate to comment while the investigation was ongoing.
A desperate search is underway for a woman missing in Melbourne for almost two weeks as police and her family fear the worst.

Rhiannon, 36, whose last name was not given, was last seen near Dandenong train station about 7.30pm on February 9.

Police and family are very concerned about her as she has been missing for so long, and vanishing without a trace is out of character.

Rhiannon, 36, whose last name was not given, was last seen near Dandenong train station about 7.30pm on February 9.

Rhiannon is described as standing 160cm tall with a thin build, hazel eyes, brown eyes, fair skin with brown straight mid-length hair.

She was last seen wearing a top, blue jeans and runners jacket and was carrying and black backpack and a handbag.

Rhiannon may have travelled to the Ballarat region.
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Air Force veteran and mom-of-three Amie Muller was just 36 years old when she was diagnosed with the pancreatic cancer that would take her life nine months later.

Her husband Brian describes that moment as not only devastating for the family but also shocking. Amie was young, otherwise healthy and had no family history of cancer.

'When you start Googling pancreatic cancer there's really nothing good on the internet about it,' he said. 'Seeing how young she was we just knew that this just didn't add up. The average age for pancreatic cancer is well into the 60s.'

Speaking to DailyMail.com from the home he shared with Amie in Woodbury, Minnesota, Brian explained that even before his wife became ill she had spoken about the burn pits at Joint Base Balad where she had been stationed during two tours of duty in Iraq.

Amie Muller served in the US Air Force as part of the military Intelligence Squadron and completed two tours of duty in Iraq. In 2017 she died following a short battle with pancreatic cancer aged just 36

Amie Muller with her family. From left to right: Amie, her daughter Caidyn, son Jace, daughter Emmerson, and husband Brian

Between the time of her diagnosis and her death in 2017, Amie became convinced that the toxic fumes generated by the burning of materials in these pits caused her cancer.

Soldiers have reported that the burn pits were used to get rid of all types of trash, including plastics, batteries, appliances, medicines, munitions, animal corpses and even human waste. They could burn for 365 days a year, covering as much as ten acres and blanketing bases in thick black smoke.

Amie enlisted enlisted in the Air Force in 1998 and served two tours of duty at Balad in Iraq in 2005 and 2007 as part of the military Intelligence Squadron.

WHAT IS A BURN PIT? Burns pits are areas on military sites overseas that are used to incinerate waste, hazardous material and chemical compounds. During the wars Afghanistan and Iraq, it is thought that as many as 200 bases used open air burn pits to dispose of the vast amount of waste accumulated by the US armed forces. Soldiers have reported that the burn pits were used to get rid of all types of trash, including plastics, batteries, appliances, medicines, munitions, animal corpses and even human waste. Jet fuel was often used to speed up the process and the pits could burn for up to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, covering as much as ten acres and blanketing bases in thick black smoke Advertisement

Julie Tomaska, who served alongside Amie, described the constant dark black smoke and the lingering smell of the large open air burn pits that seemed to follow you no matter where you were working or living on base.

She said: 'It was there with you at work, it was there with you when you went back to your tent at night. There was literally no escaping it.

'The burn pits were constantly on fire, they were positioned directly between our living quarters in tent city and where we worked. They were continuously releasing large clouds of black smoke that drifted across the base, leaving soot and ash on everything.'

Julie added: 'There was always a constant stench in the air, and on bad days it would leave a taste in your mouth. You would blow your nose and it would be soot or dust. We know now that much of what they burned was toxic, we had our suspicions at the time but now we know that for a fact.

'At the time we were there, we knew that it was not a good situation. We would joke around about it and say that it would catch up with us later in life. We had no idea at the time how serious it would be.'

In late 2014, Amie started to experience severe fatigue and the family realized that something could be seriously wrong. At the time, Amie was caring for her two young children, Jace, now 8, and Emmerson, now 7, and she was struggling to stay awake through the day.

Amie, who also has an older daughter Caidyn, now 19, from a previous marriage, was diagnosed with Stage III pancreatic cancer. Brian said his wife faced the cancer courageously and was determined to do everything she could to survive, but she succumbed to her illness in 2017.

Amie is just one of ten of thousands of veterans who believe that toxins generated the burn pits caused debilitating illnesses that include rare cancers, thyroid disorders, toxic brain injury, pulmonary disease and lymphoma.

The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, which was set up by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2014 currently has more than 231,000 veterans signed up, but it is thought that the true number of US soldiers that have been exposed could be far higher.

Advocates for the victims of burns pit believe that as many as 3.5 million servicemen and women were exposed to toxins and carcinogens throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia over the course of both the Gulf war and the Global War on Terror.

A senior airman tosses unserviceable uniform items into a burn pit on Joint Base Balad in Iraq. Burns pits are areas on military sites overseas that are used to incinerate waste, hazardous material and chemical compounds. During the wars Afghanistan and Iraq, it is thought that as many as 200 bases used open air burn pits to dispose of the vast amount of waste accumulated by the US armed forces

US Army soldiers watch waste incinerate in a burn-pit at Forward Operating Base Azzizulah in Maiwand District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan in 2013. Soldiers have reported that the burn pits were used to get rid of all types of trash, including plastics, batteries, appliances, medicines, munitions, animal corpses and even human waste

Right up until her death, Amie was determined not only to raise awareness of the impact of the burn pits, but also to help ensure that the government supports the veterans who have been affected.

Brian said: 'Amie would want to know that all veterans exposed to burn pits that are ill - whether it's cancers or lung disorders or any other type of ailment - get compensated for protecting our country and serving our country.'

The families of US servicemen and women say they know when their loved ones are deployed overseas that there is a risk they will not return home, but they do not expect them to be harmed by simply breathing in the air on base. They also feel that they are then let down by the very organizations that are designed to support them when a veteran is sick or killed in service.

Gary Hughes joined the army when he was 18, studied for his GED and then went to Officer Candidate School. From there he climbed to the rank of Major, which is now displayed on his gravestone. He served in the Persian Gulf in 2006, followed by Iraq from 2007 to 2008 and Afghanistan from 2013 to 2014.

Amie enlisted enlisted in the Air Force in 1998 and served two tours of duty at Joint Base Balad in Iraq in 2005 and 2007. Between the time of her diagnosis and her death in 2017, Amie became convinced that the toxic fumes that were generated by the burning of materials in these pits caused her cancer

Amie Muller with her daughter Emmerson and her son Jace. Her husband Brian said he is now concentrating on raising his two young children as a single dad, and takes some comfort in the fact that progress is being made on the issue of burn pits, which Amie had fought so hard for

His wife Kimberly said that her husband never smoked, rarely drank and worked out regularly so it was out of the ordinary when he called from Afghanistan complaining about breathing issues. At the time, he mentioned the burn pits and terrible air quality on base from what the soldiers named 'The Crud'.

After returning home to Chicago, Gary opened a hair salon with Kimberly but by January 2016 he was having trouble swallowing and was struggling with exercise. By the time he was diagnosed with stomach cancer it had spread to his liver and he was facing a bleak prognosis.

After an intense treatment program that involved a port implant, 16 blood transfusions, chemotherapy every other week and radiation, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to the right side of Gary's brain and he underwent surgery in March 2017.

'I couldn't take care of the business alone so we had to file bankruptcy,' Kimberly said. 'The cancer then went to his left side and he had another brain surgery December 2017.'

Gary died on the morning of February 28 shortly after his 50th birthday. 'My husband did his job for 27 years for our country,' Kimberly said. 'He served with pride not knowing he was slowing being killed by the toxic air he was breathing 24/7 where he was stationed surrounded by burn pits.'

Kimberly Hughes not only had to deal with the grief of losing her beloved husband to stomach cancer, but her family was then pushed into poverty after the VA deemed his illness not service related and refused him disability benefits.

A US Army soldier watches bottled water that had gone bad burn in a burn-pit at Forward Operating Base Azzizulah in Maiwand District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, in 2013

A bulldozer is used to maneuver refuse into a burn pit at Joint Base Balad in Iraq. The pits could burn for up to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, covering as much as ten acres and blanketing bases in thick black smoke

The mom-of-two told DailyMail.com that after Gary's death she had to file for bankruptcy and lost both her home and the family business. Kimberley took on two part-time jobs to get by, but she ended up relying on food stamps to feed herself and her two teenage children Kaylee and Justin.

Kimberly said: 'My Gary was an American hero, but he knew he was dying and leaving us destitute, feeling like a failed man. His last dying wish was "Fight this".'

Gary had filed for service connection with the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) but was denied disability benefits. Kimberly, who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, said: 'I lost my husband of almost 20 years our kids lost their dad, we lost our business, our employees and our investments.

'We had medical for three months after his death and we were cut off. At a time when we were supposed to be mourning, we were and trying to figure out what else we were losing. What kind of future will we have? Will my kids be able to go to college?'

She added: 'How could all this happen to a veteran family after the vet dies? We should not have to fight for benefits that we deserve. Gary served and knew he could die for this country and he did.

Gary Hughes joined the army when he was 18 and climbed to the rank of Major. He served in the Persian Gulf in 2006, followed by Iraq from 2007 to 2008 and Afghanistan from 2013 to 2014. On returning home to the United States, Gary was diagnosed with stomach cancer that later spread to his liver and then his brain

Gary Hughes' wife Kimberly, his daughter Kaylee and his son Justin stand behind his casket just after it was closed at his funeral in 2018

'He deserved the decency to go in peace knowing that his name and thousands of others are not in vain. He served and we as a family made the ultimate sacrifice.'

The VA does not yet acknowledge a link between the burn pits and long-term health risks and is currently denying the vast majority of benefits claims submitted by veterans on the basis that there isn't enough science to prove their illnesses are service-connected.

According to Congressman Raul Ruiz, last September VA officials told Capitol Hill lawmakers that 2,828 of the 12,582 disability claims filed by veterans related to burn pit exposure between 2007 to 2020 were approved. This equates to about 22 per cent.

In 2019, the VA said it had approved about 20 per cent of the more than 11,000 claims filed, denying around 80 per cent.

Congressman Ruiz said: 'Our nation's service members are returning home from the battlefield only to become delayed casualties of war. The VA and DOD cannot continue to neglect this self-inflicted wound on our veterans.'

Under the current law, a veteran must establish a direct connection from the burns pits to their health condition or disability in order to be eligible for VA benefits.

Gary Hughes undergoing treatment for brain cancer (left) and Gary's children Justin and Kaylee standing in front of his gravestone (right). Gary died on the morning of February 28 2018 shortly after his 50th birthday

Gary Hughes' funeral in 2018. His wife Kimberly said: 'He deserved the decency to go in peace knowing that his name and thousands of others are not in vain. He served and we as a family made the ultimate sacrifice'

Last September, Congressman Ruiz introduced the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act. This would remove the 'burden of proof' from the veteran to provide enough evidence to establish a direct service connection between their health condition and exposure to the burn pits.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand told DailyMail.com that the burden should not be on the sick and dying veterans who had already done their job fighting for their country to then have to go home spend time researching on the internet to prove the burn pits caused their conditions.

She warned that veterans were going bankrupt trying to bear the huge bills for healthcare and urged Congress 'to apply common sense and common decency to a broken process.'

BENEFITS DENIED: THE STATISTICS VA officials revealed that from 2007 to 2020, just 2,828 of the 12,582 disability claims filed by veterans related to burn pit exposure were approved. This equates to about 22 per cent. In 2019, the VA said it had approved about 20 per cent of the more than 11,000 claims filed, denying around 80 per cent. A Freedom of Information Act request submitted by Burn Pits 360 in November 2020 found that of approximately 12,740 veterans who filed claims, 2,876 (23 per cent) were granted as service-connected. Advertisement

If passed, the new bill would mean veterans would only need to submit evidence of deployment to one of the 34 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan, or receipt of a service-medal associated with the Global War on Terror or the Gulf War.

The bill covers a list of diseases including cancer of any type, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], constrictive bronchiolitis, lymphoma, interstitial lung disease and emphysema.

Congressman Ruiz said he is hopeful that with the support of President Biden's Administration 'we can accomplish our goals to protect our service members from toxic exposure, ensure service members and veterans can access early treatment and care, and help our health care providers better understand how to care for our veterans.'

Advocates for the victims of the burns pits are particularly hopeful that Biden's administration will act on the issue, since the president has a personal connection.

Although he has not drawn any concrete links, President Joe Biden has in the past acknowledged that the burn pits could have been a 'significant' factor that drove his son to an early death from terminal brain cancer in 2015 aged just 46.

Beau Biden served in Iraq from 2008 to 2009 both at Camp Victory in Baghdad and the Balad Air Force Base, where Amie Muller had also been stationed. A year later, the president's eldest son was hospitalized with what appeared to be a mini stroke. In 2013, he was hospitalized once more and diagnosed with the most common form of brain cancer, glioblastoma.

In an interview with PBS News Hour in early 2018, Joe Biden told journalist Judy Woodruff that he was 'stunned' by a book which tracked his son's exposure to the carcinogenic fumes.

Joe Biden was referring to The Burn Pits: The Poisoning of America's Soldiers written by Joseph Hickman, which included a full chapter on Beau Biden, tracking his deployments in Iraq and his subsequent illness.

While Joe Biden noted that he was not aware of 'any direct scientific evidence' between his son's cancer and the burn pits, he said: 'Science has recognized there are certain carcinogens when people are exposed to them.

'Depending on the quantities and the amount in the water and the air, [they] can have a carcinogenic impact on the body.'

Then in October 2019, Joe Biden sounded even more convinced of a link between the burn pits and his son's cancer when he spoke at a Service Employees International Union convention about Beau's service.

'He volunteered to join the National Guard at age 32 because he thought he had an obligation to go,' Joe Biden said. 'And because of exposure to burn pits  in my view, I can't prove it yet  he came back with Stage Four glioblastoma.'

President Joe Biden talks with his son US Army Captain Beau Biden at Camp Victory on the outskirts of Baghdad on July 4, 2009. While Joe Biden has noted that he is not aware of 'any direct scientific evidence', he has acknowledged that the burn pits could have been a 'significant' factor that drove his son to an early death from terminal brain cancer in 2015 aged just 46

Dr Robert Miller, a pulmonary physician at Vanderbilt University, became involved with the issue of the burn pits in 2004 when service members from the nearby Fort Campbell returned home from tours of duty in Iraq suffering from unexplained shortness of breath.

He told DailyMail.com that before deployment the men and women he interviewed were able to complete a two-mile run in 12 and a half minutes, but on return they were stopping and struggling to catch their breath.

The veterans were given standard standard evaluations including X-rays, CT scans and pulmonary function tests, and all of them came back normal.

Dr Miller said he found their stories of shortness of breath too convincing to assume nothing was wrong so he took the unconventional step of performing lung biopsies, which revealed manifestations of toxic lung injury including a condition known as constrictive bronchiolitis.

The physician said that his team found black pigment on the surface of the lung, as well as inflammation and scarring of the small airways, inflammation and scarring of the blood vessels, inflammation and scarring of the lining of the lung, and pigment deposits throughout the lung.

Amie Muller (left) and Julie Tomaska (right) in 2007. Julie is one of the veterans that underwent a lung biopsy after suffering from respiratory issues post-deployment. The pathology revealed emphysematous changes, pleural fibrosis and chronic pleuritis, as well as soot on the lungs

Although he explained that there is nothing in the biopsies that shows the toxic injuries are definitely related to the burn pits, he believes they are 'absolutely' related to deployment.

There are a number of exposures that can cause lung injury during deployment including dust storms, diesel exhaust, industrial exposures, battlefield smoke and IED explosions.

Dr Miller explained that the problem with constrictive bronchiolitis and other small airway diseases is that although they can be debilitating conditions, they do not show up on pulmonary function tests and CT scans which makes it very hard for veterans to claim disability benefits.

Some of the servicemen and women that Dr Miller has seen struggle to climb the stairs or exercise at any level without experiencing severe shortness of breath. He explained that this often leads to de-conditioning as these men and women can't exercise and they often gain weight.

Although small airways diseases can be managed with inhalers like you use for asthma, there's no cure for these respiratory problems.

Dr Miller explained: 'There's a large spectrum of symptoms. Some people are completely disabled because of either shortness of breath or chest tightness, others just notice that they can't exercise at what they would consider a good level.'

Without an effective way to screen for these conditions, Dr Miller said many veterans are being dismissed by the VA and Department of Defense (DOD).

He added: 'They've seen so many providers and been to so many clinics and so many VA and DOD facilities that tell them that nothing is wrong and that their pulmonary functions are normal. Yet they know they're impaired.

'They've been pushed around and dismissed so much that they are kind of emotionally desperate.'

A representative for the VA told DailyMail.com: 'VA continually looks at medical research and follows trends related to airborne hazards exposures. There are multiple ongoing and extensive studies by DOD and VA looking into airborne hazards exposures. VA asked the National Academy of Sciences to provide another comprehensive consensus report on respiratory health effects of airborne hazards in Southwest Asia.'

Thick, black smoke rises from the burning oil fields in Kuwait in May 1991. The burning of the oil fields was a scorched earth policy in response to the United States-led coalition driving Iraqi forces out of Kuwait

Firefighters try to extinguish a burning Kuwaiti oil well in May 1991. As Saddam's troops retreated, they set fire to more than 600 oil wells and badly damaged many more, resulting in one of the worst environmental disaster the world has ever seen

In addition to the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, in 2019 the VA established the Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence (AHBPCE) to specialize in clinical and transitional research related to airborne hazards and burn pit exposure.

The center is designed to expand 'understanding of health outcomes and treatments with intensive clinical research' and enhance 'training and education initiatives to build and expand a network of specialized clinicians.' For the thousands of veterans who are still being denied benefits and left feeling abandoned by the very organizations that are meant to support them these initiatives are simply not enough.

Julie Tomaska, who served at Balad with Amie Muller in 2005 and 2007, is one of the veterans that underwent a lung biopsy after suffering from respiratory issues post-deployment. She told DailyMail.com that her surgeon noted visible soot on her lungs and the pathology revealed emphysematous changes, pleural fibrosis and chronic pleuritis, which is essentially extensive damage to the lungs and their lining.

The VA noted that she was exposed to the burn pits while serving in Iraq but granted her a zero per cent rating for her deployment related lung diseases, which means she is entitled to no benefits.

In the case of both cancers and respiratory problems, Dr Miller believes the problem lies in the lack of data to connect illnesses with the burn pits, but he said it's unfair to place the burden on the veterans to find the proof.

'We don't believe that the people who have served in these wars deserve that kind of treatment,' he added.

Retired Captain Le Roy Torres served in Iraq at Joint Base Balad from 2007 to 2008 where he said burn pits covered ten acres. He was immediately hospitalized on returning to the United States and was diagnosed with constrictive bronchiolitis

Retired Captain Le Roy Torres served in the US Army both as a Texas State Trooper, which is a role he held for 14 years, as well as a soldier with 23 years of service.

He was deployed to Joint Base Balad from 2007 to 2008 and immediately upon return to the United States from Iraq he was hospitalized. He told DailyMail.com that since then he has made over 350 medical visits and been diagnosed with constrictive bronchiolitis that he has no doubt was caused by his continued exposure to toxins from the burn pits.

'The lack of specialized health care services from the VA and DOD forced me to exhaust my life savings to access specialized health care,' he said. 'As a man, a husband and a father I have felt stripped of my dignity, honor and health.'

THE LINK BETWEEN THE BURN PITS AND ILLNESS The VA has denied benefits to veterans on the basis that there is not enough scientific evidence available to prove a direct link between the burn pits and the illnesses presented. Burns pits are illegal on American soil and it has widely accepted that unregulated open air burning of garbage and waste has negative effects on the environment and on human health. Burning certain materials has the potential to release carcinogens and other chemicals into the air, which if inhaled can cause cancer and respiratory disease. Advertisement

On returning to the United States, Le Roy planned to continue working at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), where he had been employed pre-deployment since 1998, but due to his lung injuries he requested to be reemployed in a different role. The DPS refused.

Torres says that DPS officials pressurized him to resign because of the injuries he suffered during his military service. In 2017, Torres sued DPS alleging that his former employer's failure to offer him a job that would accommodate his disability violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, a federal statute that prohibits adverse employment actions against an employee based on the employee's military service.

On June 5 2020, Le Roy learned that the Texas Supreme Court has declined to hear his case. He now plans to take his appeal to the US Supreme Court.

'As a military combat veteran and first responder my mission to serve is etched in my soul and heart and I will do so until that flag is draped over my coffin,' Le Roy said. 'Imagine returning home from war only to face a system of delay and deny, an employer unwilling to accommodate a war injury resulting in the involuntary end of my police career, foreclosure letters, repossession notices and denial of compensation claims.'

He added: 'The mental and emotional trauma is from being shamed and treated like a defendant having to prove that I should have the right to keep my job after being injured in war. My employer the Department of Public Safety came to my house and stripped me of my credentials and my patrol car in front of my family like a criminal. I was punished for serving my country.'

Le Roy's wife Rosie Torres worked for the VA for 23 years and after supporting husband and meeting a community of others facing similar injustices she launched grassroots advocacy campaign Burn Pits 360. More than 10,000 veterans have signed up to the non profit organization's registry, the vast majority of which have been denied benefits.

'As long as DOD and VA continue to use lack of research as a weapon against our warriors receiving care and benefits they are denying them the right to life,' Rosie said. 'We need treatment and benefits now.'

She explained that Burn Pits 360 has formed a coalition with 9/11 advocates, veteran entrepreneurs, veteran public figures, military families, unions, first responders, health experts and researchers to educate the United States and seek justice.

Rosie said: 'Congress must act quickly. Decades of advocacy begins with the suffering, the wounded and the dead whose families are now calling on Congress demanding justice. It's time to deliver hope to the servicemen and women that have borne the burden of America's defense. It's time we recognize these injuries as an instrumentality of war.'

Former The Daily Show host Jon Stewart is the most prominent public figure to speak out on behalf of the victims of the burn pits after successfully battling for a bill to aid first responders who became sick as a result of their work during 9/11. He has noted parallels between the treatment of the victims of burn pits and 9/11 responders.

Prior to his deployment to Iraq, Le Roy Torres had served as a Texas State trooper and had been working for the Department of Public Safety since 1998. Due to his injuries sustained while serving overseas, Le Roy said he was pressurized to leave his job

At a press conference last September to push the Presumptive Benefits Act, he said: 'It turns out that the warfighters that were sent to prosecute the battle based on the attack on 9/11 now suffer the same injuries and illnesses that the first responders suffer from, and they're getting the same cold shoulder from Congress that they received. And so the fight starts again.

'Our veterans lived 24 hours a day, seven days a week next to toxic smoke, dioxins - everything. And now they're being told, "Hey man, is that stuff bad for you? I don't know we don't have the science." It's bulls***. It's bulls***. It's about money.'

Many of the advocates for the victims of burn pits have also pointed to parallels with Agent Orange, a herbicide that was sprayed by the US forces during the Vietnam War to clear the thick jungle bush and deprive guerrilla fighter of cover.

Over the course of a decade, nearly 20 million gallons of the toxin was used in Vietnam, Laos and parts of Cambodia to destroy plants and trees. Containing the deadly chemical dioxin, Agent Orange not only killed a significant amount of plant life and left soil and water contaminated, but it caused severe diseases in both the Vietnamese population and the US troops.

American soldiers returning home from service in Vietnam reported mysterious illnesses and cancers that at first seemed to have no explanation. Even after it became clear that the soldiers affected had served in areas where Agent Orange was sprayed, the VA and DOD still refused to acknowledge the link between the toxins and the sick veterans and denied them medical benefits.

The USS Wisconsin, which was stationed on the shoreline of Kuwait and Iraq when Saddam's troops set fire to the oil fields in 1991. Brendan Holmes, who as a Tomahawk Weapons Control System Database Manager, is in the front row bottom right

It was not until 1991 that President George H.W. Bush signed the Agent Orange Act into law, by which time many veterans had died from related illnesses, while others waited decades for their disability benefits to be granted.

Dr Miller points out that it is still unclear how the respiratory problems currently being experienced by American veterans will progress and is concerned that their conditions may deteriorate, leading to greater de-conditioning and a poorer quality of life.

Especially in light of the current pandemic, he fears that veterans with breathing difficulties may struggle if they catch a respiratory infection like COVID-19 or even the flu.

Brendan Holmes served in the US Navy as a Tomahawk Weapons Control System Database Manager during the Gulf War and was stationed on the shoreline of Kuwait and Iraq when Saddam Hussein's troops set fire to the oil fields in 1991.

The burning of the oil fields was a scorched earth policy in response to the United States-led coalition driving Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. As Saddam's troops retreated, they set fire to more than 600 oil wells and badly damaged many more, resulting in one of the worst environmental disaster the world has ever seen.

Brendan Holmes with his father during a Desert Storm Parade. After retiring from the military in 1992, Brendan began to suffer with severe respiratory problems that he believed were a result of being exposed to burning petroleum during the burning of the Kuwaiti oil fields in the Gulf War

Brendan Holmes (right) with his family in Ithaca, New York in June 2020. From left to right: Brendan's daughter Victoria (aged 14), daughter Caitlin (aged nine), wife Kim and son Liam (aged seven)

From on board the USS Wisconsin, Brendan and his fellow servicemen and women were surrounded by the thick black smoke from the fires for ten days straight without adequate air filtration.

'Without exaggeration, you could not see your hand in front of your face,' he said. 'It was jet black unfiltered burning petroleum.'

Brendan explained that they were ordered to stay on station on the shoreline in case they needed to provide gun support to the marines, all the while breathing in burning petroleum.

As early as the winter of 1993, Brendan started experiencing severe bronchitis and has since struggled with respiratory problems. Unlike many of the veterans that Dr Miller has treated from the Iraq war, Brendan has displayed reduced pulmonary function, which has deteriorated over the years.

He is now on steroids that he will need to take for the rest of his life, but without them Brendan says he struggles to complete even simple everyday activities.

'I would never have been able to walk up and down a hill,' he explained. 'We have three young kids. I have a seven-year-old who wants to run around like crazy, but previously I'd walk 100 yards and I wouldn't be able to breathe.'

Brendan, who lives with his wife and children in Corning, New York, said he has applied for disability benefits from the VA but has repeatedly been denied.

Now aged 51, he said that he has been fighting this issue for nearly 30 years. Brendan added: 'The VA changes their stance every single time you submit a claim for them to review the damage. I've submitted a claim four times and it's been denied four times. And it's for different reasons each time.'

Julie Tomaska (left) and Amie Muller (right) returning home in 2005 after their first deployment in Iraq. Brian Muller said he is now concentrating on raising his two young children as a single dad, and takes some comfort in the fact that progress is being made on the issue of burn pits, which Amie had fought so hard for

If passed, the Presumptive Benefits bill would also cover American veterans who served in the Gulf War so former servicemen and women like Brendan would be entitled to the disability benefits that many of them are still fighting for.

Like many of the veterans who have been exposed to the burn fits and are still fighting for benefits, Brendan is hopeful that the bill is a sign that the VA and the DOD will acknowledge that these illnesses are an injury of war and will provide care for those affected.

In Woodbury, Minnesota, Brian Muller said he is concentrating on raising his two young children as a single dad, and takes some comfort in the fact that progress is being made on the issue of burn pits, which Amie had fought so hard for.

He said: 'It's gotten a little easier over time but it's there's still definitely moments where I break down and think about the fact that my kids are going to grow up without their mom and it sucks.

'There are a lot of other families just like us and that's what is really sad. All these people served our country and because of negligence and the government not doing the right thing a lot of them are getting sick and that's just not right. That needs to change.'
And now this? Its a phrase 54-year-old Alice Torres uses like a refrain in a ballad of traumas over the past few years that led her here, to this moment, speaking to me by phone with the borrowed breath of a backup oxygen tank that, by Wednesday afternoon, was running dangerously low.

Harvey didnt spare her and her mother Dolores Torres in 2017, swamping the 60-year-old, low-slung brick house they shared near Hobby Airport in so much water that home and flood insurance couldnt cover mold remediation and rebuilding.

We still havent fully recovered, she tells me.

COVID-19 at least waited a few months until it pounced, sickening both mother and daughter, who was nearly put on a ventilator herself. They both beat the infection, but ultimately, her mother couldnt survive the destruction of her lungs. In late summer, Alice had no choice but to put her 85-year-old mother, her dearest companion, in hospice.

The hardest decision I ever had to make, Torres said, her voice breaking. Beyond a couple of iPAD visits per week, they werent able to see each other in person.

On Aug. 2, Dolores Torres died, and a rosary was held on her birthday, Aug. 12: We spent all day with her, her daughter said, some solace given that her mother, like nearly all COVID patients, died in isolation.

And now this. Texas epic power grid failure amid freezing temperatures last week left Alice Torres gasping, quite literally, for options after the oxygen tank supplier gave her the runaround.

I have a generator that makes oxygen but without electricity it doesnt work, she told me. Im scared Ill run out.

At some point, a staff member from state Rep. Christina Morales office brought a generator but Torres and her brother couldnt find gas to run it.

Each disaster Torres experienced has a name and a set of dates, but what is the name for this pileup of catastrophes? What do we call the whole of it?

In a city that boasts of its low cost of living, its time we acknowledge the true toll of Houstons incessant stream of unfortunate and deadly events.

Over the past decade, Houston has been through three years of severe drought. Followed by five years with at least one flood worthy of the increasingly outdated 100-year or 500 year distinction. , And then five major chemical explosions in 2019. Then the COVID pandemic, which at times rendered our region among the worst hot spots in the world.

A psychiatrist I spoke with compared these repeated disasters to the polytrauma of soldiers who have survived multiple deployments in war zones. Many here have lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes. Then there are things you cant see or touch: loss of safety, security and the belief that this too shall pass.

Sometimes it feels as if Texans, and Houstonians in particular, are subjects in some intelligently designed experiment, chosen for our ideal diverse population, extreme weather and weak regulations. Developers profited off lax rules in their paving over floodplains and prairies. Petrochemical companies benefit from loose oversight of their impact on fenceline communities. Electricity generators saved a few bucks because no one required them to weatherize. Yes, companies profit off this laboratory of disaster, but then, so do us lab rats. The jobs, the art, the food, the music, the square-footage, extra bedrooms and sprawling yards.

We owe it all, either directly or within a degree of separation, to industry.

But, to paraphrase a popular counter-slogan of Houston: Is it worth it?

The answer isnt the same for all. When the going gets cold, some can hop a flight to Cancun. Others pay the ultimate price. Carrol Anderson, a 75-year-old Vietnam veteran died last week when he went to his truck to use his last backup oxygen tank. More than two dozen have died in the Houston area from exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning, crashes and fire.

When I moved to Houston in the summer of 2001 to attend graduate school at the University of Houston, piles of sopping debris from mucked out buildings still lined the streets after Tropical Storm Allisons then-record-breaking floods. I was eager to move here, though. The cost of living seemed lower than most any other big city. I found an apartment steps away from the Menil Collection that my meager teaching stipend covered.

Having grown up on the Gulf Coast, in Alabama, I accepted this risk of a hurricanes. In 2008, my new family stuck it out through a couple of weeks without power after Hurricane Ike and bonded with my neighbors over impromptu feasts of thawed-out freezer food. The layering, folding, compounding of disasters over the past decade wasnt part of my calculation.

Ive begun to ask myself, in a manner thats no longer merely rhetorical: Is it time to give up on Houston and leave?

I know Im not alone. I also know I have the option to cut and run. Many others do not.

As Ive talked to people during this crisis, its been the folks who have lost the most who raise the stakes for me. I listen to them most of all.

****

Without his CPAP machine running at night, Billy J. Guevara, 47, woke up after repeatedly gasping for air on Tuesday night. Losing electricity was an inconvenience for 1.5 million Houston households but it posed mortal danger for those with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Guevaras stress level spiked, bringing on back pain and heart palpitations.

Being totally blind, it is an extreme burden, Guevara said of the power outage.

The Northeast Action Collective provided him a battery that gave him some relief. Guevara joined the collective after his house flooded in 2017, along with his mothers next door, when Halls Bayou broke its banks during Harveys Biblical rains, but the full costs of the disaster were far worse than material damage.

I lost my aunt, my uncle and four cousins, the youngest was 6 and the oldest 16, he told me. They were in a white van swept away in the floodwaters.

Much as they have for Alice Torres, disasters have blended into one another for Guevara. He lost three relatives in Corpus Christi to COVID  his Uncle Francisco, a Vietnam veteran and mechanic, and two cousins.

When I first met Guevara in April 2018, we were deep into this decade of rolling disasters. West Street Recovery was giving a tour of post-Harvey Houston to Henk Ovink, special envoy for international water affairs for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A camera crew followed Ovink around for a 60 Minutes profile in the works. As Guevara showed us his partially rebuilt home, those big television cameras focused in so close, so intently  as though they were in a laboratory and the microscopes were peering at their Houstonian test subject  and I felt a strange anger.

Harvey was like a magnifying glass showcasing Houstons vulnerabilities, Ovink wrote for the Chronicle in a still-relevant call for better preparation.

Harvey also revealed some strengths. Neighbors help neighbors in disasters all around the world, but Houston took bottom-up, mobile phone-driven mass rescue to a new scale.

We showed the world that people of all races and ethnicities could come together even. Call it a silver lining. Call it resilience. Call it Houston Strong.

But at what point do these words fall apart? How many Cajun Navy high-water rescues? How many plumes of doom? How many COVID deaths of people who had no insurance and no chance. How many children rushed to the ER with carbon monoxide poisoning because their parents took desperate measures to keep them warm during a statewide power failure?

How many people like Alice Torres, hit by the next crisis before the last one ended?

****

I called her again Thursday afternoon. The relief in her voice was clear. Her electricity had come back on and her oxygen generator was helping her breathe once again.

As we talked, I asked her when she first needed oxygen. Her answer was another reminder of Houstons clustering of misfortune, its piling on of unfair burdens.

In 2011, Torres received a stage 4 lymphoma diagnosis. She advocated hard for herself until she was placed in a trial for an aggressive chemotherapy. She started needing oxygen.

Torres traces the origins of her illness, and her strength, back to her childhood in a Fifth Ward neighborhood near the Union Pacific yards they called El Crisol, named for the nearby creosote plant. The Texas Department of State Health Services found a cancer cluster in that area. Her grandmother, cousin and father all died from cancer.

Ive got it all, Torres told me, a slight rasp beneath her laugh.

I asked her the question Id been asking myself: had she ever thought about leaving Houston?

Its worth fighting for, she said without hesitation.

Torres joined forces with the Harvey Forgotten Survivors Caucus to do just that.

I owe it to my parents, and this house is the sum of all their work, Torres stressed. I was born here. My dad was a native Houstonian. My dad was in LULAC Council 60 and served during World War II. He fought for rights and equality. My mother was a nurse for 49 years and was also a community person. Theres more to fight for. We have to be persistent. No, Im not going to give up.

****

After a week like this, Im not so sure, even without going through anything remotely as difficult as Torres. At what point does Houston become an abusive lover? Do those of us who have options to leave only stay because we develop a siege mentality?

In Houston, we love to think of ourselves as the portrait of Americas future, a multi-hued, multi-lingual fusion stew of the nations demographic destiny. Is that just a modern day Allen brothers ad marketing swampland as paradise? Maybe. But one persons swampland is another persons paradise if its all they can afford.

I asked Torres about what cost of living meant to her.

Our leaders are only thinking about monetary value, not the actual cost of living, she said.

The actual cost would not only account for housing and transportation but also for the externalized costs and taxed emotions  the stress, the fatigue, the plumbing repairs, the irrational post-hurricane fear of a light afternoon shower.

In time, many Houstonians start the and now this refrain. Many make the worth it calculation in their head. Some reach an answer I havent yet.

Leaving Houston broke my heart, says Amy Hertz, founder of a small communications group called Tangerine Ink who collaborated with Stephen Klineberg on the book Prophetic City: Houston on the Cusp of a Changing World. Talking with disaster experts like Jim Blackburn in her research made her realize just how deep the disregard for human life runs through our history. What tipped the balance, though, was the ITC fires in Deer Park.

With all the air filters on in the world  I have a hospital quality air filter  I was still sick and having trouble breathing, Hertz said from her current home in the Atlanta area.

No, my own bags arent packed. My community is here and they make me feel safe. Despite the risks, Im still with Torres and Guevara for the fight. If Houston is a laboratory, Ill join the lab rats trying to outsmart the maze.

I do have a breaking point. I think of my childrens future. If we cant make a real breakthrough in this struggle  the struggle to value human life  it will be time to move on. To a place where life isnt punctuated by the dreaded refrain, and now this.

Mankad is the Chronicles op-ed editor. His email is raj.mankad@chron.com.

This article was updated Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. The ITC explosion took place in Deer Park not Baytown.

Nearly a year into this pandemic, thousands of students across the state are still not back in the classroom, and based on some alarming initial research, their learning loss will be unprecedented.

Were going to have a whole generation of kids who are at least half a grade level behind when this school year wraps up  and, for some, it may be even more than that, a recent analysis by McKinsey & Co. found. Low income, Black and Hispanic students, who are more likely to be learning virtually, could end up as much as a full year behind.

Schools just arent set up to bridge a gap that massive. And we cant wait for the COVID crisis to end to tackle this problem, or for a precise accounting of the damage. What we need is leadership from the state and programs in place, right now, to help these kids.

The longer we wait, the farther theyre going to be behind, says Superintendent Eileen Shafer of Paterson, where schools have been fully remote since last March, and math skills are taking the biggest hit.

So it was heartening to hear Gov. Phil Murphy announce on Friday larger grant programs for school districts from federal coronavirus relief funds, including $75 million they can apply for, starting March 15, to fund summer school or tutoring outside of traditional school hours.

Many districts have been consumed with battles over in-person learning and securing enough safety equipment for their staff, so were hoping to see the Department of Education take the lead on this, provide them with guidance on proven strategies that we know work, and track their progress.

Thats where government is supposed to step in, Sen. Teresa Ruiz, who chairs the education committee, said on Thursday. We have to give a fair and equitable chance to every single human being.

Not all parents have the means to help their kids learn from home, pay a nanny or private tutor, or even have a decent Internet connection. Some districts in New Jersey have already started to put together tutoring programs. Relative to states like Maryland and Tennessee, though, weve got some catching up to do.

In June, Maryland announced $100 million from federal coronavirus relief funds to fund intensive tutoring. And Tennessee policymakers have been working to roll out new state programs to do this, like summer learning camps and after school programs, with a focus on low-income and struggling students. Were going to have to pay teachers, in some cases, but these interventions dont necessarily have to be complicated or expensive.

Last summer in Tennessee, a foundation run by the former governor created a statewide tutoring program that gave thousand-dollar stipends to college students, who partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs and other groups to tutor kids.

Districts should be able to pick and choose their programs, to meet students where they are. Some may need intensive summer school, classes during Spring break or on weekends. Schools will have to help a broader range of kids than usual, with smaller class sizes  in Paterson, that may mean 12 students instead of the usual 25. Other kids will have learning gaps in particular areas, like math, and may benefit from one-on-one tutoring.

More than 15 groups, including advocates, business associations, parents and teachers, called on Murphy last week to facilitate the rollout of these kinds of solutions. From the house where a kindergartener cant sit still in his chair, to an apartment where a single mother doesnt speak English, has two other kids, and has to get to work in an hour, the urgency is clear: Weve got to make up for this lost time for students.

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Areas of patchy fog early. Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High near 75F. Winds light and variable..

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Nine areas across the UK will have given all of their over 50s the first dose of a Covid jab by March 7 - almost a month ahead of schedule, according to new figures.

Vaccine roll-outs in the West of England appear to be leading the way, with Gloucestershire, Bristol, Devon, North Somerset and Cornwall all on course to have delivered their first jab to over 50s by the end of the first week in March.

Suffolk, Staffordshire, Leicestershire and West Yorkshire are also set to reach the same target.

Earlier today Matt Hancock said all over 50s could be vaccinated by April - with all adults expected to receive their first injection by the end of July.

Estimates based on Covid-19 jabs delivered so far suggest roll-outs in the West could have given the jab to all local over 50s by March 7 - a month ahead of schedule

Matt Hancock today announced that all over 50s should receive the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine by April 15, while all adults could be vaccinated by the end of July

Analysis from the Telegraph has identified the trusts that are set to be dishing out doses by early March.

Cambridgeshire, West Birmingham, Derbyshire and Essex is expected to have their first round of doses for over 50s completed by March 21, while East London's health care partnership may reach the target by the first week of April.

Mr Hancock confirmed today that everyone over 50 will be offered at least a first dose by April 15, rather than by May, as previously suggested.

The Government previously said it hoped to reach all those aged 18 and over by the autumn, but Boris Johnson aims to greatly accelerate the successful campaign.

The Health Secretary also confirmed that one-in-three adults in England has now been vaccinated.

But asked about the speed of the lockdown lifting, he told Sky's Ridge on Sunday: 'It is right to be cautious, it is incredibly important. There are still almost 20,000 people in the hospital with Covid right now. Almost 20,000.

'The vaccination programme whilst clearly going very well, will take time to be able to reach all people who have significant vulnerability, especially because we also need to get the second jab to everybody.

'So we have got time that needs to be taken to get this right, the PM will set out the roadmap tomorrow and he will set out the full details, taking into account that we need to take a cautious but irreversible approach, that's the goal.'

MailOnline has approached the Department for Health and Social Care for a comment.

Tomorrow Mr Johnson will set out Britain's roadmap out of lockdown while also outlining the speed of the vaccination scheme.

NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens said today: 'The NHS COVID vaccination campaign continues full steam ahead  letters inviting everyone aged 65 to 69 went out a week ago, and already over two thirds of them have had their first COVID vaccination.

'Across England overall nearly a third of adults have now had their first jab, and early signs suggest this is contributing to the welcome fall in coronavirus hospitalisation that were now seeing.'

The Prime Minister will temper news of the turbo-charged vaccination programme with a 'cautious and phased' route out of lockdown.

All pupils will return to school on March 8 - a planned backed by Labour leader Keir Starmer this morning - and care home residents in England will each be allowed one regular visitor.

By Easter, at the start of April, two households will be allowed to meet up outside. That will be followed shortly afterwards by the reopening of non-essential shops and pubs and restaurants for outdoor service only.

The hospitality industry is expected to reopen fully in May.

However, former Tory chief whip Mark Harper, who leads the Covid Recovery Group, this morning repeated his call for all restrictions be lifted by the end of April, once the most vulnerable groups had been vaccinated under the new timetable.

American security contractor Erik Prince, a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, violated the U.N. arms embargo against along with three United Arab Emirates-based companies and their top managers during an operation to help a rebel military commander take the capital Tripoli, U.N. experts said.

In a key section of a report to the U.N. Security Council obtained Sunday by The Associated Press, the panel of experts outlined a well-funded private military company operation called Project Opus designed to provide military equipment to eastern-based commander Khalifa Hifter.

The Project Opus plan also included a component to kidnap or terminate individuals regarded as high value targets in



The plan was first reported by The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Oil-rich was plunged into chaos after a 2011 NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi and split the country between a U.N.-supported government in Tripoli and rival authorities based in the country's east, each side backed by an array of local militias as well as regional and foreign powers.

In April 2019, Hifter and his forces, backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, launched an offensive to try and capture Tripoli. His campaign collapsed after Turkey stepped up its military support of the U.N.-supported government with hundreds of troops and thousands of Syrian mercenaries. An October cease-fire agreement has led to an agreement on a transitional government and elections scheduled for Dec. 24.

The panel of experts report said it identified Project Opus in June 2019.

It was designed to have private military companies provide Hifter's forces with armed assault rotary wing aviation, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, maritime interdiction, cyber, UAV, and intelligence fusion and targeting capabilities, the experts said,



Prince became involved when Jordanian authorities became aware of elements of the plan and suspended the auction of surplus military helicopters to Hifter on June 18, 2019, according to the experts.

This required the Project Opus team to initiate a contingency plan to rapidly identify and procure new aircraft, the panel said.

These included three medium utility helicopters from a South African company and three light utility helicopters from a United Arab Emirates company, the experts said. Also purchased within a tight time frame were an Antonov AN-26B from a Bermudian company, a LASA T-Bird light attack aircraft from a Bulgarian company, and a Pilatus PC-6 ISR aircraft from an Austrian company.

The panel said the Antonov, LASA light attack aircraft and Pilatus were deployed before any payment and the normal due diligence took place, thus demonstrating that a fourth individual, Erik Dean Prince (USA), who controlled the companies owning the aircraft, assisted in procurement for the operation.

No one else was in a position to arrange the sale of these aircraft within such a short time frame, the experts said.

The panel said further investigations identified that Erik Prince made a proposal for the operation to Khalifa Hifter in Cairo, Egypt on, or about, April 14, 2019.

The panel said it therefore finds that Erik Prince violated the 2011 Security Council resolution imposing an arms embargo against in that, at the very least, he ... assisted in the evasion of, the provisions of the arms embargo in Libya.

Prince, founder of the controversial security firm Blackwater, soared to notoriety after Blackwater employees in 2007 shot and killed 17 Iraqi civilians in central Baghdad during the Iraq war. After the scandal, the company's name was changed and Prince sold his shares to a private equity fund. He reportedly now heads a private equity fund focused on investments in frontier emerging markets.

Prince was accused of acting as a back channel on behalf of Trump. His sister, Betsy DeVos, was the secretary of education in the Trump administration.

The panel of experts said three United Arab Emirates based companies were primarily used for the planning, management and finance of the operation under Project Opus.

It identified them as Lancaster 6 DMCC, L-6 FZE, and Opus Capital Asset Limited FZE.

The companies were controlled and managed by Christiaan Paul Durrant of Australia and Amanda Kate Perry of the United Kingdom, with the ground team leader being Stephen John Lodge of South Africa.

The panel said all three companies and individuals were found ... to have violated the 2011 council resolution in that they had each violated, or assisted in the evasion of, the provisions of the arms embargo in Libya.

It said the UAE, which could provide a lot of assistance to the panel, has not responded to any panel requests for information, and the responses from Jordan and South Africa provided little of the substantive information requested by the panel.

According to the experts, the helicopter and maritime interdiction component of Operation Opus was aborted on June 29, 2019, when Lodge decided to evacuate a team of 20 private military operatives to Malta using two special forces rigid hulled inflatable boats for the 350 nautical mile voyage from the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi to Malta's capital Valetta.

The decision to evacuate was taken as Hifter was unimpressed with the replacement aircraft procured for the operations and made threats against the team management, the experts said.

(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.)

Indigenous rapper The Kid Laroi became the youngest solo artist to ever top the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) album charts this month.

The 17-year-old's mixtape project F*CK LOVE (SAVAGE) was just months earlier named ARIA's number one Australian Hip Hop/R&B Album of 2020.

Now some Australian music producers have taken aim at how the ARIA Awards failed to commend the up-and-comer with a single award win in November, 2020.

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Opinion: Australian music producers - working with Kanye West and Kid Cudi - slam ARIAs for 'snubbing rapper The Kid Laroi, 17, (left) at recent awards' after he made chart history with F*CK LOVE (SAVAGE) album. Pictured with American rapper Lil Bibby

The young rapper was nominated for three ARIA Awards in 2020 for F*CK LOVE (SAVAGE): Breakthrough Artist, Best Male Artist and Best Hip Hop release.

Those awards were instead given to Lime Cordiale, Archie Roach and Sampa The Great respectively.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday, Perth's FnZs Michael Mule and Isaac DeBoni, both 34, expressed their disappointment at The Kid Laroi's apparent 'snub' by the ARIA Awards.

The duo, who have been based in Los Angeles for five years, work with big names in the hip-hop industry, including Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Pusha T and Denzel Curry,

'Were from Perth and producing a bunch of their songs, but people cant read a credit and put two and two together. Laroi just got snubbed at the ARIAs, too. Dude is gonna be one of the biggest pop stars of the next decade and they couldnt figure that out either,' they said to the publication.

Maybe next year: The young rapper was nominated for three ARIA Awards in 2020 for F*CK LOVE (SAVAGE): Breakthrough Artist, Best Male Artist and Best Hip Hop release. Pictured:

Kicking goals! Rapper The Kid Laroi, 17, made history as the youngest artist to top the ARIA charts with his mixtape project F*CK LOVE (SAVAGE) in February 2020

After 28 weeks in the ARIA top 50 album charts, The Kid Laroi's 2020 release F*CK LOVE (SAVAGE) finally reached #1 on Sunday, February 7.

He wrote in a series of Tweets at the time:'#1 in my own country. Words cannot describe this feeling. Anybody who knows me, knows that where Im from means everything to me. Im more than blessed to have my country behind me, and I promise that I won't let them down.'

'One of my biggest goals in this whole music s**t from the beginning has always been to show the rest of the world what Australia has to offer, and how much raw and unseen talent that we have. Its not an overnight process, but I can feel it slowly happening.'

The Kid Laroi signed off with: '& Im taking this s**t all the way too. I love you so so so so much family. I cannot thank you enough. Australia to the world.'

'#1 in my own country. Words cannot describe this feeling': Indigenous rapper The Kid Laroi - whose real name is Charlton Howard - celebrated the milestone win on Twitter

'I cannot thank you enough!' The Australian rapper thanked all of his fans in his home country for the incredible support that has also seen the album F*CK LOVE (SAVAGE) earn ARIA's gold album accreditation for selling more than 35,000 units

ARIA success: The 17-year-old's mixtape project F*CK LOVE (SAVAGE) was named ARIA's number one Australian Hip Hop/R&B Album of 2020 shortly after the award ceremony

Meanwhile, The Kid Laroi, real name Charlton Howard, has already collaborated with major artists, including OneFour, Machine Gun Kelly, Marshmello, and his late mentor Juice WRLD, who died in 2019.

He also secured two spots in Triple J's Hottest 100 for 2021 with So Done (#37) and Go feat. Juice WRLD (#60).

The rapper rose to fame in 2018 at the age of 15 as a finalist in the Unearthed High competition for high school musicians by Australian radio station Triple J.

He rose to fame in 2018 at the age of 15 as a finalist in the Unearthed High competition for high school musicians by Australian radio station Triple J

After Juice WRLD'S death in late 2019, The Kid Laroi secured a record deal through Grade A with Sony Music, and relocated from Sydney to Los Angeles with his family

In 2019, he opened shows in Sydney and Melbourne for late rapper Juice WRLD, and was later signed by Juice's managers, Grade A Productions.

After Juice WRLD'S death, The Kid Laroi secured a record deal through Grade A with Sony Music and relocated from Sydney to Los Angeles with his family.

The Kid Laroi is part of the Gomeroi/Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi community of northern inland New South Wales, and his rapper name 'Laroi' is in reference to his Indigenous roots.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on the first leg of his two key Indian Ocean region countries tour, attended a number of engagements on the second day of the visit.

On Sunday, Jaishankar called on Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and reaffirmed India's fullest commitment as a comprehensive development partner of the island nation during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Later, the external affairs minister held talks with top Maldivian leadership including Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam.

India on Sunday reiterated its commitment to the Maldives' security and signed a $50 million defense Line of Credit agreement with it to boost the maritime capabilities of the strategic island nation. The USD 50 million credit line agreement for defense projects was signed between the Finance Ministry of Maldives and the Export-Import Bank of India.

Jaishankar also met with the Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, following which a joint statement was issued that said: Underscoring the importance of defence and security cooperation, both ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

"They further agreed to strengthen coordination in enhancing regional maritime security, including on combatting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross border terrorism and maintaining peace in the region to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean," the joint statement said.

On the second leg of his two-nation tour, Jaishankar will arrive in Mauritius on 22 February. The centerpiece of the visit could be the signing of the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) that the cabinet headed by prime minister Narendra Modi cleared on Wednesday.

Jaishankar also shared a number of photos from the second day of his trip:





View Full Image Jaishankar meets Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

View Full Image External affairs minister meets with economic ministers of Maldives. He tweets: Productive discussions this morning with Economic Ministers @iameeru , Fayyaz Ismail and Mohamed Aslam.

View Full Image After meeting defense minister, Jaishankar tweets: Cordial meeting with Defence Minister MariyaDidi . Useful exchange on our defence cooperation.

View Full Image The signing of $50 million defense Line of Credit agreement. Jaishankar tweets: Welcome the signing of USD 50 million Defence LoC agreement with Maldives. Will facilitate capability building in the maritime domain.

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Bengaluru, Feb 21 : Continuing his tirade against Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, ruling BJP's 'rebel' legislator Basangouda Patil Yatnal on Sunday set March 31 as deadline for the state government to provide job quota to the Panchamasali sect of the Lingayat community.

"Yediyurappa will face severe consequences if he does not include Panchamasali sub-caste in the 2A reservation category for government jobs and seats in state-run educational institutes by March 31 when the ensuing budget session ends," asserted Yatnal at a massive rally of the community in the city's Palace grounds.

The month-long state budget session is set to begin on March 4 and conclude by March 31 after the legislature passes the finance bill for fiscal 2021-22.

Considered a rebel for criticising Yediyurappa's style of functioning, Yatnal has been served notice by the party's central disciplinary committee on February 12 to explain his conduct and alleged anti-party activities.

Asserting that the powerful community's sect would step-up its agitation till its main demand was met, Yatnal said Panchamasalis would send Yediyurappa home if he failed to include them in the reservation category by March-end.

"If the chief minister continues his drama, two ministers from the community (C.C. Patil and Murugesh Nirani) and chairmen of state-run boards and corporations should resign from their post," said the lawmaker from Vijayapura assembly segment the southern state's northwest region.

Rejecting the state government's stand that the demand would be considered after studying the socio-economic status of Panchamasalis, Yatnal said it was unfair for Yediyurappa to have included Veerashaiva sect of the Lingayats but not the other sub-sect.

Referring to the show-cause notice served on him at the behest of Yediyurappa, Yatnal said he would not be cowed down by such actions against him.

Patil and Nirani, however, assured the gathering that the state government would consider their demand soon as Yediyurappa was seized of the issue.
Vials of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine have started arriving at local immunisation hubs and from Sunday the first jabs were administered on Australian soil.

Aged-care resident Jane Malysiak, 84, became the first person to receive the Pfizer vaccine in Australia on Sunday morning.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also received his first dose of the two-shot course, along with Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly.

At this stage, the people at the front of the queue are primarily those who need the vaccine most, particularly elderly people at a high risk of complications if they contract the virus or essential workers such as health professionals or hotel quarantine staff who are most likely to come into contact with COVID-19.

Russia has registered the first case of a strain of bird flu virus named A(H5N8) being passed to humans from birds and has reported the matter to the World Health Organization (WHO), Anna Popova, head of consumer health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, said on Saturday.

Outbreaks of the H5N8 strain have been reported in Russia, Europe, China, the Middle East and North Africa in recent months but only in poultry. Other strains - H5N1, H7N9 and H9N2 - have been known here) to spread to humans. Russia reported the case of human infection to the WHO "several days ago, just as we became absolutely certain of our results," Popova said on Rossiya 24 state TV. There was no sign of transmission between humans so far, she added.

The majority of human bird flu infections have been associated with direct contact with infected live or dead poultry, though properly cooked food is considered to be safe. Bird flu outbreaks often prompt poultry plants to kill their birds to prevent the virus from spreading, and avoid importing countries having to impose trade restrictions.

The vast majority of cases are spread by migrating wild birds, so producing countries tend to keep their poultry indoors or protected from contact with wildlife. Seven workers at a poultry plant in Russia's south had been infected with the H5N8 strain when there was an outbreak at the plant in December, Popova said, adding that the individuals involved felt fine now.

"This situation did not develop further," she added. Siberia's Vector Institute said on Saturday it would start developing human tests and a vaccine against H5N8, RIA news agency reported. The WHO did not reply to a Reuters request for comment.

Also read: India, China hold 10th round of military talks; focus on further disengagement in eastern Ladakh

Also read: Bird Flu: Chicken sales banned in parts of Delhi; restaurants, hotels warned of action
Democrats $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Proposal Will Destroy Jobs, Top House Republican Says

The $1.9 trillion coronavirus rescue package proposed by House Democrats would increase the cost of living for many and would kill jobs, the leading Republican on the House Budget Committee says.

Democrats are rushing to pass a nearly $2 trillion spending bill that will enact bailouts for state governments that lock down their citizens and radical policies that will destroy jobs and raise the cost of living for working-class Americans, Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) said in a statement to Fox News.

But this is clearly where any sort of urgency on their part ends, he said. COVID-19 is more the pretext than the purpose behind what Democrats are proposing. Their approach is the wrong plan, at the wrong time, for all the wrong reasons.

He was referring to a 591-page bill, unveiled on Feb. 19, that includes $1,400 stimulus payments to those who make less than $75,000 per year as well as $400 in federal unemployment benefits. It would also include an increase to the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour.

Other provisions include more than $300 billion to state and local governments, $130 billion in school funding, and $19.1 billion to state and local governments as a form of housing aid.

Democrats are expected to pass the measure by the end of February, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who made the announcement last week.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) speaks at a weekly news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Feb. 18, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

At the same time, there is communication with the Senate as to what the Byrd rule will allow in the bills as we go forward, Pelosi said on Feb. 18, referring to the reconciliation process, which is a method by which a majority party can approve a package with a simple majority of 51 votes instead of 60 in the Senate.

Other Republicans have also panned the measure.

Its clear Democrats have no interest in approaching COVID relief in a timely and targeted fashion and are instead using the reconciliation process to jam through their liberal wish list agenda, House Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) said in an email to colleagues, calling on them to oppose the bill.

Less than 1% of the COVID relief bill will actually go to vaccine development and distribution. When a top priority accounts for such a small part of the overall spending, it just shows how massive (and unnecessarily bloated) this spending bill is, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) wrote on Twitter on Feb. 20.

If the measure isnt passed, federal unemployment benefits could end for millions of Americans who lost their jobs due to lockdown orders initiated by various state and local governments over the past year. The $300-per-week federal unemployment supplement and a provision that expands eligibility are slated to expire on March 14.

Left-wing Democrats have touted the minimum wage increase as a critical boost to some hourly employees.

Frankly, given the makeup of the Senate, this is our best opportunity and the right moment in the midst of this pandemic to give millions of workers a long-overdue raise, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), chair of the Progressive Caucus, said on Feb. 18.
Twelve major Japanese companies have established a policy of ceasing business deals with Chinese companies found to benefit from the forced labor of the Muslim Uyghur minority in China's far-western Xinjiang region, a Kyodo News investigation showed Sunday.

Pressure has been mounting on Japanese firms to take action over such human rights abuses in the supply chain after the United States and Britain imposed import restrictions on cotton and other products originating from the autonomous region.

The Japanese government, which has been criticized for being slow to impose similar sanctions, has been passive in addressing the issue due to fears of provoking China.

In a report last year, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute identified over 80 global companies "directly or indirectly benefiting from the use of Uyghur workers outside Xinjiang through abusive labor transfer programs." Kyodo News recently asked 14 Japanese companies mentioned by the think tank how they plan to respond.
Gold Setting Up Major Bottom So Could We See A Breakout Rally Begin Soon?

There has been quite a bit of chatter related to precious metals lately. The rally in Cryptos, particularly Bitcoin, and various other stocks have raised expectations that Gold and Silver have been overlooked as a true hedging instrument. As these rallies continue in various other stocks and sectors, Gold and Silver have continued to trade sideways over the past 6+ months  when and how will it end?

Gold Support Near $1765 May Become A New Launchpad

My research team and I believe the recent downside trend in Gold has reached a support level, near $1765, that will act as a launching pad for a potentially big upside price trend. This support level aligns with previous price highs (May 2020 through June 2020) after the Covid-19 price collapse, which we believe is an indication of a strong support level. As you can see from the Gold Futures Weekly chart below, if Gold price levels hold above $1765 then we feel the next upside rally in metals could prompt a move targeting $2160, then $2400.

The February 2021 Gold contract expires on February 24  only a few days away. The CME Delivery Report shows an incredible amount of contracts already giving notice of a Delivery Request. This suggests that on or near February 25, a supply squeeze for Gold and Silver may become a very real component of price.

For example, there are 32,831 contracts requesting delivery for February 2021 COMEX 100 Gold Futures as of February 16, 2021. That reflects a total delivery obligation of 3,283,100 ounces of Gold. The Silver contract deliveries are similar in size. As of February 16, 2021, here are 1,865 February 2021 COMEX 5000 Silver contracts requesting delivery. That translates into over 9,325,000 ounces of Silver.

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We still have another five trading days to go before the February contract expires. How many more futures contract holders will pile into the Delivery Que at COMEX and how will this translate into any potential price advance or decline?

Silver Trends Higher  Already Showing Strong Demand

Silver has already begun to move higher while Gold continues to wallow near recent lows. Our research team believes the next few days of trading in Gold and Silver could become very volatile as global traders suddenly realize the demand for Deliveries may squeeze prices much higher. Traders should stay keenly aware of this dynamic in the Precious Metals markets as we may continue to see futures contract delivery requests out-pace supply as Precious Metals prices continues to move higher.

The 100% Fibonacci measured move technique we are showing on these charts helps us to understand where and how upside price targets become relevant. If support on these charts hold and the February 24, 2021 futures contracts expire with strong demand for physical deliveries, then we believe an upside price squeeze may setup fairly quickly (over the next 5 to 15+ days) in both Gold and Silver.

We need to watch how Gold reacts near this support level and to pay attention to the delivery data from COMEX. If these levels continue to increase over the next few days, before the February 24 expiration date, then we need to consider how and when the price will start to reflect this strong demand. Currently, Gold price activity does not properly reflect what is happening in Silver and Platinum related to the demand for metals. We believe, over the next 30 to 60+ days, this will change as Gold may enter a new bullish price phase  targeting $2400. At this point, we believe the answer to this question will become known by February 25th or so.

Precious Metals, Miners, Rare Earths, and Junior Miners may set up some really interesting opportunities for traders. The entire Metals/Miners sector has been under moderate pressure recently and we believe that trend may be ending soon. 2021 is going to be full of these types of trend rotations and new market setups.

Staying ahead of these sector trends is going to be key to developing continued success in these markets. As some sectors fail, others will begin to trend higher. Learn how BAN strategy can help you spot the best trade setups. You can learn how to find and trade the hottest sectors right now in my FREE one-hour BAN tutorial.

Dont miss the opportunities in the broad market sectors over the next 6+ months. For those who believe in the power of relative strength, cycles and momentum then the BAN Trader Pro newsletter service does all the work for you in determining what to buy, when to buy it, and how to take profits while minimizing downside risk. In addition, you will be kept fully informed of the market with my short pre-market report delivered to you every morning along with the BAN Hotlist for those looking for more trades.

Happy trading!

Chris Vermeulen

www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic



Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better.



His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility.



He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect.

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Authorities are still working to determine the identities of the insurrectionists who attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, many of whom were apparently motivated by false conspiracy theories that former President Donald Trump won the 2020 election but was cheated out of his victory due to widespread election fraud.

Conspiracy theories often rely on seeing things sharply in terms of right and wrong, and that can drive people to do things they might never have contemplated before, says Peter Ditto, a professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine.

Moralizing things mobilizes people to action, he says. If I believed that the American election had been stolen from the rightful winner, Id probably storm the Capitol, too. It makes perfect sense if that really happened. The problem is, that didn't happen.

The people most likely to embrace conspiracy theories are less inquisitive and often exhibit narcissistic tendencies, such as an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for attention and admiration, troubled

relationships, a lack of empathy for others and fragile self-esteem, according to Emory University research published in the Journal of Personality.

Nika Kabiri, an expert on human decision-making affiliated with the University of Washington in Seattle, says everyone is potentially drawn to conspiracy theories, although some far more than others.

We're all potentially drawn to them because we all hate uncertainty. We all don't like the idea of not knowing why things happen. It makes us feel like we don't have control in the world. We want closure, she says. It's a natural tendency for the human brain to look for those explanations.

A conspiracy theory is thinking that blames or explains an important event or set of circumstances on a secret plot that is usually masterminded by powerful people. Conspiracy thinking can also embrace the idea that a big secret is being kept from the public.

When a prominent person, be it a movie director or a president, transmits a conspiracy theory, Kabiri says, it is like a super spreader event, and the conspiracy theory gets a lot of exposure.

People are adhering to these beliefs because they're already dissatisfied, she says. They're already unhappy. There's something they want to, perhaps, explain something that doesn't sit well with them, and the story gives them an answer.

Times of uncertainty, such as a pandemic, can help fuel the spread of conspiracy theories.

People, in particular, that are susceptible to conspiracy thinking, theyre susceptible to them when they feel threatened and anxious, like a lot of people do right now, Ditto says. When the world seems confusing and incomprehensible, which it does right now. When people are lonely and they're seeking connection with others.

People often latch onto conspiracy stories, because they cannot accept simple explanations for life-altering events, according to Ditto.

A major conspiracy about the 9/11 terror attacks holds that the twin towers in New York fell in a controlled demolition rather than because planes crashed into them.

Unproven speculation about the COVID-19 pandemic holds that the virus escaped from a Chinese lab and was possibly an engineered bioweapon.

Many Americans find it hard to believe that President John F. Kennedy, a larger-than-life political figure, was killed by a lone gunman, a regular guy, which is why they embrace the unproven idea that there must have been a larger conspiracy to murder the president.

The Emory researchers found that the people most likely to embrace conspiracy thinking are often less agreeable and less conscientious, while being associated with a sense of entitlement, grandiosity, depression and anxiety.

If you are in a close-knit community, either on social media or in real life, with people who are all adhering to the same belief, there's a commitment to that belief that's even more intense than if you just held that alone, Kabiri says.

Ditto says a million years of evolution pushes people to break into groups with like-minded people.

We're very tribal. We're very provably attached to people who are like us. It's very, very unusual to have a place where you're supposed to make friends with, and connect with, and cooperate with, people who don't look like you and don't have the same values. Maybe they have a different religion, Ditto says. The American experiment, essentially, is an attempt to work against all those evolutionary forces and move people in this positive way where they cooperate. It's way easier to break people up.
Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi gave directives on Sunday to develop a flexible and appropriate marketing policy for the Suez Canal to cope with the global economic conditions.

El-Sisis remarks came during his meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Presidential Adviser for national projects Sherif Ismail, President of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Osama Rabei, President of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), and others, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement.

The new marketing policy should take into account achieving a balance between the rates of maritime traffic in the canal and the negative impacts of the global outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, in addition to including attractive services to transiting vessels, especially in the developed and upgraded Ain Sokhna, eastern Port Said, and Berenice ports.

The meeting also reviewed the performance of the SCA, and the projects of the SCZone, he added

Short link:



The United States plans to take no additional actions in response to pressure from Iran before talks with Tehran and major powers about returning to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Tehran and Washington have been at odds over who should make the first step to revive the accord.

Iran says the United States must first lift former president Donald Trump's sanctions, while Washington says Tehran must first return to compliance with the deal.

Last week, the United States said it was ready to talk to Iran about both nations returning to the deal that aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which Mr Trump abandoned nearly three years ago.

US acting ambassador Richard Mills told the United Nations Security Council last Thursday that the US was rescinding a Trump administration assertion that all UN sanctions had been reimposed on Iran in September.

Iran reacted coolly, with Foreign Minister Javad Zarif saying Tehran will "immediately reverse" actions in its nuclear programme once US sanctions are lifted.

But White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki, speaking to reporters on Air Force One as President Joe Biden flew to Michigan, said "there is no plan to take additional steps" on Iran in advance of having a "diplomatic conversation".

Under the deal, Iran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of international sanctions. Washington reimposed sanctions after Mr Trump quit the deal, and Iran responded by violating some of the deal's nuclear limits.

Asked if the Biden administration was considering an executive order about reviving the agreement, Ms Psaki noted the European Union had floated the idea of a conversation among Iran and the six major powers that struck the agreement: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States.

 Telegraph Media Group Ltd (2021)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
MUMBAI : Given the large overhang of non-performing assets in our financial services ecosystem, there is a strong case for a one-time clean-up via a bad bank" Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC), as announced in this years Union Budget.

Such an ARC can collate large non-performing assets into a single entity and facilitate their resolution. It can help free up the rest of the financial sector ecosystem to focus on the core business of funding Indias large growth aspirations.

Indias past experiments with bad banks ended as failures because crucial design imperatives were ignored. The new ARC has to be manned by seasoned distressed debt management professionals. The transfer of assets to the ARC has to be at a Goldilocks just-right priceneither too high, nor too low. The entity should be able to enlist the support of key stakeholders in the systemespecially the governmentwhile avoiding any moral hazard issues. It should have a pre-defined, limited shelf-life.

To achieve these objectives, in line with the Malaysian experience post the Asian crisis, a time-bound government-owned ARC should be formed. There are ways in which a fair price" for asset purchases can be determined, such that neither is the resolution process impaired, nor do supernormal profits accrue to any stakeholder.

Beyond cleansing the financial services ecosystem, a well-designed ARC can help revive the real economy by recommending policy steps to address chronic stresses in sectors such as real estate and infrastructure. Finally, a one-time ARC has to necessarily be accompanied by comprehensive governance and management reforms, so that this cycle of lending and taxpayer bail-out does not perpetuate.

The context

The RBIs Financial Stability Report (FSR) of January 2021 suggests that banking Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) may rise from 7.5% of advances as of September 2020 to between 13.5% of advances and 14.8% of advances by September 2021.

This is over and above the 8.8 trillion of assets that have been written off by banks between FY15 and FY20, but where recovery processes may still be underway. In addition, RBIs stress tests on 200 large Non-Bank Finance Companies (NBFCs) indicate that their GNPAs may rise to between 6.8% to 8.4% of advances.

Put together, across all banks and NBFCs, we may be staring at non-performing assets between 26.7 trillion and 28.8 trillion by September 2021, or 13.7% to 14.8% of this years GDP. These enormous numbers weigh on our financial services ecosystem.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is an excellent piece of legislation. Data from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) shows that till September 2020, 2,066 cases had been disposed off either through settlement, withdrawal, resolution or liquidation. The 277 resolutions yielded a creditable recovery of 43.5% of claims.

However, 1,942 cases were still pending for resolution, of which 1,442 cases were already more than 270 days old. Given IBC is on standstill as a result of covid-19 till March 2021, and the impending increase in GNPAs, there are many more cases that are waiting to be admitted.

While the IBC infrastructure is well capable of handling steady-state incremental stressed assets, the enormous existing stock of GNPA cries out for a one-time exceptional resolution mechanism  and hence the need for a bad bank".

While smaller retail and MSME loans are best handled by the lender on record, there is a case for a bad bank to aggregate larger stressed assets, with the objective of taking the larger GNPA out of the financial services ecosystem and bring them onto a specialized entity that is resourced to specifically handle large, distressed debt.

As mentioned earlier, the transfer of GNPA from the lender to the bad bank has to be at a just-right price. If the GNPA is transferred at too low a value, the recovery process might deliver supernormal profits to the buyers. This could be especially problematic if the eventual buyers are in the private sector.

If the transfer value is too high, such transfers would merely shift the burden from one entity to another, leaving little space for any realistic resolution. This was one of the many issues with Indias 2004 experiment with the Stressed Asset Stabilization Fund (SASF) to handle a chunk of IDBIs stressed assets.

Ideally, to preserve capacity and jobs, resolution should be the default outcome from any insolvency process, rather than liquidation.

In many of the large, stressed assets in power, infrastructure, real estate, and construction, any bad bank will likely require appropriate government policy action and support for any sustainable resolution. This does make the case for a deep government involvement in any bad bank to address concerns around any moral hazard.

The bad bank should be designed with the clear mandate to wind down in, say, five years.

The nuts and bolts

Heres a construct of an Indian Bad Bank ARC that could meet the above objectives and design considerations. This draws heavily from the reasonably successful Malaysian experience with its stressed asset management AMC Danaharta, post the Asian crisis.

I suggest a government-owned bad bank ARC, capitalized the same way recapitalization of public sector banks has been undertaken by the governmentby issuance of special government of India (recap) bonds. To start with, 1trillion of capital could be infused, against issuance of special GOI bonds to the same entity. This could support the purchase of 2trillion to 3 trillion of stressed assets, assuming a 33% to 50% haircut.

The ARC should be headed by an inspiring and independent finance professional of strong reputesuch as Deepak Parekh or Aditya Puri. It should similarly have an investment committee and board of unimpeachable repute, experience and credentials. On the ground, it should be manned by professionals with knowledge and experience of distressed asset management in sectors such as infrastructure and real estate.

The ARC could consider all stressed assets in Indias financial sector ecosystem across banks and NBFCs, beyond a threshold size of say 1,000 crore per borrowing entity. A database of such assets across lenders could be obtained from RBIs Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC).

The ARC could be tasked with bidding for each of the large, stressed assets at a fair and equitable price.

To take a hypothetical example, the ARC might bid to purchase a stressed power sector loan at a 60% haircut, and so offer 40 for every 100 of loan. A lender can accept the ARCs bid, in which case the ARC would pay 40% of the face value of the stressed loan in special GOI bonds.

Alternatively, the lender can reject the ARC bid as being too low. While retaining the loan, however, it would be required to ensure steep loan loss provisions, of say 64% of the face value. In effect, net of provisions, the loan would be marked at most at 36% of face value, 10% lower than the ARC bid of 40%.

As a further incentive, lenders would be assured of receiving back 80% of the excess value over the bid price, as recovered by the ARC through the resolution process. In the example above, if the ARC actually recovered 60% via resolution, it would transfer 16% (80% of the additional 20% over the bid price of 40%) back to the original lender.

Note that if the ARC were to recover less than 40%, that loss would be solely to the ARCs booksthere would be no recourse to the original seller of the stressed asset.

Such a mechanism, which broadly mirrors the mechanism used by Danaharta in Malaysia, would help ensure some semblance of a Goldilocks fair price" in the asset transfer.

The ARC can also offer policy recommendations to address chronic issues in severely-stressed sectors such as power, real estate, construction, telecom, and airlines and shipping. Such policy tweaks would also allow the ARC to bring about timely resolutions, while preserving underlying businesses and jobs.

Government ownership of the ARCalongside the commitment to transfer back a substantial chunk of the surplus recovery to the original lenderwould also reduce the moral hazard associated with effecting policy changes that improve recovery and resolution prospects.

Beyond just cleaning up the financial services ecosystem, therefore, a well-designed ARC could also pave the way for sustainable all-round economic recovery and growth.

Finally, the ARC would have a strict mandate to wind down in five yearsthis has to be a one-time exercise and cannot be even remotely construed as an invitation to perpetuate the cycle of bad assets creation and resolution.

Life beyond a bad bank

A one-time resolution through an ARC would be incomplete by itself, unless accompanied by serious governance and management reforms to ensure that we do not slip back to repeating the cycle of lend, extend, pretend and finally bailout.

The past few years have exposed deep weakness in every aspect of governance checks and balances in respect of our financial services ecosystem. These governance issues are ownership neutralthey permeate both public sector and private sector entities.

While there is some work underway, much more needs to be done to call to account and reform critical governance pillars such as the conduct and operations of risk management departments in financial institutions, auditors, boards, rating agencies, independent analysts and regulatory supervisors.

Beyond governance issues, Public Sector Banks (PSBs)accounting for 60% of banking in Indiaalso need special attention. The RBIs FSR reckons that PSB GNPA could rise to 16.2% of advances as a baseline, more than double the 7.9% of advances of private sector banks.

While it is tempting to beat up PSBs as chronically inefficient, at the core, they do not enjoy a level playing field. For one, they are set up under the SBI or Bank Nationalization Acts rather than under Companies Act. They are controlled by the mandarins of the Department of Financial Services (DFS)and, hence, subject to intrusion in their day-to-day banking operations, ranging from phone-banking to nudges towards Mudra and shamiana banking.

Their professional decisions are subject to scrutiny by the dreaded 3 Cs CBI, CVC and CAGsomething their private sector counterparts do not have to lose sleep over.

Finally, their middle- and senior- management compensation are capped by government pay scales that are substantially lower than their private sector counterparts. The P.J. Nayak committee (2014) laid out a clear road map for addressing each of these issues and more. The substance of these recommendations needs to be implemented now.

PSBs have to be provided professional autonomy and a level playing field with their private sector counterparts. While social obligations are part of every banking operation in India (consider the requirement for priority sector lending, for instance), the government should address specific social objectives using explicit fiscal instruments and transfers, rather than leaning on commercial organizations and their shareholders for this purpose.

In conclusion, given the severe overhang of non-performing assets in our financial services ecosystem, the finance ministers intent to launch a bad bank ARC is very welcome. The Malaysian experience provides many pointers on how such an ARC may be successfully designed. Alongside, we will need comprehensive financial services governance and management reforms.

To be sure, this solution can well be tweaked. But the fact remains that for India to achieve its immense economic potential, the status quo is simply not an option.

Ananth Narayan is associate professor at SPJIMR.

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Adam Parker has covered many beats and topics for The Post and Courier, including race and history, religion, and the arts. He is the author of "Outside Agitator: The Civil Rights Struggle of Cleveland Sellers Jr.," published by Hub City Press.
Phuket divided on taking COVID vaccine: Poll

PHUKET: People living in Phuket or with an otherwise vested interest in the island are divided over whether or not they would take a COVID vaccine at this stage, according to responses to an online poll conducted by The Phuket News.

opinionCOVID-19Coronavirushealthtourism

By The Phuket News

Sunday 21 February 2021, 09:00AM

With Phuket amid a big push to attract domestic tourists to the island and the call by all major Phuket businesses associations, not just tourism industry representatives, for the island to re-open to international visitors from Oct 1, all eyes are turning to COVID vaccinations as Phukets big hope to restart the islands economy.

As such, while recognising that many factors affect the decision, The Phuket News launched an online poll on Feb 10 asking the simple question: Would you take a COVID vaccine?

The poll closed at midnight on Friday night (Feb 19).

Overall, 28% of respondents voted an outright Yes to taking a COVID vaccine, and a further 28% voted It depends on the vaccine.

The remaining 43% voted an outright No to taking a COVID vaccine.

Of the 28.47% respondents who voted Yes, 10.88% were Thai nationals, 67.36% were local expatriate residents and 21.76% were foreign visitors to Phuket.

Among the 43.36% who voted No 49.32% were Thai nationals, 39.46% were local expatriate residents and 11.22% foreign visitors to Phuket.

Hanging in the balance were those who voted It depends on which vaccine (28.17%), of whom 15.18% were Thai nationals, 74.87% were local expatriate residents and the remaining 9.95% were foreign visitors to Phuket.

By demographic, of the Thai nationals who took part in the poll 10.77% voted Yes and 14.87% voted It depends on which vaccine, but a huge 74.36% voted a plain No.

Of those who marked themselves as Local expatriate residents, 33.42% voted Yes, 29.82% voted No and the remaining 36.76% voted It depends on which vaccine.

Of those who entered the poll as a foreign visitor to Phuket, 44.68% voted Yes to taking a COVID vaccine, 35.11% voted No to taking a vaccine and the remaining 20.21% voted It depends on which vaccine.

If your preferred response was not available, feel free to add it in the comments below.
New Delhi: India has signed an agreement with the Maldives to extend a $50-million line of credit to strengthen Males maritime capabilities, cementing New Delhis position as a key defence partner of the archipelago nation.

A total of five agreements were signed between the two countries over the weekend during Indian foreign minister S. Jaishankars two-day visit to Male which concluded on Sunday. It comes against the backdrop of China looking to increase its footprint in the Indian Ocean regionseen as Indias sphere of influencewith its multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative and expanding naval presence.

Ties between India and the Maldives have been on an upswing since Ibrahim Solih took over as president in 2018.

According to a joint statement, a Letter of Intent was also signed between Fahi Dhiriulhun Corp. and Indias Exim Bank for extending a credit facility to support the design and construction of 2,000 social housing units in Hulhumale. Jaishankar was present at the signing of a project execution contract for the construction of roads in Addu, a major urban hub in the Maldives. This was the first among eight key infrastructure projects, being implemented jointly by the Maldives and India.

Jaishankar met his counterpart Abdullah Shahid for talks during which the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening and strengthening the relationship, and exploring new areas of cooperation," it said.

Shahid also appreciated the resumption of flights between Maldives and India under the Air Travel Bubble established in August 2020. This also helped Maldivians who wanted to get medical treatment, despite borders being closed.

The Air Travel Bubble has enabled an increasing number of Indian tourists to visit the Maldives, making India the number one tourist-source market during 2020 and continuing to occupy the top spot in 2021 so far. Currently, over 45 flights per week are operating between the Maldives and seven destinations in India. Minister Shahid noted that the increasing number of tourists from India has supported recovery from the pandemic," the statement said. Tourism is the primary revenue earner for Maldives which was badly hit by the pandemic.

Shahid also noted that the development of Hanimaadhoo Airport and Addu Gan Airport being financed under the $800 million Line of Credit will contribute towards strengthening connectivity, and facilitate more visitors to Maldives".

The two ministers took stock of the status of implementation on the various infrastructure development projects financed through the Government of India Lines of Credit", according to the statement.

This includes the Greater Male Connectivity  Male to Thilafushi Link Project (GMCP), the tender for which was issued earlier this week. A 6.7 km bridge linking Male and Thilafushi industrial zone will also be built.

The two also expressed satisfaction" that contracts to build water and sanitation infrastructure across 34 islands will be awarded this month.

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Visibility for availability of vaccines for entire month of June provided in advance to States/UTs: Centre

Go for COVID vaccine or forget quarantine leave: Punjab minister to health workers

India

pti-Deepika S

Chandigarh, Feb 21: Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu on Sunday warned healthcare workers who do not get the COVID-19 vaccine shot of not allowing them quarantine leave if they get infected at a later stage.

He further said they will have to bear the cost of their treatment.

"The healthcare workers who do not get vaccinated to boost their immunity for COVID-19 despite being given repeated opportunities and in case they get the infection at a later stage, they will have to bear the cost of their treatment and they will not be allowed to avail quarantine/isolation leave," said Sidhu in an official statement here.

He further pointed out that recent days have seen an uptick COVID-19 cases in Punjab.

With 358 infections reported on February 20, now there are about 3,000 active cases in the state as against only 2,000 three weeks ago, he said.

"There is a dire need that all healthcare workers should get themselves vaccinated to deal with any unprecedented situation," he said.

He said Punjab is among the six states of the country where COVID cases are rising "and we should prepare to fight it like a second wave".

Pfizer-BioNTech data shows vaccine easier to use

"These rising cases indicate that COVID-19 is not over yet and Punjab may witness a surge in the number of cases. Therefore, this highlights the need for following coronavirus appropriate behaviour like social distancing, wearing of a mask hand sanitisation and respiratory etiquette," he said.

Sidhu said the healthcare workers should shun hesitancy and come forward to get vaccinated at the earliest for the sake of their own safety and that of their near and dear ones.

Expressing concern over the low rate of vaccination among healthcare and frontline workers, Sidhu said so far 2.06 lakh healthcare workers and 1.82 lakh frontline workers have registered for COVID-19 vaccination.

He said about 79,000 healthcare (HCW) and 4,000 frontline workers (FLW) have been vaccinated, saying this coverage has not been up to the mark.

"The vaccine is safe and effective and not even a single case of death or any serious adverse effect has been reported in Punjab regarding vaccine administration so far," he said.

Sidhu stressed that no one should be misled by rumours and misinformation.

He informed that the last date of the availing the first dose of vaccination has been extended from February 19 to 25.
BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Saturday stressed studying the Party's history as the CPC celebrates its centenary this year.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while delivering an important speech at a key meeting to launch a campaign on Party history learning and education among all Party members.

Calling the campaign a major decision made by the CPC Central Committee, Xi urged efforts from all CPC members to study the Party's history, understand its theories, do practical work and make new advances, thus to embark on a new journey in high spirit to fully build a modern socialist China and to welcome the Party's centenary with outstanding achievements.

Xi said the CPC has always attached great importance to the study and education of its history. He stressed the vital necessity of launching the campaign as the CPC stands at a critical juncture where the timeframes of its two centenary goals converge.

Xi urged Party committees at all levels to earnestly implement the arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee on the campaign.

"Our Party's history is a history of continuously adapting Marxism to the Chinese context," Xi said.

He called for educating and guiding the whole Party to learn from its "extraordinary" past so as to understand how Marxism has profoundly changed China and the world.

He also called for efforts to equip the whole Party with the latest achievements in its theoretical innovation, and to use the theories to guide its practice and advance its work.

Throughout its 100-year history, the CPC has been of one mind with the people, breathed the same breath as the people, and shared weal and woe with the people, said Xi.

With people's trust and support, the CPC is invincible in the face of any obstacles, Xi said, adding that it is the duty of the CPC to cement the unity of 1.4 billion Chinese people to create an unstoppable force to push forward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When she was at her lowest, before becoming the sort of person who has the ear and admiration of premiers and governors, Emma Lee worked at a petrol station. It was 2011. She was 38. Shed crashed and burned, as she describes it, losing her first marriage, her money, her mojo. After a successful career as an archaeologist, and a manager at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, her whole world had shrunk to the grey concrete forecourt at Woolworths Caltex in her home town of Wynyard, on Tasmanias north-west coast. For 18 months she healed, slowly rebuilding herself and, from behind the kiosk counter, finding the inspiration for a new approach to Aboriginal rights  a method that would, only four years later, start to bear fruit with then Tasmanian premier, Will Hodgman. She called it love-bombing. But before we get to love-bombing, lets go back. In 1996, Lee finished her archaeology degree at the Australian National University and was among the countrys first crop of Indigenous archaeologists. A fiery little Tasmanian devil is how Emma Kalaf recalls her best friend and fellow student. In 1999, Lee married her long-term partner, an electrician from the regional Tasmanian city of Devonport, and they settled in Sydney. Setting up her own archaeology business, Lee consulted on the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the Quarantine Station at Sydneys North Head, before taking a policy position at the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. In 2003, she became a womens ranger at Uluru, then, in 2005, its manager of national and cultural resources. Then she discovered one of her staff was abusing local women and children. She blew the whistle and managed to remove him, but says little was done to bring him to justice. Devastated, and barely able to stop crying, she returned to Tasmania with her husband in 2006. Lee then took a job on the outskirts of Burnie, a 25-minute drive east of Wynyard, with construction outfit Caterpillar. She wanted to learn welding and fashion metal art about her country, but I was actually crap at it. Crap at which bit, I ask the 47-year-old. The welding and the art. Meanwhile, as Lee struggled away, a man called David Hind was appointed chair of Skills Tasmania, a government body overseeing vocational training. Hind was your typical industry titan: a former Business Council of Australia member with a 38-year distinguished career in industrial gases. The Tasmanian government wanted a non-Tasmanian as board chair, and when he took the position, Hind queried the lack of an Indigenous board member. So the Tasmanian government went looking for Lee and found her, in her overalls, failing at welding. Hind was impressed with this passionate archaeologist-welder. But she was, at times, a little too passionate. I said to her, If you want to get something done, as opposed to just making a point, then its a bit more sophisticated than just having the right opinion. You must stand in the other persons shoes. People dont like to be continually told their opinion is wrong.  This was an epiphany for Lee. I used to wrap my facts around a brick and bang them over your head and then get very confused as to why you werent playing in the sandpit with me any more. David Hind hit me with his own brick of truth. This echoed the advice of her aunties, her elders, but she hadnt been listening. I used to wrap my facts around a brick and bang them over your head and then get very confused as to why you werent playing in the sandpit with me any more.

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Lee left Caterpillar when the global financial crisis hit, and spent a few years dabbling in archaeology, taking time off and trying, unsuccessfully, to save her marriage. There was also the slow crumble of the Uluru trauma, as she calls it: the heart-breaking realisation that no one seemed to care enough about the victims, all Aboriginal, to charge the perpetrator. Then she took the weekend job at the petrol station and one day, two archaeologists she knew pulled up. Lee felt ashamed. What are you doing here, they asked. Healing myself, she answered. I had this amazing career behind me and not much in front of me, she says. But my town didnt care. They cared that I was looking at them with recognition and I realised the power of that recognition, the power of acknowledging and respecting everyone who came into that forecourt. The Wynyard community took her into their confidence, sharing their cancer diagnoses and pregnancy news. She dispensed many hugs. Eight years later, locals still ask when shes coming back. Shes not. Inspired to learn again  and with a drive to give back to her community  she left that job in 2013 to get her doctorate on Indigenous joint management of protected areas (such as World Heritage estates). She went on to become an award-winning academic at the Centre for Social Impact and a key architect of Reset the Relationship, a new approach to the compact between Tasmania and its First Nations people. This would include constitutional recognition, the scrapping of a policy that restricts eligibility to government services, and, in the pipeline, a ground-breaking plan for commercial access to the states lucrative abalone fishery. Many of these things would seem, objectively, like progress. But they are deeply controversial. The head of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC), the states most powerful Indigenous advocacy group which receives the bulk of federal and state government funds and delivers a range of services, dismisses Lees methods as silly, even as some of the states key elders cheer her on. Some beautiful results have come out of Emmas love-bombing for Tasmania, says Dr Aunty Patsy Cameron, a formidable elder from the north-east and co-chair of the Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance. Its January 2020, and Im sitting on the grass with Lee at Sisters Beach on the Bass Strait coast, about 20 kilometres west of Wynyard. Shes wearing black pants, a white shirt and tasteful, handmade silver jewellery. Her short hair intensifies her wide, blue eyes. In my thumbs and fingers are three strands of native grass, which Lee has dampened in water, making them easier to weave. Look at you! Lee, a Trawlwulwuy woman, says at one point, showing me how to do it. Youll be making a basket before you bloody know it! I first visited Sisters Beach when I was a teenager. Like much of the state, the absence of its original inhabitants is a haunting presence. The Rocky Cape National Park, which hugs Sisters Beach, contains several caves with middens, floors of shells, bones and stones revealing 20,000 years of living; of births and burials, meals and fireside gatherings. Theres a fish trap nearby  a low, crescent-shaped wall of barnacled rock designed to corral fish at low tide  that Ive been obsessed with since, three years ago, I found it via a hand-drawn map in our holiday home. I want to ask Lee what this area meant for the people who once lived here. I want answers about the fish trap  is it Aboriginal or built by the settlers who came after? But Lee has only guesses; this is not her land. The community of people who walked this place are gone. We didnt really get anything near an accurate picture of our states history. In Tasmanias dark history, the north-west corner is particularly dark: the dozen or more groups that called it home were murdered by employees of the Van Diemens Land Company, a chartered enterprise that, holding a government-granted monopoly over the area, engaged in a killing spree with impunity between 1827 and 1842. The companys chief agent and magistrate, Edward Curr, wrote to his London-based directors about the need for a war of extermination against the native people, and offered his men spirits if they returned with severed heads. I was never taught that at Kings Meadows High School in the suburbs of Launceston.

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When I went to high school in Tasmania in the late 1980s, we skipped across the states original inhabitants in one lesson. The teacher said Tasmanian Aborigines were no more; that the then lieutenant-governor George Arthur had rounded them up in an operation called The Black Line and put them on a Bass Strait island where they all died. It was put to us as almost accidental: the colonialists were trying to do the right thing, but the Aboriginal people were simply defenceless against the diseases white men carried. It was almost like a silent part of our lives, the former Liberal state premier Will Hodgman tells me. At 51, hes five years older than me and also received a Tasmanian high school education, his at a private boys school. We didnt really get anything near an accurate picture of our states history. If I were teaching high school history in Tasmania today, it might go something like this: Tasmanian Aboriginal people lived on the island in culturally and linguistically distinct groups for about 40,000 years before the British invaded in 1803. The first two decades of white settlement were marked by the kidnapping and rape of Aboriginal women, the stealing of their children and deadly skirmishes between the two sides. As the colony rapidly grew and encroached on peoples homelands, the horrifically violent Black War broke out between 1824 and 1831 in eastern Tasmania. Vigilante parties tracked Aboriginal peoples campfires and ambushed them, often at first light as they were sleeping, murdering as many as possible. White settlers were attacked and brutally killed, too, their homes raided and burnt, sheep and cattle speared. The war claimed the lives of 223 colonists, but as historian Nicholas Clements writes in his 2014 book, The Black War, it annihilated the Aboriginal population. He believes 600 of the 1000 First Nations people in the war zone lost their lives. Nowhere else in Australia did so much frontier violence occur in such a small area over such a short period, he writes. Eventually, the eastern Tasmanian survivors of the colonys violence and introduced illness  fewer than 100  surrendered to George Augustus Robinsons friendly mission, agreeing to go to a settlement called Wybalenna on Flinders Island, off Tasmanias north-east coast. Robinson, as the governors envoy, promised the survivors a return to country when it was safe. This broken pledge to Lees seven-times grandfather, the revered warrior and leader Mannalargenna, is one of the fires in her belly. Arriving on Big Green Island, off Flinders, in 1835 Mannalargenna cut off his ochre-stained beard and hair and died soon after. Lee and the warriors descendants see this as a manifestation of heartbreak: over losing his country, but also what he saw as Robinsons empty promise. When the remarkable Nuenonne woman Truganini died in 1876, she was mourned as the last of her race. Other pre-colonisation Tasmanian women may have briefly outlived her, but Truganini nevertheless came to represent a world-famous genocide, referenced by H.G. Wells in his 1897 novel The War of the Worlds and used as a case study by Raphael Lemkin, who coined the term genocide in 1944. The idea that Tasmanian Aboriginal culture was extinct seeped into the states bones for 100 years and it wasnt until the 1970s, when the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre began its protests against discrimination, that this was challenged. The TAC is dominated by families who came from the Bass Strait Furneaux Group of islands, such as Flinders and Cape Barren. Descendants of British sealers and their Aboriginal wives, these families practised their culture before the government pressured them to move to the Tasmanian mainland in the 1950s and 1960s. The hugely influential and controversial activist Michael Mansell led this group for years, notching up considerable wins, including an apology to stolen generations and compensation (1997) and the return of Cape Barren land (1995 and 2005). But the TAC does not represent all Tasmanian Aboriginal people. There are two large groups that descend from 19th-century matriarchs. One matriarch is the Wybalenna-born Fanny Cochrane Smith, who died in 1905. The other  from whom Lee descends  is Dalrymple Mountgarrett Briggs, known historically as Dolly Dalrymple. The marriage between Mannalargennas daughter Woretemoeteyenner and sealer George Briggs produced Dalrymple, who was sent from the Bass Strait islands to the Tasmanian mainland for adoption. Dalrymple and husband Thomas Johnson had 13 children and became large landowners in the Latrobe region, in north-west Tasmania. Apart from these three broad groups, many other Tasmanians claim lineages from encounters between Aboriginal women and early colonists.

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Lee, at front, with brother Mathew and mother Margot in 1987. Credit:Courtesy of Emma Lee Emma Lee was just a baby when her 20-year-old mother, Margot Lee, learnt of her own Aboriginal heritage. Like many of Dalrymples descendants, Margot had no idea of her family history until a local north-west man, researcher Bill Mollison, started working on the genealogy of Aboriginal Tasmanians in the early 1970s. At the time, Margot was living with her sister Anne. Her father had thrown her out of the Wynyard family home for being single and pregnant in 1972, and Margot had spent the est of her pregnancy in Launcestons unmarried mothers home, before moving in with Anne when Lee was born. Margot describes her daughter as always headstrong, sometimes wilful and sometimes just plain bloody naughty. And always trying to look after everybody. One night, when Lee was in year 12, Margot came home to find two girls in her bed. Eventually more than a dozen students, whom Lee had decided needed a place to stay after a party, arrived, and Margot remembers waking up under her coffee table next to an extravagantly pierced man with a mohawk. (Mother and daughter are still close and live five minutes from each other in Wynyard, where Lee lives with her Turkish-born husband Ali Cinlar. The couple have no children and married during lockdown in March last year. Lee also has a younger brother, Mathew.) As a child, Lee visited the family shack on the West Coast and remembers sitting with her mother among the beachside archives of middens, walking the country, picking up rubbish, checking on the plumpness of the echidnas and counting the cygnets. For a long time we didnt have the language, we didnt know how to speak about these things, she remembers. Margot explains it as a deep sense of belonging and a physical attachment to these beautiful old people. In their own way, Margot and Lee were looking after country, because the original custodians, the beautiful old people, had been wiped out. I cant paint, cant dance, cant sing, Im allergic to country. But I talk a good game. Which brings us back to Lee and me, sitting at Sisters Beach. Lee sees it as a sacred place, womens business. For Aboriginal people, she says, the body is geography. She points to the hills on either side of the beach, a womans knees, her breasts, perhaps  and here is the flow of the creek. This is a big, sacred fanny! Lee throws her head back, unleashing a truly bracing and long hahahahahahahaha! As for the fish trap, she doesnt know. If some whitefella did that my heart grows bigger, because theyve learnt that from us and understood sea country. Sitting here, I realise that these questions inflict a sort of double wound: expecting her to carry the burden of the gaps created by her dispossession. Our history was robbed, stolen and murdered from us. Maybe we have to learn some of it from a book. But you know what? There is no shame in being a victim. There is no shame in not knowing. Added to this is a strong line in self-deprecation. I cant paint, cant dance, cant sing, Im allergic to country. But I talk a good game.

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When I was a junior journalist, I was sent to interview an important Tibetan Buddhist monk visiting Melbourne. I was ushered into a room where he sat, clad in maroon robes, by a window. All I remember is laughing with him. In the car on the way back I looked down at my small notebook, which contained barely a scribble: I had no idea what the monk actually said. Interviewing Lee is exactly the same, but luckily I taped our three encounters. She has a volume-10, rapid-fire laugh that continues for so long you cant help laughing too. Thats usually followed by her saying something profound. Then, often, crying. And laughing again. In between, shes love-bombing you. You look even better in person! I feel a real privilege to be in your orbit! Emails are signed Hugs! or Love ya, sis! It is a disarming onslaught. In retrospect, Will Hodgman didnt stand a chance. Emma captured my attention and imagination and we were able to establish trust  a rare commodity in politics. I will never forget the force of nature that swept into my office, Hodgman says about his first meeting with Lee, in January 2015. The then premier, who resigned in January 2020 after nearly six years as leader, is on the phone from his Sandy Bay home in Hobart. She was so excited and spoke at such a rate that my office staff next door wondered if everything was okay. She was fluctuating between laughing and crying and had this unbridled passion for making a positive difference. Hodgman admits he was a little wary about the intentions of people coming into his office. But Emma captured my attention and imagination and we were able to establish trust  a rare commodity in politics. Meeting her was quite unlike anything I had experienced throughout my time in parliament  I genuinely cant overstate the impact she had and continues to have on the government. When he became premier in 2014, vanquishing Labors 16-year hold over the state, Hodgman took on the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio. He knew he wanted to change how the government determined Aboriginality. In 2006, Labor had introduced an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eligibility policy, which determined access to state government-funded services and cultural activities. It was, Hodgman says, a complex and cumbersome system requiring archival evidence to prove Aboriginal lineage and it entrenched the TAC as the gatekeeper that signed off on Aboriginality. Over the years, the TAC had launched dozens of attacks, legal and verbal, on peoples claims to be Aboriginal (Senator Jacqui Lambie, who also claims Dalrymple ancestry, was one of its more high-profile targets). Hodgman thought the policy disenfranchised thousands of people, pointing out that in 2014, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counted over four times as many Aboriginal Tasmanians than the 6000 officially recognised by the state government. Changing the policy, he knew, would make him the TACs enemy. Lee with former Tasmanian premier Will Hodgman, who describes her as a force of nature. Credit:Karen Brown Photography

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As India-China hold talks, next level of disengagement likely at Gogra Hot Springs

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Feb 21: India and China have decided to continue talks with an intention of disengaging further at the friction points along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh.

India and China held the 10th round of military commander level talks on Saturday and discussed disengagement from the Depsang Plains, Gogra Hot Springs, Demcjok. The meeting was held at Moldo on the Chinese side.

The Indian delegation was led by 14 Corps commander Lt Gen. P.G.K. Menon. Naveen Srivastava, joint secretary (East Asia) from the ministry of external affairs was. also part of Indian delegation. A joint statement is likely to be issued soon. Sources tell Oneindia that an agreement on the disengagement is likely to take place first at Gogra Hot Springs.

Meanwhile, a meeting of National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval and Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi will take place soon to sort out differences in the perception over the undefined border. Both Doval and Yi are special representatives on the boundary resolution.

As India-China disengage, Doval-Wang Yi meet soon

The backchannel talks between the special representatives has ensured that both sides will not unilaterally alter the status quo along the LAC and status quo ante will be restored on both sides. Doval and Yi held a meeting virtually on June 7 2020.

However the diplomatic channels have always remained open. These developments come in the wake of the disengagement process being completed on the north and south banks of the Pangong Lake along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh.

Sources tell OneIndia that India has made it clear to China that it wants a positive atmosphere, but will also stand up to any force.

The troop disengagement of the Indian and Chinese armies on both sides of the Pangong Lake has been completed.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 8:49 [IST]
Bijnor : , Feb 21 (IANS) In a shocking incident, a farmer in Bijnor district destroyed his standing wheat crop on his six-bigha farmland to mark his protest against the new farm laws.

A video clip showing Sohit Ahlawat, 27, riding a tractor over his wheat crop at Kulchana village in Chandpur tehsil went viral on messenger apps.

The incident took place on Saturday.

Two days ago, during a Kisan Mahapanchayat, the Bharatiya Kisan Union leader, Rakesh Tikait, had urged farmers to give importance to the agitation and, if need be, destroy their crops.

On Saturday evening, Tikait said Ahlawat's video had pained him but more farmers would do the same "if the government does not listen to us".

"The government has forced us into a situation where farmers are destroying crops, which is not a good sight. I was personally pained to see the video, but this is not what I meant when I asked farmers to be ready to sacrifice one season's crops. 'Is tarah nuksan ka matlab nahin banta hai' (one shouldn't incur losses like this)," Tikait said at Uttar Pradesh Gate.

Ahlawat, whose father Sanjeev Kumar owns over 40 bigha farmland, is heard saying in the video, "You can see my standing wheat crop. I am destroying it in front of everyone in support of the ongoing farmers' protest. I do not want these farm laws to be imposed upon us." State president of BKU's youth wing Digambar Singh alleged, "The cops have started harassing the farmer who destroyed his standing wheat crop. But farmers will not bend before the government and its police." The local police refuted Singh's allegations, saying they only went to the farmland to "check the site".

Bijnor Superintendent of Police Dharamveer Singh said that there is no pressure on the farmers in the district.

Chandpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate P.K. Maurya said, "We had sent revenue department officials to check and talk to the farmer's family. They said that it was a symbolic protest against the farm laws. We are on alert and trying to talk to everyone."
A victim of Tuesday's plane crash in Janesville was a "valued member" of the 115th Fighter Wing and a decorated veteran.

Staff Sgt. Remington K. Viney, 26, of Kimberly, was identified by the Rock County Medical Examiner's Office Friday as one of two people who died in the crash about a mile south of the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport shortly before 9:20 a.m. Tuesday. The other victim was Tanner W. Byholm, 25, of Glidden.

"It was no secret that Staff Sgt. Viney had a passion for flying," the 115th Fighter Wing said in a Facebook post.

Viney began her military career with the Wisconsin Air National Guard in December 2013 when she enlisted as a crew chief and was assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing. In 2018, she began working full-time in the command post.

She got her private and commercial pilot licenses and worked as a flight instructor. Viney was also captain of the Wisconsin Flying Team and a founding member of the nonprofit organization Women in Aviation's local chapter, according to her obituary.

Viney was deployed overseas several times. She was sent to the Kadena Air Base in Japan in 2015, Kunsan Air Base in Korea in 2017 and Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada in 2018.

She received the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and several more.

Viney earned an associate degree in aircraft maintenance technology before getting a bachelor's degree in business administration and management marketing from UW-Madison in 2017. She graduated with honors from Sun Prairie High School in 2012.

Viney and Byholm were the only occupants in the "experimental" and "very unique" plane that crashed Tuesday, authorities said. The plane had taken off from the airport and was trying to come back when it crashed in a wooded, low-lying area.

Rock County Sheriff Troy Knudson said the crash site was "treacherous to get to." Responders reached the site shortly after 10 a.m. and found the plane upside down and partially submerged in water and mud.

A Wisconsin State Journal report from June 2013 said a 19-year-old Viney made a "textbook emergency landing" in a Dodge County cornfield after the plane she was flying with her mother and grandparents as passengers had apparently malfunctioned. She landed the plane with no damage to the aircraft and no injured passengers. A report by Wisconsin Public Radio's "Wisconsin Life" in 2016 shows Viney discussing the incident.

This article is written by Shanzeh Ahmad from The Wisconsin State Journal and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
First things first  much respect to for his membership in the select club of ultra-billionaires not actively attempting to flee Earth and colonise Mars. His affection for his home planet and the people on it shines through clearly in this new book, as does his proud and usually endearing geekiness.

And this new volume could not be more timely. As everyone can attest who watched the blazes of Australia and California, or the hurricanes with odd Greek names crashing through the gulf, we are in dire need of solutions to the greatest crisis our species has yet faced.

It is a disappointment, then, to report that this book turns out to be a little underwhelming. Mr Gates  who must have easy access to the greatest experts the world can provide  is surprisingly behind the curve on the geeky parts, and hes worse at interpreting the deeper and more critical aspects of the global warming dilemma. Since he confesses that he missed the climate challenge until 2006, when he met with some scientists almost two decades after the problem emerged, its perhaps not surprising that hes still catching up. And yet, his miscalculations are important, because they are widely shared.

Lets do the numbers first. Mr Gates correctly understands the basic challenge, which is to get to zero as soon as we can. Humans need to stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, he writes, which is as useful a sentence as the English language admits. And he understands that the key to doing this is to electrify as much human activity as possible: From powering our computers to turning the wheels of our cars and buses to producing steel. But when it comes to generating that electricity, he worries that solar panels arent becoming more efficient fast enough: Unlike computer chips, for instance, theres no Moores law that doubles their usefulness every two years.

But thats not really the target here: In fact, as the analyst Ramez Naam pointed out last spring, the price of solar power has dropped astonishingly in the last decade. The price drop is 50 to 100 years ahead of what the International Energy Agency was forecasting in 2010, mostly because were getting better at building and installing solar panels. Every time we double the number of panels installed, the price drops another 30 to 40 per cent, and theres plenty of runway left.





How To Avoid A Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need Author: Bill Gates Publisher: Alfred A Knopf Price: $26.95; Pages: 256

These staggering numbers are why Mr Gatess current-day snapshots of the Green Premiums you need to pay for clean energy dont mean as much as he thinks they do: Especially since storage batteries are now dropping in price on a similar curve, its clear that the imperative is to install as much solar (and wind power, which is on the same price trajectory) as fast as humanly possible, since if we dont make huge progress in the next 10 years scientists have made clear we can kiss the targets we set in Paris goodbye.

One wishes Mr Gates had talked, for instance, with Stanfords Mark Jacobson, whose team has calculated how almost every country on earth could go to 80 per cent renewable energy by 2030. If he had, he might have understood more clearly that the things that really interest him  advanced nuclear power, for instance, where he describes his considerable investments  are more about mopping up: the key work will be done (or not) over the next decade, and it will be done by sun and wind.

As Londons Carbon Tracker Initiative explained last year, building new sun- and wind-power facilities is already, or soon will be, cheaper even than operating existing coal-fired power. Most people, Mr Gates included, have not caught on yet to just how fast this engineering miracle is happening.

So why arent we moving much faster than we are? Thats because of politics, and this is where Mr Gates really wears blinders.

We now know from great investigative reporting that the oil companies knew everything about back in the 1980s, and that they built an edifice of disinformation and denial. Thats why weve wasted almost three decades of scientific warning. I dont have a solution to the politics of climate change, Mr Gates writes, but in fact he does: His foundation is a shareholder in a company that has donated money to politicians who are in the pocket of big oil. A Bloomberg analysis last fall found that Microsoft had given only a third of its contributions to climate-friendly politicians.

Mr Gates mentions in passing that he chose to divest his fortune from fossil fuel companies, but only because I dont want to profit if their stock prices go up because we dont develop zero-carbon alternatives. He scoffed at the idea that activists thought that divesting alone would transform the worlds energy system. But of course those activists, myself included, thought no such thing. They understood that weakening the fossil fuel industry was one key part of the job of rapid decarbonisation. That is, the activists were thinking multi-dimensionally, which Mr Gates is so far not.

Maybe thats a weakness that comes with wealth; its obviously easy enough to slag Gates for flying in a private jet. But I think thats missing the point: The exhaust plume from his aeroplane wont make or break the planets temperature, but given his resources and political reach, the quality of his analysis just might.
Leonardo will exhibit state-of-the-art guided ammunition for land and naval applications, represented by the Vulcano 76 BER, Vulcano 127 and 155 mm, and by the DART guided projectile at Idex and Navdex.

Idex 2021 is an opportunity to look with optimism into the new year  commented Pasquale Di Bartolomeo, Leonardo Chief Commercial Officer. Throughout 2020, Leonardo stood closely with its customer thanks to its international presence  like the Abu Dhabi branch  and today we confirm our commitment in supporting the UAE institutions and Armed Forces operations, as well as look for new ways to collaborate.

Falling within this framework is the contribution Leonardo will bring with its technologies to Expo 2020 Dubai and through its collaborations with the Emirati and Italian entities, ensuring the success of this event.

Conscious of the challenges surrounding worldwide travel, Leonardo has decided to match its efforts in reaching its stakeholders by creating a digital Idex-Navdex experience, a new immersive space available to those unable to travel to the UAE, and for those searching for more content and information about Leonardos offerings in the Middle East.

The companys experience in combat proven naval systems and its deep knowledge of the UAE Navys needs are the pillars of the offer by Leonardo to Tawazun in collaboration with Emirati industries to design and manufacture the future national Combat Management System. Leonardo has already supplied to the UAE Navy more than 20 Combat Management Systems and a large number of OTO 76/62 mm, 40L70 mm, Marlin 30 mm, Hitrole 12,7 naval guns, for vessels including the Ghannatha, Baynunah, Falaj 2 and Abu Dhabiclass corvettes, which will be joined by systems for the Bani Yas programme.

The wide range of solutions that Leonardo provides in the naval field also include the AW149, AW159, AW101 and NH90 helicopters. These aircraft, as well as third-party platforms, can be equipped with advanced sensors like Leonardos ULISSES acoustic Anti-Submarine Warfare system, market-leading AESA radar such as the Osprey 30 and effective protection against even the latest threats with the MultiAperture InfraRed (MAIR) missile warning system and the Miysis Directed InfraRed CounterMeasure (DIRCM).

Other cutting-edge electronics on show will include a comprehensive suite of airborne surveillance equipment including the SAGE Electronic Support Measure (ESM) and LEOSS electrooptical system for latest-generation surveillance, and the software-defined SRT-800 radio for communications.

Leonardo is proud to highlight that UAE customers fly more than one hundred platforms including the AW139, AW169, AW189 and AW109 models, which perform a variety of operations including Emergency Medical Services, law enforcement, offshore, and VIP transport.

The Middle Easts Air Forces are increasing their capacity with mixed aircraft fleets, including different fighter models, and this is why Leonardo is continuing to promote its pilot training capabilities. This includes the iconic M-346 Advanced Training aircraft  also available in the Fighter Attack version, the new M-345, recently delivered to the Italian Air Force and set for the basic advanced phases of the pilot training syllabus, and a portfolio of training services thanks to the establishment of the International Flight Training School (IFTS) together with the Italian Air Force.

The training services offered by Leonardo are not limited to pilots: the company has sold into the Middle East its cyber range & training system, which facilitates the training of cyber security operators and allows the customer to assess the resilience of digital infrastructure against potential cyberattacks.

Leonardos platform for digital security is part of a wider offer in the protection of citizens and national economic activities, including critical infrastructure protection, satellite data collections, satellite services for urban and environmental monitoring and unmanned and counter-unmanned solutions. Leonardo is a market leader in Unmanned Aerial Systems and in Air Traffic Systems solutions.

Thanks to its capabilities, the Company is able to offer tailored anti-drone technologies for both civil and defence use. Some of these systems have already been supplied to the UKs Royal Air Force  such as Falcon Shield, which was deployed after emergencies at Gatwick and Heathrow  and to the Italian and US Armed Forces.

The military qualification is a guarantee of effectiveness and resilience; a key characteristic of these systems is that they are easily and quickly deployable in a civil context too.

Leonardos US arm Leonardo DRS will be highlighting a range of advanced technologies to support and protect mounted and dismounted forces. From industry-leading integrated C4I systems to vehicle-integrated electric power systems, electro-optical situational awareness and force protection technologies. As concrete evidence of its collaboration with Emirati partners, Leonardo and Leonardo DRS technologies are also hosted at the stands of their partners IGG, NIMMR, Earth / EDGE and ETS. -- Tradearabia News Service
Loading The Scot has a finely tuned political and business antenna following stints as editor of Rupert Murdochs The Sunday Times, chairman of The Spectator and in the presenters chair at the BBC. He also helped Murdoch launch Sky TV in Britain in 1989. He will chair the new channel but also host a primetime show which Frangopoulos hopes will usher in a new era of appointment viewing in British news. Unlike the BBC and Sky, GB News will not be a rolling service but news intertwined with opinion-led shows. People have found other ways to get their breaking news  that changed many, many years ago, Frangopoulos says. The old news on the hour every hour format has been totally disrupted by digital media. In a twist, Frangopoulos and Neil are in a race to launch before Murdoch  their former boss  beats them to it. The moguls own channel, News UK TV, will also go live this year, although its initial offering will be more limited.

Loading The new entrants and their potential to disrupt the established media landscape have the industry on high alert. Talent is being poached and audiences are up for grabs. We are a speedboat in an ocean of supertankers and quite frankly that is a terrific, empowering position to be in, Frangopoulos says. Neil has likened GB News to a David among Goliaths, the underdog in a crowded market. Critics of GB News and its News Corp rival claim the new players will end Britains reputation for impartial broadcasting. While the countrys newspapers are shouty and tribal, TV news has largely shunned opinion-based programming because of impartiality rules set and policed by the regulator Ofcom. Frangopoulos says GB News will easily adhere to the rules: The impartiality rules here in the UK are a lot more overt and a lot more watched than what they are in Australia. The regulations are very strict and that is something we will embrace at GB News. But we are really confident that the impartiality rules actually are there to encourage debate and discussion.

Those reassurances are not enough for Stop Funding Hate, an activist group which applies public pressure to advertisers and is opposed to GB News. Richard Wilson, a director of the group, says its supporters have studied the content aired by Sky News Australia and do not want the model exported to Britain. Its examples like Sky News Australia that make people very, very worried, he says. Our whole approach is to challenge the business model. The thing we are most concerned about is that this toxic business model which has been implemented in Australia and the US would come here. And I think its probably the case that a lot of brands are asking themselves big questions about whether they want to be defined as anti-woke brands. Frangopoulos isnt fazed by the campaign and could be forgiven for wondering it might actually be good for publicity.

Sky News Australia is an incredibly successful media business and under [Frangopoulos successor and former editor of The Australian] Paul Whittaker has grown even more, he says. But GB News will not be a Sky News Australia and it will not be a Fox News. It will be GB News, because the UK is a different market and we have a very different dynamic here. And the more noise there is, the more it justifies the fact there is actually a case for that debate and conversation to be had. And we will be inviting these voices onto GB News to have these debates with us. Frangopoulos and his executives have been culling 2000 applications for 140 new positions as executive producers, producers and journalists and have ruffled feathers by poaching some big names. Dan Wootton, a New Zealand-born executive editor at The Sun who broke the news that Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, would split from the royal family, has jumped ship from the Murdoch empire. Wootton has been a prominent opponent of woke culture and critic of Boris Johnsons coronavirus lockdowns. Acclaimed journalist Colin Brazier has defected from Sky to anchor a daytime show, while respected Euronews political editor Darren McCaffrey will lead political reporting at the new station.

Behind the scenes Gill Penlington, a former director of news programming at CNN and editor of the BBCs equivalent of the ABCs Q&A, will be a senior executive producer. The one thing that is really exciting about this venture is that we are hiring 140 people during a really tough time in the media and these are all jobs for reporting on Britain, by Britons, Frangopoulos says. Neil, though, will be the biggest drawcard; viewers on the left and right of politics have long taken great delight in watching politicians self-destruct under his questioning. Andrew Neil interviews then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn during the 2019 election campaign. Boris Johnson refused to be interviewed by the veteran broadcaster. Credit:BBC In a nod to Brexit and debate over the governments handling of the pandemic, Neil recently wrote in an opinion piece that the appetite for gloom, doom, blame and division is waning and that the public feels battered and exhausted by it.
Just 67 prisoners in Irish jails have tested positive for Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to official figures.

The achievement of the Irish Prison Service in preventing the spread of coronavirus is in stark contrast to countries like the US and Britain where jails have proved pandemic hotspots.

The measures taken across Irish jails have ensured there has not been a single death or a case of a prisoner requiring hospital treatment since last March.

The Irish figures equate to just one in 56 prisoners out of the prison population of 3,791, or less than 2pc, testing positive for Covid-19 during the pandemic.

This is only a fraction of the cases recorded in the US and the UK.

One in eight prisoners in England and Wales has tested positive for Covid-19 since the pandemic began.

In the US, it is estimated that 377,497 inmates had tested positive until the end of the first week in February as it raged through jails across the country.

The figures recorded by the Marshall Project - a non-profit journalism group about criminal justice - estimate at least 2,400 prisoners have died of coronavirus-related causes in the US, which has the largest incarcerated population in the world.

Caron McCaffrey, director general of the Irish Prison Service, said the country's jails have been operating in extraordinary times.

"I am deeply proud of all of our staff who have shown great dedication and professionalism in responding to the challenges we have faced. I would like to also acknowledge the important role played by the Prison Officers Association," she said.

Of the 67 cases that occurred, 27 were prison-based transmissions and 40 were community transmissions from prisoners who came into the system.

Ms McCaffrey said the prison population, too, has played a key role in containing the spread.

"Without their understanding, support and adherence to infection control measures we could not have introduced the necessary actions," she said.

Prisoners who were Red Cross volunteers conveyed the messages of handwashing and mask-wearing throughout their peers in prisons during the pandemic.

Basic health checks such as temperature checking were introduced for everybody entering the prisons, including staff, from last March 29.

All family visits were replaced by the introduction of video visits while all newly committed prisoners were quarantined for 14 days.

Vulnerable prisoners including those aged over 70 have been cocooned, and there was also a robust contract tracing model.
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met farmer leaders from Western Uttar Pradesh on Sunday and demanded that the BJP-ruled central government withdraw the three farm laws, terming them 'death warrant' for farmers.

The meeting came ahead of a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' that Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to address on February 28 in Western UP's Meerut. The AAP has already announced that it is contesting the Assembly polls in UP in 2022 and this will be the first major appearance of Kejriwal in the poll-bound state.

Over 40 farmer leaders from the Western UP region that has been active in the farm laws protests at Delhi borders, specially Ghazipur border point, attended the meeting held at Delhi Assembly premises.

"These anti-farmer laws are death warrants to the farmers. With the implementation of these laws, the crops will go to the hands of a few industrialists and the farmers of India will become labourers in their own land.

"The central government should immediately withdraw all the three black laws and extend the legal guarantee of MSP on all the 23 crops following the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission," the AAP chief said.

                                                   pic.twitter.com/DF6l1EUC2L  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 21, 2021

"The government should talk to the farmers. If the government does not listen to the farmers then who will," the AAP convener questioned.

No representative of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is leading the protest against farm laws at Delhi borders for nearly three months, was present in the meeting, sources said. The outfit has already declared its agitation as a non-political one.

"Meerut Kisan mahapanchayat on February 28 will be joined by the farmers in large numbers. Discussion on the three farm laws will take place during that Mahapanchayat where immediate rollback of these laws brought by the BJP-ruled central government will be demanded by the farmers," Kejriwal said.

"The BJP is continuously saying that these laws will benefit the farmers but its leaders have yet not clarified how," he added.

Talking to the media, farmer leader Rohit Jakhar of Rashtriya Jat Mahasangh said that while the UP government cut electricity and water supply at the Ghazipur protest site, Kejriwal's government supported farmers' protest by providing them water and toilets.

"Our support will go to those who will talk about our problems. The BJP government has hurt our self-respect, we will give our reply through our votes," Jakhar said.

He said Kejriwal gave respect to the farmer leaders just as Lord Krishna gave respect to his friend, Sudama, and asserted the agitation will continue till the Centre fulfils farmers demands.

Another participant of the meeting, Chaudhary Yashpal Singh, said, "Arvind Kejriwal has assured us support."

The meeting was also attended by Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, Cabinet ministers Kailash Gehlot and Rajendra Pal Gautam, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and MLA Dilip Pandey.
Megachurch pays off $38K in student lunch debts across 2 school districts

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A megachurch in Florida recently paid off approximately $38,000 in lunch debts for students in two local public school districts as part of an effort to fight the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Idlewild Baptist Church, which has campuses in Tampa and Lutz, recently sent the checks paying for the lunch debts to Hillsborough County Public Schools and Pasco County Schools, respectively.

Yerusha Bunag, director of local missions at Idlewild, told The Christian Post that the charitable act was part of the churchs overall involvement in helping local public school students.

Our church has been very invested in helping public schools in our community. Before COVID, we were involved in tutoring, mentoring, campus rejuvenation, student supplies, teacher appreciation events, etc., Bunag explained.

When the pandemic impacted the churchs school partners, the congregations began sending them non-perishable groceries that were delivered to the families when they came to the school to grab their kids' lunches.

After talking to the school districts in the two counties where our church is sandwiched between, we found out that, though lunches are being funded this year, the debt that students owed to the schools was very high, continued Bunag.

We wanted students to know that God loves them; that in God, all debts are paid. So that's what we did. We paid the debt for juniors and seniors at Hillsborough County and the debt for all students at Pasco County.

The director also stated that the church did this to be a witness of the incredible love that God has for them.

She said the aim was to show the community that we are administrating God's grace to them through these charitable efforts.

We want to be a good testimony of what real love is, she added. We want our community to be curious about what God's love is. We want them to be attracted by our good works so that they will be open to listening to the Gospel.

Bunag said that the church is not involved in this effort to feel good about themselves or for vainglory.

We do it for the sake of the cross and to reach the lost, she said.

Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning and Hillsborough County Superintendent Addison Davis thanked Idlewild for the donations in statements shared with Patch.

"This will really make a difference, Browning said. It will come as a relief to so many families, especially at a time when many are struggling."

As the pandemic's economic impact continues to ravage the United States, many churches have stepped up to offer assistance to those in need.

Last December, for example, Hope City Church of Joplin, Missouri held a meal-packing event where volunteers packed approximately 40,000 meals for the needy.

In a season where it can be easy to give our attention and focus to things, we wanted to focus on people. Instead of having a typical worship gathering, we spent most of our time packing meals that will help feed hungry families, Hope City Lead Pastor Cody Walker told CP at the time.

We know everyone needs two things: food and hope. We hope these meals will be able to provide both for people who need to know they are not forgotten or alone.

In Southern California, Pastor Rick Warrens Saddleback Church delivered over 2.4 million pounds of food at over 300 food distribution events throughout Orange County, according to The Epoch Times.

Joel Osteens Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas partnered with the evangelical humanitarian organization World Vision to distribute thousands of boxes of fresh food through the Fresh Food Box Program to those facing hunger during the pandemic.
Superstar Mohanlal is set to begin the shooting for his directorial debut Barozz in March, cinematographer-filmmaker Santosh Sivan announced on Sunday. The film is billed as a big-budget 3D fantasy project and would reportedly feature an international cast, with actors from Spain, Portugal, Ghana, and America.

Sivan took to Twitter and wrote, "Starting 'Barozz' in March with Mohanlal in director's chair." The film is written by director Jijo Punnoose, best known for his 1984 Malayalam fantasy film, My Dear Kuttichathan, titled Chhota Chetan in Hindi.

starting Barozz, in march with Mohanlal in Directors chair  SantoshSivanASC. ISC (@santoshsivan) February 21, 2021

In October last year, the 57-year-old cinematographer had announced joining the project. Sivan has shot acclaimed films like Mani Ratnam's Dil Se, Raavan, and Rajinikanth's 2020 action-drama Darbar. "With two icons. Teaming up to showcase the best of south Indian talent internationally 'Barros' Mohan Lal's debut directorial with an outstanding cast to aid Jijo Punnose script ('My Dear Kuttichathan') in 3D," Sivan had tweeted.

Mohanlal reveals how 'Drishyam 2' happened due to COVID-19 pandemic

Mohanlal overwhelmed with 'Drishyam 2' response

Mohanlal, 60, is currently seen in the Drishyam 2, streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The Jeethu Joseph-directed sequel chronicles the struggle of Georgekutty, played by Mohanlal, and his family who come under suspicion when the son of the Inspector General of Police gets killed.

The actor took to his Instagram handle to pour his heart out on the release of his latest film, Drishyam 2. The actor shared a still from the film where he was seen waving at his wife.

Dulquer Salmaan sends his wishes for Mohanlal's daughter Vismaya for her maiden book

"Overwhelmed and overjoyed by the tremendous response to Drishyam 2. I am touched by the fact that so many of you have already watched the film and have messaged or called with words of appreciation. The success of Drishyam 2 is a testament to the fact that cinema lovers across the world always appreciate good work and support it. It is the love and support of the cinema loving public that continues to inspire us to constantly better ourselves. My sincere thanks to all of you for the outpouring of love. It means a lot to all of us on team Drishyam. To the entire team, my congratulations and grateful thanks. To @primevideoin I express my sincere gratitude for enabling people across the world to watch and enjoy #Drishyam2," Mohanlal wrote.

(With PTI inputs)

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 14:30:22|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand Sunday said the death toll in the dam disaster has risen to 67 and the search for missing people was underway.

"As of now, a total of 67 bodies and 28 human body parts have been retrieved from different places," reads a statement issued by police. "Out of these 37 bodies and one body part has been identified."

Police said DNA profiling of the unidentified bodies have been carried out.

According to police, missing reports of 204 persons have been filed so far at Joshimath police station.

"So far DNA samples of 96 relatives and 73 bodies have been sent for matching to forensic science laboratory (FSL) Dehradun," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the search operation in the area is underway.

On Feb. 7, a glacier is believed to have crashed into a dam in Uttarakhand, triggering a huge flood.

The floodwaters burst open a dam and a deluge of water hurtled down flooding the area in its course, damaging two hydropower projects and leading to numerous deaths, besides endangering hundreds of others.

Majority of the missing in the disaster are believed to be workers from two hydropower plants.

Immediately after the incident, rescuers rushed to carry out efforts on several sites, including a tunnel more than 200 metres long to save the trapped ones.

Apart from locals, authorities moved in disaster response force personnel, troops, paramilitaries and military helicopters to the state to help with rescue efforts. Enditem
The Irish prime minister has urged the DUP to put politics aside to find a practical resolution to problems after Brexit.

Micheal Martin said the stance of Northern Irelands largest unionist party on the Northern Ireland protocol was disappointing.

The DUP has vowed to scrap the mechanism, which has caused red tape on goods transported to Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

Mr Martin said: Im sorry that the DUP has taken this stance, I dont think thats the right way to deal with the question.

After Christmas, the DUP was happy to work with the protocol on a practical level, although they didnt agree with it.

The protocol is designed to ensure there is no hard border on the island of Ireland.

Mr Martins comments came as former first minister David Trimble warned violence could return to Northern Ireland unless the Brexit borders agreement with the EU is torn up.

The former Ulster Unionist Party leader called on the prime minister Boris Johnson to act by claiming the daunting new Irish Sea checks meant the province had been annexed by the EU and is subject to EU laws.

He said: There is real potential for those who have engaged in past violence to take action again into their own hands.

The arrangements keeping Northern Ireland in line with the EUs single market regulations have heightened political tensions.

Unionists and loyalists are angered at the imposition of economic barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

In an interview on Saturday on RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta, Mr Martin said the DUPs stance on Article 16 was disappointing.

He added politics must be put aside to find a practical resolution to any difficulties within the structure of the withdrawal agreement.

He added: As I said before, we need to dial down the rhetoric. That type of politics is no good for anyone in my opinion.

We all have an obligation to dial it down, to come together to discuss these questions. We have to put politics aside and deal with the issues within an economic, social and practical context.
Five minutes with power was barely enough time for Bianca Pulley to heat up a can of soup for her and her adult son.

Her West Side home had been without electricity since early Monday morning, when the states grid operator told CPS Energy and other Texas utilities to cut power to homes and businesses as the winter storm bore down.

Pulleys lights didnt come on for three days, except for two five-minute windows.

As the Maryland native and retired Air Force sergeant served the soup Tuesday, she warned her son: This is breakfast, this is lunch and this is dinner.

They werent entirely on their own. Later, a friend brought her a hot meal that hed cooked on his propane grill.

I wasnt able to heat my house the way I needed to, so I would go out to my car, my son and I and the dog, and we would warm up a little bit, charge our phones, said Pulley, 55. I pray to God I never have to do that again.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio shoppers find empty shelves as grocers grapple with power outages, icy roads

By Friday, CPS Energy had restored her electricity, and she was able to take off her winter coat and gloves. But she still hadnt been able to get groceries.

The Pulleys were among the hundreds of thousands of San Antonians who had to fend for themselves last week. On Monday, CPS officials said the rolling outages would come and go 45 minutes at a time and would be spread evenly throughout the city. Yet many customers sat in the dark for hours at a time  or, like the Pulleys, for days.

Nothing about the situation felt fair.

Adding to the sense of grievance: Rudy Garza, CPS chief customer engagement officer, said Wednesday that the city-owned utility had enough electricity to keep San Antonio warm last week. But it had to follow the Electric Reliability Council of Texas outage orders.

As the historic winter storm slammed Texas late Sunday night, ERCOT officials began ringing alarm bells, telling power generators in the state to reduce their power load to avoid a calamitous breakdown of the grid.

Such a collapse would have forced statewide outages for weeks or months, according to ERCOT.

When the storm came in, ERCOT really didnt have a choice, said Bill Magness, the councils CEO.

Lisa Krantz, Staff / Staff photographer

Maxed out

As temperatures plunged, power plants seized up and ERCOT increased the amount of electricity load it asked CPS and other utilities to slash.

CPS officials said the storm created the greatest demand for electricity the utility had ever seen. CPS also provides natural gas; demand for the fossil fuel in the San Antonio area surged 30 percent higher than during the most recent deep freezes, in 2011 and 2018.

At the peak of the forced outages, more than 370,000 households in San Antonio  about 43 percent of all CPS customers  were without electricity.

The escalation in the amount of load we were being asked to shed happened really quickly, Garza said. We went from 400 megawatts to 900 megawatts to 1,300 megawatts to 1,600.

We were maxed out in terms of the amount of load we were being asked to shed.

While some residents went days without electricity, others experienced few, if any, power disruptions.

CPS customers who live near critical infrastructure  entities that are essential to keeping the city functioning, such as hospitals, police and fire stations and government offices  were the lucky ones last week. For the most part, their lights stayed on.

San Antonios electric grid is laid out in a network of a few hundred circuits. Each circuit serves thousands of CPS residential and business customers.

As CPS sought to preserve power for critical sites, about one-third of the utilitys 865,000 customers who dont live near one of these entities bore the brunt of the blackouts.

A circuit thats on and tied to critical infrastructure wouldve been on the whole time, and across the street the other people not tied to those critical circuits were experiencing outages, CPS CEO Paula Gold-Williams said. So from a visual standpoint, it was extremely difficult.

Much of downtown San Antonio remained lit up throughout the week, touching off a torrent of complaints on social media. CPS came under fire for keeping the lights on at its Navarro Street parking garage. Amid the backlash, the utility turned them off.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg asked owners of unoccupied downtown buildings to go dark as well.

Big cities downtown areas are usually exempted from mandatory rolling blackouts. Cutting service to the urban core could affect system stability of the grid, according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Lisa Krantz, Staff / Staff photographer

Not good enough

Sonia Rodriguez, a community organizer and former president of the grassroots advocacy group COPS/Metro, lives on the Southeast Side near the San Antonio State Hospital. Her home never lost power or running water. She said relatives and friends came over to shower, get water or cook food in her kitchen.

One friend came over to pick up water with a nephew because her parents couldnt get out of their house and they were out of water, Rodriguez said. This is San Antonio in 2021. Thats not good enough.

By Thursday morning, CPS had restored power to hundreds of thousands of homes. All but several hundred San Antonio households had electricity again a little more than 24 hours later.

By Friday, the Texas grid had stabilized  enough electricity was available to meet demand  and ERCOT no longer needed to mandate outages.

With the power crisis still paralyzing much of the state, Gov. Greg Abbott went on Fox News on Tuesday night and blamed frozen wind turbines for the lack of available electricity. Yet natural gas, coal and nuclear plants also faltered during the winter storm, and natural gas pipelines and wellheads froze.

On ExpressNews.com: Abbott appointees made 'astonishing' cuts to power reliability team before deadly Texas storm

As the storm pushed into Texas, the state grid was short by about 40 percent of the supply ERCOT had projected that households would need, forcing the blackouts.

By Friday morning, ERCOT officials said 34,000 megawatts of electricity remained on forced outages. Natural gas, coal and nuclear power plants represented about 60 percent of that offline capacity, and wind and solar electricity generators 40 percent.

This storm affected every part of our industry, Magness said.

State Rep. Steve Allison, R-San Antonio, said he plans to file a bill to require Texas energy operators to weatherize each coal, gas, nuclear and wind plant to protect from severe weather conditions.

This must not be a suggestion or request for study or report, but a mandate that such weather protections be in place to guard against the freezing consequences Texans are currently experiencing, Allison said.

Abbott also called last week for weatherization mandates.

Similar proposals followed the 2011 winter storm that caused a Super Bowl Sunday blackout in Texas. Ultimately, power companies were asked, not ordered, to prepare their plants and distribution systems for prolonged periods of bitter cold.

A report by federal energy regulators after the energy crisis a decade ago recommended that electricity producers winterize their power plants and increase the amount of reserve power available before storms.

As last weeks calamity played out, ERCOT officials said power plants across the state had voluntarily safeguarded against freezing temperatures  just not well enough for the long cold snap.

In theory, all of them are weatherized to some extent, said Dan Woodfin, a senior director at ERCOT. The question now of how well they were weatherized, I think thats one of the things were going to have to look more at.

Ed Hirs, an energy economics lecturer at the University of Houston, thinks he knows the answer to how well prepared the producers were: not well enough. Power producers, he said, failed to foresee the impact a severe winter storm would have on their operations.

All they had to do was make sure the plants were ready to go in the winter, and they didnt  its really that simple, he said.

Hirs said part of the problem stems from the states electricity-only market. In Texas, power producers make money by transmitting electricity to market cheaply, not by maintaining excess generation capacity that could go unused.

In a capacity market, which other grid operators in the U.S. utilize  such as the PJM Interconnection, which serves 13 Midwest and Eastern states  power generators are compensated for generating excess electricity.

The guys on the bench would get paid to stay on the bench and be ready, Hirs said.

Short of market reform, analysts at credit rating agency Moodys Investors Service said ERCOT could consider charging utility customers an additional fee and using the proceeds to pay power companies to generate extra electricity to use in an emergency.

ERCOT will need to consider compensating generators for reliability, the analysts said in a report last week, rather than depend entirely on the marketplace for sufficient incentives for reliability-related investments.

Lisa Krantz, Staff / Staff photographer

Price spikes

As the crisis unfolded, the price of natural gas and other power-generating fuels spiked dramatically. Gold-Williams said CPS has spent a large chunk of its cash to pay higher prices for fuel.

The higher prices present an affordability challenge for CPS moving forward, she said. However, the utility will likely cover the high cost by selling bonds or using other financial instruments to spread out the cost over several years.

We understand that it would be unacceptable to just have customers bear the cost on their monthly bill, she said. Our effort is going to be not to have exorbitant bills.

In a letter to Abbott on Friday, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said CPS and ERCOT share in the blame for the failure of our electrical power system.

He also called on the governor to re-establish a regulated utility system similar to what Texas had before 1999, when then-Gov. George W. Bush and the Legislature deregulated the states electricity market.

Most utilities in Texas are private, investor-owned companies that either generate power, own distribution and transmission lines or sell electricity directly to consumers. Wolff wants the rest of Texas to adopt a utility system modeled after CPS, which does all three.

After last weeks unprecedented storm, Gold-Williams said, CPS will change its assumptions going forward.

When we make additional decisions in the future, we need to really think about what that right balance is to help us through summer peaks  and winter peaks, she said.

diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net
More than two thirds of people aged between 65 and 69 have had their first jabs  just a week after invitations went out, health bosses said last night.

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said the extraordinary uptake had led to 'early signs' that the vaccine rollout was contributing to a fall in coronavirus hospitalisations.

'The NHS Covid vaccination campaign continues full steam ahead  letters inviting everyone aged 65 to 69 went out a week ago, and already over two-thirds of them have had their first Covid vaccination,' he said.

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said the extraordinary uptake had led to 'early signs' that the vaccine rollout was contributing to a fall in coronavirus hospitalisations

'Across England overall, nearly a third of adults have now had their first jab, and early signs suggest this is contributing to the welcome fall in coronavirus hospitalisation that we're now seeing.'

Now a further 460,000 people aged 64 will be called to receive their jabs as the Government marches towards its target of vaccinating 32 million of the most vulnerable groups in society by early May.

Latest figures show that more than 17 million people have received their first jabs  while the number of people who have had their second passed 600,000 yesterday.

Latest figures show that more than 17 million people have received their first jabs  while the number of people who have had their second passed 600,000 yesterday

They include Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, 80, who revealed earlier this month that she had been given her second dose, having received her first in December.

It comes amid rising fears that the vaccine rollout has become a postcode lottery. Several areas across England have reportedly started offering jabs to people below the age of 60, while others are still working through the 65-to-69 cohort.

Meanwhile, the Government's decision to space out vaccine doses by up to 12 weeks so it could offer protection to more people was vindicated by two separate research papers published last week. Israeli scientists found a single shot of the Pfizer vaccine is 85 per cent effective in preventing people falling ill with coronavirus symptoms, according to research published in the Lancet medical journal.

Professor Eyal Leshem, lead author of the report which studied 9,000 healthcare workers from an Israeli medical practice over a month, said the findings 'certainly provide evidence that the UK's policy on the delay between doses is reasonable and justified'.

And researchers at Oxford University found that leaving 12 weeks between doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine actually boosted how well it works.

Analysis found that a single dose was 76 per cent effective in preventing Covid symptoms between 22 and 90 days after the injection, rising to 82 per cent after a second dose at that stage.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, GCBC, has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to close down the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender and Queer Intersex Rights (LGBTQI) office which was opened in Ghana in late January 2021.



In a press statement dated February 19, 2021, signed and issued by the President of the GCBC, Most Reverend Philip K. Naameh, the GCBC said the existence of the LGBTQI agenda is a complete disorder of the fundamental law of God in creating man and woman hence the need for it to be shut down.



The GCBC emphasized that the Catholic Church would only continue to recognize marriages between a man and a woman.



The LGBTQI is a clear departure from Gods purpose of creation because the woman was not created to be an object of pleasure for man, they said added that the Catholic as a Church would only continue to recognize marriages between a man and a woman to ensure that Gods purpose of creation is materialized.



The group also urged the Executive and Legislature never to be cowed down or to succumb to the pressure to legalize the rights of LGBTQIs in Ghana.

Source: Graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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IF you have absolutely no urgent or emergency need to be outdoors today, then remain at home.

Should you take a chance and decide to tempt fate, then it may most likely result in you being stopped and questioned by police officers and members of the Defence Force, or even find yourself charged and taken before a court.
The low-key outfit Princess Eugenie wore in her new son's first baby photograph appears to be a subtle tribute to the moment her own parents unveiled her to the world 30 years ago.

The royal, who gave birth to her first son with financier husband Jack Brooksbank on February 9th at London's Portland Hospital, eschewed the more formal photo opportunity her parents enjoyed in 1990 in the photos released on Instagram on Saturday, but offered a nod to her own first outing in her clothing choices.

Dressed in a soft pink coat with a high-necked cream knitted dress, the Princess picked the same colours that her mother Sarah Ferguson chose when she left Portland Hospital with a then baby Eugenie in her arms. On that day in March 1990, Prince Andrew opted for a baby pink tie to go with his pin-stripe suit.

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First official photo released by Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank on Saturday of their newborn son saw the royal wearing soft pink and white, with a golden velour headband

The Duke and Duchess of York leavin Portland Hospital, where August was also born, in March 1990 with a baby Eugenie in their arms. Sarah Ferguson chose a formal pink and white satin jacket while Prince Andrew opted for a baby pink tie to go with his pinstripe suit

The York family, including eldest daughter Princess Beatrice, 32, are famously close and there was perhaps a nod too to Sarah Ferguson's penchant for headbands in Eugenie's statement headwear, which complemented her subtle make-up and loosely worn hair.

The 204 Thada headband by Jennifer Behr certainly felt suitably regal though - you can trace the headband back to Anne Boleyn, and the Duchess of Cambridge is also partial to wearing one.

The couple chose not to invite photographers to the steps of the Portland Hospital when Princess Eugenie left with her new son on February 12th.

Eugenie, dressed in a comfortable-looking 90 A-line tartan 'Nap' dress by Hillhouse and a classic 785 Maxmara camel coat, was whisked away by husband Jack with August snuggled up in a 240 Cybex car seat.

The latest photos released on social media show new father Jack, who cradled his baby son in his arms, wearing a soft blue half zip jumper for the occasion. The couple swaddled their son in a baby blue blanket, with a matching hat atop his head.

It's thought the shawl could be a blanket by esteemed Nottingham-based company G H Hurt & Son, which has gifted a new shawl to every royal baby for the last seven decades.

Regal headwear: Eugenie donned a 204 Thada headband by designer Jennifer Behr and perhaps offered a tribute to her mother, who's partial to wearing such headwear

Royal favourite: You can trace the headband right back to Anne Boleyn, and the Duchess of York has always made it an integral part of her wardrobe (Sarah Ferguson pictured in 2017)

In the first photographs of the family-of-three, Jack cradled newborn August in his arms while Princess Eugenie could be seen fawning over him. August wore a shawl thought to be made by G H Hurt & Son, which has gifted a blanket to every royal baby born in last 70 years

Shortly after Eugenie shared her post, Sarah Ferguson posted a tribute to her new grandson, in which she said she and Prince Andrew were 'thrilled' over the new arrival (pictured left, Fergie, Andrew and Princess Beatrice with Eugenie and right, her message today)

Shortly after Eugenie shared her post, Sarah Ferguson posted a tribute to her new grandson, writing: 'As Grandparents, The Duke and I are thrilled and blessed at the arrival of our grandson August Philip Hawke Brooksbank.

'He is a beautiful blessing and a bringer of such love and joy to all our Family. I am so proud of Jack and Eugenie, they are and will be wonderful parents.'

August Brooksbank is Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbanks first child, The Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of Yorks first grandchild, and the ninth great-grandchild for The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. The new baby will not have a royal title though, only the grandchildren of the monarch are automatically entitled to one.
Medical deliveries by drone are ready for take-off in Australia, with startup Swoop Aero expecting to start bringing medicines to regional patients in May.

Swoop Aero has signed a deal with chemist chain TerryWhite Chemmart, and the first deliveries will be out of a pharmacy in Goondiwindi in the south of Queensland. Drones will be used to deliver medicines to customers within a 130 kilometres range of the town, sparing them trips of up to three hours to visit the pharmacy.

Swoop Aeros drone ready for flight from Lucy Walkers pharmacy in Goondiwindi.

The drones contain a secure chilled container, where pharmacists put in the medicines. They will be flown by a pilot based in Melbourne to deliver the medicines to customers who use a QR code to open the drone on arrival.

The pilot can fly up to five drones at a time. Swoop Aero has been working with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for over a year to finalise approvals for the flights.
Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Sunday (February 21) announced a reduction of tax by Re 1 per litre on petrol and diesel effective from midnight of Monday (February 22).

State Finance Minister Amit Mitra said the move will provide some respite to people stung by burgeoning prices of fuel.

"The Centre earned Rs 32.90 per litre in taxes from petrol (on February 20), while the state got around Rs 18.46 only. In case of diesel, the central government's earning was Rs 31.80 per litre as against about Rs 12.77 for the state," Mitra said.

He also alleged that the Centre had imposed cess to avoid devolution with states, which is "against the characteristics of federalism", reported PTI.

To a question, Mitra said the Union government should reintroduce the planning commission.

Later, the minister took it to his social media handle to announce that the tax rebate on fuel will be valid till June 30.

To reduce the common man's burden, the State Government has decided to allow rebate of Re 1 per litre on sales tax payable on sales of petrol and diesel w.e.f. the end of midnight of 22nd February, 2021 till 30th day of June, 2021.  Dr Amit Mitra (@DrAmitMitra) February 21, 2021

"To reduce the common man's burden, the State Government has decided to allow a rebate of Re 1 per litre on sales tax payable on sales of petrol and diesel w.E.F. The end of midnight of 22nd February, 2021 till 30th day of June, 2021," Mitra wrote.

Meanwhile, on Saturday petrol in Delhi stood at Rs 90.19/litre, an increase of 31 paise and diesel prices stood at Rs 80.60/litre, an increase by 33 paise. Additionally, petrol in Kolkata stood at Rs 91.41/litre and diesel prices stood at Rs 84.19/litre.

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As millions of Houstonians hunkered down in their homes this week, many animals were left outside to confront the sub-freezing temperatures that paralyzed Texas, forcing animal cruelty investigators and police into search-and-rescue operations that may result in fines or criminal charges.

The Harris County Animal Cruelty Task Force was so inundated with reports of chained and loose animals spotted in Houston yards that its website crashed, said Chief Brian Harris of Harris County Constable Precinct 5, a founding agency of the task force.

The animal cruelty telephone hotline, which was heavily publicized prior to the storm, was also overwhelmed with upwards of 6,000 calls, most of them during the frigid two-day period between Sunday night and Tuesday, Harris said.

Reports of freezing dogs, cats and even pigs that were shared widely on social media prompted hotline tips from well-meaning animal advocates as far away as Pennsylvania to Ohio.

Despite an aggressive public awareness campaign in the days leading up to the freeze, some Houston animals still froze to death.

A deceased dog was found covered in snow Monday at an auto shop in southwest Houston. Five other dogs were found alive at the same location and taken to the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), where they will remain until a custody hearing.

Houston SPCA

A senior dog was found downtown on Wednesday shivering in 30-degree weather next to a frozen water bowl.



Eight dogs and one pig were found tethered outside without shelter Monday on a property in Crosby, said Angelina Saucedo, marketing manager for the Houston Humane Society. All were severely malnourished, had skin issues and one, a puppy, had a broken jaw.

Courtesy Houston Humane Society

Saucedo said it was clear the animals had been left out in the elements during the entirety of the storm.



The task force to date has found six animals that died from the freeze, though Harris said a definitive animal death toll is difficult to discern because officers often arrive at a scene and find no animal, or no owner. Some calls were made anonymously from citizens who feared backlash from their neighbors, making it impossible for investigators to follow up or investigate further.

Did the animal die and the owner got rid of it? Or [did] the owner do the right thing? Harris said. We have no way of knowing whatever happened to those animals.

We are hoping that the actual death count isnt as high (as) the calls that came in.

The Houston SPCA saw similarly high demand. The organization averaged up to 150 cruelty reports a day between Feb. 13 and Friday, according to Julie Kuenstle, VP of Communications and Marketing.

The organization is aware of only one animal death from the freeze so far  the dog found in the auto shop, Kuenstle said. More animal deaths may be reported as the weather warms up and residents venture out again.



There is no way to know just how many countless animals suffered needlessly, Kuenstle said.

Animals rescued by the task force, meanwhile, numbered in the dozens, Harris said. Impossible to quantify is the number of Houstonians who prevented death by taking in shivering animals that they encountered outside.

Whether its (Hurricane) Harvey or this frozen storm, Houstonians tend to step up and will do whatever it takes to look out for one another and in these cases, animals, Harris said. And theyll worry about the consequences later.

For pet owners found negligent, the consequences could include criminal charges.



Many people are unaware that its against the law in the state of Texas  when temperatures drop below 32 degrees, for you to leave a dog outside without any shelter, Harris said.



Pet owners who are caught in violation of this could receive a Class C misdemeanor and a fine, depending on the court and the condition of the animal. In more serious cases, owners could face animal cruelty charges and even jail time.

The task force hopes to incorporate several lessons learned over the past week to better prepare for future weather events.

For starters, a better screening system is needed to filter out redundant reports generated by social media posts, Harris said. Educating other law enforcement agencies within Harris County on animal welfare issues is key to expanding the task forces reach, he said.

And Harris would like to establish more warming shelters for pet owners to bring their animals during future storms. Doing so might avoid situations like the one investigators found on the Crosby property, which resulted in eight dogs recovering at the HHS.

Saucedo said the owner has been arrested and charged. One dog remains in critical condition and requires surgery  the puppy with a broken jaw. She finally took her first bite of food on Friday, Saucedo said.
JOHNSBURG - The year is 1885, and the Adirondacks are still frontier land on the edge of New York, where the women labor in the fields to eke out food to feed their children through the winter and men spend summers at lumber camps, engaged in the dangerous work of felling trees for their board feet (the volume of wood measured for sale).

In certain parts of the region, the rich are building what would become known Great Camps and taking guided trips along wild streams. But it was not the rich captured by the Rev. Osmond D. Putnam's camera. A collection of Putnam's negatives, kept in storage since 1986 and now made available to the public for viewing and research through the Adirondack Research Library at Union College offers a glimpse into everyday life for the men, women and children who lived around Crane Mountain between 1885 and 1887.

Images from the Osmond D. Putnam photographs (ARL-081). Courtesy of the Adirondack Research Library of Union College

Putnam was a minister descended from Methodist minister and abolitionist Enos Putnam. He found it hard to make a living spreading the word of God in the sparsely populated stretches of Warren and Essex counties. But in addition to his Bible, Putnam carried a camera, about the size of a mail box, that used glass plates to create negatives. He made photographs of local people for a price.

"This was time in the Adirondacks when you might have had one photograph taken of you throughout your whole life and you would travel to Glens Falls to a studio to have it made," said Matthew Golebiewski, a project archivist at the library.

Images from the Osmond D. Putnam photographs (ARL-081). Courtesy of the Adirondack Research Library of Union College

The sight of Putnam's camera must have been intriguing to his subjects, who all look stone-faced or even angry in the pictures. Their expressions don't necessarily reflect their state of mind, but the time they needed to stay still while the picture was being made.

Putnam's subjects range from men and women dressed in their finest clothes, to men gathered in front of logging shanties and pictures of the countryside. The subjects' clothing and often rough surroundings give clues to what their lives were like and Putnam's photographs also show how widely logged the forests were at that time. A movement was building to protect the Adirondacks from clear cutting. It culminated in the creation of the state's Adirondack Park in 1892.

Images from the Osmond D. Putnam photographs (ARL-081). Courtesy of the Adirondack Research Library of Union College

The collection of 132 glass plate negatives were a gift to Union College in 2019 by Noel Riedinger-Johnson, a Schenectady native who lives in Aiden, S.C. Riedinger-Johnson used some of the photographs in her book about Adirondack native Jeanne Robert Foster, who was a second cousin to Putnam.

Foster was born into a subsistence farming family in 1879, but later traveled widely and became a poet, journalist and model. Riedinger-Johnson's book, "Adirondack Portraits: A Piece of Time," was a collection of Foster's unpublished poems. Putnam's negatives now in Union's hands were only a portion of Putnam's work. Many of his photos, negatives and equipment were destroyed in a fire in the 1920s. This collection survived because Putnam had given them to his brother, Elliot, who eventually gave them to Foster.

Images from the Osmond D. Putnam photographs (ARL-081). Courtesy of the Adirondack Research Library of Union College

Golebiewski and Sarah Schmidt, director of Special Collections and Archives at the library, considered having the negatives shipped to Schenectady from Aiken but opted to make the trip themselves. They packed the collection into a rented SUV and drove it back.

Golebiewski had archival-quality packing materials shipped to Riedinger-Johnson's house that he used to pack the fragile negatives, but said still felt anxious the whole way home. The college received a grant from the Capital District Library Council to digitize the collection and they are now available through New York Heritage.

Donald Trump might as well be known as He Who Must Not Be Named at this weekends California Republican Party convention.

Thats because the California GOP has a tightrope to walk. Republicans dont want to talk too fondly of Trump in a state where twice as many people (64%) hold negative views of the former president as positive ones (32%), according to a Berkeley IGS Poll. And they especially dont want to focus on him when Democrats are already casting the potential recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom as a Trumpist plot.

But the GOP cant disown his name like its a San Francisco high school. Not when 2 out of 3 California Republicans say they would back Trump for president again in 2024, according to that same poll. The party is going to need its Trump-loving base to be energized if it hopes to recall Newsom.

Thats why party chair Jessica Millan Patterson has reflexively shrugged off Trump questions for most of her four-year term. (Shes expected to be re-elected to another Sunday.) But others are taking a nuanced view.

Corrin Rankin, a Stockton resident who was a member of the advisory board of Black Voices for Trump during the 2020 campaign, told me that while Trump is still the leader of our party, when it comes to California, we are best served by focusing on California and giving voters very viable options and solutions to our current administration.

Tim Rosales, an adviser to GOP governor candidate John Cox  whom Trump endorsed in his failed 2018 bid against Newsom  said, You cannot succeed in the future by running the last campaign. And in the case of California, that future doesnt include the former president.

GOP governor candidate Kevin Faulconer pivoted so sharply away from a Trump question I asked him the other day when he was campaigning in San Francisco that its surprising he remained standing. The question: How should California Republicans handle Trump?

What our California Republican Party is rightfully focused on is this recall of the governor and the governors race in California, Faulconer said.

But while party leaders try to avoid the T-word, the scheduled lineup of speakers at the state GOPs virtual convention this weekend would feel right at home at Mar-a-Lago.

It includes New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, whom Trump called a star for the way she defended him during his first impeachment; Florida Sen. Rick Scott, one of only eight senators who voted against certifying President Bidens Electoral College victory in Pennsylvania; and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who gave Trump a $1,100 bust with his face on Mount Rushmore. Yes, really.

Disclaimer: No presidents currently on Mount Rushmore were kicked off to make room for Trump on the 4-foot-high sculpture.

Of course, these speakers also get something in return by appearing virtually at the convention: face time in a state that gave more to Republican candidates than any other in 2020, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Some of those speakers may run for president in 2024.

Progressive challenge to Newsom? Speaking of the recall, one of the scenarios that keeps Gov. Gavin Newsoms supporters up at night is another Democrat jumping into the race  especially if that Democrat is a progressive who can rally the Sen. Bernie Sanders wing of the party.

But that person has yet to emerge, said Norman Solomon, co-founder and national coordinator of RootsAction.org, a former Sanders delegate to the Democratic National Convention and an organizer in progressive circles.

I havent heard any feelers, even second- or third-hand, from someone who would be interested, said Solomon, who lives in Marin County.

Fremont Rep. Ro Khanna has said he isnt interested. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would be reluctant to lose other progressive Democrats, like Reps. Barbara Lee of Oakland or Karen Bass of Los Angeles, while holding such a narrow majority in the House.

Solomon is no fan of Newsom. He wrote in the progressive publication Common Dreams last week that both New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Newsom know how to talk progressive, but theyre corporate Democrats to the core.

Nevertheless, Solomon is opposed to the recall, as are most progressives. But if were stuck with it, were going to have to hash out what to do.

California Exit Interview: The story of why people are leaving California will dominate upcoming political campaigns. Heres the latest California Exit Interview, where we ask ex-Californians why they left.

Deanna Rhoades, 25, didnt want to leave for Tucson, Ariz. Shes a native Californian who was born in Walnut Creek and graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in ecology and evolution. She was looking for a research job studying wildlife.

A lot of people think that if you study that there must be tons of jobs in Santa Cruz, because everyone there wants to do that. But thats exactly the problem, she said.

Its a pricey place. Rhoades grew tired of paying $750 to $800 a month for a room in a house with three or more roommates. So in July, she moved to Arizona. The job scene isnt much better, but the cost of living is.

 What she found outside of California: Plenty of studios for less than $700 a month.

 What she didnt expect to find, but did: racial diversity  and good food.

 Biggest surprise: How politically blue it is here.

 What she misses most: Being around a thriving community of hippies. I really vibed with a lot of hippies.

 Surprising trade-off: Although she misses the ocean breeze and the redwoods, I was so stressed out by my economic situation that I didnt have the mental health to be able to fully appreciate them. I feel like because that aspect of my life is better here, Ive actually been able to appreciate my surroundings more.

 Least favorite thing about Arizona: It gets really hot here in the summer. But my boyfriend likes to say that the heat is good because it keeps away Californians who might want to move to a more affordable place.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
Vogue Williams ensured she turned heads in an all-black outfit as she headed to work on her Heart radio show on Sunday.

The radio host, 35, cut a trendy figure as she made her latest appearance outside Global Radio studios in London.

She flashed a wide smile as she showed off her quirky sense of style donning a statement black fedora from Boutique Bonita.

Stunning: Vogue Williams turned heads in a stylish black fedora and flared jeans as she headed to work on her Heart radio show on Sunday

The media personality wore a Zara turtleneck which she paired with wide-leg flared jeans from Donna Ida.

She went without a coat and added height to her frame with a pair of black heels under the flares.

Vogue's long blonde locks were straightened as they fell down her shoulders, and she completed her look with simple crescent moon earrings.

Trendy: The radio host, 35, flashed a wide smile as she donned a statement black fedora from Boutique Bonita in her latest appearance outside Global Radio studios in London

The mother-of-two, who is married to former Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, poked fun at her statement fedora hat on Instagram as she compared herself to Zorro.

She shared a poll by Heart Radio which asked listeners, 'Who wore it better?' with a picture of Vogue next to the fictional character.

At the time of sharing, Zorro was winning the poll as Vogue wrote: 'Can't believe Zorro is winning', with a rolling-eye emoji.

Style inspiration: The media personality wore a Zara turtleneck which she paired with wide-leg flared jeans from Donna Ida and a pair of black heels under the flares

Minimal jewelry: Vogue's long blonde locks were straightened as they fell down her shoulders, and she completed her look with simple crescent moon earrings

The outing comes after Vogue recently admitted she hadn't been home to Ireland in over a year, in part due to lockdown restrictions.

Addressing fans in an Instagram Q&A, the presenter said she was planning a long trip to her motherland once restrictions have eased as she wants her two children to develop an appreciation for her home country.

A fan asked: 'Ideally, how much time would you like to spend in Ireland every year?!' to which the model replied with: 'I love Ireland so much!

'Who wore it better?': The mother-of-two poked fun at her statement fedora hat on Instagram as she compared herself to Zorro in a poll shared a poll by Heart Radio

'Ideally I would like to spend three months a year there. I haven't been home in over a year so as soon as I can I'm gonna stay a couple of weeks for sure. It's really important for the children to grow up knowing and loving Ireland as much as I do.'

Vogue, who is mother to Theodore, two, and Gigi, six months, also revealed she and Spencer, 32, would like another baby despite her two 'difficult' pregnancies.

The media personality shared: 'We would love one more for sure! We always said four but our house is v busy so we would have to see!'

Vogue recently faced backlash as it was claimed she'd broken the rules on travelling while London was in Tier 4 by flying abroad for a family break to the Maldives.

Addressing the criticism, the blonde said: 'I would like to assure my lovely Instagram family that I have not broken the government guidelines since rules and guidance came into effect last March.

'I also had Covid tests to ensure I travelled safely and I adhered to all safety guidelines recommended. It's not ideal to be away working during these times but it had been booked in since last year.'
Queenslands COVID-19 vaccine rollout begins on Monday, with most Queenslanders to have received at least their first jab by mid-year, raising hopes that more international travel bubbles will be in place by the Christmas period.

The first doses of the Pfizer vaccine touched down at Brisbane Airport on Sunday morning, ready to be dispensed on the Gold Coast on Monday.

The first 100 Queenslanders will be injected with the vaccine on Monday. Credit:David Caird/Pool image

Authorities expect every Queenslander who wants to be vaccinated to have received a jab by the end of October.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it would, of course, be everyones desire to see a staged return of international travel by the end of the year.
Egypt detected 600 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing its total infections tally nationwide to 177,543 since the outbreak last year, a statement released by the ministry of health said.

The statement also reported 48 new deaths, bringing the overall fatalities from the virus to 10,298.

As many as 405 patients have been discharged from hospitals over the past 24 hours, pushing the total recoveries to 137,294, the statement says.

Though Egypt entered the second wave of the pandemic in December, the country witnessed a decline in the daily infection rate in January before fluctuating up and down in February.

Earlier on Saturday, Egypts Supreme Council of Universities announced a set of strict precautionary measures that are to be taken as universities and educational institutes prepare to hold the mid-year exams starting 27 February.

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New Delhi:

A united opposition on Tuesday stalled the pre-noon proceedings in the Rajya Sabha protesting against the governments decision to hike the prices of domestic cooking gas (LPG) by Rs 4 per cylinder every month to eliminate all subsidies by next March.



Congress, SP, TMC, BSP and Left MPs stormed into the Well of the House shouting slogans seeking withdrawal of the decision, forcing Deputy Chairman P J Kurien to first adjourn the proceedings for 10 minutes and then till noon.



The issue was raised by Derek OBrien (TMC) who gave a notice under rule 267 that seeks to set aside business of the day to discuss an important issue.



He said the government was not fulfilling its social commitment to provide cooking gas at subsidised rates. Oil prices have come down from USD 111 per barrel to USD 48 but the government is raising rates of cooking fuel, he said.



Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had yesterday told Lok Sabha that the government has doubled the monthly increase in LPG price to Rs 4 per cylinder from July 1 with a view to eliminating all subsidies by March 2018.



Whey they make promises, why not implement it, OBrien asked.



Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said at the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, people had voluntarily given up subsidies so that subsidised LPG can be provided to the poor and needy.



But the government has now decided to charge all the poor Rs 4 per cylinder more every month, he said. This is strongly condemnable. Government should withdraw (the decision).



Tapan Sen (CPI-M) said people are being cheated.



Naresh Agarwal (SP) said this is a government for profits.



Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said the notice under rule 267 was being disallowed but a short duration debate can be permitted if a notice is given.



The opposition members rushed into the Well shouting slogans against the decision, forcing Kurien to adjourn the proceedings for 10 minutes.



When the House met again, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the people had voluntarily given up their subsidies in the hope that subsidised cooking gas will be given to the poor.



But the government is killing the poor, as within a year, the price of LPG would go up by Rs 48 per cylinder at a time when oil rates globally have slumped to a multi-year low. This is not acceptable, he said.



Clarifying the decision, Pradhan said the move flowed from a June 2010 decision under the previous UPA government to raise prices every month in small quantum to completely eliminate subsidies.



He read out from a document that listed the decision and those who endorsed it.



Pradhan said the BJP-led government has in the last three years raised the LPG connections from 14 crore to 21 crore and given as many as 2.6 crore free connections to poor women household members.



Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said when Parliament was in session, the decision should not have been announced outside.



Slogan-shouting members trooped into the Well raising slogans. The minister made his submission amid slogan shouting.



As members refused to relent and return to their seats, Kurien adjourned the proceedings till 1200 hours.

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YouTube will not reopen its physical YouTube Spaces in Berlin, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Rio, and Tokyo. The company said it is now shifting its focus to a hybrid model that combines virtual and in-person Pop-up programming.

YouTube Spaces had launched almost nine years ago to help content creators leverage the companys resources such as better studios, host events or run classes. Following a positive response, YouTube expanded the Spaces to Pop-up locations to reach more content creators in different geographies, especially where it would not have set up a physical facility. Since the expansion, YouTube has hosted more than 45 Pop-up events across 20 cities including Madrid, Milan, Cairo, Jakarta, Taiwan, and Mumbai. About 15,000 creators and artists have attended these Pop-up events so far.

Even as the Pop-up events have been a hit for YouTube, its physical Spaces were closed due to the Covid-19. The pandemic forced YouTube, just like any other digital industry, to embrace virtual tools for reach. YouTube said it hosted thousands of online events including a Shorts workshops for content creators in India last year. The company pointed out that its virtual events had reached more than 70,000 people across 145 countries while its physical Spaces facilities were shut.

We truly believe this flexible new strategy will allow us to reach more regions, and positively impact more new and existing creators and artists by giving them the guidance and resources they need to take their craft to the next level, YouTube said in a post.

YouTube has also shared a roadmap for the hybrid virtual-Pop-up events that will be held later this year. It will host multi-week development programmes for its first-ever #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund for creators and artists. It said it would relaunch Pop-up events once in-person events were allowed. The events will include workshops for new products like Shorts and events like Music Nights.
Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has made a big step towards pursuing criminal charges against a colleague who allegedly raped her in Parliament House.

Ms Higgins, who worked for then Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, claims she was raped after a night out with coworkers in 2019 when she was 24.

On Sunday she made an appointment to give a formal statement to the Australian Federal Police on Wednesday.

Ms Higgins formally complained to police on Friday and asked for a review into Parliament's 'toxic workplace culture,' saying she wants her alleged rapist to 'face the full force of the law'.

She also asked for an independent investigation into how the alleged incident was handled.

Brittany Higgins (pictured) came forward this week with allegations she was raped in 2019, and now says she wants 'my perpetrator to face the full force of the law'

Brittany Higgins, then 24, has alleged she was raped by a colleague inside Parliament House in March 2019

Scott Morrison also believes the culture within Parliament House has to change as he and his government remain under scrutiny over the handling of the matter.

'I think the culture needs to change and it needs to continually improve,' the prime minister told reporters on Sunday, after being one of the first recipients of the Pfizer Covid vaccination.

'But I've got to say, if any workplace thinks that this is just confined to the parliament, they're kidding themselves.'

Questions have now been raised about whether Senator Reynolds (left in right image) should apologise for her handling of Ms Higgins' allegations

But he is sticking to his version of events, that he knew nothing about the sexual assault until last Monday and 48 hours after his own staff were quizzed on the matter.

Mr Morrison said he made his views known to his staff for keeping him in the dark 'very candidly' last Monday.

But Labor's Tanya Plibersek believes Ms Higgins has been let down by the prime minister and that the full story over who knew what at the time is being withheld.

Ms Plibersek said two cabinet ministers knew the events surrounding the sexual assault two years ago, as did senior staff, but somehow Mr Morrison didn't know.

'I don't think we have the full truth of this story, that's for sure,' she told Sky News when asked if she thought Mr Morrison was lying.

She said Ms Higgins was courageous in coming forward after she was left to choose between seeking justice and keeping her job.

'They have really let her down,' Ms Plibersek said.

'No one should be made to fell like that... it's appalling.'

On Saturday Mr Morrison said he was 'very upset' by reports a second woman was sexually assaulted by the same man who allegedly abused Ms Higgins.

'These events truly do sicken me. They do sicken me, as they should anyone,' he said.

Despite questions about Senator Reynolds' handling of the complaint, the prime minister said she has his confidence to remain in Cabinet.

Scott Morrison also believes the culture within Parliament House has to change as he and his government remain under scrutiny over the handling of the matter. Pictured with Ms Higgins

The second woman was allegedly assaulted by the same man - a former government adviser - in late 2020.

The woman argues that if the government had adequately dealt with the incident involving Ms Higgins in 2019, she would not have become a victim.

Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott, a frequent visitor to Parliament House, said it is a place that breeds a culture of disrespect.

'That culture is a cancer that gives rise to these very serious events that happen in this place, that frankly wouldn't be tolerated in a good workplace and shouldn't be,' she said.
People in Decatur say they have family in Texas that need help after last week's severe weather left thousands without power or water.

Decatur Church of Christ Outreach Minister Cody Michael says he was contacted in hopes he could help their families. So, Michael and his team decided Saturday morning that they would leave for Kyle, Texas on Sunday afternoon. All they're bringing are helping hands and water - and they need your help to get as much water to Texas as possible.

"With people here who have families who are directly affected, we'll always use that as a consideration. And when there's people local that say 'it's my daughter, it's my son, it's my this, it's my that,' that's what makes this special. Is that this truck and this trailer can go and help people that are right here in this town. Give them piece of mind that their families are provided for and taken care of. So we definitely want to make sure we get there as quick as we can and help out as much as possible," said Michael.

If you can help, Michael asks you bring bottled water to the church on Danville Road before Sunday at noon. He says once they're in Texas, they'll go door-to-door to deliver as much water as they can before they make the twelve-hour drive back to Decatur on Tuesday.

Michael is using a flat-bed attached to his pick-up truck to transport pallets of water people in the area and other churches have donated so far.

Farmers across the country, including southern states, have voiced various concerns about the new farm laws, indicating this is not just a regional issue.

The laws are against the farming community. We do not accept that the magnitude of our opposition is not the same as in Punjab or Haryana. It would take more time for farmers in other parts of the country to realise that the farm laws would make taking away of their land by corporates much easier, says P R Pandian, the president of the Coordination Committee of Tamil Nadu All Farmers Association.

In January, Pandian led an eight-member delegation to the farmers protest in Delhi. He says the lack of participation of Tamil Nadus farmers at the protest in Delhi does not indicate they are in favour of the bill.

Maharashtra, which has seen agricultural reforms in recent years, has seen a big representation at the farmers protest in Delhi.

The farmers' movement in Maharashtra was renewed, after images of blistered and bleeding feet of farmers taking part in protest in Mumbai in 2018 went viral.

On January 26 this year, over 15,000 farmers marching under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha converged at the historic Azad Maidan in Mumbai and were joined by several leaders of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

No solution in sight

Kishore Tiwari, the founder of Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti, based in Yavatmal, says there is an increasingly diminishing return from agriculture and poor government policies, strained natural resources and unstable market are affecting the farmers  yet, the government has failed to come up with any meaningful alternative to this agrarian crisis.

Even in Kerala, a state where the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees are not in place, a large section of farmers is aggrieved over the laws, with concerns of corporate monopoly in agriculture.

The Kerala Pineapple Farmers Association president James George said that even as the new farm laws look good at first, some clauses could affect farmers. The prescribed quality clause in contract farming could be detrimental to some growers. And while allowing farmers to sell their produce anywhere sounded good, George asked what about the transport facilities, especially for small farmers.

Pandian explains that while the agricultural markets are run by farmers and traders in Punjab and Haryana, in Tamil Nadu, the state government runs the agricultural markers through cooperatives. The moment the markets slip out of the state governments control, there will be protests in Tamil Nadu too. Farmers will protest only when it hits them. We are clear that these farm laws are not in favour of farmers, he said.

Another farmer association leader said the farm laws will facilitate the back door entry of corporates in the field of agriculture. When such things occur, we wont even have right over the water, he said.

Kerala recently announced minimum support price (MSP) for 16 crops (fruits and vegetables). According to Kerala agriculture department sources, so far 65,000 farmers have registered for the scheme and the total claims for MSP received so far was around Rs 6 crore. However, officials at the grassroots say that many farmers are yet to avail the scheme due to technical constraints and lack of awareness.

Counter-view

However, the farmers from Andhra Pradesh, who have never really tasted the benefits of a properly functioning APMC system, have largely remained neutral towards the protests.

Ch Subba Rao, a farmer from Kandrika, a village in Guntur district, explains how he prefers selling to the brokers for a slightly lower price than to the yard.

"We mostly sell our produce to the traders, dealers at a price we assume is remunerative. As of now, we did not experience anything dreadful with the new farm laws, says Ch Subba Rao.

Experts say that most of the over 200 APMC yards in the state are unregulated, and are primarily engaged in the collection of marketing cess on agri produce in their jurisdiction.

Farmers here complain about the well-stablished syndicates of traders, commission agents operating at the APMC yards, forbidding the farmers from selling independently and denying the rightful price.

The yards charge a double commission from us than what they take from the traders, the Kandrika farmers say.

However, the common fear is that these private operators could form a cartel, manipulate the open procurement market, and refuse to pay MSP.

P Lavanya, the regional deputy director in the Agricultural Marketing Department in Kadapa, AP, says We act on complaints we receive and if found guilty of unfair practices, we cancel the licenses of such agents and traders. But most of the time, the farmers are unwilling to complain.

(Writing from Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai and Hyderabad)
(Newser)  A freshman congressman from Texas is facing criticism over reports he took a private flight to sunny Florida during last week's winter storm and widespread power outages. While his home state dealt with historic chills and no electricity in millions of homes statewide, the Houston Chronicle reports that Rep. Gary Gates flew to Orlando on Wednesday night. The Fort Bend County Republican and business owner acknowledged his trip, but said it was out of concern for his wife, who's recovering from an illness, and his mentally handicapped adult daughter who still lives at home. Gates said he made the decision after 30% of their home flooded due to burst pipes.

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Per a reporter for the Fort Bend Star, that was one of two conflicting reasons given for Gates' departure from his shivering district. Stefan Modrich tweeted Thursday that Gates' chief of staff said the trip was so that Gates, whose business manages several apartment buildings in Houston, could meet with a "major vendor" whose office is in the Florida city. Gates split the difference when asked about the inconsistencies, telling the Chronicle he used the opportunity of the family trip to Florida to also conduct some business. Gates stressed that he remained in phone contact with his district throughout the trip, which was due to end Friday. (Also back in town and facing similar criticism is Sen. Ted Cruz)
A third woman has levelled sexual assault allegations against the Liberal staffer who allegedly raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House.

Ms Higgins went public last week with the allegation she was sexually assaulted by a male colleague inside Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' office in 2019, and felt pressured to stay silent in order to keep her dream job.

Now, a young campaign volunteer has spoken out as the latest alleged victim of the former senior staffer, with an eerily similar story to the two other women.

The woman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity but provided a statutory declaration, said she had barely left high school when she went out with fellow campaign volunteers just days before the 2016 election.

During the night out, she claims he bought her several rounds of 'double strength' vodkas and three tequila shots.

A third woman has accused the former Liberal staff who allegedly raped Brittany Higgins (pictured) of sexually assaulting her

The boozy night prompted the young volunteer, who had never been drunk before, to vomit in the nightclub bathroom.

When everybody else had left, the woman said she told him she was going to catch an Uber home, and he suggested they go back to his hotel room 'around the corner' instead, and he would 'look after her', she told The Australian.

After they arrived, she passed out while laying on his bed and allegedly woke up with her clothes undone and the staffer allegedly lying on top of her.

The woman, who was a virgin, said she was uncertain as to whether he was conscious or sleeping, but she bolted from the room into the hotel lobby toilet, where she discovered she was 'bleeding'.

Feeling embarrassed and ashamed, the woman made her way home and did not tell police, her family or friends.

Scott Morrison also believes the culture within Parliament House has to change as he and his government remain under scrutiny over the handling of the matter. Pictured with Ms Higgins

Questions have now been raised about whether Senator Reynolds (left in right image) should apologise for her handling of Ms Higgins' allegations

'I believe his actions on the night of 29 June and the morning of 30 June constitute sexual assault, because he performed or tried to perform sexual acts on me whilst I was severely intoxicated and unable to provide valid and informed consent,' she told The Australian.

'I later realised I was so drunk, I was not able to give any consent.'

'Hearing Brittany Higgins story, it was so eerily similar, it made me think this person has a pattern of behaviour.'

Ms Higgins' bombshell allegations have rocked Canberra as the Morrison Government plunges into damage control and calls mount for systematic reform of working conditions for parliamentary staffers.

As Ms Reynolds and the Prime Minister's Office spent the past few days grappling with the political crisis, a second woman came forward to claim the same man assaulted her in 2020 after they went out for a meal and drinks.

An independent review into the workplace culture in Parliament and the Coalition has been launched, as Ms Higgins prepared to make a statement to the Australian Federal Police later this week.

The Prime Minister office has come under scrutiny after claiming it was not aware of the rape allegations until last week, sparking questions about why Senator Reynold's office had failed to pass on the information.

Senator Reynolds has known about the alleged rape for more than two years but did not inform the prime minister to respect Ms Higgins' privacy and welfare.

Ms Higgins accused Mr Morrison of using 'victim-blaming language' during his response to the revelations, with the Prime Minister later apologising to the former Coalition staffer.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds (left) told the Senate this week that the staffer had been 'terminated' following a 'security breach'. Until recently Ms Higgins worked for Employment Minister Michaela Cash (together in Parliament's Great Hall on right)

On Saturday, after another woman spoke out, Mr Morrison said he was 'sickened' and that the incident is 'very distressing'.

'These events truly do sicken me,' he said.

'I think we have a problem in the parliament and the workplace culture that exists there that we must continue to improve.'

Despite questions about Senator Reynolds' handling of the complaint, the prime minister said she has his confidence to remain in Cabinet.

The second woman was allegedly assaulted by the same man - a former government adviser - in late 2020.

The woman argues that if the government had adequately dealt with the incident involving Ms Higgins in 2019, she would not have become a victim.

Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott, a frequent visitor to Parliament House, said it is a place that breeds a culture of disrespect.

'That culture is a cancer that gives rise to these very serious events that happen in this place, that frankly wouldn't be tolerated in a good workplace and shouldn't be,' she said.
This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal . The author of this post is John Trump Gov. Roy Cooper may not even realize it, but he's fallen into a weird pattern of announcing priorities.Cooper issues executive orders  using broad powers granted him under the auspices of the N.C. Emergency Management Act  like a firefighter tossing out candy at a Christmas parade. That power, regardless of protests and lawsuits, continues unchecked.Along the way, Cooper  again and again uses a form of the word "priority."First, Cooper talked about keeping us safe and flattening the curve, a move toward keeping hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.Hospitals, as they relate to the pandemic, are doing well. On Jan. 16, the state says, fewer than 2,000 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, down more than 1,000 in a month. So, the idea of flattening the curve, from what I can tell, is now a bit old-fashioned.Let's try something else.Later, Cooper said his top priority was getting kids back to school. It's going on a year since my boys, high school seniors, got anywhere near a Raleigh Charter High School classroom, despite the best efforts of state Republicans.This was clear: Cooper, who is inherently risk-averse, wouldn't push the state toward any form of normality until we had a vaccine. So, that happened.Getting people vaccinated immediately became the new top priority. The rollout and distribution crawled painfully along, and the question became deciding who would get the golden ticket, and when.Health care workers and the elderly go first, sure. But then, should we prioritize the vulnerable and infirm? People of color or first responders? Front-line workers?Cooper recently sent educators to the front of the line. We must open our schools, he told us. It's a priority. The biggest one.Round and round we go.The only thing consistent about Cooper's rhetoric is the laughable inconsistency, a maddening game of multiple choice, delays and obfuscations until he confers with his political base. The questions then change, as do the answers.Cooper's so-called priorities are nothing more than excuses. For keeping businesses closed, for keeping children out of the classroom.The General Assembly has passed a bill to re-open schools for in-person learning. Lawmakers in the Senate introduced the measure about the same time Cooper proclaimed his support for re-opening schools. Not for the bill  he has concerns about that, and it's unclear whether he'll sign it  but the general idea of getting kids safely back in the classroom.Ideas, though, aren't mandates, and groups such as teachers' unions are well aware of the fact. So is Cooper.The governor is adept at looking busy while accomplishing nothing, deflecting blame with both eyes on Democrats and a leftist agenda, i.e., that of the N.C. Association of Educators and the like.Cooper's indecision is having major consequences on small businesses, restaurants, and bars, which have been closed since March.My family and I visited Wilmington on a recent rain-soaked weekend. It's one of my favorite places in North Carolina, but we viewed most of it from the windows of museums and restaurants, where we waited for a seat at a limited number of tables.Remember, too, that because of a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, no alcohol can be sold after 9 p.m., last call being around 8:30. A usually booming nightlife along Front Street went silent. Breweries, because of the rain and limited seating, closed early and canceled scheduled food trucks. The plethora of signs advertising empty buildings tell a sad tale, the ending of which only darkens as Cooper's restrictions linger. Lawmakers , as of this writing, were working on a couple of bills that would loosen state licensing restrictions on businesses that serve alcohol  waiving certain permit fees and extending payment deadlines  to at least try to stop the bleeding. Important steps to be sure, but businesses are in trouble. Workers are in trouble. Students are in trouble. We, as a state, are in trouble.Enough with talk of priorities. We're drowning here, governor. Send us a lifeboat, as opposed to making a "priority" of first deciding what to call it.
She's turning to her family for support in this troubling time.

Kim Kardashian is depending on her older sister Kourtney now that she officially filed for divorce from her husband of seven years, Kanye West.

A source close to the reality superstar sisters told Us Magazine on Saturday that Kourtney, 41, is doing her best to be supportive of Kim, 40, this week especially.

Supportive sister: Kim Kardashian is depending on her older sister Kourtney now that she officially filed for divorce from her husband of seven years, Kanye West

'Kourtney has been trying really hard to be there for Kim this week,' the source shared.

'Kim was over at Kourtneys on Wednesday, as the preparations [for Friday's divorce filing] were being finalized.'

The famously close siblings have also been seen even more frequently together on social media this month, frolicking on the beach.

'Kim was over at Kourtneys on Wednesday, as the preparations [for Friday's divorce filing] were being finalized' a source shared on Saturday; Kimye seen here in August 2015

They were also seen hanging out together during the family's girls' trip to Turks and Caicos earlier this month.

The news comes after it was revealed that Kim, who shares children North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, 21 months with Kanye, 43, officially filed for divorce from the rapper this week.

The reality TV star filed documents on Friday, according to TMZ.

Sister besties: The famously close siblings have also been seen even more frequently together on social media, frolicking on the beach

Greetings: They were also seen hanging out together during the family's girls' trip to Turks and Caicos earlier this month

A source confirmed to DailyMail.com soon after that Kim had filed for divorce, going on to share that 'the split is amicable and there is no drama.'

The filing was made by famous Los Angeles divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, but the date of separation was apparently not listed.

Kim and Kanye have reportedly been living separately for many months already, with the SKIMS founder based in Los Angeles and the Stronger rapper residing on his ranch in Wyoming.

No more: A source has confirmed to DailyMail.com this week that Kim has filed for divorce, going on to share that 'the split is amicable and there is no drama'; seen in November 2019

Kardashian is allegedly asking for joint legal and physical custody of the estranged couple's four children.

TMZ added that there is a prenup and 'neither party is contesting it'.

Kim and Kanye wed in May 2014 in Italy, after they had already welcomed their eldest daughter North.

This marks Kim's third divorce: she was wed to Damon Thomas from 2000 until 2004, and she was married to Kris Humphries from 2011 until 2013.
Have you had your Covid vaccine yet? I had mine a few weeks ago, after a week of working nights, and was quite surprised at how emotional it was.

After all these months of waiting for some good news, finally here was the light at the end of the tunnel  the one thing that meant this awful pandemic might finally be behind us soon.

Clearly I wasn't the only one to be caught up in the moment. There was a positively electric atmosphere in the queue when I arrived, with quite a bit of chatting. It bordered on being quite raucous at times.

Nurses brought down some very unwell-looking people from the wards in wheelchairs, and the queue rearranged itself to get them to the front, with people nodding encouragement and doing thumbs up as they were wheeled past.

Dr Max Pemberton (pictured) admitted feeling guilty after getting the Covid-19 vaccine, explaining his mother, who is in her 70s, still has not been given the vaccine

After the jab you have to wait 15 minutes in case you have a reaction, so I went to the waiting area where everyone else was sitting.

A line of old ladies applauded as I took my seat. Then someone else came through and I joined in the ripple of applause. It felt like quite the party.

Swept up in all the excitement and jubilation, I phoned my mum, who is in her 70s, as I left the hospital to tell her that I had been vaccinated.

Then, suddenly, I felt uncomfortable. She, along with so many other people, has been shielding in her home for many months.

While I get to go to work every day, where I chat and socialise with colleagues and patients, she has hardly left the house except to walk her dog.

She hasn't seen friends or family for nearly a year. Even people on the street tend to step aside. There's no friendly gossiping in the shops or nattering over cakes with my auntie.

Her book group has stopped, the charity she volunteers for has temporarily closed. Yet here was I, fit, healthy, and aged 40, getting the vaccine ahead of her.

Of course, I understand the rationale behind this. I do mix with lots of vulnerable and sick people every day, and vaccinating me also protects them.

But still, it seems that the vaccine rollout has brought with it a whole new set of complex emotions for many people.

While I was pleased to have the vaccine, I also felt guilty, not just about my mum and people like her, but also about others with public-facing roles.

It comes after Jo Whiley revealed she was offered the vaccine before her sister Frances (both pictured), who has a learning disability and diabetes and is now battling Covid in hospital

What about the delivery drivers I've relied on throughout the pandemic, or the bus driver without whom I wouldn't be able to get to work?

The other day I was talking to the cashier in my local supermarket about having the jab. I've known this woman for years. She's in her late 50s, has asthma and smokes. She's at higher risk than me for sure. What's more, she is the carer for her elderly mother.

Yet she was telling me she had contacted her GP to get the vaccine but they explained that she wasn't a priority. She was gracious about it, but is scared at work because she has to deal with the public day in, day out.

Of course, the groups have to be chosen somehow  they've been chosen on a clinical basis, and medics are used to making these decisions  but there is still, for some, a lingering feeling of guilt.

Jo Whiley touched upon these complex feelings last week when she said she was living 'a nightmare' after being offered the vaccine ahead of her sister, Frances, who has a learning disability and diabetes, and who then tested positive for the virus. Frances is now battling Covid in hospital.

The BBC Radio 2 presenter said she would give up her vaccine for her sister 'in a heartbeat', and yesterday said the fact she'd been offered the jab and not her sister felt like 'the cruellest twist in the world'.

Whiley said Frances had been offered a vaccine on Saturday, but it was 'too late'. How heart-breaking. One can only imagine the torment she must be feeling.

Many of the nurses at work  especially those in their 20s  have asked if they can allow their older relatives to have their vaccine.

It's an understandable impulse. The debate over who should be prioritised is difficult and uncomfortable.

Dr Max confronted the debate about who should be vaccinated first, discussing the inconsistencies as the Covid-19 vaccine is being rolled out (stock image)

It's made worse by perceived inconsistencies in who gets the vaccine. Variations in supply mean that some areas are moving faster with the vaccinate rollout than others.

And, of course, none of this has been helped by people feeling at liberty to criticise some who are getting the vaccine ahead of others, without appreciating that some people have clinical reasons for being prioritised that aren't immediately obvious.

This causes people to feel as though they should disclose private medical details in order to justify being vaccinated.

My partner, for example, is in his 30s and appears fit and healthy. He actually has a life-limiting liver condition and his consultant phoned him personally to insist he had the vaccine as soon as possible.

Yet when he mentioned on social media that he'd been vaccinated, he was deluged with cruel comments from people who don't know him or his medical history, asking why someone who was fit and healthy had been jabbed when others hadn't.

The vaccine, from its astonishingly rapid creation to the lightning-speed rollout, has been nothing short of miraculous. But until we all get it, there are bound to be tensions. Some will feel guilty when they get it, others relieved.

Above all, let's hold on to the fact that it is a way out of this for all of us. If you have had it, then know that you are helping defeat the virus. If you are still waiting, then be patient  your time will come.

DON'T SUFFER IN SILENCE

Hearing aids could stave off dementia, according to a study that looked at people with mild cognitive impairment.

A third of the over-50s who wore a hearing aid had not developed dementia five years later, while 81 per cent of those who did not wear one were diagnosed with the condition.

Hearing aids could stave off dementia, according to a study that looked at people with mild cognitive impairment (stock image)

Social isolation is linked to a higher risk of dementia; perhaps nerves involved in hearing stop working properly if they aren't stimulated, and this triggers damage in other parts of the brain.

Yet I know of several people who refuse to go to the doctor about their deafness, as they fear hearing aids will make them look 'old'. It takes people ten years on average to seek help for hearing loss.

Imagine if people who were losing their sight waited to get glasses? Of course, glasses are now seen as a fashion accessory.

The same can't be said of hearing aids, but this delay puts mental health at risk.

DR MAX PRESCRIBES... BRAIN-BOOSTING APPLES

I know, I know, but it's true  an apple a day really can keep the doctor away. According to new research, natural compounds found in apples can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

These phytonutrients  quercetin in the peel and dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in the flesh  were shown to stimulate the creation of neurons, in a process called neurogenesis.

Dr Max advises eating apples as new research shows that natural compounds found in apples can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia (stock image)

Last week, the UK got approval for the world's first 'challenge trial' to investigate how Covid spreads.

It involves infecting volunteers, who will be paid 4,500. What an extraordinary thing to volunteer for  I'd be petrified!

They will have to lie on their back for half an hour, to let the virus seep into their respiratory system, and will then be quarantined at the Royal Free Hospital in London for at least two weeks.

They'll be kept under 24-hour surveillance until they recover, then will be asked to come back for follow-ups every few weeks for a year. We owe them a debt of gratitude.
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Ali Velshi, host of the weekend news show Velshi on MSNBC, came to Birmingham this weekend in honor of Black History Month. While in the Magic City, Velshi spoke with residents of the city about its intense racial history, and how that history shapes the fight for racial justice today.

Birmingham, a city known for its role in the Civil Rights movement, is more than 70 percent Black - one of the Blackest cities in America, according to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. Velshi hosted a socially-distanced discussion with five Black Birmingham residents where they talked about the citys racial history, the COVID-19 pandemic and more.

Unfortunately the pandemic is a manifestation of what weve always seen, said Dr. Hernando Carter, a doctor who was one of the residents who appeared on the show. There have always been disparities and inequities in healthcare. Its been said that, if America gets a cold, then the Black community gets the flu, or pneumonia.

You can watch that segment here.

Velshi also spoke with Woodfin on the show, who said theres a long way to go in terms of conversations and healing around race.

Woodfin said a lot of wounds were exposed in 2020, but that he thinks people are ready and eager to move forward.

What I do like about what 2020 exposed is that, it doesnt matter if it was in the C-suite, in the board room, on the ground level or in the community, Woodfin said on the show, which aired on Saturday. Everybodys talking about pushing past our passed. Though we need to acknowledge it. We really need to talk about how we move forward.

I think theres a long way to go, but I live the direction its going.
TAKE OUR SURVEY ~~TELL US HOW WE ARE DOING
Hundreds including President Erdogan have gathered in Istanbul without social distancing for the funeral of a prominent Islamic scholar, without social distancing.

Muhammed Emin Sarac died at his home on Friday after a battle with Covid-19.

The distinguished hadith scholar was a preacher at Istanbul's Fatih Mosque where Sunday's funeral was held.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends funeral ceremony of prominent Islamic scholar Muhammed Emin Sarac at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey on February 21

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends funeral ceremony of prominent Islamic scholar Muhammed Emin Sarac at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey on February 21

Erdogan was one of hundreds who gathered for the funeral, with attendees wearing masks but not observing social distancing

Hundreds including President Erdogan gathered in Istanbul without social distancing for the funeral of a prominent Islamic scholar, without social distancing

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends funeral ceremony of prominent Islamic scholar Muhammed Emin Sarac at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey on February 21

Sarac was close friends with Erdogan who had known him since school, with the President saying he had 'benefited greatly' from his teachings.

Erdogan was one of hundreds who gathered for the funeral, with attendees wearing masks but not observing social distancing.

Turkey has had more than 2.6million confirmed cases of Covid with 27,983 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

People attend funeral ceremony of prominent Islamic scholar Muhammed Emin Sarac at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends funeral ceremony of prominent Islamic scholar Muhammed Emin Sarac at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey on February 21

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends funeral ceremony of prominent Islamic scholar Muhammed Emin Sarac at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

In the past week alone, the country has recorded 51,980 cases and 606 deaths.

Turkey aims to procure 105 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of April, its health minister said on Friday, adding Ankara would also receive some 800,000 doses of the shots developed by Pfizer and BioNTech this month.

Ankara started a nationwide vaccination programme last month that has so far administered a first dose to some 5.5 million people. More than a million people have received the second dose of the vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd, according to health ministry data.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends funeral ceremony of prominent Islamic scholar Muhammed Emin Sarac at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends funeral ceremony of prominent Islamic scholar Muhammed Emin Sarac at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

Erdogan was one of hundreds who gathered for the funeral, with attendees wearing masks butnot observing social distancing.

Speaking to the Sabah newspaper, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Turkey planned to procure a further 105 million doses by the end of April, but did not specify which vaccines would be obtained. He said Turks would be given the option to choose between the Sinovac and BioNTech shots once both are available.

'By the end of April, a procurement of 105 million vaccine doses is being planned,' Koca said. 'It is expected that around 800,000 doses of (BioNTech) vaccines will arrive this month,' he was quoted as saying.

Koca said Turkey was preparing to administer 35 million shots in March.

The distinguished hadith scholar was a preacher at Istanbul's Fatih Mosque where Sunday's funeral was held

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday Turkey will begin a gradual return to 'normal life' in March on a province-by-province basis

'Citizens whose vaccination turn arrives will be presented this option. Their confirmations will be received. This vaccine will also especially be offered to the group of 60 year-olds and younger,' he said, referring to BioNTech's shots.

Turkey has ordered 50 million doses of Sinovac's Coronavac and has been in talks to buy shots developed by other companies. Ankara has so far received 13 million doses of Coronavac, but no BioNTech shots.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday Turkey will begin a gradual return to 'normal life' in March on a province-by-province basis.
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After over a decade of research and development around hydrogen fuel technology, President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is now ready to manufacture and commercialise hydrogen fuels technology.

The President said this when he responded to a debate on the State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday.

For more than a decade, government has been working with various partners, including the private sector and academia, to develop hydrogen fuel cell and lithium battery storage technologies.

This work serves two important developmental objectives: it offers the possibility of a new, renewable source of energy, while establishing new uses and new markets for the platinum group metals that are abundant in our country.

Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, which use platinum, offer an alternative source of clean electricity, while hydrogen allows for energy to be stored and delivered in a usable form, he said.

The President said through its Hydrogen South Africa Strategy, government and its partners have successfully deployed hydrogen fuel cells to provide electricity in schools and to field hospitals established as part of the countrys COVID-19 response.

Now, after a decade of investment, we are ready to move from research and development to manufacturing and commercialisation.

We are establishing a Platinum Valley as an industrial cluster bringing various hydrogen applications in the country together to form an integrated hydrogen ecosystem.

This initiative will identify concrete project opportunities for kick-starting hydrogen cell manufacturing in promising hubs, he said.

In 2019, Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, said progress was made in preparing the country for a hydrogen economy.

At the time, Nzimande said that to the work of the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme had resulted in the establishment of spin-out companies whose products are attracting market interest.

Addressing a hybrid joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday, the President said the newly-established Platinum Valley will facilitate the commercialisation of home-grown intellectual property.

It presents an opportunity to build a local skills base and lead the country into a new era of energy generation and demand for its platinum group metals.

Through this initiative, South African skills, technology and expertise is being used to extract greater economic value  in the form of new jobs, industrial development and cleaner energy  from a mineral that the country has in substantial quantities.

We will develop measures that should be taken to ensure that innovators are supported in local innovation and research.

This is just one example of the boundless potential that exists in our country to build a new economy of the future, said the President.
California Exit Interview: The story of why people are leaving California will dominate upcoming political campaigns. Heres the latest California Exit Interview, where we ask ex-Californians why they left.

Deanna Rhoades, 25, didnt want to leave for Tucson. Shes a native Californian who was born in Walnut Creek and graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in ecology and evolution. She was looking for a research job studying wildlife.

A lot of people think that if you study that there must be tons of jobs in Santa Cruz, because everyone there wants to do that. But thats exactly the problem, she said.

Its a pricey place. Rhoades grew tired of paying $750 to $800 a month for a room in a house with three or more roommates. So, in July, she moved to Arizona. The job scene isnt much better, but the cost of living is.

 What she found outside of California: plenty of studios for less than $700 a month.

 What she didnt expect to find, but did: racial diversity  and good food.

 Biggest surprise: How politically blue it is here.

 What she misses most: Being around a thriving community of hippies. I really vibed with a lot of hippies.

 Surprising trade-off: Although she misses the ocean breeze and the redwoods, I was so stressed out by my economic situation that I didnt have the mental health to be able to fully appreciate them. I feel like because that aspect of my life is better here, Ive actually been able to appreciate my surroundings more.

 Least favorite thing about Arizona: It gets really hot here in the summer. But my boyfriend likes to say that the heat is good because it keeps away Californians who might want to move to a more affordable place.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
The historic winter weather in Texas led to a disaster when the state's populace has spent days without electricity due to a failure in their power grid. This affected a significant number of residents as record-breaking cold continue to cover the area, leaving households to get through the cold without heat.

According to Huffington Post, at least 36 people were reported dead due to carbon monoxide exposure in utilizing their cars and generating heat. However, this scenario is never imagined since Texas has its power grid and generates its energy.

Texas Power Grid

Most of Texas taps the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) for power. However, the service of ERCOT does not cover the whole of Texas and El Paso, part of East Texas, and a portion of the upper Panhandle gets its energy source from other grids. Meaning, these mentioned areas did not have their power interruption during the record-breaking cold.

Read also: Truth Behind the Viral Photo of Helicopters De-Icing Wind Turbines, Is it From Texas?

Young African Leaders Initiative shares that the power grid is a place where electricity or power is made. The giant towers with wires that stretch from great miles to another are only a part of a power grid and are how the power is transmitted to households.

According to experts, one of the reasons why the number one power generating state ran out of power is because the power grid is not prepared for the surge in demand caused by the storm's below-freezing temperatures.

They add that the extreme cold affected many gas-fired power plants when the demands were climbing, and the wind turbines stopped working due to the harsh weather conditions.

In an interview with the Huffington Post, ERCOT President Bill Magness said that the power grid is near "seconds and minutes" away from falling.

Another catastrophe Texas will have to face when they did not take drastic action, as the failure may leave the state without electricity for months. And that action is to prevent the rolling blackouts.

Texas Tribune shares that the energy and policy experts note that Texas' decision not to require their equipment upgraded to better withstand and perform in extreme winter temperatures, and choice in operating mostly isolated from other grids in the united states left their power system unprepared for the current winter crisis.

Who should be responsible?

In an interview with NBC, Governor Gregg Abbott notes that every source of power Texas has access to is compromised, demanding ERCOT for an investigation, which is the least that should be done. However, the Texas tribune shares that policy observers blame the power system failure on the legislators and state agencies, who, according to them, did not correctly address the warning of previous storms.

Meanwhile, retired former director of Public Citizen, who advocated for changes after the 2011 energy crisis in the state, Tom Smith, says that the regulation should be changed to protect the people and not the profit, and coming up on guidelines.

With the continuous cold in Texas, and as the power grid continues to fall, the disaster for the state's citizens will continue.

Related article: Woman, Girl Die From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Using Running Car to Stay Warm in Texas Freeze

WATCH: How Texas' Power Grid Failed During Historic Winter Storm from Bloomberg Quicktake: Now
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 05:45:51|Editor: huaxia

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RAMALLAH, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday evening enacted a decree to consolidate public freedoms ahead of the general elections.

Under the decree, Palestine will establish an atmosphere of public freedoms in all its territories, allowing people to "have the freedom to practice political and national action, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and relevant legislation."

The decree was issued based on the understandings reached among 14 Palestinian factions during their recent meetings in Cairo last week.

It provides for "banning the detention, arrest, prosecution of, or holding to account, individuals for reasons relating to the freedom of opinion and political affiliation," as well as "the immediate release of any detainees or prisoners held in custody against the backdrop of practicing the freedom of opinion, political affiliation or for any other partisan reasons."

It also allows all of the electoral lists to enjoy an equal opportunity in the official media "without any discrimination in accordance with the law."

According to the decree, the Palestinian police shall have the sole responsibility to protect polling stations in the Palestinian territories.

In a decree issued in mid-January, Palestinian President Abbas announced that the 2021 general election will include legislative elections on May 22, presidential elections on July 31, and the Palestinian National Council elections on Aug. 31.

The last Palestinian presidential elections were held in March 2005, and the legislative elections in January 2006. Enditem


GREENVILLE  Inextricably linked to Prisma Health before it went private four years ago, an Upstate governing board's relationship with the health system has cooled significantly in recent months even as area lawmakers have sharpened their criticism of what they say is the system's outsized pursuit of profits.

The Greenville Health Authority (GHA), a 14-person board whose members are largely chosen by state legislators, last week changed their bylaws to exclude anyone working for Prisma Health to serve as the authority's president.

The GHA board, which has taken control of $1 million in annual administrative funds from Prisma, has also hired its own attorney. Until recent months, that $1 million stayed in Prisma's hands and was only paid to GHA in the form of requested reimbursements.

The changes are significant in that the GHA board owns the facilities from which Prisma runs healthcare in the Upstate. Among those facilities is Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Prior to GHA's bylaws change, the GHA board's president and sole employee was John Mansure, who simultaneously was running Prisma Health's Greer campus and has been a hospital employee for more than 40 years.

With his exit, the GHA board voted unanimously on Feb. 10 to hire one of its own  former board chairman Phillip Liston  to take on the organization's presidency.

Mansure's removal comes just ahead of Prisma's annual report to the GHA board on Feb. 26 and less than a month before the entities sit down for a five-year review of the hospital lease in early March.

Stacey Mills, GHA's board chairman as of Feb. 10, is pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church, a predominantly Black congregation in Greenville's Southernside neighborhood near downtown. He said Prisma's "business model" triggered GHA's changes in leadership.

"I've been there for the last 24 years," he said of his church, "and I've watched over those decades the difficulty that people have with gaining access to quality care, some of the barriers that are in place. And I just think that GHA is in a position, working with the legislative delegation and with health officials, to always keep the public in mind when it comes to delivering health-care services."

That language  "keeping the public in mind"  was echoed by lawmakers last week who criticized Prisma Health for its decision in November to close its emergency room at North Greenville Hospital. On Feb. 15, a group of state and local representatives joined with leaders at Medical University of South Carolina and Bon Secours St. Francis to announce they would figure out another way to bring emergency services to northern Greenville County.

Mills agreed this week that closing the emergency room was one of his board's "big three" concerns with Prisma. The others: pausing work on a new cancer center and withdrawing its plans to build a new psychiatric hospital. While much needed, these services have tended to generate financial losses for hospital systems.

"Those are major," Mills said. "And as the need for services continue to mount, we certainly look forward to having discussions with Prisma's leadership in terms of their plans for the future and what their vision is for that scope of care. And those are questions that we certainly will be asking."

The GHA board, albeit volunteer, carries a potentially powerful punch when holding Prisma Health accountable. Prisma Health-Upstate is a $2 billion operation and the largest employer in Greenville County, but GHA is its landlord.

Taylors-area state Rep. Mike Burns, a vocal critic of Prisma Health for years, said the change in bylaws was overdue.

"The way it was, in actuality, you had a person working for Prisma who was also the president of the GHA board, and it seemed like the board in practicality was subservient to Prisma instead of the other way around," Burns said. "That culture has changed this past year."

The Post and Courier reached out to Prisma Health to request an interview with Mansure, but the system declined.

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"We dont have information about the Greenville Health Authority, since it is not part of Prisma Health," a spokeswoman wrote in an email. "I suggest you reach out to the GHA Board chair."

Rep. Burns and other state and local lawmakers have said Prisma Health ought to keep more of the profitable health system's revenue inside Greenville County to pay for some of those services, like psychiatric care, that do not typically make money. He said that as much as $100 million a year is likely being diverted to Prisma's less profitable operations in the Midlands.

"We have a lot of questions, like the most important one is how much money? We want to know how much money has left the Greenville economy to prop up the Midstate?" Burns said. "Which they won't answer."

Prior to a 2016 merger with Palmetto Health in Columbia that created the entity now known as Prisma Health, the Greenville Health System was a publicly governed agency established through state legislation dating back to the 1940s. That agency and its Board of Trustees were charged with delivering health-care services within Greenville County, according to the GHA website.

Prisma Health today is a private, nonprofit entity whose operations and finances here and elsewhere in the state are far less transparent than what they were when it was a government agency. Prisma Health now has facilities from Orangeburg to Oconee.

A summary of the organization's finances are reported annually to the Internal Revenue Service via a Form 990. But those annual records do not spell out how profits are shared between Greenville and Columbia, and they are typically delayed by a year or more. The most recent 990 available for Prisma was for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2019.

The old Greenville hospital system's public Board of Trustees, now doing business as GHA, has continued to exist as landlord because of the public money that originally helped pay for the system's buildings and because the 80-year-old legislation that created the system is still on the books.

That legislation  Act 432  established "an institution with an independent board of trustees, free from the control of either city or county authorities, which would be charged with the duty of operating the hospital and its expanded facilities for the benefit of the taxpayers and residents of all Greenville County."

GHA's Mills struck a positive tone when The Post and Courier spoke with him.

"I think that the community can look to these developing, I guess, trends to make sure that, you know, they have the best care that's possible, given the field," Mills said. "And, you know, I for one, I'm happy to be a part of this. And my colleagues on the board are fantastic leaders, and I think that we can trust safely, that the right questions will be asked."

The GHA board will hold its annual performance review meeting with Prisma executives on Feb. 26.

The five-year review of GHA's lease with Prisma Health will take place March 9. Under the lease agreement, Prisma Health has agreed to pay GHA $6 million a year for 34 years. GHA shares those lease proceeds directly with the community in the form of grants and assistance to local governments.

That grant money has, for instance, been a critical component of the Greenville County government's stepped up support for the GreenLink bus system over the past two years.

Liston, the new GHA president, said the flow of that money into the community is "an incredibly positive story." Mills added that his board understands it has a "great responsibility" to remain on good terms with Prisma Health given its importance to the general welfare of Greenville County.

"So there is definitely an evolution of identity for GHA in healthcare, understanding what our role is, with respect to how we've done business previously, and what Act 432 asks us to do, and what we've been appointed by the state legislative delegation to do in this community," Mills said. "And unapologetically, that is to keep a public facing lens on access to healthcare in Greenville County."
If and when Nigeria navigates its way away from the avoidable precipice of inter-ethnic war and hate mongering  and the Fulani brand is thereby positively re-invented, it will be thanks to people like Abdullahi Ganduje and Abba Gana who played the role of pathfinding statesmen in the heat of blame-shifting

I will begin by clearing some cobwebs. The Fulani who many southern Nigerians knew and affectionately interacted with for decades are different from the variant of the group committing sundry violent crimes today. When the AK47-wielding herders came on the scene and motley ethnic groups were falling over each other to support them and lampoon their victims, I did warn that grievous damage was being done to the Fulani brand because everything happening was totally at variance with the previous perception of the Fulani as a contented, hardworking and peace loving lot.

If I was Fulani, I would have denounced those violent nomads for what they were. I would have screamed, Not in my name!

The road to ethnic profiling is a long one indeed. Profiling is generally defined as the recording and analysis of a persons psychological and behavioural characteristics, so as to assess or predict their capabilities in a certain sphere. Truth be told, the inaction or acquiescence of those who ought to have spoken up to disown the savage crimes initially attributed to the Francophone Fulani, helped in no small measure to reinforce the perception that there was a Fulani agenda to decimate and ride roughshod over southern towns and villages. The Fulani brand began to be assailed from every conceivable angle.

Many of the surviving victims pooh-poohed the claim by pro-Fulani groups that the ECOWAS treaty permitted herdsmen from other countries in the sub-region to graze their cattle in Nigeria. Why not in Ghana, or Benin or Togo or Cote dIvoire, people wondered aloud? Whatever became of Nigerias sovereignty and the inviolability of its borders?

This new threat was totally different from past skirmishes between herders and farmers. It was beginning to look like levying war against other ethnic nationalities. Bad news travels fast. In this era of social media, most of the gruesome details of violent attacks popped up on peoples phones with such rapidity that the general feeling was that if the government could not stop the killers, the local people would. And with the perception that the Nigerian Fulani who had hitherto had mutually beneficial relationships with many other communities in Nigeria were supporting their kin from other countries to the detriment of Nigerian towns and villages, the lines between local and foreign herdsmen became blurred and every herdsman was tarred with the same brush.

As a public relations practitioner whose job includes looking after other peoples reputation (with the aim of earning understanding and influencing opinion and behaviour in such a way as to establish and maintain goodwill and mutual understanding between them and their publics), I was curious to see if my countrymen and women were taking notice of the change in how the Fulani herder was perceived by the sundry peoples outside the North.

Perception is everything  or almost. Perception is how we think about other people, situations, events, on account of the stimuli we receive and thoughts and feelings we have about them. We may not be right all the time, but that doesnt count in the heat of accusations and counter-accusations. The clarion call seemed to be, To thy tribes, o countrymen. Nobody cared to even attempt to manage the trending perception as if perception management was a discipline alien to our shores.

In the same visionary boat with Ganduje is Engineer Mohammed Abba Gana who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Obasanjo. Worried by the misbranding of the Fulani as terrorists, he took it upon himself to educate the world and also chastise the Fulani elite for leaving their brothers behind

Thankfully, some notable voices of reason have waded in with the right depth of intellectual rigour needed to navigate this totally avoidable fratricidal war. Talk is cheap. It is not what a person says that matters but what he does.

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State who holds a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Ibadan, stands out as a Fulani man who wants to use the planks of strife that others perceive as an obstacle to build bridges of prosperity. He knows that cattle rearing is big business and that the practice of wandering the wilderness in search of grass is outdated. He is therefore building a massive ranch in addition to existing ones  Tiga Cattle Ranch located closely to Tiga Dam; Dambatta Cattle Ranch; Kadawa Cattle Ranch; Dangora Cattle Ranch, Bagauda Cattle Ranch; Bunkure Cattle Ranch and Rano Cattle Ranch.

The governor called on all Fulani herdsmen resident in other parts of the country to relocate to Kano since the State has vast grazing land to accommodate them and their cattle. He recommended a nationwide ban on open grazing because it is outdated, less economical and prone to conflict generation. Analysts and public commentators alike see Gandujes suggestion as the answer to the intractable problem of ethnic profiling, hate vending and fratricidal conflicts which can potentially dismember the country.

In the same visionary boat with Ganduje is Engineer Mohammed Abba Gana who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Obasanjo. Worried by the misbranding of the Fulani as terrorists, he took it upon himself to educate the world and also chastise the Fulani elite for leaving their brothers behind in a primitive preoccupation.

Abba Gana identifies three distinct groups of Fulani:

The settled and well integrated/assimilated Fulanis

The herdsmen or nomads

The bandits who are a new phenomenon

He reels off names of very successful Fulani men who have excelled in their chosen professions and contributed to Nigerias development: Alhaji Ahmed Joda; Alhaji Musa Bello; Professor Iya Abubakar; Professor Jubril Aminu; late Brigadier Zakaria Maimalari (first Sandhurst-trained military officer in the Nigerian Army); Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Alhaji Bukar Abba Ibrahim, among many other successful members of the clan.

The third and last group of Fulanis, according to Abba Ganas classification, are those involved in widespread banditry and kidnapping. He reckons they are not large in number. Since banditry and kidnapping are criminal acts under the law, he thinks the matter is settled.

Gana believes that the nomadic Fulani trekking from the far North to the South in search of pasture represents a wasted generation. In his view, We must settle them along with their cattle and educate them and train them to be part of the human civilisation It is a matter of regret that the political elite, particularly from the northern part of Nigeria, have allowed the nomadic Fulanis to live in their wild, ancient and unprogressive culture outside the human civilisation and now causing tension and threatening national security.

So, what is to be done?

Abba Ganas exhortation: The time has come for all the settled Fulanis of distinction to join other patriots of distinction and the Federal Government along the state governments to give support to the National Assemblys ban on this ancient nomadic culture, which has now generated so much base sentiments causing political instability.

The real nomadic Fulani is friendly, simple minded, witty and intelligent and they know everything about the cattle and the forest they live in. They do not make many demands from the governments at all levels as a matter of right once they have water and vegetation for the cattle to feed. Because they are always on the move and mostly in the forests, they are missing the opportunity in getting education, scholarship, science, technology, the arts , etc. And so, cannot contribute to human progress and civilisation unlike their settled cousins who are highly integrated/assimilated through long periods of inter ethnic, marriages, commerce, trade and education and cultural diversification

Its unkind and even costly for the rest of human civilisation to leave them behind. About 75 per cent of Nigerias landmass is in the 19 states of the North and FCT And the 17 states of the southern part live on the 25 per cent Even this 25 per cent is threatened by oil exploration, oil spilling, ocean surge or rising sea levels because of climate change and also gully erosion, diminishing a lot of available land. As a result of misplaced priorities and absence of good governance for a long time in the northern part, some of the northern states could not stop the devastating desert encroachment in good time. From now on, aggressive afforestation/reforestation must be also a priority of the far north states.

The third and last group of Fulanis, according to Abba Ganas classification, are those involved in widespread banditry and kidnapping. He reckons they are not large in number. Since banditry and kidnapping are criminal acts under the law, he thinks the matter is settled. Bandits should be served justice according to the laws of the land. I cannot agree more!

If and when Nigeria navigates its way away from the avoidable precipice of inter-ethnic war and hate mongering  and the Fulani brand is thereby positively re-invented, it will be thanks to people like Abdullahi Ganduje and Abba Gana who played the role of pathfinding statesmen in the heat of blame-shifting and outright high level ostrich-ing.

Wole Olaoye can be reached through wole.olaoye@gmail.com.
Queensland police are searching for a 38-year-old man over two separate attacks that left a man in critical condition and a teenager struck and threatened with a machete.

Kendall Arthur Poole is about 188 centimetres tall with dark brown hair in a rats tail and brown eyes.

Kendall Arthur Poole is believed to be travelling with a 38-year-old woman and possibly camping in the Coochin Creek area, police believe.

Police are investigating the assault of a 40-year-old man at Banksia Beach on Friday.

Emergency services found a man with a head injury at a Beagle Avenue address after allegedly being punched and kicked by a man known to him.
Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait announced on Sunday that the government will issue an e-signature for 52,000 state-employees before they relocate to the New Administrative Capital later in 2021.

Maait noted that the finance ministry has issued 51,000 e-signatures since 2009, adding that the e-signature is renewed every three years.

E-signatures contribute to maintaining the confidentiality of data and pre-empting hacking, manipulation, or forgery, said Maait.

The minister added that there are presidential directives to the government to enhance the governance of the country's financial system under the Digital Egypt project umbrella and meet the latest global standards.

The presidential directives aim to guarantee the utmost degrees of accuracy and security for public e-transactions and all financial operations through applying the e-signature system, Maait said.

E-signatures entrench good governance of public money, Maait added.

Maait explained that the ministry is currently implementing a national project to upgrade Egypts tax and customs systems in order to ease bureaucratic procedures, improve governance, facilitate internal and external trade flow, uplift tax collecting efficiency, catalysing investment, and increase economic growth.

Moreover, Maait said, there is an ongoing project to improve the operations of the ministry's Governmental E-certification Authority (GEA).

The GEA offers services such as issuing e-signature certificates, providing coding and e-signature applications required for securing data transfers on the governmental telecom nets, and conducting training programs, according to Mohamed El-Badry, the authoritys head.

El-Badry added that e-certification provides the state bodies with the e-seal service that provides a documented-secured central record of all the electronic governmental transactions, allowing e-certification for video, audio, and paper documents.

In June, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology amended the bylaws of the e-signature law, introducing e-seal and time stamp services.

E-signatures also allow individuals as well as judicial personnel to perform all types of governmental transactions remotely, saving money and time, according to Minister of Communications Amr Talaat.

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic last February, the government has accelerated its efforts to digitally transform all sectors of the administrative apparatus to adapt to the "new normal" imposed by pandemic.

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When a High Court-commissioned investigation confirmed last year that former justice Dyson Heydon, one of the countrys most prominent jurists, had sexually harassed six female staff members, it sent shockwaves through the legal profession and the wider community.

It seemed an irony that a man entrusted with the solemn task of upholding the law could so abuse his position, and could do so for a decade with apparent impunity.

But Mr Heydons power was integral to his behaviour. In his most detailed remarks since the scandal broke, former High Court judge Kenneth Hayne, QC  whose 18 years on the bench encompassed Mr Heydons stint from 2003 to 2013  says sexual harassment must be called out for what it is: an abuse of power.

The legal profession, like most workplaces including political offices, is hierarchical and confers great power on those at the top over junior employees and associates.

Its because there is a difference in power that perpetrators of sexual harassment know or at least believe ... the victim is unlikely to respond to words or conduct of a sexual nature in some way that will be detrimental to the perpetrator, Mr Hayne told the Australian Bar Association in a podcast.
Lucknow, Feb 21 : Primary government schools in Uttar Pradesh are gearing up to welcome children from March 1 -- almost after a year -- after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered reopening of schools for classes 1 to 5.

Preparations are going on in full swing to decorate schools with colourful balloons, flowers and festoons to welcome students on the first day of the reopening of the schools following a year-long break due to the pandemic.

The Basic Education Department has directed all schools to create an environment that would encourage students to return to classes.

Students who have been away from school for about a year and have been attending online classes during this period, can expect many surprises when they revisit their schools. Apart from finding colourful decorations of the classes and gates, the students will also get corona vaccine shots.

According to Lucknow BSA (Basic Shiksha Adhikari) Dinesh Kumar, teachers have been instructed to decorate schools in order to create a festive atmosphere so that children do not hesitate to re-enter school premises due to the long gap.

The schools are also making arrangements for providing safe running drinking water for children.

The schools have been directed to install submersible pumps for the purpose.

It is noteworthy that over 1.83 crore students study in 1.5 lakh schools run by the Basic Education Department in the state.

Besides, over one lakh schools have already undergone transformation during Covid-19 pandemic on the initiative of Yogi Adityanath.

Schools have been decorated with colourful paintings and meaningful slogans. Schools have also been equipped with the facilities for smart classes and libraries.


Seoul's decision not to join initiative against arbitrary detention raises eyebrows in international community



By Kang Seung-woo



The government's decision not to participate in a new international initiative denouncing the arbitrary detention of foreign nationals for political purposes  the latest in its repeated acts of negligence over human rights violations  could make a bad impression on the United States and the international community, raising concerns among them over the country's "illiberal" behavior, according to diplomatic experts.



The Canadian-drafted Declaration Against the Use of Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations was announced, Feb. 15, and 58 countries, including the U.S., Japan, Australia and almost all members of the European Union, have joined the non-binding declaration. It mainly takes aim at countries like China, Iran, Russia and North Korea that have been often accused of illegally and immorally detaining foreign nationals for diplomatic gain.



The Moon Jae-in administration has been in hot water over its ignoring of North Korean human rights abuses in order not to "provoke" Pyongyang and "promote" inter-Korean reconciliation. This was highlighted by its decision not to co-sponsor a United Nations resolution condemning the human rights situation in the North for the second straight year in 2020 despite Moon's past career as a human rights lawyer  a situation that may sound paradoxical to the international community.



In addition, the government's decision seems incomprehensible as six South Korean nationals have remained detained by the North Korean regime for years, and until recently, five South Koreans had been held by Iran over its assets that had been frozen here before Teheran released four of them earlier this month  with one still in custody.



In response to growing questions over the decision, the foreign ministry said last week it was "having an understanding of the issue" and planned to keep an eye on the international community's discussions on the initiative.



"The irony of a progressive government taking a stand against efforts to strengthen international human rights may get noticed around the democratic world," Robert Manning, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told The Korea Times.



Manning said Seoul's decision appeared part of consistent pattern of the Moon administration of avoiding policies  like the ban on sending information on democracy into North Korea  that might offend North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the mistaken belief that it will somehow lead Pyongyang to respond to Seoul's many overtures to reduce tensions and advance North-South reconciliation.



At the end of last year, the National Assembly, dominated by the liberal ruling Democratic Party of Korea, passed a bill preventing mainly North Korean defectors and activists here from flying propaganda leaflets critical of the Kim Jong-un regime over the border into North Korea, drawing a backlash from the international community, including U.S. congressmen who claimed it criminalized humanitarian outreach to the North.



"That said, some are concerned of a growing trend in international affairs of a democracy-authoritarian divide that may heighten tensions and confrontation creating turbulence in the international order. But as a moral issue, adhering to the rule of law is a fundamental basis of human rights," Manning added.



Harry Kazianis, a senior director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest, said the South Korean government needs to maintain a balance in drawing up policies linked to its northern neighbor.



"South Korea will forever be in a tough balancing act in trying to ensure human rights are infused into government policy, but at the same time, ensure those policies don't antagonize nations that have very different ideas on human rights," he told The Korea Times.



"And that means for the foreseeable future, Seoul will have to try and strike a challenging balance when it crafts those policies, especially in the case of North Korea."



The new U.S. administration is emphasizing human rights and democratic principles in its foreign policy, raising speculation that South Korea's decision may cause some strains in the alliance between Seoul and Washington  although it is not likely to pose a great challenge to bilateral ties, according to the observers.



"The Joe Biden administration I doubt has any concerns when it comes to this move by the Moon government as Team Biden is consumed with coronavirus mitigation and economic rebuilding. The Moon government can rest easy knowing there will be no angry phone calls coming from Washington anytime soon," Kazianis said.



Manning also did not see it as an issue causing major tension in bilateral relations due to the growing security challenges in Northeast Asia and the imperatives of the alliance in the face of North Korea's growing nuclear and missile capabilities.



"However, there is concern in Congress and in the U.S. foreign policy community about illiberal trends in South Korea that may impact images and enthusiasm for the ROK," he added. The ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name.


Photo: (Photo : Photo by @civiiswar from Twitter)

Emma Stone outstandingly showcases how to become a perfect villain in the new trailer for "Cruella." released by Disney earlier this week.

Cruella De Vil first appeared in the classic animated movie of 101 Dalmations. In this movie, Cruella, the villain, became obsessed with trapping Dalmations because of their beautiful skin. And later on, the live-action remake happened in 1996, where Glenn Close played Cruella up to its sequel 102 Dalmatians in the year 2000.

In her punk-rock theme wardrobe, the La La Land star looks unrecognizable, and it was more complemented by dark lipstick, and her smokey eye makeup further compliments her character's70s-inspired' fit.

Stone's raspy accent is heard in a voiceover in the trailer during its release. In the trailer, Emma Stone described how scared the world in a psycho with the black and white-dyed villain just like her. Helen Reddy's feminist song is heard over the trailer quoting the lyric, "I am woman, hear me roar."

READ: 8 Old Movies Every Parent Should Watch with Kids

The co-stars of Cruella

Alongside Emma Stone, who will take the cast's lead, Emma Thompson will also star in the said film. Thompson will play the boss of Cruella, and she is the reason for Cruella to act villainous journey in the story. As always played by Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, the star is no longer a stranger to Disney's live-action remakes.

Other casts who are also confirmed to be part of the movie are Paul Walter Hauser and Joel Fry. Also confirmed are Emily Beacham, Joel Fry, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Mark Strong.

The "I Tonya" director Craig Gillespie will also be directed the movie. While the one who played Cruella in Disney's One Hundred and One Dalmatian remake in 1996, Glenn Close happens to be the movie's new remake's executive producer.

The scriptwriters of the story, really Marcel (Fifty Shades of Grey), who took over as the screenwriter, Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada) was the one who wrote early drafts of the script. After making the draft, Aline made their way and turn over it to Jez Butterworth (Ford v Ferrari), Dana Fox (How to Be Single), and Steve Zissis (Togetherness), the writers. They wrote the latest to work on the script with Tony McNamara (The Favourite).

ALSO READ: Family Friendly Movies: The Best Kids' Movies Perfect For Family Night At Home

The Plot of the Movie

Cruella is a story of a teenage girl who is smart, imaginative, and very determined to make a name in fashion. Cruella's movie is set in London during the punk rock movement in the early 1970s. Estrella befriended a couple of young thieves who are on her in making mischief, and they are more than willing to work and create a life with Estrella and for themselves on the streets of London together.

One day, Estella's fashion style catches Baroness von Hellman's attention, played by Emma Thompson, who was very devastatingly elegant and Haute in the movie. To add sequences in the story to the events and to set revelations in motion. Their relationship will only lead Estella to embrace her nasty side and will suddenly become notorious and chaotic yet trendy and vengeance-bent Cruella.

In this movie, we would expect a deepening of the villain's character, who is Cruella, same as the format of Maleficent, whose story was unfolding for the audiences to understand their reasons why they chose wickedness.

READ MORE: Adam Sandler Admits Daughters Aren't Fond Of His Movies; Can't Convince Mom To Watch His Netflix Films
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Black History Month. A bittersweet 28 days of honoring, remembering and celebrating the legacy of all African Americans.

Exhale fear. Inhale courage. These two short sentences are measurable, impactful ways the Hobbs Branch NAACP is moving forward in initiating conversations throughout the community to address justice and equality.

The organization feels it cannot be fearful of the past in challenging unconstitutional inequalities. And it must inhale courage to use lived experiences in validation of the confrontations which attempt to block progress.

The goals of the Hobbs Branch NAACP are to use the month of February as a tool in advancing education on how racism has been used in preventing meaningful cross-racial dialogue and to keep the western ideology of white hierarchy in place.

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Carter G. Woodson, a well-known historian and educator, also known as the father of Black History, chose the month of February because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12 and of Frederick Douglass  an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman  on Feb. 20. African American communities have celebrated both dates since the late 19th Century.

Black History Month evolved into a full month commemoration in 1976, when President Gerald Ford designated the entire month of February as a time set aside to honor the greatness of all African Americans. Since that time, every president has selected February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. This year, the leitmotif is Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.

And the Hobbs Branch NAACP is using all 672 hours of the month paying tribute to generations of African Americans who have struggled for hundreds of years for equality and full citizenship. The theme explores the continuation of the African diaspora and the spread of Black families across the United States. It is through this topic queries are nurtured: How does one embrace the magnificence of a race some sought to abolish? And how do you equalize 400 years or more of slavery and brunt shaming?

It is a simple reply. You just give full equality and be respectful.

Bitter the memories. They are vinegary thoughts of undignified times. Haunting memories of Black, swollen bodies swaying from a white noose under a tree whose deep roots will never soak up the anguish and grief. Fingers, no longer feeling anything, but pricked to the bone after 10 to 12 hours of back-breaking labor of picking soft, snowy cotton from burrs.

Some Blacks are asked, Arent you tired of celebrating? Once again, the answer is, No! If you are tired of hearing about it or reading about it, just think about one who lived it, said Joseph Cotton, president of the New Mexico NAACP and the Hobbs Branch Chapter.

Intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination are still being fought in 2021 when the United Nations has declared it the International Year of Peace and Trust. It is an era when Black parents are still gathering their children together and sharing the recollective and present experiences of the physical and psychological experiences of having an outward dark skin coloring.

February is the month the NAACP celebrates 112 years of advocacy work to ensure political, educational, social and economic equality of all citizens. We must celebrate. We must act. We cant let anyone neglect or devalue us, said Cotton, who believes the narrative is rapidly changing. We are telling our stories through sharing our pain, strong faith and earned victories.

This article is dedicated to the late Jimmy Palmer, Dozier Slade, Mattie Johnson, Ralph Littleton, Emma Lois Bridges, Lillie M. Smith, Carl Mackey, Donald Brooks, Robert Turner, Rev. F.W. Wells, Rev. H.R. Watkins, and all local civil rights members who have made us Black and Proud and who have fought for injustices throughout our state.

Evelyn Rising can be reached at erising21@gmail.com.
Reason for calling Bengal chief secretary to join Centre not mentioned in letter to me: CM Mamata Banerjee. mentioned in letter to me: CM Mamata Banerjee.
Leia Barnett is a lifelong New Mexican. She works in connectivity conservation and likes to think about the nexus of public lands management, recreation, the biodiversity crisis, and more equitable and just futures for the people of New Mexico.

The Altimmune Inc. vaccine candidate that was tested preclinically at the University of Alabama at Birmingham last year is expected to start patient enrollment for its Phase 1 clinical trial next week.

Maryland-based biopharmaceutical company Altimmune announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration has cleared the company's Investigational New Drug application for its Phase 1 clinical trial of AdCOVID, a novel, single-dose, intranasal COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

The UAB preclinical testing of AdCOVID last spring and summer was led by Fran Lund, Ph.D., chair of the UAB Department of Microbiology, and it included 23 other researchers from six UAB labs in the UAB School of Medicine -- all working under strict COVID-19 safety protocols that required masking and social distancing. The UAB researchers found potent serum neutralizing antibody responses, T cell responses and a robust induction in mucosal immunity in mice following a single intranasal dose of AdCOVID.

The vaccine candidate has tantalizing promises, according to Altimmune. No need of refrigeration. Simple one-dose administration by a spray into the nose. The power to elicit mucosal immunity at the linings of the nose and lungs would protect not only against infection but also against transmission. Existing intramuscular COVID-19 vaccines are not known to elicit this kind of immunity.

Altimmune says it expects that these simple and convenient handling requirements, together with the potential ability to block SARS-CoV-2 transmission, could position AdCOVID as a leading intranasal COVID-19 vaccine.

We believe deployment of intranasal vaccines like AdCOVID will be essential to a successful global response to the pandemic. Developing vaccines that can effectively prevent transmission is a growing imperative to block the spread of disease and combat the emergence of new variants." Vipin K. Garg, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Altimmune

Altimmune's Phase 1 clinical trial will evaluate safety and immunogenicity of AdCOVID in up to 180 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55. AdCOVID will be administered as a nasal spray at one of three dose levels. Altimmune will look primarily for safety and tolerability, but it will also measure immunogenicity of AdCOVID by serum IgG binding and neutralizing antibody titers, mucosal IgA antibody from nasal samples and T cell responses.

Lund said of last year's preclinical testing, "In animals, intranasal vaccination initiated immune responses to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the nose and lungs, which are the sites that are first infected by the virus.

"If the vaccine works similarly in humans, then we hope that vaccination via the intranasal route might not only protect the vaccinated person from serious illness but also help minimize virus transmission within the community. We look forward to seeing the first data from the human studies."
BENGALURU : One had expected Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to say that she had a dream and a role-model in life, but alas it wasn't so and she was quite candid about it.

"When you were young, what was your dream, who was your role-model to get you to this position", she was asked at an interactive session hosted by Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) here on Sunday. "Absolutely sweet question," responded Sitharaman.

"But I am not even sure I had a dream. I just kept doing what was before me and went along the flow." "I don't think I chart any course in my life. I walked along the path which was before me and that destiny has taken me wherever I am", the Minister said.

"Only thing is I better perform so that I don't disappoint people who have given me the responsibility and I don't want to disappoint the people of India," Sitharaman added.

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As she campaigns for an open seat in Congress, state Sen. Karen Carter Peterson tells Democratic voters at every opportunity that she played a key role in engineering the long-shot 2015 victory of the partys standard-bearer, John Bel Edwards, through her work as chair of the state party.

I certainly championed and went around the state to build the groundwork that was necessary to elect John Bel Edwards as governor, Peterson told Jefferson Parish Democrats on Feb. 9, campaigning in a 15-candidate field to replace U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond in a district that includes most of New Orleans, the west bank of Jefferson Parish, the river parishes and north Baton Rouge.

Together we paved the way to elect and re-elect a Democratic governor in Louisiana for the first time since 1975, Peterson tweeted on Feb. 13.

Theres a major problem with her story, however. If it had been up to Peterson, Edwards would have abandoned the 2015 race three months before election day.

Peterson and former U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu met with then state-Rep. Edwards at the Airport Hilton in Kenner on July 18, 2015, and spent 40 minutes telling him he couldnt win in Republican-dominated Louisiana because he wasnt raising enough cash and remained unknown to voters.

They didnt think I would be able to raise enough money to be competitive, Edwards said in a 2016 interview in the governors office. But he wouldnt accept their view and said he told the two Democratic stalwarts: The only way I dont run is if I die between now and when I would qualify.

Though he exuded bravado in the moment, the effort by fellow Democrats to get him to withdraw was his lowest moment during the campaign, Edwards said in an interview on the night he was elected.

Trying to get Edwards out of the governors race in 2015 is not the only blemish on Petersons record as chair of the state party, a position she held from 2012 through last year.

During her tenure, the ranks of Democrats thinned in the state Legislature, tens of thousands of registered Democrats left the party and became Republicans or independents, and the partys grassroots network withered. While Edwards won re-election in 2019, Democrats lost the other six statewide elected offices that year, with no other candidate winning more than 41%. Meanwhile, angry with coverage, Peterson stopped talking to some political reporters even though one of her primary roles was serving as the partys chief spokesperson. Finances have been so dire that Edwards sent $50,000 to the party over a three-year period ending in 2019 to help Peterson pay bills.

Her successor, Katie Bernhardt, is charting a more centrist course for the state party, although whether she can staunch the bleeding is unclear. Peer states in the deep-red Deep South have seen similar hemorrhaging.

But Gene Reynolds, who became the Democrats leader in the state House in 2016 after Edwards was elected governor, said Petersons unabashed liberal rhetoric and voting record turned off potential recruits and donors, especially in small towns and rural communities throughout the state. Reynolds, who is from Minden, east of Shreveport, doesnt remember her coming to north Louisiana to recruit candidates.

I dont think she ever understood that you have to have a broad umbrella, said Reynolds, who believes that most Louisiana Democrats are, like him, slightly to the right of center. You have to be able to accommodate people as much as possible.

Peterson declined a request to be interviewed for this article.

To be sure, the problems of Louisianas Democratic Party in recent years continue a trend that began before Peterson became the chair in 2012, and they are hardly unique to Louisiana. Republicans gained a majority in the state Legislature in 2011 for the first time since the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, following a trend in other southern states.

Some allies say if it werent for Petersons leadership, things would have gotten even worse.

She really built on a foundation in the face of trying times for Democrats, said Louis Reine, president of the state AFL-CIO. She did a good job.

The problems of Louisiana Democrats are similar to those in many neighboring states, although Democrats have made a comeback in Georgia, culminating this year when Joe Biden won the state and two Democrats knocked off sitting senators. Georgia has benefited from an influx of Hispanics and young professionals drawn by the states growing economy. Former Georgia state Rep. Stacey Abrams, who nearly won the 2018 governors race, has led the Democrats effort there.

Peterson, who has represented New Orleans in the state Legislature since 1999, is touting Abrams endorsement.

But at a campaign forum hosted by the Alliance for Good Government, that prompted a rejoinder by state Sen. Troy Carter, D-New Orleans, who is probably Petersons biggest rival to replace Richmond.

Our party did not do as good a job as it could have, said Carter. We didnt have that Stacey Abrams.

While the fortunes of the Louisiana Democratic Party dimmed during her eight years, Peterson used her state position to gain a seat at the table among national Democrats. In 2017, Peterson was elected for a four-year term as vice chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Participation at the Democratic National Committee, focused on protecting voting rights and getting more people to vote. Donna Brazile, who is originally from Kenner and who chaired the national party in 2016, previously held the job.

Peterson has used her contacts within the national party to buoy her congressional campaign. Emilys List, which pushes for the election of pro-choice women, has endorsed her.

Brazile is also supporting Petersons campaign this year.

Peterson knocked off Buddy Leach, a former state legislator, congressman and gubernatorial candidate, in 2012, by promising to revitalize the state party.

At the time, Republicans held a 23-16 advantage over Democrats in the state Senate. The House breakdown was 60 Republicans, 43 Democrats and two independents.

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When Peterson stepped down last September, Republicans held a potentially veto-proof 27-12 advantage in the Senate. By 2020, Republicans had picked up eight seats in the House. The breakdown was 68 Republicans, 35 Democrats and two independents -- not quite veto-proof, but very close.

During Petersons tenure as leader, the Louisiana Democratic Party didnt just lose seats: It suffered a mass exodus of voters, as droves of White people turned away from the party. National trends -- including the popularity of President Donald Trump and the unpopularity of President Barack Obama in Louisiana -- played a big part in that.

Democrats lost 30% of their voters over Petersons eight years. This left Democrats accounting for only 41% of registered voters in 2020, down from 49% in 2012, according to an analysis by John Couvillon, a Baton Rouge-based pollster and demographer.

Republicans gained 28% more voters from 2012 to 2020, going from 27% to 33% of the electorate overall. The advantage that Democrats seem to have on paper is mostly a fiction, as many older White people registered as Democrats have long voted for GOP candidates but simply never bothered to change parties.

Lynda Woolard, who worked for the state party from 2013-15 and again in 2019, downplays Petersons effort to get Edwards out of the race in 2015.

That one bad day should balance out everything we did on the other 364 days is a bit unfair, said Woolard, who is from New Orleans and lost the 2020 race to replace Peterson as party chair. She had gotten him the (partys) endorsement. She traveled the state speaking on his behalf.

Thats not how Edwards campaign officials described it in the immediate aftermath of the race. They said she played little role in his winning the endorsement and the election.

Just after he took office in 2016, Edwards seemed puzzled by Petersons reaction at a later discussion of her effort to get him to quit the race.

Karen acted like that meeting had not really happened, he said. I told her I was there. That was the biggest gut-check I had (during the campaign).

Mary Landrieu would tell a reporter later that she had misjudged Edwards chances and was glad she was wrong.

Peterson has refused several requests to discuss the meeting, including one to her campaign spokeswoman this past week.

Her campaign noted that Edwards praised her on election night in 2015 and again when she stepped down as party chair in 2020.

Landrieu and Peterson werent the only leading Democrats who had doubts about Edwards chances. Others pushed publicly for a strategy of backing the Republican most palatable to Democrats, on the assumption Edwards couldnt win.

Campaigning for Richmonds seat now  the primary is March 20  Peterson has told voters that she is proudest of helping elect Edwards in 2015 because that paved the way for the governor to expand health care insurance to 440,000 working poor people in Louisiana.

People close to Edwards said they are infuriated at Petersons attempts now to claim credit for the governors victories, but none would discuss it publicly, seeking to avoid a public spat with Peterson.

Woolard said Democrats uneven standing today would have been much worse but for Petersons efforts.

They made huge investments in data and the voter file  who to target, how to reach out to voters, turn out voters, Woolard said. The party made big investments in that and in training.

But a group of Democratic activists grew so unhappy with Peterson that they packed the Democratic State Central Committee with enough members in 2020 to prevent her from seeking a third term that year.

Jim Harlan, a businessman in Covington, circulated an analysis in January 2020 showing that half of the partys parish executive committee seats were vacant.

The real work is developing candidates and resources at the local level, Harlan said. That work wasnt getting done.

Alicia Breaux, a retired school teacher in Covington, took it upon herself to revive the parish executive committees in Vernon and Beauregard parishes.

We worked to replace her because she had not done a good job for eight years, said Breaux. We needed improvement in party building, fundraising and financial transparency.

Katie Bernhardt, the new chair, is much more welcoming than Peterson to having conservative Democrats in the state party.

Edwards, who is pro-life and pro-guns, positions that often put him at odds with the national party, is hosting a party fundraiser with Bernhardt on March 4. Donors can give from $75 to $25,000.
Patna, Feb 21 : Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) President, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, on Sunday hit out at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for "non-implementation" of the prohibition laws in the state. Ruling NDA constituents such as Vikaasheel Insaan Party and the Hindustani Awam Morcha too questioned "ineffective" enforcement of the anti-liquor laws.

Yadav on Sunday met victims of spurious liquor tragedy that had claimed five lives, including four of a family in in Muzzafarpur district's Dargah village on February 18.

"It was extremely painful when we met the deceased families. They belong to poor sections of society and their sole bread earner has left them," he said while giving a financial aid of Rs 45,000 in cash to dependents of the deceased.

"Non-implementation of liquor laws allow the smuggling of spurious liquor in Bihar. The liquor mafias involved in this business operate in the state without any fear of the law and are playing with the lives of poor people. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar imposed liquor law in Bihar but is unable to implement it on the ground. As a result, the entire state is facing the consequences of his mistakes. He should be held accountable for this menace," Yadav added.

"I have strongly demanded that the state government sack those police officials having links with the liquor mafias or they will be unable to implement liquor prohibition laws in Bihar," he said.

The victims have been identified as Ajay Manjhi, Ram Chandra Manjhi, Vinod Manjhi and Ajay Manjhi, all of one family. The fifth deceased was a native of the adjoining Barwadih village.

Earlier on Saturday, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister and VIP chief Mukesh Sahani also raised doubts over the implementation of liquor prohibition law in the state and questioned the role of police officials is under the scanner.

"The callous attitude of the police officials is responsible for the ineffective implementation of the liquor prohibition law," he said.

VIP spokesperson Rajiv Mishra said: "The state government is losing huge amount of revenue due to this law. Moreover, its ineffective implementation is taking lives of common man." Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) President and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi expressed sorrow and pain over the deaths due to consumption of alleged spurious liquor in Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj and Kaimur districts in the last 10 days.

Hae demanded that a murder case should be registered against the liquor mafias and strict action must be taken against the errant police officials.
The Prime Minister is first in line for the COVID-19 vaccine, supposedly to set a good example, but he is demonstrating the arrogance of power (Scott Morrison receives first dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, smh.com.au, February 21). By getting the first jab, he is receiving the limited supply of 95 per cent effective Pfizer vaccine. Had he not jumped the queue, he most likely would have been receiving the less effective AstraZeneca vaccine that his government sourced for the majority of us. I wonder how many more of the government elites are using their position to make sure they receive the Pfizer vaccine? For every government queue jumper, another higher risk citizen is denied the Pfizer vaccine. - Harry Melkonian, Vaucluse I dont need the PM to take his jab to demonstrate that this vaccine is safe and effective. Id rather the time and energy for Mr Morrisons publicity spectacle be put into vaccinating 10 or 20 other, more vulnerable front line workers, who hold the hoses, syringes, ambulance steering wheels and the hands of the dying. - Lyn Fletcher, Eastwood Health Minister Greg Hunt says key leaders should be first in line to receive their COVID shot so they can show their confidence in the vaccination. Is there, however, an argument that captains should hold back, let all the passengers and crew off the ship and into the safety of lifeboats first before saving themselves? - Ross Duncan, Potts Point Where do I go to put my name on the VIP early vaccination list that the PM is on? I have checked the health department government website and I cant see one. If I said I was an influencer, maybe that would qualify me for the jab which I want as soon as possible. - Esther Scholem, Macquarie Park Almost daily, I watch Italian news on SBS. One year after their first COVID-19 case, yesterday Italy had nearly 15,000 new infections. In Italy (and in many other advanced European countries) in spite of their leaders best efforts and an excellent health system, tens of thousands have died over the year including hundreds of doctors and nurses. Each time I hear their COVID-19 statistics I realise how fortunate I am to live in this great country. It is this realisation that compels me to write this declaration of gratitude to our health chiefs and workers and to our much-maligned political leaders for their wonderful and unstinting collaboration and leadership. To you I say, thanks a million. - Louis Andreatta, Abbotsford

With people jockeying for position in the queue for the vaccine, it seems the Morrison government has now turned us into a nation of jab-seekers and jab-keepers. - Jennifer Carter, Oyster Bay State government tramples on history What the state government is doing to Parramatta is both appalling and hypocritical (If we let Willow Grove go, heritage is meaningless, February 20-21). NSWs history is being trampled and demolished. A sophisticated society progresses without destroying its valuable past. The list of history that has been destroyed or reduced in Parramatta under this government is too long to recite. Lip service is paid to the vital role a city centre in Parramatta will provide the state, yet as the second-largest city in Sydney children do not even have a swimming pool in which to learn to swim. - Monica Kelly, North Parramatta Elizabeth Farrellys lament about Willow Grove and heritage loss in North Parramatta is yet another reminder that our government is happy to sacrifice the heritage values of what is probably Australias oldest urban precinct on the altar of progress. Current official plans for North Parramatta

show a forest of tower blocks spreading north from the river as far as Pennant Hills Road  and perhaps even beyond. Dozens of local heritage treasures will be impacted as will the approaches to the wonderful old Female Factory and colonial gaol. And to add acid to the wound, the official word will of course be that all these official plans have been prepared after proper public exhibition and community consultation. These ritualistic participatory charades continue. What a sad joke. As Farrelly says, Nothing is safe. So wake up Sydney. Your neighbourhood might be next. - Jim Colman, Lane Cove Farrelly makes a good argument for preservation of the Willow Grove heritage site in Parramatta. She mentions the Powerhouse Chairman Peter Collins lack of a plan B. With an alternative site, how about the Camellia site close to Parramatta? Bought by the NSW government for an inflated $53 million last year and proximate to the Parramatta river, surely this would regenerate the zone as opposed to the prison facilities which have been proposed against the wishes of the local residents? - Emma Cotterill, Darlinghurst

On the same day that I heard that the Cabramatta home of Gough Whitlam had been purchased by a group wishing to retain just this small piece of our recent history (Labor chiefs plan museum in Whitlams house, February 20-21), I learnt that Willow Grove was to be moved from its site to allow the milk-crate Powerhouse Museum to be built. I learnt some time ago that our heritage listings meant nothing when the Sydney sandstones of the Education and Lands Departments were given up for sale and when some of the houses at the Rocks had their heritage covenant removed before sale. - Kathleen Chivers, Vincentia Fake news and being played for fools Mark Zuckerberg has proven that it is possible to selectively ban news articles from Australias Facebook pages. So, why isnt it possible to ban blatant misinformation over vaccines and climate change as well? Seems to be a straightforward policy of promoting profits from increased web traffic that controversy produces versus taking a moral and socially responsible stance (Facebook sorry for shutdown mistakes, February 20-21). Kudos to the Morrison government for standing up to the tech giant. - Larry Woldenberg, Forest Lodge The selective blindness and cynicism of Jason Wood and other Coalition MPs is breathtaking when they invoke fake news market power and market failure in the Facebook row. They claim the Australian liberal tradition bolsters markets, competition and free speech. These are the team that protect the Murdoch empire , decimate the ABC, encourage the prosecution of Julian Assange, legislate in favour of boards against shareholders and legislate to keep their border force activities from the public. Their confected outrage is simply their strategy of setting up a bogeyman. They can market themselves as standing up for real Australians in an upcoming election. And of course Murdochs minions will cheer them on. - Peter Hull, Hat Head Life has just become a little bit simpler. If its on Facebook and looks like news you know its fake. - John Ziegler, Bellevue Hill

Morrison government cuts legs from watchdog The federal government keeps getting caught rorting. It could either stop rorting or defund the watchdog that catches them at it (Cuts mean government agencies will avoid scrutiny, February 20-21). Guess which one it chooses? - Andy Salmons, North Ryde This article should have been on the front page. Its very important news we all need to know. - Janet Cadet, Ulladulla Labor in name only Why doesnt Joel Fitzgibbon just join the Liberal Party and be done with it (Letters, February 20-21). - Tina Butler, Bilgola Plateau

People before pets What curious values are illustrated by the comments in the dogfight over off-leash areas in Inner West parks (Off-leash ban gets inner west dog walkers barking mad, February 20-21). Not one mention of the deleterious impact that off-leash parks and beaches are having on the play spaces available to children in Sydney. Parks are set aside primarily for people, not pets. Get real please and accept leash controls, before Sydneys kids become leashed to their house as the only safe play space. - Barry Laing, Castle Cove Lofty heights and shameful lows We are a strange species. On one hand we have the technical triumph of landing the Perseverance rover on Mars, and on the other, we turn a blind eye to the deaths of thousands of children in Yemen when we have the means to feed everyone on the planet and ensure their safety (Perseverance pays off, February 20-21). Can someone please explain that? - Gregory Don, Galston Melting moments

Richard Glovers lament that the home delivery soft drink trucks of his childhood always stopped outside a house that was not his (A ding dong over home delivery, February 20-21) reminded me of similar disappointments growing up on the north shore in the 1960s. Whenever we heard the jingle of Fur Elise from the Mr Whippy van, my father would say, Oh, what a shame. They only play that music when theyve run out of ice cream. - Hilton Koppe, Lennox Head Think before you ink Regarding dermal artwork and ageing poorly (Letters, February 20-21), I always advised my children that a mermaid at 20 is a gargoyle at 70. - Cath Hunting, MacMasters Beach To die for Woy Woy is not just Gods waiting room Helen Simpson (Letters, February 20-21). According to Spike Milligan (whose mother lived there), its the worlds only above-ground cemetery. - Richard Mason, Newtown

Whats Working, a series exploring solutions for New Hampshires workforce needs, is sponsored by the New Hampshire Solutions Journalism Lab at the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications and is funded by Eversource, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, the New Hampshire College & University Council, Northeast Delta Dental and the New Hampshire Coalition for Business and Education. Contact reporter Michael Cousineau at mcousineau@unionleader.com. To read stories in the series, visit unionleader.com/whatsworking.
Can you imagine a bigger business challenge than the pandemic? Well, the CEO of Delta Air Lines just explained what might come next.

In short, no matter what business you're in, it's worth following the airlines. Their industry is like a nonstop parade of detailed case studies that can help you make better decisions.

Today's lesson comes from an interview that Delta CEO Ed Bastian did with David Faber on CNBC this month.

They talked about the pandemic, of course. As I've written here before, Bastian's optimistic outlook has stood out among his industry peers.

But in a half-hour discussion, Bastian went further, talking about other big challenges, and more broadly, how the job of any big company CEO has changed radically in recent years.

Let's quickly rewind. There's a nonprofit organization of big company CEOs called the Business Roundtable that includes Delta--but also Apple, Amazon, most of the other big airlines, and many others.

In 2019, they got together and redefined "the purpose of a corporation," and the change they made was profound.

Here's what they'd said in 1997: "[T]he paramount duty of management and of boards of directors is to the corporation's stockholders; the interests of other stakeholders are relevant as a derivative of the duty to stockholders."

Here's the newer version: "While each of our individual companies serves its own corporate purpose, we share a fundamental commitment to all of our stakeholders."

Emphasis added: "all of our stakeholders." You get the difference. In the 1990s, "stockholders" mattered; in the 21st century, it's "stakeholders."

And while the Business Roundtable's definition is just a nonbinding consensus, and it wasn't mentioned by name in the interview, this is exactly what Bastian and Faber spent nearly a half hour talking about. Just look at some of the topics they covered:

The pandemic (of course),

Diversity and inclusion,

Environmental, social, and governance issues (ESG),

Threats to democracy, and

Employment and unemployment in Atlanta.

"Just reflecting on this conversation," Faber said at one point, "if I were to move the clock back five years, I can't even imagine having a conversation with a CEO that has covered the things that we have. Can you?"

"I agree with you, David," Bastian said, adding: "The pace of change is more rapid. And we need to be more dynamic as a business, as a model, and in realizing that we've got stakeholders beyond just our bottom line."

Bastian has seemed to embrace this change for a while now. He addressed an example during the interview: When he decided, after the Parkland shooting in 2018, to discontinue a discount that Delta had offered the NRA.

Delta's headquarters are in Georgia, and the state took away a $40 million tax break after that move. Of course, that meant Bastian was immediately facing the explicit question of whether Delta was meant to serve shareholders or a larger group of stakeholders.

It also illustrated how hard it is to put a monetary value, positive or negative, on something like a social or political stance.

"We say here at Delta, if you take good care of our employees, your employees will take good care of your customers, [and] then reward your shareholders with their business," Bastian said, adding: "Since we took the position relative to the Parkland shooting, our brand preference has never been higher. Our revenues have never been higher in our history. And the company's net promoter score [and] customer satisfaction has never been higher."

Of course, the questions arise: Correlation? Causation? Who can tell? And frankly, that's the point.

When the Business Roundtable came out with its new definition for public corporations, I tried to make an analogy for private corporations. I came up with eight stakeholders:

founders and owners,

customers,

employees,

investors,

creditors,

families,

competitors, and

the community at large.

I doubt it's a complete list. Some readers had a different take.

Regardless, this is where you are as a business leader. Because even if you're hesitant to embrace this larger definition, it's likely that some of your stakeholders (and maybe your competitors) are already expecting it.

With apologies to the Canadian band, Rush: "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice."

Bastian seems to agree. "I think it's the new normal," he said. "I don't see us going back."
Bac Lieu withdraw $195.6 million hospital due to long-delay (Source:Tuoitre newspaper)

On February 17, the chairman of Bac Lieu Peoples Committee asked the Department of Planning and Investment to co-operate with relevant authorities to complete procedures to withdraw the VND4.5trillion ($195.65 million) Phuong Dong International General Hospital project.

The project, which is developed by Phuong Dong International JSC, was licensed in January 2012 to build a new hospital with the capacity of 800 beds. It aimed to reduce the overload at hospitals by meeting some of the demand for medical examination and treatment.

However, so far, the investor has only completed the construction of the fences at the project.

There is also information that Phuong Dong International JSC transferred the project to Cuu Long 39 Service Trading Co., Ltd in June 2020.

Previously, Bac Lieu Peoples Committee announced revoking the investment license of the $1.37 trillion ($59.56 million) Bac Lieu-Saigon General Hospital, again due to long delays.

Covering an area of 38,000 square metres in Bac Lieu City, the 10-storey hospital was designed with 400 beds. The first phase of the project had an investment capital of over VND992 billion ($43.13 million), and the capital for the second phase was to be more than VND376 billion ($16.34 million).

In June 2018, the construction of the project was kicked off and was expected to be completed in late 2020. The main reason for the revocation is the lacking capacity of the investor.

At the time these two projects were licensed, the provincial leaders expected that they would contribute to giving better medical check-up and treatment services to locals and train medical staff for Bac Lieu and neighbouring provinces. Thus, the province created optimal conditions for investors to develop these projects, including support for land clearance, shorten time for investment license.
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SANTA FE  Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has acknowledged that she used taxpayer money to buy almost $13,500 worth of goods and services such as dry cleaning, tuna steaks, liquor and Wagyu beef over a six-month period in 2020.

Lujan Grishams taxpayer-funded expense account is appropriated by the state Legislature for the governor to spend on functions, events or items that promote the state.

Former Republican Gov. Susana Martinez spent about $470,000 in discretionary funds from 2011 through 2017, or an average of about $68,000 per year.

The governors spokesman, Tripp Stelnicki, said Thursday that some of the more than $6,500 grocery bill was used to feed her cabinet and staff at long meetings during the second half of last year.

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Republican House Minority Leader Jim Townsend said the governors purchases were unfortunate and inappropriate.

Its not what tax dollars ought to be spent for, Townsend said. In the time when people are hurting all over the state, using their tax dollars to buy Wagyu beef has got to be a little bit disenchanting to many people. I think its just more of indication of the problem that we have had and the governor has had connecting with people.

One of the receipts showed that the Governors Office spent more than $200 during one trip to Sams Club on at least five bottles of tequila, two bottles of vodka, two bottles of merlot, a bottle of whiskey and a bottle of gin, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported.

Stelnicki said the liquor was bought by a staffer for a holiday party that never ended up happening. He added that the alcohol remains unopened.

State lawmakers approved a bill in 2019 that changed the way the money is distributed and overseen after former Gov. Martinez used discretionary funds to throw a raucous holiday party at the Eldorado Hotel & Spa that involved the police.

The party caused a number of police complaints about noise and partygoers who threw objects atop a hotel balcony.

Loud noise? Were in a room eating pizza, Martinez said in a recorded call with police. Martinez later told a dispatcher to call off officers who were heading for her room.

We are eating pizza and drinking Cokes, and whoever was throwing bottles is not there  hasnt been there for like six hours, she said.

Martinez signed the bill, which provides more transparency regarding how the discretionary funds are spent, but the law did not go into effect until Lujan Grishams term started in 2019.
Uba Saidu Malami is the chairman, Board of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, (SMDF).

In this interview, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-trained executive and highly regarded geologist discusses the activities of his Board, stating that the ability of the Board to work with relevant stakeholders to give the SMDF a world-class structure is a key goal that will pave thebway for greater realization of governments set goals for the SMDF and the entire mining sector.

Mr Malami, who is certified by the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists, says the SMDF is working with the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) to sustainably exploit the abundant deposits of Calcium Carbonate in the country, adding that the Board will continue to strengthen its capacity to meet various demands that will pave the way for the development of the mining sector.

The board chairman thanked the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, and the Minister of State, Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah for their support while highlighting the crucial role played by the Executive Secretary of the SMDF, Umar Fati Shinkafi, whom he said, continues to demonstrate a lot of passion for the growth of the sector, and uncommon wisdom in the leadership of the SMDF that has led to the realization of set goals.

What would you say is the most significant achievement of the SMDF since the inauguration of your Board in May 2017?

Thank you.

When the Board of the Solid Mineral Development Fund (SMDF) was inaugurated in May 2017, there was need for a structure that will complement the effort of government to provide a sustainable funding window for mining projects in the country. Dr Kayode Fayemi, who was the Minister of Mines and Steel Development at the time, gave us the mandate of ensuring that a structure is put in place for the SMDF.

So, we began to work. What we did was to get a globally recognized management consultant, McKinsey to work on a reliable structure for the SMDF that will be on equal footing with, or even surpass some of the best management structures in the world. The effort was fully supported by the World Bank through the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification, MinDiver. We engaged the best hands to give SMDF a structure.

The essence of having such a formidable structure is to make sure that we are prepared to engage both public and private fund sources that will help to bridge the financial gap requirement in the mining sector. As you know, most financial institutions have required minimum competence. This is the essence of putting in place a management structure that is robust enough to even attract Foreign Direct Investment into the sector. The structure is designed to also encourage the participation of local investors in mining and all the value chain activities.

I have the honour to disclose to you that after a lot of consultations, reviews and considerations, the document presented by McKinsey reached the Board. As a Board, we evaluated the structure, and it was further appraised by a ministerial committee. We have forwarded it to the Honourable Minister, Arc Olamilekan Adegbite for consideration.

So, my answer to your question is: The fact that we are able to give the SMDF such an enviable and reliable Structure is one of our most significant achievements. The key component for driving value chain of mining activity from the mines, through processing to smelting or refining up to the off-taker, and to the open market has been appraised. The structure took into consideration the various stages of mining development.

To what extent has the SMDF Board been able to apply the Roadmap for Growth and Development of the mining sector in its efforts to achieve mandate success?

Yes, a robust Roadmap is in place for an orderly development of the sector, and the document is an appraisal of Nigerias mining potential. The approach of the SMDF is to start by developing some selected minerals so that we can take advantage of them. The idea is to gradually increase the number of minerals in a way that we will be able to sustainably develop them. So, we did not begin with all the minerals, we began with a select few and we are succeeding in that regard. So, in the immediate and short term, the Board engaged in ongoing programs and also triggered some new programmes.

The Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI) which has achieved renowned success is one of the programmes initiated and championed by the Board. I am sure you saw the presentation of the first artisanally mined gold bullion of LMBA standard to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The presentation of the gold bullion, as well as the various stages that led to it is an evidence of policy success of the SMDF. The Nigerian gold bullion presented to the CBN meets the requirement of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA). The ability to fulfill the LMBA requirement is one of the standing recognitions that we have.

We hope to start refining our locally mined gold in Nigeria within the shortest period.

How is the SMDF Board working with relevant institutional stakeholders to meet set goals?

The major stakeholder is the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. The two Honourable Ministers have been very helpful and supportive in directing our programmes accordingly.

I am sure you are aware that we have been working with is the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI). The need to work with PFI became necessary as a result of the need to work with progressive partners to harness Nigerias abundant deposits of Calcium Carbonate.

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The SMDF participated actively in understanding how the roadmap for such initiative would be implemented. We went as far as signing an MoU with the OCP of Morocco. I am sure you are aware that the OCP of Morocco is the leader in the production of fertilizer in Africa. As we speak, the OCP of Morocco is scheduled to establish three blending plants in Nigeria namely, one in Sokoto where they have laid a foundation for the factory; one in Kaduna; and the third factory in Ogun State. These have been very engaging, and stakeholders in the calcium carbonate industry have indicated interest and are working closely with the companies as well identifying areas of collaboration.

As a public sector institution, the SMDF will position itself very well to support most of these activities.

I understand that the President has approved some special fund for strategic investment in limestone to boost local production of fertilizer. How true is this sir?

I am happy to also inform you that in that regard, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation has approved a very meaningful sum for the SMDF to invest in the Ebonyi limestone deposits toward a large-scale production of fertilizer in the country. There is no reason why Nigeria should import what we have in abundance. As a Board, the approval comes as a source of joy for us because we midwifed and promoted that aspect.

So, as I speak with you, preparations are in earnest to ensure that the complement part of fertilizer production in Nigeria, especially the calcium carbonate (limestone) granules is produced locally, such that it will feed the raw material needs of local fertilizer producing industries.

The agricultural landscape for fertilizer development has become very exciting because it has been triggered by the presidential approval.

Apart from OCP, we have the Dangote Fertilizer that has just come up in Lekki. All these are industrial facilities that will be serviced by the Calcium Carbonate granules. So, the presidential approval granted the SMDF to invest in Calcium Carbonate (limestone) has come at a strategic time in the development of the mining and agricultural sectors.

The president has seen the wisdom in championing this very laudable initiative. I must therefore commend His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari and the very energetic Honorable Minister, Arc Olamilekan Adegbite and the Minister of State, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah who worked unitedly to ensure that these objectives are getting the attention of the right people.

I also wish to highlight the crucial role that the Executive Secretary is playing. Yes, Hajiya Fati Shinkafi has done very well to pilot the affairs of the Fund, and the SMDF Board is very proud of her. She continues to demonstrate the zeal needed for the growth of the sector, and uncommon wisdom in the leadership of the SMDF that has led to the realization of set goals.
Mistrust between India-China at all time high: US official

On India-China border row, Army Chief says legacy issues to be resolved through mutual consent

LAC disengagement: India, China to solve issues in steady and orderly manner

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 21: India, China have agreed to push for a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues in a steady and orderly manner, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.

On February 20, the 10th round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held on the Chinese side of the Moldo/Chushul border meeting point.

"The two sides positively appraised the smooth completion of disengagement of frontline troops in the Pangong Lake area noting that it was a significant step forward that provided a good basis for resolution of other remaining issues along the LAC in Western Sector," a statement from the defence minitry said.

They had candid and in-depth exchange of views on other issues along the LAC in the Western Sector.

"The two sides agreed to follow the important consensus of their state leaders, continue their communication and dialogue, stabilize and control the situation on the ground, push for a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues in a steady and orderly manner, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," it said.

India-China disengagement process in eastern Ladakh complete: Rajnath Singh

India and China held extensive deliberations on expanding the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh at the 10th round of the military talks that lasted for around 16 hours.

The Corps Commander-level talks at the Moldo border point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control began at around 10 am on Saturday and ended at 2 am on Sunday.

The talks took place two days after both militaries concluded withdrawal of troops and weapons from North and South banks of Pangong Tso in the high-altitude region.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry even as the two sides continued military and diplomatic talks.

Last year, the Chinese military built several bunkers and other structures in the areas between Finger 4 and 8 and had blocked all Indian patrols beyond Finger 4, triggering strong reaction from the Indian Army.

In the nine rounds of military talks, India had specifically insisted on withdrawal of Chinese troops from Finger 4 to Finger 8 on the North bank of Pangong Lake. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers.

On its part, the Chinese side was insisting on withdrawal of Indian troops from several strategic peaks on the southern bank of the lake. Around five months back, Indian troops occupied a number of strategic heights in the Mukhpari, Rechin La and Magar hill areas around the southern bank after the Chinese PLA attempted to intimidate them in the area.
Dude's weird. That was pretty much what you would expect a Democratic congressman from New Orleans to say about a Republican U.S. senator from Baton Rouge, but Cedric Richmond has lately had occasion to revise his unflattering view of Bill Cassidy.

That occasion was Cassidy's vote for conviction in President Donald Trump's second impeachment. Richmond's earlier aspersion had been cast in the heat of the 2014 Senate campaign, which saw Cassidy oust long-Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu.

Richmond's current choice of words will have sat better with Cassidy, but probably stung our second U.S. senator, John Kennedy, who stuck with 42 other Republicans in voting to acquit Trump. Richmond's remark inevitably called to mind Profiles in Courage, the book about eight brave U.S. senators which won the Pulitzer Prize for Kennedy's namesake in 1957.

That accolade helped the earlier John Kennedy, then a U.S. senator himself, get elected as the 35th president of the United States, although even at the time it was widely suspected that the real author was Ted Sorensen. Sorensen later confirmed it was so.

Still, JFK had acquitted himself well in World War II, so his name did not seem out of place in a book about courage. Our Kennedy surely took Richmond's remark as a dig.

Our Kennedy would deserve pride of place in a book entitled Profiles in Obsequiousness, so devotedly does he toe the Trumpian line.

Thus he remains in good standing with the GOP, which has unanimously censured Cassidy at both state and local level. History will surely reverse those judgments and acknowledge that the senator who brought the party into disrepute was Kennedy.

But current leaders of the East Baton Rouge Parish Republican party are suck-ups just like him; their censure motion fantasizes that Trump possesses wisdom and has many great accomplishments to his credit. If that were true, Trump would still be in the White House, and there would be no need for spurious election challenges.

Let us by all means admit that it took some courage for Cassidy to vote against the party line and no doubt alienate plenty voters back home in Trump's own country. But notwithstanding the disapproval of GOP functionaries, the other six who also voted to convict are by no means the only Republican senators who blame Trump for hornswoggling a majority of the faithful with tales of electoral chicanery and provoking the deadly Capitol riot.

Even the senate's top Republican, Mitch McConnell, said Trump was responsible, and noted that, These criminals were carrying his banners, hanging his flags and screaming their loyalty to him.

McConnell nevertheless voted to acquit, but political eminence seldom means acting on principle.

Senators who voted with Cassidy have said that other of their colleagues have privately confessed that they too believe that Trump was culpable but dared not say so publicly for fear he would use his formidable clout to get them voted out of office.

Sure, that makes them a bunch of self-serving poltroons, but politicians are past masters at rationalizing their failings. I must do whatever is required to keep my job, else humanity will lose the inestimable benefit of my talents, Sen. Phonus Bolonus will tell you.

Cassidy deserves much credit for taking the more honorable course, but he faces no immediate penalty for doing so. He just got re-elected, and time will erase much of any bad feeling before he needs to face the voters again. By then, the majority of GOP voters who currently believe the election was stolen will surely have come to their senses.

The message must get through that every allegation of rigging has been thoroughly investigated and disproved by a whole bunch of court and election officials, Democrat and Republican alike. That Joe Biden won a fair election by a substantial margin would have been universally acknowledged but for Trump's fairy tales.

There is plenty of time for that to sink in before Cassidy comes up for re-election. He bucked the trend in his party, but this time nobody is saying dude's weird.

Email James Gill at gill504nola@gmail.com.
Number Ten has long been a hotbed of gossip, intrigue and backstabbing as the power-hungry jostle for position at the court of the prime minister. But even by that yardstick, the events of recent days have been something to behold.

And the figure accused of being at the heart of the latest series of power struggles is not an MP, special adviser or civil servant. It is Carrie Symonds, fiancee of our Prime Minister and mother of his youngest son Wilfred.

Matters have become so fraught that, in the words of one former colleague  who now works for the influential Tory think tank the Bow Group  her unelected and unaccountable role in government is damaging to democracy.

The figure accused of being at the heart of the latest series of power struggles is not an MP, special adviser or civil servant. It is Carrie Symonds, fiancee of our Prime Minister

To understand why the Conservative Partys 32-year-old former director of communications is attracting such attention, its important to appreciate the scale of the bloodletting that has occurred behind Downing Streets black door in recent weeks  and the feuding tribes who are driving it.

Special advisers, or Spads, the unelected train-bearers in the court of the prime minister, often wield more power and influence than seasoned Cabinet ministers.

But their machinations are normally conducted in the shadows. No longer.

To the horror of many Tory MPs, they have turned the Downing Street political operation into what appears to all intents and purposes a playground riven with bitter factional infighting.

In the past few weeks, the Government operation has been beset by leaks, rifts and resignations, leading to a spate of damaging headlines.

The unedifying turf war comes as the Covid death toll goes above 120,000, unemployment is rising fast, and the economy is a shattered ruin. What must the public think of us with all these self-indulgent personality clashes? asks one exasperated Whitehall source.

The saga has its roots in the departure of Boriss mercurial chief adviser Dominic Cummings, who was forced out following the axing of Number Tens truculent communications director Lee Cain.

Both were members of the Vote Leave camp which ran the 2016 referendum campaign  and they blame Symonds for their demise.

Their camp suffered another blow last week with the resignation of Oliver Lewis, the former deputy of Lord Frost, who was the Governments chief negotiator with the EU over Brexit. Lewis, nicknamed Sonic because of his likeness to the video game character Sonic the Hedgehog, was head of the Cabinet Office unit fighting to stave off Scottish independence.

Lewis clashed with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, who chairs the committee in charge of the Union

Gove, who was born in Aberdeen and whose parents still live there, wanted to love bomb the Scots in a bid to persuade them to stay true to the 313-year-old Union. But Lewis wanted a more aggressive approach

Even some Tory MPs wouldnt know Lewis if they fell over him. But despite his low profile, his resignation matters. Nationalism in Scotland is on the march and Lewiss departure after only two weeks in the job is a gift for Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP First Minister.

Lewis clashed with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, who chairs the committee in charge of the Union.

Gove, who was born in Aberdeen and whose parents still live there, wanted to love bomb the Scots in a bid to persuade them to stay true to the 313-year-old Union. However, Lewis wanted to take a more aggressive approach.

So did Lewis walk out because of policy differences with Gove? Not a bit of it. After a testy meeting with Boris, and having threatened to resign on more than one occasion in the past, he quit accusing Carrie Symonds of briefing against him because she had taken sides with Gove on the Scottish question.

Lewis denies a report put about by his enemies that he had flounced out because he hadnt been given a knighthood for his role in the Brexit talks.

Its easy to see how his nose might have been put out of joint, however.

Lewis was close to Lord Frost, who was promoted to the Cabinet last week with responsibility for the EU and unfinished Brexit negotiations. While his boss got a peerage followed by a Cabinet job, there were no baubles for him.

But even Frosts appointment was mired in controversy. His supporters argued that Gove had been too soft with Brussels since Brexit took effect on January 1. Frost, they said, would be more hardline.

The Gove camp suspect that the hostile briefings were the work of Lewis, an allegation that he denies.

Goves supporters insist he first suggested Frosts elevation to the Cabinet. While the war of words raged over Frost and Gove, who is tipped for a big Cabinet promotion, the problems over goods going from mainland Britain into Northern Ireland since Brexit accelerated.

Carrie, who  as we have seen  has emerged as one of the most influential prime ministerial spouses of modern times, has her own group of loyalists.

They include Baroness Finn who last week became deputy chief of staff at No 10, and Henry Newman, who moved from advising Gove to working with Boris.

Carrie will be delighted with their arrival, but did she orchestrate it? Finn has known Boris since she raised funds for his 2008 mayoral campaign when Carrie was still at university.

Oxford and Harvard-educated Newman, meanwhile, worked closely alongside Boris and Gove on Brexit. They got there on merit, said one source.

Carries friends dont deny she is influential, but argue that the criticism of her role is rooted in sexism.

One fan says: Shes an important adviser to Boris in the same way Theresa Mays husband Philip was when she was prime minister. We should not be ashamed that Boris listens to his fiancee.

However, Philip May was only occasionally seen and absolutely never heard, while Carrie has become linked with hirings and firings.

Last year, her close friend Nimco Ali was appointed a Home Office adviser on tackling violence against women. The post was not advertised in the usual way. Carries influence was detected.

At this time of national crisis it is surely more vital than ever that the Government operates with determination and unity. Yet a Downing Street operation that should run like a Rolls-Royce has instead become a cauldron of poisonous rivalries. What must the voters think?
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 11:16:36|Editor: huaxia

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SANTIAGO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chile's Health Ministry on Saturday reported 3,893 new COVID-19 infections and 77 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections to 795,845 and nationwide death toll to 19,974.

It is the third consecutive day when the country reported more than 3,000 cases in a single day.

The ministry said that 2,827,091 people had been vaccinated against COVID-19 via a mass vaccination program that began on Feb. 3.

Of the people who have been inoculated, 1,711,810 are aged over 65, said Chilean Deputy Health Minister Paula Daza.

A large part of the vaccines used in the country were provided by Chinese pharma company Sinovac. Both Chilean President Sebastian Pinera and Health Minister Enrique Paris were vaccinated with shots from Sinovac. Enditem
Tehran praises 'fruitful' talks with UN agency

Tehran praises 'fruitful' talks with UN agency

Iran said on Sunday it had held "fruitful discussions" with UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi in Tehran, ahead of a deadline when it's set to restrict the agency's inspections unless the United States lifts painful sanctions.



Grossi's visit comes amid stepped-up efforts between US President Joe Biden's administration, European powers and Iran to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal that has been on the brink of collapse since Donald Trump withdrew from it.



Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javaf Zarif, who was to later meet Grossi, signalled that the Islamic republic wants to avoid an "impasse" but also warned that it could step further away from its commitments if Washington does not lift the sanctions.



Grossi, head of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arrived in Tehran late on Saturday and met with the head of the Iran Atomic Energy Organisation, Ali Akbar Salehi, early on Sunday.



"Iran and the IAEA held fruitful discussions based on mutual respect, the result of which will be released this evening," Tehran's ambassador to the UN agency Kazem Gharibabadi wrote on Twitter.



Grossi was due to hold a press conference on his return to Vienna.



Iran's conservative-dominated parliament months ago demanded that, if the US does not lift sanctions by this Sunday, Iran suspend some IAEA inspections from Tuesday.



But Iran has stressed it will not cease working with the IAEA or expel its inspectors.



Zarif told Iran's Press TV on Sunday that he would talk to Grossi about implementing Iran's law while making sure "not to create an impasse, so that he carries out the obligations to show that Iran's nuclear programme remains peaceful".



Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said late on Saturday that the "IAEA's inspection capability will be reduced by about 20-30 percent after the implementation of the parliament's law".



Iran has notified the UN body it will suspend "voluntary transparency measures" -- notably inspection visits to non-nuclear sites, including military sites suspected of nuclear-related activity -- if the US fails to lift the sanctions Trump reimposed in 2018.



Zarif said the law mandates the government "not to provide the tapes" of cameras at sites to the IAEA, adding that technical details would be discussed in Tehran.



"We are not violating the JCPOA, we are implementing remedial measures foreseen in the JCPOA itself," Zarif insisted, referring to the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.



"Once everybody implements their part and their obligations, then there will be talks, and those talks will not be about changing or adding to the agreement."



Biden has committed to rejoin talks on Tehran's nuclear programme, in a shift away from Trump's policy of "maximum pressure" towards the Islamic republic. (AFP)
On February 20, the 10th round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held on the Chinese side of the Moldo/Chushul border meeting point. The two sides positively appraised the smooth completion of disengagement of frontline troops in the Bangong Lake area, noting that it was a significant step forward that provided a good basis for resolution of other remaining issues along the LAC in Western Sector. They had candid and in-depth exchange of views on other issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. The two sides agreed to follow the important consensus of their state leaders, continue their communication and dialogue, stabilize and control the situation on the ground, push for a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues in a steady and orderly manner, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.
It could be April before the prevalence of Covid-19 cases falls to below 100 cases a day, according to leading expert professor Philip Nolan.

He said today that we are looking at a summer where we socialise outdoors as much as we can.

The progress in terms of suppressing the virus has slowed, but we are still making progress, said professor Nolan, who is the chair of the National Public Health Emergency Teams (Nphet) epidemiological advisory group.

"We are at a 7-day average of about 800 cases a day at the moment. A week ago, that was 930, and the week before, 1,050. So we are still making progress, he said.

Read More

However, he said that the progress has slowed primarily because of the dominance of the more transmissible B117 variant  the UK Covid variant.

If we continue to make progress at the rate we are, we are on track to be below 100 cases sometime in the course of April.

"On the one hand, we need to keep going, we need to remain hopeful that we can continue to suppress the virus, but it is going to take time.

If you think back to October where we required very restrictive and very strong public health measures to deal with daily case numbers in the region of 1,000, unfortunately, we are still in that region. We are still at very high risk, and we are at very high risk because of the additional transmissibility of the B117 variant, professor Nolan said on RTEs This Week.

He added that we are in a position now, where we can advise the phased, cautious return to in class education because that is such a priority for our society and from there on in, we are going to have to work through what our our priorities, and what are the low risk, high return things that we can do over the coming months, in terms of the education of our children, the return of non-Covid health care.

"How can we for the benefit of peoples mental health facilitate some level of safe but increased social contact, beyond that period of time when case numbers are substantially lower, what are the priority areas of our economy that can resume activity because they are lower risk than other areas of the economy.

Speaking about what type of summer we will be looking at, he said: "I think we are looking at an outdoor summer. If I can be blunt about it, we are looking at a summer where we socialise outdoors as much as we can, we make the most of outdoors, we continue to limit the number of social contacts we have, but not to as low a number as we have now, where we holiday and recreate at home.

However, he said that: "I do have to say the vaccination programme brings enormous hope.

"There is a period, the darkest hour is the hour before dawn in some senses. There is a period of great vulnerability where we have to take great care not to spread the virus again, as we work through the process of vaccinating the population, he said.

Professor Nolan added: "As we vaccinate the population, things will get easier."

However, he pointed out that any reopening does carry risk.

"We collectively have a responsibility to ensure that there isn't a spill over, from let's say the reopening of schools into increased social mixing amongst parents on the margins of that. It is very tempting, it's very possible, but we do have to say to people to be extremely cautious not to offer the virus opportunities to transmit, while essentially you are bringing your kids to school or on the margins of that activity.

"That is the reason we have to take this step-by-step, because we are not entirely sure what the impact of any given action will have on the transmission of the virus and case numbers.

"That said, we need to remember back to the period May and June last year, when it was possible to open up some aspects of social activity, and case numbers continued to decline. So there are some activities, particularly outdoor activities, which are lower risk, and there are ways of reducing the risk of indoor activities."

Professor Nolan said a step-by-step approach would be taken, observing what the impact of each step is.

"All of that said, we are going to focus on what's important to society, what's important to our mental health, the reality that outdoors is safer than indoor, the reality that some level of mixing between households is going to be required for us all to stay sane as we enter the summer, the reality that the plan does set out in its various levels that some sectors like retail and construction are safer than others, so they would be logically first on the list when we are at safer levels of viral prevalence and can consider such things."

The Government will this week unveil its revised Living with Covid-19 plan.
India on Sunday signed an agreement with the Maldives to develop, support and maintain a harbour at Uthuru Thila Falhu naval base in the island nation.

Though the new harbour is being built officially for the use of Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard, it is likely to turn into a strategic asset for India and give it an edge over China, which has been trying to spread its tentacles in the Indian Ocean region.

The agreement was signed as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a meeting with Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi before concluding his two-day visit to Male on. The Government of Maldives and the EXIM Bank India also signed another agreement for $50 million Line of Credit for defence projects in the archipelago.

Glad to sign with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi the UTF (Uthuru Thila Falhu) Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) efforts. Partners in development, partners in security, Jaishankar posted on Twitter. Mariya Didi noted that defence cooperation had been a key element of the sisterly relationship between that existed between India and Maldives. The Coast Guard Harbour & (and) Dockyard at SIFAVARU will mark another significant milestone, she added.

Glad to sign with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi the UTF Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR efforts. Partners in development, partners in security. pic.twitter.com/dYhpVZDd7e  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 21, 2021

A joint statement issued by the two sides noted that the agreement on building the harbour had been signed pursuant to the request the Government of Maldives made in April 2013 for support and cooperation of the Government of India to assist the Government of Maldives for enhancing the capability of the Defence Forces of the Maldives in exercising jurisdiction and undertaking maritime surveillance of its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) and islands; and subsequent requests made in October 2015 and March 2016.

Beijing was also purportedly interested in building the harbour for the Coast Guard of Maldives. China however could not make any headway after Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won the November 2018 elections and took over as President of Maldives, succeeding Abdullah Yameen. India finally elbowed China out and the both sides agreed on the terms of reference for the project in September 2019.

The erstwhile government of Abdullah Yameen had leased out to China the Feydhoo Finolhu islet of Maldives for 50 years in December 2016. It had raised alarms in New Delhi, particularly after satellite images in December 2017 had revealed dredging and landfill works done to expand the islet, ostensibly by the company based in China.

Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2019 also inaugurated the Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems, which India installed in the islands of Maldives. Though the network of radar systems New Delhi helped Male set up in the islands are officially meant to help the Indian Ocean archipelago safeguard its sovereignty in its EEZ, it also helps Indian Navy keep eyes over the Indian Ocean region, where Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy have been foraying into.

Read | India offers $40 million Line of Credit to boost sports infrastructure in Maldives

Jaishankar, who is here on a two-day visit, held discussions with Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi.
ALBANY  With political pressure mounting on Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in the midst of the nursing home imbroglio, the batch of New York Republicans is growing who appear to be flirting with a gubernatorial challenge in 2022.

Cuomo, 63, is up for his fourth term in 2022, which would match Nelson Rockefeller's modern record for consecutive terms in the office. Cuomo's father, Mario Cuomo, lost his own bid for a fourth term in 1994.

I think its difficult for anyone to run for three terms, let alone four. You wear out. It doesnt matter who you are," a longtime New York Republican operative from the Capital Region told the Times Union earlier this month. And its hard when you have a big personality like the incumbent does.

But the current governor is not going to be easy to beat: His campaign war chest totals nearly $17 million. His popularity has remained high among New Yorkers despite disapproval of his transparency on nursing homes. And the Democratic party has only strengthened its grip on the state over the last few years, continuing to build a lead in party registration and claiming supermajorities in both chambers of the state Legislature.

In the midst of the alleged cover-up of nursing home data and the news that Cuomo is under investigation by the FBI and Eastern District U.S. Attorney, potential challengers seem to have accelerated their jockeying for position more in the last few weeks. Meanwhile, Republicans in Albany are calling for an impeachment inquiry to begin into Cuomo.

Everyone writes a version of this story every four years. Were focused on fighting the pandemic and well leave the palace intrigue to the politicians," said Rich Azzopardi, senior advisor to Cuomo.

Prominent Republicans in the state  including U.S. House representatives Lee Zeldin, Tom Reed and Elise Stefanik, as well as Dutchess County Executive and 2018 GOP nominee for governor Marc Molinaro - have within the last few weeks either personally said they're considering a run, or have taken steps viewed by other members from their party as prelude to a potential bid for the governorship.

"Governor Cuomo needs to be taken down," said Reed, the Republican representative from Western New York, in an interview with Fox News over the weekend. "Given an opportunity to do my part to serve and try to change the direction of the state, we are definitely looking at it," he said of running for governor. Reed also joined state-level Republicans earlier this month in Albany for a press conference pushing for investigations into Cuomo's administration and its nursing home policies.

Fox also reported that Zeldin, the Long Island Republican, has been encouraged by other Republicans to run, and the Times Union was previously told that Zeldin had commissioned polling to study a bid.

Other names frequently mentioned include Harry Wilson, a Republican who served in Barack Obama's Treasury Department; Molinaro, the 2018 challenger; and Stefanik, whose pivot away from a moderate political brand toward that of a fiery defender of Donald J. Trump has won her a massive fundraising base and a raised national profile.

Stefanik's family have told people close to her that she's interested in running for governor, the Times Union reported earlier this month, and she has fundraised extensively on calling Cuomo "the worst governor in America." Her staff has not responded to questions from the Times Union about whether she's considering a bid for the governor's chair, but she is viewed by other Republicans as a contender.

I think Elise Stefanik is likely giving good consideration for statewide office, Molinaro said earlier this month.
NEW YORK  A yellow note fluttered down like a leaf when I opened the door to my apartment one day last fall. Handwritten, it read in part:

Hello  My package was stolen on 10/1/2020. I came home to find the empty box (item removed) in the trash. It was a nice, gray womens blazer. Please return to 5C, no questions asked.

This veiled accusation set in motion a building-wide campaign to stop the petty theft afflicting the lobby of my unattended East Village walk-up, where I have lived since the 1990s.

Package theft wasnt an issue when I first moved in during the Grunge years, although crack vials routinely littered our stoop. Sleepy addicts sometimes blocked the door. But these entryway inconveniences were minor compared with the constant robberies, which rapidly escalated last year.

My building was not alone. Forty-three percent of Americans shopping online experienced package theft last year, up from 36% in 2019, according to a recent market research study. Of that 43%, almost two-thirds reported packages having been stolen more than once. The New York Police Department does not keep data to that level of specificity, I was told, and the most recent figures available for the city estimated that 90,000 packages had disappeared every day in 2019. This number was bound to be higher in 2020, considering the thriving online economy.

But back to 30 years ago: Aside from the stoop problem, our building was a neighborly haven, owned by the same family for generations and monitored by live-in supers, a couple from Malta named Agnes and Tony. Our ensemble of residents (Bill, Bob, John, Pat, Tom) worked unflashy jobs  mailroom clerk, museum guide and so on  and stayed for decades, giving me the chance to grow fond of them, including nuisances like Edith and Victor (secretary, janitor), who banged on my ceiling when my music blared. It only took them 14 years to trust me enough to water their plants when they traveled.

The poignant exodus of these characters, through death, eviction, buyouts and, most recently, the pandemic, made way for my current neighbors, variously named Summer, Kennedy, Madison, Kayleigh, Mackenzie, Hannah and Charity. They pay rents that seem exorbitant, upward of $4,000 in some cases, reflecting the East Villages own hypergentrification.

When I started to cross paths with this new crop last fall, their eyes were often trained on their phones. Why bother trying to get to know them? I might be a lifer, but I did not want to become the next Edith, so I silently endured their music thumping through my walls and their habit of leaving empty boxes all over the lobby.

My attitude softened on the day I read the yellow note from 5C and saw it stuck in other doors down the hall. A real estate group owns our building now, our live-in supers are long gone and our security camera feed was disconnected years ago during multiple gut renovations. I decided to reach out to my new neighbors. Have you had anything stolen? turned out to be a great conversation starter.

Harper Gray, 22, who worked at Belmont Park racetrack, said that within a week of moving into our building at the end of August, a new dress, ordered online, had been stolen. Within two months, she and her roommate had lost roughly $2,000 worth of items, she said.

When Amielle Morris, a college student, ordered a new table, the tabletop arrived separately from the legs, which were stolen, leaving her with a legless table. She was often out, working double shifts as a restaurant hostess when she wasnt in class, and said seven other deliveries had been stolen. The one that hurt the most was a care package of clothes, local honey and avocados from her mother in California.

These were young adults, after all, establishing independence in a city that had been hit hard in a number of ways. Of course their parents were sending them care packages. Parker Zinn, 19, told me she was freaking out every 15 to 30 minutes while expecting a delivery from her family in North Carolina.

Ralitsa Kalfas, 23, also from North Carolina, found an empty cardboard box instead of winter coats and sweaters sent to her from her family. A vintage jacket that once belonged to her grandmother was stolen too.

My empathy for these young women grew, realizing they werent that different from me when I first moved to New York, my shyness sometimes interpreted as unfriendliness. With no COVID-related travel constraints back then, my family simply visited, bearing suitcases of goodies instead of sending care packages.

The new neighbors and I exchanged phone numbers to text one another when anything was left unattended. Sarah Byron, 24, panicked when she saw a giant new TV screen propped up on the first floor, addressed to Kennedy. She lugged it up three flights of stairs for safekeeping until Kennedy got home.

In October, we petitioned for the security cameras to be restored; every single resident signed the demand letter. Our landlord complied within a month.

Thefts tapered off in November, the situation improving so much that I broke my shop-local rule and ordered discounted winter gear online. But on the projected delivery date, I tracked the package, which was shown as delivered to customer. I dashed downstairs. My Helly Hansen parka, long underwear and knit beanie were gone.

The security camera footage showed a masked man with a hoodie unlocking our door with a plastic card. He swaggered in  bowlegged, a slight limp  and stuffed my box into a large canvas bag.

Around this time, Sarah Byrons new phone charger was stolen by a skinny, frail woman with a suitcase, she said. Sarah herself appeared in the security camera video, coming in the door while the woman was still there. Im glad I didnt confront her, Sarah said. She ripped open the box with her teeth.

But matters came to an emotional head just before Thanksgiving, when I found Coco Ross, 23, crying on our stoop one afternoon. When I asked what had been stolen, she said softly, A Rolex.

A Rolex? What was she thinking?

Then I got the full story. Her father, in Boston, had lost his job and sent her the watch to get a better price in New York, as much as $25,000, she said. A delivery person dumped the family heirloom in our lobby, not waiting to get Cocos signature. Footage of the thief was murky. The watch was never found. Our corporate landlord tightened the lock.

Miraculously, holiday deliveries arrived safely. There was loss, however. Amielle and Coco broke their leases and left. The women in 5C  the ones behind the yellow door notes  moved out too.

After weeks of hassling the delivery company about my winter gear, I got reimbursed. Its no time to let down our guard, however. I just came across a box that looked like it had been ripped open by teeth (again). It was cat food, left undisturbed, addressed to an unfamiliar tenant. I went upstairs and knocked on her door, welcoming her to our building and letting her know what shes in for.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Vehicles move on a snow-capped road in Houston, Texas, the United States, on Feb. 15, 2021. (Photo by Chengyue Lao/Xinhua)

- The emergency exposed the failures of the state's basic infrastructure.

- The Texas government's failures in the face of a winter storm have been criticized by Texans.

- A deregulated energy market largely isolated from the rest of the country's power grid is also part of the reason for the massive blackout according to experts.

HOUSTON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- It has been five days since a severe winter storm brought massive blackout to the southern U.S. state of Texas. As of Friday afternoon, there are still over 170,000 Texans out of power.

In a state boasting abundant oil and gas, millions of people have been left in freezing temperatures and darkness for days in this severe weather unseen in a century.

Meanwhile, lack of preparedness, weak leadership and isolated power grid added insult to injury.

LACK OF PREPAREDNESS

The emergency exposed the failures of the state's basic infrastructure. According to officials from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the energy grid operator for most of the state, when the winter storm came on Sunday, natural gas plants, utility scale wind power and coal plants tripped offline due to the extreme cold.

At the same time, the amount of power supplied to the grid to be distributed across the state fell rapidly and demand was increasing as consumers and businesses turned up the heater to stay warm.

After temperatures plummeted and snow covered large parts of the state Sunday night, the ERCOT warned increased demand might lead to short-term, rotating blackouts. Instead, huge portions of the largest cities in Texas went dark for days. The council later admitted having underestimated the power demand.

In Houston, the fourth largest U.S. city, nearly 60 percent of households and businesses were without power on Tuesday. Of the total installed capacity to the electric grid, about 40 percent went offline during the storm, according to the ERCOT.

Officials said that the state's power system was simply no match for the deep freeze, but energy and policy experts believed the state's decision not to require equipment upgrades to better withstand extreme winter temperatures left power system unprepared for the winter crisis.

In fact, this year's massive blackout was not the first one in Texas. In 2011, a similar storm froze natural gas wells and affected coal plants and wind turbines, leading to power outages across the state. According to a report by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, more thorough preparation for cold weather could have prevented the outages.

It seemed the lesson had not been learnt after a decade as Texas power generators still haven't made all the investments necessary to prevent plants from tripping offline.

Dan Woodfin, ERCOT senior director of system operations, acknowledged that there was no requirement to prepare power infrastructure for extremely low temperatures. "Those are not mandatory, it's a voluntary guideline to decide to do those things," he said earlier this week. "There are financial incentives to stay online, but there is no regulation at this point."

Experts believed that Texas officials knew winter storms could leave the state's power grid vulnerable, but they left the choice to prepare for severe weather to the power companies. And many of them chose against the costly upgrades.

The on-ramp to a highway is closed due to snow and ice in Houston, Texas, the United States, on Feb. 15, 2021. (Photo by Chengyue Lao/Xinhua)

WEAK LEADERSHIP

The Texas government's failures in the face of a winter storm have been criticized by Texans. Policy observers blamed the power system failure on the legislators and state agencies who they say did not properly heed the warnings of previous storms or account for more extreme weather events warned of by climate scientists.

"It's a great state with a faltering state government," read an analysis story published by The Texas Tribune. "The political people running things too often worry more about their popularity than about their work. Too many of them are better at politics than they are at governing. And governing is the only real reason any of the rest of us have any interest in them."

From the beginning of the disaster, politicians like Texas Governor Greg Abbott have pointed other organizations to take responsibility.

On Monday, Abbott said the massive outages were caused by private power companies that "fell short," expressing frustration that power generators hadn't done enough to ensure the flow of electricity.

Abbott also criticized the ERCOT for not doing enough to winterize power generators.

"I think after what happened in 2011, an assessment was not made to gauge for this type of event," said Abbott. "We need to calibrate for this type of weather to make sure that the companies that are contracted with to provide the power generation in the state of Texas are going to be capable of providing power generation in these ultra cold temperatures."

Facing growing questions and blames, the ERCOT gave their version of explanation, saying winterizing the power grid is not their responsibility.

"We don't own the generation units," ERCOT CEO Bill Magness said. "We don't own the transmission. We're really just managing the overall transmission system and dispatching, putting generators on and off the grid."

He added that winterization will need to be undertaken by the entities who own the physical assets out in the field.

"We're willing to work and help and make sure those are effective and happy to help with any of the industry on that," Magness continued. "But it's not really our role to do winterization."

Until now, no organizations or politicians have provided any timetable as to when power can be fully restored in the state.

A gas station is closed due to power outage in Houston, Texas, the United States, on Feb. 15, 2021. (Photo by Chengyue Lao/Xinhua)

ISOLATED GRID

According to experts, a deregulated energy market largely isolated from the rest of the country's power grid is also part of the reason for the massive blackout.

There are three grids in the Lower 48 states of the United States: the Eastern Interconnection, the Western Interconnection and Texas.

The Texas grid is run by the ERCOT, which was formed in 1970, in the wake of a major blackout in the Northeast in November 1965. It was tasked with managing grid reliability in accordance with national standards.

The agency carried additional responsibilities of staying out of the reach of federal regulators and keeping the Texas grid separated from the rest of the country. The ERCOT grid remains beyond the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which regulates interstate electric transmission.

"Freedom from federal regulation was a cherished goal -- more so because Texas had no regulation until the 1970s," writes Richard D. Cudahy in a 1995 article, "The Second Battle of the Alamo: The Midnight Connection."

In fact, the Texas grid is not entirely isolated. It has three connections to Mexico and two connections to the eastern U.S. grid. During this week's winter storm, so much power went offline that other grids couldn't close the gap, since other grids were also impacted by the storm.

Reports said that a possible sixth interconnection project is being studied. There is another proposal which would link the three big U.S. grids together in New Mexico, but Texas' top utility regulator has shown little interest for participating.
Corrections and clarifications: This story has been updated to correct the years that Newsmax and OANN launched.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, most people have missed the shift of Trump voters away from Fox News and into the hands of Newsmax and One America News Network, two news outlets that are only 8 years old but in that short time have managed to greatly improve their standing in conservative circles.

While the average voter may be mostly unaware of these outlets, the Suffolk University/USA TODAY national poll of exclusively 2020 Trump voters offers key data points in what could be a seismic shift in the landscape of trusted news sources for conservatives in the country.

First, I want to make sure we keep the relative size of the shift in perspective, as its not a 100% change from Fox to its competitors. Fox News is still, by far, the most trusted news network/media source among previously identified Trump voters from various state and national polls taken in 2020. Among Trump voters, 34% trusted Fox News the most, followed by 17% for Newsmax, 9% for One America News Network, with every other network at 3% or less.

The above numbers, however, also paint a drastically different picture than the numbers four years ago. In late October 2016, Suffolk University and USA TODAY conducted a national poll of likely presidential election voters, and among those who said they would support Trump over Clinton, a whopping 58% trusted Fox News the most. At the time of our October 2016 poll, OANN and Newsmax were barely 4 years old, so they were not offered as options. However, we do not believe that in 2016 they would have been trusted the most by a statistically significant portion of respondents.

Exclusive: Defeated and impeached, Trump still commands the loyalty of the GOP's voters

Todays data shows Fox News is losing the most loyal Trump voters. On the issue of whether Trump voters believe Joe Biden was legitimately elected, 73% said Biden was not. Among Trumpers trusting OANN, the number was 90% and among Newsmax Trumpers it was 92% saying Biden was illegitimately elected.

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In a similar trend, 58% of Trump voters said that the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6 was an antifa-inspired attack that only involved a few Trump supporters. Among Fox News viewers it was 59%, but notably less than the 73% who watch OANN and Newsmax. The recent Senate impeachment trial had a doubling down effect for 64% of Newsmax viewers who said the trial made them more supportive of Trump. Among OANN, 49% were more supportive, followed by 41% of Fox viewers.

Trumps loyalty carries into the 2024 presidential election as well, with 62% of Trumpers trusting Fox News, saying that they would like to see Trump run for president in four years. But that high number was less than the 70% and 73% respectively among those who trust Newsmax and OANN. Those who trust either OANN (66%) and Newsmax (64%) the most say history will record Trump as a great president. For Fox News, the number is high (45%) but not quite showing the love of these up-and-coming alternatives.

Previous Paleologos on the Poll: Inauguration Day isn't the end of the Trump era. It's just the beginning.

Then we come to the true test of party loyalty  or should I say disloyalty  when comparing Trump with the Republican Party. We put Trump supporters on the spot and asked to whom they were more loyal. In the survey, 54% said they are more loyal to Trump while 34% chose the Republican Party. Among Fox News Trumpers, the numbers were a slightly more modest 51%-37% split in favor of Trump. But among Newsmax viewers 72% chose Trump over the GOP and among OANN, the Trump loyalty tipped to 80%-15%.

The poll also asks what the official relationship should be between the Republican Party and Trump. Overall, half said the GOP should be more loyal to Trump while 19% said less loyal and just 14% said the Republican Party is headed in the right direction. Those numbers were pretty much mirrored by Trumpers trusting Fox News, but 70% of Newsmax viewers said the GOP needs to be more loyal to Trump and it was an even higher 80% among OANN.

And if the "unthinkable" happens for the Republican Party, and Donald Trump forms a third party, the poll tells us that Trump trusters of Newsmax (70%) and OANN (65%) will easily choose the Trump Party over the Republican Party. Among those trusting Fox News, 41% would defect to the Trump Party and 28% would pick the Republican Party with a sizeable 31% undecided and torn. This poses a very, very bad problem for the Republican Party in 2022 and 2024.

Move over Fox News.

David Paleologos is director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center.

'Too early to say': Donald Trump stays mum on 2024 campaign (but promotes his polls)

More: How conservative media stoked baseless election-fraud claims that motivated DC rioters

More: Brian Stelter's Trump book 'Hoax' to get updated, expanded paperback release in June

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paleologos on the Poll: Newsmax and OANN are out-Foxing Fox
Feb. 21SIOUX FALLS  The Mitchell High School girls basketball team suffered its first double-digit loss of the season. Sioux Falls O'Gorman handed the Kernels a 63-35 defeat on Saturday.

The Knights held Mitchell to 26.2 percent shooting, including 3-for-22 (13.6 percent) in the first half. While Mitchell struggled to make shots and turned it over 19 times, O'Gorman (14-5) had a trio of double-digit scorers to help it open a 30-12 halftime lead.

Hannah Ronsiek scored a game-high 15 points for O'Gorman, while Isabelle Moore added 12 points and Kira Mentele scored 11 points off the bench. It shot 49 percent as a team, which was helped by 58.3 percent shooting in the second half.

Coming out of halftime, the Kernels played O'Gorman tough in the third quarter. The Knights only held a 17-14 advantage in the frame, but grew their lead to as many as 30 points in the fourth quarter.

Adaya Plastow scored a team-high nine points. Macy Kempf added seven points, seven rebounds and two steals.

Bergen Reilly finished with eight rebounds and four steals, helping O'Gorman own a 34-27 advantage on the glass. Ronsiek also chipped in three steals.

Mitchell (14-4) hosts Sioux Falls Washington at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Corn Palace.

Sioux Falls O'Gorman 63, Mitchell 35

Mitchell (14-4): Adaya Plastow 2-4 5-8 9, Avia Haley 2-5 2-2 6, Camryn Krogman 1-3 2-2 4, Sawyer Stoebner 2-10 0-1 4, Macy Kempf 3-8 1-4 7, Lizzie Tyler 1-2 0-0 2, Taylor Giblin 0-1 2-2 2, Ella Flippin 0-0 0-0 0, Sarah Sebert 0-8 1-2 1, Kaitlyn Christensen 0-1 0-0 0, Gabby Sonne 0-0 0-0 0, Kadence Halvorson 0-0 0-0 0. Team totals: 11-42 13-17 35.

Sioux Falls O'Gorman (14-5): Reagan Reilly 2-6 2-3 8, Isabelle Moore 5-8 1-11 12, Bergen Reilly 2-7 2-5 6, Hannah Ronsiek 5-11 2-2 15, Hannah Friedman 0-0 0-0 0, Kennedi Kolsrud 1-2 0-0 2, Ellie Thie 0-0 0-0 0, Lucy Moore 0-0 0-0 0, Mahli Abdouch 4-9 1-2 9, Kira Mentele 5-6 1-1 11, Megan VanDenHemel 0-0 0-0 0. Team totals: 24-49 9-15 63.

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MHS 4 12 26 35

SFO 14 30 47 63

3-pointers: MHS 0-12 (Sebert 0-6, Stoebner 0-3, Plastow 0-1, Haley 0-1, Krogman 0-1); SFO 6-19 (Ronsiek 3-5, R. Reilly 2-5, Moore 1-3, Abdouch 0-2, Mentele 0-1, B. Reilly 0-3). Rebounds: MHS 27 (Kempf 7); SFO 34 (B. Reilly 8). Assists: MHS 1; SFO 9. Blocked shots: MHS 0; SFO 4. Steals: MHS 4; SFO 13. Turnovers: MHS 19; SFO 15. Total fouls: MHS 17; SFO 14.
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More than 12,000 people have quarantined in hotels owned by one of Ireland's biggest hotel groups over the last 12 months.

Medical staff and essential workers, including employees at shipping companies, are among those who undertook a 14-day quarantine in Dalata's hotels in Dublin.

Pat McCann, chief executive of Dalata, which includes the Clayton and Maldron chains, said: "The idea that quarantining is new to Ireland [is not true].

"We have been quarantining people since last March. And if I look at the numbers, we have accommodated around 12,000 people since the start of the pandemic.

"They were essential workers and a whole raft of businesses that needed to quarantine people for a period of time before they could go out into the general public.

"Thankfully, it has worked exceptionally well."

Asked how many of the 12,000 tested positive for Covid-19 he said: "It was a tiny, tiny amount. Less than 10 and we had no spread to guests or staff."

As part of the restrictions, guests are not allowed outside their room for 14 days.

Smokers must quit the habit or go without but alcohol can be ordered to the room, although this is not encouraged.

Guests must use a QR code if they want to order food through their phones and the menu includes spaghetti bolognese, burgers, poached fish and steak.

Food intolerance is accommodated but takeaway deliveries are not allowed to the room. Guests can also send their laundry and bed sheets for cleaning in sealed containers every three days.

Wifi and Chromecast is available for guests to "work from home" and watch their streaming services in their downtime.

The group has had conversations with officials about new government measures to force people arriving here from high-risk countries to quarantine in hotels.

Mr McCann said "we are ready today" to operate once legislation is passed. Although the hotel does not currently employ an outside security firm to oversee guests, Mr McCann said it is willing to draft in the extra security if needed.

Asked if holidaymakers would have a different attitude to the restrictions as opposed to the group's current clientele, Mr McCann said: "That is the big unknown.

"We have had willing participants so far as opposed to holidaymakers feeling they 'have to do this' and that could be a very different kettle of fish.

"Essentially, our experience to date has been very good and we have had no issues but that could change if people felt they were being forced to quarantine. We will have no way of knowing that until it happens."

However, Mr McCann says he does not believe many people will quarantine for the sake of a holiday in the sun: "Everybody is talking about thousands coming in.

"I don't believe that will happen. The thought of having to quarantine for two weeks and pay 2,000 per person makes it a very expensive game if you don't have to go abroad for any essential reason."

Meanwhile, Mr McCann said the hotel group has learned lessons by following the experience of people quarantining in Australia.

"One of the things they have discovered there is that a lot of modern hotels don't have windows that open and that is creating a problem because the infection can travel through the ventilation system.

"So even though they had air conditioning, many of the windows could open. Ours do and that's important."
For our trip down memory lane and today we have a full gallery of pictures from one of the many Chamber Balls staged by the Laois Chamber of Commerce.

Featuring the who's who of the Laois business scene, the Chamber Ball was always a well attended and enjoyed event over the years. We believe these pictures were taken in the mid 2000s (possibly 2007) at what was formerly known as The Heritage Hotel in Killenard.

How many familiar faces do you recognise? Make sure to tag anyone you spot today!

Click on the arrow to go to the next picture
Apple's new "Apple Platform Security" guide is the giant tech firm's latest innovation to inform its users that macOS Big Sur, watchOS, and iOS are still better systems than Google's Android system.

Previously, Apple was reportedly integrating new security features such as opening the iPhone using Apple Watch and a new anti-tracking feature in its upcoming iOS 14.5 updates. And now, Apple wants to reiterate some reasons why its device systems are still better compared to those offered by Google.

According to Forbes' latest report, the new Apple Platform Security guide is not updated, which has grown from 39 pages up to a whopping 196 pages. The new security feature module focuses on the new security features in macOS 11 Big Sur, Apple Silicon Macs, watchOS 7, and iOS 14.

The latest Apple Platform Security

Apple's new Platform Security guide update shows how many new security features it has integrated into its devices. It also highlights that Apple owns its entire ecosystem of services, software, and hardware, which is different from Google since its competitor is working with other manufacturers and developers to create its products and other services.

Also Read: Design Firm Creates Concept of Privacy Ring That Users Can Switch If They Want to Stay Anonymous

"Every Apple device combines hardware, software, and services designed to work together for maximum security and a transparent user experience in service of the ultimate goal of keeping personal information safe," said Apple via Forbes.

"Apple devices protect not only the device and its data but the entire ecosystem, including everything users do locally, on networks, and with key internet services," added the company.

Right now, Apple's new innovation impresses many experts and analysts. Sean Wright, application security SME lead at Immersive Labs said that he is very impressed that Apple released a security module that includes all the advanced security features it is integrated into its devices.

This will also help users to know what they are getting into once they choose Apple flagships over other brands.

What Apple's new module highlights

To help you understand what the new Apple Platform Security, here are some of the details it contains;

Hardware security and biometrics : The silicon and hardware that forms the foundation for security on Apple devices, including the Secure Enclave, a dedicated AES cryptographic engine, Touch ID, and Face ID

: The silicon and hardware that forms the foundation for security on Apple devices, including the Secure Enclave, a dedicated AES cryptographic engine, Touch ID, and Face ID App security : The software and services that provide a safe app ecosystem and enableapps to run securely and without compromising platform integrity

: The software and services that provide a safe app ecosystem and enableapps to run securely and without compromising platform integrity Services security : Apple's services for identification, password management, payments, communications, and finding lost devices

: Apple's services for identification, password management, payments, communications, and finding lost devices System security : The integrated hardware and software functions that provide for the safe boot, update, and ongoing operation of Apple operating systems

: The integrated hardware and software functions that provide for the safe boot, update, and ongoing operation of Apple operating systems Encryption and Data Protection: The architecture and design that protects user data if the device is lost or stolen or if an unauthorized person or process attempts to use ormodify it

For more news updates about Apple and other tech giant firms, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: iPadOS 14.5 Beta Apple Pencil: 'Scribble' Feature Now Lets You Write in Five Languages Besides English and Chinese

This article is owned by TechTimes.

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Gospel of the first Sunday of Lent reminds us of this cunning enemy, interested in our eternal condemnation, our failure. Yesterday afternoon Francis visited Ms Edith Bruck, a poet who survived the Holocaust.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  Speaking at the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis commented on the passage of the Gospel of Mark about the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, where he was tempted by the devil.

Like Jesus in the desert, we too must prepare to fight the Tempter, this cunning enemy, interested in our eternal condemnation, our failure, said the Pope. We must never talk to him.

Every year, at the start of Lent, the Gospel about Jesus' temptations in the desert reminds us that the life of Christians, in the footsteps of the Lord, is a fight against the spirit of evil. It shows us that Jesus voluntarily faced the Tempter and beat him; at the same time, it reminds us that the devil is allowed to act on us too with temptations. We must be aware of the presence of this cunning enemy, interested in our eternal condemnation, our failure, and prepare to defend ourselves and fight him.

God's grace assures us, through faith, prayer and penance, victory over the enemy. I would like to emphasise that during the temptations Jesus never engages the devil dialogue, indeed in his life he never talks with the devil. This is so for all of us, when the Tempter approaches, one must not talk to him. Eve talked to him and fell. One must never talk to the devil.

In the time of Lent, the Holy Spirit also pushes us, like Jesus, to go into the desert. It is not a physical place; it is an existential dimension in which to be silent, listen to the word of God, so that true conversion may be carried out in us (Collecta, 1st Sunday of Lent B). We are called to walk on God's paths, renewing the promises of our Baptism: to renounce Satan, all his works and all his seductions. The enemy is there, crouching down. Be careful; never talk to him.

Addressing the few thousand people present in St Peter's Square, Francis explained that on the first Sunday of Lent, the Gospel shows us the way to live in a fruitful way the 40 days leading up to the annual celebration of Easter. It is the road Jesus travelled in the desert.

The desert. Let us pause for a moment on this natural and symbolic environment, so important in the Bible. The desert is the place where God speaks to the heart of man, and where the answer of prayer flows.

It is a place of solitude that opens up to the Word of God. But it is also a place of trial and temptation, where the Tempter, taking advantage of human fragility and needs, insinuates his false voice, an alternative to that of God. It makes you see another path, a path of deceit.

Indeed, during the 40 days Jesus lived by in the desert, the 'duel' between Jesus and the devil begins, which will end with the Passion and the Cross. Christs whole ministry is a struggle against the Evil One in its many manifestations: healing from disease, exorcisms of those possessed by the devil, forgiveness of sins.

After the first phase in which Jesus shows that he is speaking and acting with the power of God, it appears that the devil has the better of him, when the Son of God is rejected, abandoned and, finally, captured and condemned to death. The devil won, apparently. In reality, death was the last 'desert' to cross to definitively defeat Satan and free all of us from his power.

Yesterday afternoon, Pope Francis visited Ms Edith Bruck, a poet who survived the Holocaust, at her home in Rome.

In a statement, the Holy See Press Office noted that the conversation with the Pope revisited those moments of light with which the experience of the hell of the camps was punctuated and evoked the fears and hopes for the time in which we live, emphasising the value of memory and the role of the elderly in cultivating it and passing it on to the young. After about an hour, Pope Francis and Ms Bruck said goodbye and the Pope returned to the Vatican.
A panoramic view of the site for a new international airport on Jeju Island / Korea Times file



By Jun Ji-hye



The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is facing growing calls to rescind a plan to build a new international airport on the southern resort island of Jeju after opponents of the plan outnumbered supporters in an opinion poll of residents.



Nine local news outlets commissioned Gallup Korea to conduct the poll to ask the residents' view of the government's move to build the second airport on the island.



The result of the poll of about 2,000 residents, announced Thursday, showed that 47 percent opposed the plan, while 44.1 percent were in favor. It had a confidence level of 95 percent and a margin of error of 2.2 percentage points.



In a separate poll by Embrain Public, 51.1 percent were against the plan, while 43.8 percent supported it. This poll had a 95 percent confidence level and a margin of error of 2.19 percentage points.



However, residents of Seongsan, the town selected as the site for the second airport, were overwhelmingly in favor of the project, according to separate surveys by the same pollsters.



"The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport earlier vowed to respect and accept the result of the opinion poll, and reflect it in its policy," Kang Won-bo, who heads a local civic group that opposes the new airport, said during a news conference held in front of the office of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Friday. "The ministry should go back to square one with the second airport plan."



The civic group instead called on the ministry to build additional terminals at the existing Jeju International Airport and improve public transportation.



The minor progressive opposition Justice Party also asked Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong and the transport ministry to retract the plan.



"The result of the opinion poll reflected the residents' view that the development without thought for the environment will harm their quality of life," the party said in a statement.



The ministry, however, appeared to be taking a cautious attitude regarding the result of the poll.



"We need more time to announce our position as we need to analyze the response rate and other factors of the poll," an official said.



For his part, Jeju Governor Won said, "I expect the ministry to make a wise decision."



The project for the second Jeju airport has been stalled amid resistance from local residents and environmental activists since November 2015 when the ministry first announced the plan.


An otherwise uneventful Student Government Association election season heated up on Thursday with two of the three executive tickets garnering social media backlash for messages and posts on day four of campaigning.
Shrek, a one-year-old affectionate cuddly Newfoundland came into our shelter recently. This breed originated in Canada, becoming popular in Europe in the eighteenth century with sailors because of their ability to perform water rescues. They have a double coat with an oily water-resistant outer coat which perfectly suits their strong desire for swimming.

Newfoundlands need to have their shaggy coats brushed at least twice weekly. If they are not groomed properly, their coats get matted and grow under the skin, which causes constant pain and distress.

This was the case with Shrek, who was never groomed. Angela Breslin of Posh Paws Grooming came to our rescue, as she has done on many occasions before. She offers her time and expertise at no cost to the KWWSPCA.

Dog in pain

Angela said that you could see the pain in the dogs face when she was washing him. He had his head down with the sheer weight of the coat, she said.

The grooming process took four long hours of carefully separating and removing hairs while making sure not to hurt Shrek.

Volunteer Sarah, who assisted, said you could see that Shrek was getting happier as layer upon layer was removed.

He trusts the groomer, knowing that she is helping him and will regularly lick your hand to demonstrate this, she said.

Back to himself

For Angela the reward is seeing a happy dog afterwards, feeling much lighter in himself. Because she knew it would be a long session, she brought a ham roll in her handbag. Unfortunately for her, Shreks eyes fixed on it and in a split second he had eaten it!

He is now settled in his permanent home with a spring in his step.

Well done Angela for creating Shrek 2.

The chic new Shrek

ABOUT US

The Kildare & West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (KWWSPCA) is a Registered Charity which investigates and deals with reports of cruelty and neglect to animals, family pets, wild animals and birds, horses and ponies, throughout County Kildare and West Wicklow. The Society is run entirely on a voluntary basis, there are no paid employees.

Helpline: 087 1279835

Email: kwwspca@gmail.com

Website: www.kwwspca.ie

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Welcome Back signage is seen at Sydney domestic airport on July 2, 2020. (Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

One-Way New Zealand to Australia Travel Bubble Returns

Australias one-way coronavirus travel bubble with New Zealand has resumed, the Department of Health says.

From Sunday, people will be able to travel from New Zealand to Australia without having to quarantine for 14 days.

But if they have been in Auckland in the two weeks before departing, they will need a negative coronavirus test. That condition will remain until March 1.

The travel bubble had been swiftly halted earlier this month after an outbreak of COVID-19 in Auckland.

Australias chief medical officer Paul Kelly said briefings from New Zealand showed the recent cases now posed a low risk.

We will continue to move quickly to protect Australians as circumstances change, but we will always endeavour to move just as quickly when those situations are brought under control, or otherwise resolve, he said in a statement on Saturday night.
Matt Hancock's former neighbour and pub landlord is under investigation by the UK's medical regulator, it has been revealed.

Alex Bourne, who crossed paths with the Health Secretary while running the Cock Inn in Thurlow, West Suffolk, began producing millions of NHS Covid test vials during the pandemic after exchanging a personal WhatsApp message with Mr Hancock.

His company, Hinpack, which was originally a packaging manufacturer, won around 30million in work to supply a distributor contracted by the NHS with two million test tubes a week, as well as around 500,000 plastic funnels for test samples.

However the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now confirmed it has launched a probe into Mr Bourne's company - which had no previous experience of making medical supplies prior to the pandemic.

It comes after the High Court ruled the Health Secretary unlawfully failed to publish details of billions of pounds' worth of coronavirus-related contracts.

Alex Bourne (pictured together Matt Hancock) supplied tens of millions of Covid tests through his company Hinpack after exchanging a Whatsapp messages with the Health Secretary

The High Court ruled the Health Secretary unlawfully failed to publish details of billions of pounds' worth of coronavirus-related contracts

MHRA Director of Devices, Graeme Tunbridge said: 'We take all reports of non-compliance very seriously.

'We are currently investigating the allegations about Hinpack and will take appropriate action as necessary. Patient safety is our top priority.

'As this is an ongoing investigation we are unable to disclose further information at this time.'

It is understood that the investigation was launched after South Cambridgeshire council officers received concerns about the company's hygiene and safety standards and passed them onto the MHRA, The Guardian reports.

Last year it was revealed that Mr Bourne sent a WhatsApp to Mr Hancock's mobile number on March 30 offering his services after a nationwide call to manufacturers to respond to the pandemic, beginning the exchange with: 'Hello, it's Alex Bourne from Thurlow'.

Mr Bourne said Mr Hancock responded to his WhatsApp message by directing him to the Department of Health and Social Care's (DHSC) website where he could fill out a form detailing his company's manufacturing capabilities.

The businessman insisted at the time that his relationship with Mr Hancock had no role in his company supplying goods to the NHS.

He had initially hoped to produce PPE but later decided his company would be more suited to making test tubes thanks to the skills some employees had developed in previous jobs.

The latest revelations come after it was revealed the Health Secretary unlawfully failed to publish details of billions of pounds' worth of coronavirus-related contracts.

The Good Law Project took legal action against the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for its 'wholesale failure' to disclose details of contracts agreed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Government is required by law to publish a 'contract award notice' within 30 days of the award of any contracts for public goods or services worth more than 120,000.

At a hearing earlier this month, the Good Law Project and three MPs - Labour's Debbie Abrahams, the Green Party's Caroline Lucas and Liberal Democrat Layla Moran - argued there had been a 'dismal' failure by the DHSC to comply with the obligation.

They also claimed the Government was breaching its own transparency policy, which requires the publication of details of public contracts worth more than 10,000.

In a ruling on Friday, Mr Justice Chamberlain said: 'There is now no dispute that, in a substantial number of cases, the Secretary of State breached his legal obligation to publish contract award notices within 30 days of the award of contracts.

'There is also no dispute that the Secretary of State failed to publish redacted contracts in accordance with the transparency policy.'

Mr Bourne's company, Hinpack, is now making 2m test tubes a week, in addition to around 500,000 plastic funnels for test samples. (File photo)

At a hearing earlier this month, the Good Law Project and three MPs - Labour's Debbie Abrahams, the Green Party's Caroline Lucas (pictured) and Liberal Democrat Layla Moran - argued there had been a 'dismal' failure by the DHSC to comply with the obligation

The judge said that the obligations to publish details of such contracts 'serve a vital public function and that function was no less important during a pandemic'.

He added: 'The Secretary of State spent vast quantities of public money on pandemic-related procurements during 2020.

'The public were entitled see who this money was going to, what it was being spent on and how the relevant contracts were awarded.

'This was important not only so that competitors of those awarded contracts could understand whether the obligations ... had been breached, but also so that oversight bodies such as the National Audit Office, as well as Parliament and the public, could scrutinise and ask questions about this expenditure.'

Mr Justice Chamberlain said the situation the DHSC faced in the first months of the pandemic was 'unprecedented', when 'large quantities of goods and services had to be procured in very short timescales'.

The judge said it was 'understandable that attention was focused on procuring what was thought necessary to save lives'.

But he added that the DHSC's 'historic failure' to comply with the obligations to publish contracts because of the difficulties caused by the pandemic was 'an excuse, not a justification'.

Mr Justice Chamberlain said the situation the DHSC faced in the first months of the pandemic was 'unprecedented', when 'large quantities of goods and services had to be procured in very short timescales'. Pictured, Mr Hancock

Mr Justice Chamberlain rejected the Good Law Project's argument that there had been a department-wide 'policy of de-prioritising compliance' with the requirement to publish contract details.

In a statement after the ruling, the Good Law Project said: 'This judgement is a victory for all of us concerned with proper governance and proof of the power of litigation to hold Government to account.

'But there is still a long way to go before the Government's house is in order.'

In a letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, the Good Law Project's founder Jolyon Maugham QC invited the minister to agree to publish the names of all companies awarded public contracts under a fast-track 'VIP lane' and how much they were paid.

Mr Maugham also asked Mr Hancock to 'commit to recovering public money from all the companies who failed to meet their contractual obligations' and set up 'a judge-led public inquiry into the handling of PPE procurement'.

Ms Abrahams said in a tweet: 'The significance of this ruling cannot be underestimated. It seems odd having to make this point but the Government must act within the law when awarding contracts.'

Ms Lucas said: 'This indictment of Government secrecy should spell the end of the culture of cronyism which has swallowed billions of pounds of public money during Covid crisis.'

In a statement, a DHSC spokeswoman said: 'We have been working tirelessly to deliver what is needed to protect our health and social care staff throughout this pandemic, within very short timescales and against a background of unparalleled global demand.

'This has often meant having to award contracts at speed to secure the vital supplies required to protect NHS workers and the public.'

She added: 'We fully recognise the importance of transparency in the award of public contracts and continue to publish information about contracts awarded as soon as possible.'

San Francisco, Feb 21 : A connected jacket designed by Google and Levi's has proved to be beneficial for people with disabilities who tried out the apparel.

The connected jacket with woven "Jacquard" technology allows people to connect to their smartphone and use simple gestures to trigger functions from the Jacquard app.

With this interactivity and connectivity built in, one can tap his/her sleeve to hear directions to their next destination or brush their cuff to change the song playing on their compatible music service.

Jacquard by Google is a digital technology platform created for smart apparel, footwear, and other everyday essentials.

Google said it worked with Champions Place, a shared living residence for young adults with disabilities in the greater Atlanta area in the US.

Residents at Champions Place tried out the Jacquard Levi's Commuter Trucker Jacket.

"We discovered that for the residents at Champions Place a connected jacket gave them a simple and unobtrusive way to access technology on the go," Leonardo Giusti, Google Advanced Technology and Projects' (ATAP) Head of Design, wrote in a blog post.

"For example, many residents at Champions Place commonly rely on emergency call solutions -- usually a device worn around the neck that lets them quickly call for assistance. Those who use these devices imagined how the connected garment could be used as a discreet and less obtrusive alternative while blending into their daily lives." One resident trying out the Jacquard connected jackets admitted: "I am not necessarily a jean jacket person. I am thinking it will be useful that I can have a band that can be slipped on, underneath different sleeves or jackets, that way it is not tied to one piece clothing." Jacquard technology works for phones running Android 6.0.1 or newer and iOS 11 or newer.

"Enhancing everyday objects with digital functionalities can lead to products that are helpful, comfortable, easy-to-use and stylish for everyone - including people with disabilities," Giusti said.
Chennai, Feb 21 : Director Jeethu Joseph, who directed Malayalam movie 'Drishyam 2', has teamed up with Telugu superstar Venkatesh to make the Tollywood remake of the film.

Jeethu Joseph took to Instagram to make the announcement on Sunday. He posted a picture of himself with Venkatesh and captioned it as, "Telugu remake of Drishyam 2. Starting in March." This will mark Telugu debut for Jeethu Joseph and he will start shooting for the film in March 2021.

The Malayalam film stars Mohanlal in the lead role and releases on an OTT platform on February 19.
ANN ARBOR, MI  The St. Francis of Assisi Parish traces its roots in Ann Arbor back to 1950, and its grown to become one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the region.

The existing church building at 2250 E. Stadium Blvd., across from Tappan Middle School, was built in the late 1960s and has undergone multiple expansions over the decades.

Its now a place of worship for nearly 3,000 families, while several hundred students receive education at its Catholic school on the roughly 10-acre campus.

Looking toward the future, the 71-year-old parish is once again planning to expand.

St. Francis received approval from City Council this past week for a two-story ministry center, a roughly 14,600-square-foot addition on the west side of the church.

Council Member Julie Grand, D-3rd Ward, offered some praise for the parish, calling attention to the intent of the expansion.

Which includes efforts that align with St. Francis mission on social justice, she said, noting that includes hosting homeless people as part of a rotating church shelter program through the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County.

I really appreciate what theyve done and look forward to allowing this to move forward, Grand said.

For over 70 years, St. Francis has been known for its rich liturgical life, vibrant education programs and strong social justice and outreach programs, The Rev. James Conlon said.

The thousands who worship there come from every continent and ethnic background, and that diversity is part of our great treasure, Conlon said.

As we have grown, we simply have needed more space. So the plans to build a new ministry center with up-to-date technology and flexible use of space was launched to meet this need, he said, adding it will serve the parish and greater community.

It will provide space for a variety of parish activities like school concerts, parish receptions, family gatherings, larger worship activities and wedding and funeral receptions, Conlon said.

At the same time, it will be used for outreach and social justice programs.

Recently we began to see how we could meet the needs of the growing Hispanic community in our region and to invite them to share their gifts and experiences with us, Conlon said. We also have for many years provided a free tax-preparation program that is growing and needs more time and space.

The parish wants to do more around the issue of homelessness, Conlon said, noting the parish for many years has been one of the venues for the rotating shelter program.

The churchs shelter area will move from the Catholic schools gymnasium into the new space.

As these needs have grown, so has our realization that we can and need to do more. The proposed ministry center will allow us the necessary space to meet those needs and to offer more assistance, Conlon said.

In many ways, this is our generations response to those growing needs and to building on what previous generations began in 1950. I feel so blessed to be the pastor of this large and vibrant community and to be able to see our plans begin to come to fruition. The new ministry center will certainly be a great gift to our community and to the region.

St. Francis could break ground on the expansion as early as May, said Robert Kehn, parish business manager.

It will bring the total floor area of the church and its school to over 71,000 square feet, according to a city planning report, which notes several parking spaces will be removed, along with 22 trees. Seven replacement trees will be planted.

As part of the building expansion, the church will be required to install 26 electric vehicle chargers in its parking area, which has over 280 spaces, and make 65 spaces ready or capable to add EV chargers in the future, per a new city ordinance.

The building expansion project, funded by a capital fundraising campaign underway for several years, is expected to cost over $5 million, Kehn said.

The parish has worked with Hobbs and Black Architects, and the building is designed to be practical and energy-efficient, he said.

The new ministry center will be able to seat about 600 people in rows for staged presentations or performances, or up to 300 people at tables for meals, with a movable wall to divide the main hall into breakout rooms for small groups.

A commercial kitchen and shower facility are included in the design for when its used to shelter the homeless, along with ample restrooms, Kehn said.

The second floor will include new office space for the parish staff. Moving parish offices will eventually allow renovating the parishs existing office building and turning it over to the school, Conlon said, noting that will provide more space for one-on-one instruction, music and drama programs, and storage.

St. Francis provides Catholic education to about 425 pre-K through eighth-grade students, and additional religious education and sacramental preparation to more than 450 students who attend local public schools.

During non-pandemic years, its Vacation Bible School welcomes nearly 300 students in the summer.

The parish has an active outreach ministry to provide relief to those needing financial assistance, lacking food and shelter or craving spiritual direction, Kehn said.

Its ministry to the Hispanic community has grown and the parish is working to provide a spiritual home for Spanish-speaking people in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area, he said.

Whatever we do in terms of Bible study and faith formation and religious education for the English-speaking community, we want to expand that into the Spanish-speaking community as well, he said, expressing hopes the new space will help with some of those ministry efforts.

An existing parish activity center on the campus, known as the PAC, was added in 1980 to provide gathering space and a kitchen, but its shared by the school, several church groups and other organizations, Kehn said.

We do have some things in our own parish life that struggle with space. For example, if the science fair is going on in the parish activity center, theres no way to host a funeral luncheon after a funeral, Kehn said.

Building this additional space would allow the existing parish activity center to be used more by the school, and then we have more dedicated space for other ministry work.

The expansion comes following a year in which the church and its school have made a lot of changes to adapt amid the pandemic. There have been outdoor classes when the weather is warm, and drive-thru confession outside the church last spring and summer, shifting now to confession in an open space in the church with social distancing, Kehn said.

The school has grown over the last couple years and has remained strong through the pandemic, he said.

It opened for the school year in September with in-person and virtual classes and modifications to classrooms, including plexiglass between work stations. The school converted its library to a teacher lounge and has avoided mixing different student cohorts, which meant no open recess, Kehn said.

St. Francis also has encouraged families to keep their family circles close and tight, and so far its worked well, Kehn said. While there have been occasional COVID-19 cases, so far there havent been any major outbreaks at St. Francis, he said.

Inside the church, which normally has an 850-person seating capacity, only about a quarter of the pews are open, while the rest are roped off so people are spaced apart during mass.

Hand sanitizer awaits parishioners at the entrance and masks are required to be worn, though parishioners can pull them down to take communion, Kehn said.

The priest is distributing communion with a mask on, he said. There have been no song books in the pews. Our vocalists have been scaled back heavily. There still is mass, we still are worshipping, but its different.

The church is offering an online livestream of its masses for those worried about attending amid the pandemic.

Theres a lot of folks who are really missing mass, Kehn said. Theres a lot of folks really afraid to go to mass because of the risks to their health, so were just trying to accommodate everybody as best as possible.

MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:

Seniors, essential workers continue to roll through Washtenaw County vaccine clinics

Ypsilanti updates guidelines to exempt property tax for those in poverty

A wonderful surprise. Ann Arbor gifts $25K to family of firefighter who died of cancer

FoolMoon festival goers can light up Ann Arbor, support local businesses

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell announces $120,000 in grants toward arts and culture
Married At First Sight fans are used to seeing the show's relationship experts looking perfectly polished on screen.

But as filming for the eighth season wrapped in December, Mel Schilling, Alessandra Rampolla and John Aiken let their hair down to celebrate in Sydney.

Mel, 49, Alessandra, 46, and John, 50, looked very relaxed indeed as they enjoyed a night out at a Mexican restaurant in Bondi Beach.

Celebrations! As filming for Married At First Sight's eighth season wrapped in December, relationship experts Mel Schilling (centre), Alessandra Rampolla (right) and John Aiken (left) let their hair down to celebrate in Sydney

The love gurus treated themselves to a three-hour catch-up as they gorged on tacos and tortilla chips followed by several rounds of drinks.

Puerto Rican sexologist Alessandra is replacing former expert Dr Trisha Stratford, who last year announced she was leaving the franchise after seven seasons.

At one stage, Mel and Alessandra were spotted downing glasses of white wine before ordering another bottle, while John opted for beer.

Night out: Mel, 49, Alessandra, 46, and John, 50, looked very relaxed indeed as they enjoyed a night out at a Mexican restaurant in Bondi Beach

Cheers to that! The love gurus treated themselves to a three-hour catch-up as they gorged on tacos and tortilla chips followed by several rounds of drinks

Thirsty work! At one stage, Mel and Alessandra were spotted downing glasses of white wine before ordering another bottle, while John opted for beer

Mel showed off her toned figure in a floral-patterned dress featuring transparent mesh sleeves, which she paired with black ankle boots.

The mother of one carried her belongings in a pink bag.

She styled her blonde hair in a simple ponytail and opted for minimal makeup, including light foundation.

No rivalry here! The experts rarely socialised together during previous seasons of Married At First Sight, but it seems having Alessandra on board has brought them all together

Friendship: A source told Daily Mail Australia 'the experts felt at ease with each other' following the departure of Dr Trisha Stratford

Relaxed work environment: 'There was no tension between the experts this year. They got on like a house on fire,' the insider added of John, Alessandra and Mel

Alessandra looked sensational in a sleeveless white floral dress, which she wore with a black belt featuring an oversized gold buckle.

The experts rarely socialised together during previous seasons of Married At First Sight, but it seems having Alessandra on board has brought them all together.

'For the first time the experts have felt at ease with each other,' a source said. 'There was no tension between the experts this year. They got on like a house on fire.'

Stylish: Mel showed off her toned figure in a floral-patterned dress featuring transparent mesh sleeves, which she paired with black ankle boots

Summer chic: Alessandra looked sensational in a sleeveless white floral dress, which she wore with a black belt featuring an oversized gold buckle
There aren't any vacancies on the Supreme Court right now, but that hasn't stopped Democrats from sending hints to President Biden about whom he should consider if an opening does pop up soon, which appears to be a possibility given that there's a sense 82-year-old Justice Stephen Breyer may retire in the near future. Biden has pledged to nominate the first Black woman to the high court, and people like Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), who played a significant role in getting Biden to the White House, hope the president sticks to that promise, but they also want him to look beyond only racial diversity in his potential search, The New York Times reports.

"One of the things we have to be very, very careful of as Democrats is being painted with that elitist brush," Clyburn told the Times. "When people talk diversity they are always looking at race and ethnicity  I look beyond that to diversity of experience."

Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) offered similar thoughts. "This isn't being critical of the Harvards or the Yales, but I think there's some great attorneys out there that are really, really smart that come from other places on this earth," he said, alluding to the fact that eight of the nine current justices (save for the newest addition Justice Amy Coney Barrett) have Ivy League degrees. "And I think we ought to consider them."

Clyburn has reportedly floated District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs as a future justice. Childs, who became the first Black woman to make partner at one of South Carolina's major law firms, has an academic background that includes an undergraduate scholarship to the University of South Florida and a law degree from the University of South Carolina. Read more at The New York Times.

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Michael Cohen predicts Trump tax investigation will end with jail time

Late night hosts mock Ted Cruz's lame post-Mexico photo ops, cheer Trump's tax returns defeat

Resign, Andrew Cuomo



The 10th round of Corps Commander-level talks 'discussed in detail' the situation at Depsang, Patrolling Point 15, Gogra and Demchok. The meeting at Moldo headed by 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen PGK Menon and South Xinjiang Military Chief Major General Liu Lin lasted for over 16 hours.

Officials told News18 that both sides have proposed plans to disengage at these friction points and now the proposals will be discussed at Beijing and New Delhi. India and China have reached an agreement to disengage in Gogra and Hot Springs but no agreement on Depsang and Demchok yet.

ALSO READ | Face-off at Sikkims Naku La Casts Light on Chinas LAC Game Plan Against India

"Mechanisms for disengagement were put forward by both sides. The proposals are now to be examined at higher levels. Further talks would continue," an officer in the security grid told News18.

This is the first time that Chinese have come to the negotiation table to discuss Depsang. Since 2013, China has blocked Indian patrols to Patrolling Point 10, 11, 11A, 12 and 13 at the Depsang Bulge.

ALSO READ | Amid LAC Stalemate, Indian Officers May Learn Tibetan History to 'Counter China's Influence': Report

Of the four friction points on the table at Moldo, Depsang was the most contentious. In Depsang, the Chinese claim, the line passes through Barbad Morcha near the Y junction which India has disputed as it involves close to 1,000 sq kilometres of territory. This plateau also controls access to the strategically important Daulat Begh Oldie air strip and to the Karakoram Range.

Officials said the other friction points at PP15 (Hot Springs), Patrolling Point 14 (Galwan) and 17A (Gogra) are relatively easier to resolve. Galwan clashes had happened on PP14 on June 15, 2020, killing 20 soldiers on Indian side and at least 45 on the Chinese side, as per Indian assessment.

Some troops from Chinese side continue to be stationed at PP15 and 17A which India wants withdrawn. At CNN  Charding-Ninglung Nallah  Demchok, PLA has set up tents, preventing Ladakhi villagers from accessing the grazing land.

Officials said India has asked China to withdraw from all these friction points. The working mechanism for consultation and coordination on Indo-China affairs is expected soon. The proposal that China has put forward will be discussed here.
A firefighter and a paramedic responding to a medical emergency over the weekend were injured in a drive-by shooting in Antioch that turned into a cross-county pursuit of a man accused of killing a Discovery Bay man, authorities said.

Darryon Williams, 26, of Stockton was arrested Sunday afternoon and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on one count of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. He is being held in lieu of $11 million bail, officials said.

Sheriffs detectives on Sunday were trying to locate Williams 4-year-old son and the mother of the child, 31-year-old Kimberly Meeks of Discovery Bay, who officials said has links to the Stockton/Sacramento area. The mother and child were last seen traveling in a dark-colored Audi sport utility vehicle. Detectives said they were concerned about their safety.

The violence began shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday, when shots from a moving silver SUV were fired at Antioch police and Contra Costa County fire personnel tending to a person needing medical attention in the 1900 block of Auto Center Drive, police said. The SUV turned around and drove past the group again, with the driver firing a second round.

While units were on scene  fire was on scene with EMS  a drive-by shooting occurred, Joe Ottolini, fire prevention captain with Con Fire, told The Chronicle on Saturday.

Antioch police officers chased the vehicle onto Highway 4 and through Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The pursuit ended in Richmond after the driver crashed into a parked vehicle. Richmond police and California Highway Patrol officers arrested the fleeing suspect, who was identified by the Contra Costa sheriff as Williams. Authorities collected a gun at the scene.

Later Saturday night, Antioch police requested that Contra Costa sheriffs deputies conduct a welfare check on a person related to the case at a residence on the 2100 block of Newport Court in Discovery Bay.

When deputies arrived at the residence, they found a dead man inside the home with apparent gunshot wounds. Officials identified the man as 64-year-old Michael Iliff of Discovery Bay.

Authorities tentatively connected Williams to the killing and arrested him Sunday afternoon.

The gunfire injured two men: a Contra Costa County firefighter, 31, shot in the foot, and a paramedic, 58, shot in the leg. No other injuries were reported.

Both were taken to local hospitals, where they received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. They were in stable condition Saturday night, Ottolini said.

Our thoughts are with the injured firefighter and paramedic, who we thank for their service to our community, the Antioch Police Department said in a statement.

Anyone with information about the homicide or the whereabouts of Meeks and her son is asked to contact the Sheriffs Office Investigation Division at (925) 646-2441 or at (925) 313-2600. People with tips can email tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Lauren Hernandez and Vanessa Arredondo are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com, vanessa.arredondo@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez, @V_anana

Interviewed by the ward and township officials within Madigans 22nd District, Kodatt offered few direct responses to questions that included what his first bill would be, saying, A lot of issues are important to me. He did not comment on whether he would have voted for a controversial policing bill expected to be signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, saying he wanted to read it, or who his favorite governor was: To be honest with you, I dont have one.
Nepal's former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai flew to New Delhi on Sunday for medical treatment on the recommendation of doctors, who suspect that he is suffering from a neuro-endocrine tumour.

Bhattarai, Chairman of the Federal Council of Janata Samajwadi Party, had been undergoing treatment at Nidan Hospital in Kathmandu for some time after he was diagnosed with stomach problems.

He will be treated at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in Delhi, according to a statement issued prior to his departure to New Delhi.

Bhattarai, 66, is being accompanied by his spouse Hisila Yami, who is also a former minister and central member of the JSP.

During his stay in New Delhi, Bhattarai will also hold meetings with some Indian politicians and officials, The Kathmandu Post reported, quoting sources.

His visit comes at a time when Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has dissolved the House of Representatives, declared the mid-term elections for April 30 and May 10. The Supreme Court is all set to deliver its verdict on the constitutionality of Olis move within a week.
In an interview with Hot 97 in 2013:

'I loved her from the first day I saw her, which I said on 'Bound.' I remember seeing pictures of her and Paris Hilton in Australia, and I came to Don C., and I was like, 'Man, have you ever seen Kim Kardishawn? What's up with Kim Kardishawn?'

In the same interview he also said:

'Okay, ladies and gentlemen. All barber shops, fashion designers, architects, corner stores, Wall Street, all over the world. Y'all acting like this ain't the most beautiful woman of all time! I'm talkin', like, arguably of human existence  the top 10 of human existence.'

On mother-in-law Kris Jenner's chat show in 2013:

'There's times when I wasn't with [Kim], I wanted to be with her so bad I thought about taking up sports.'

'I was in love with her before I was ever able to talk with her.'

In a 2014 Vogue interview:

'Kim is like a fantasy, period. Shes like a dream girl and I think a dream girl should live in a dream world'

To W magazine in 2013:

'Nobody can tell my girl what to do. She just needed to be given some platform of information to work from. One beautiful thing is that as she discovers it, the world discovers it.'

To Ryan Seacrest in 2013:

'Theres no way Kim Kardashian shouldnt be on the cover of Vogue. Shes like the most intriguing woman right now. Shes got Barbara Walters calling her like every day. And collectively were the most influential with clothing. No one is looking at what [President Barack] Obama is wearing. Michelle Obama cannot Instagram a pic like what my girl Instagrammed the other day.'

'Our lovestory is like a lovestory for all ages..when we first got together it was like a Romeo and Juliet kind of thing, where its like shes a reality star and Im a rapper.'




Rep. Lee Joo-hwan of People Power Party speaks during the government audit of the trade and SMEs ministry at the National Assembly, Oct. 7. Yonhap
READING philosophy is one of the ways of getting through times of darkness such as Covid-19. It's something which I have loved doing since my late teens, through good times and bad, through thick and thin; and its consolation is massive.

The word 'philosophy' scares or puts off a lot of people and there's a great deal of confusion about it; but at its best there is no higher knowledge and there is nothing more comforting. The Greek philosopher Plato believed that philosophy was the supreme consolation in our lives, providing a soothing balm for our minds during periods of stress, and I think he was right.

When you start broadcasting your philosophical beliefs to others, whether through print or in conversation, be prepared for some mixed reactions. People will throw their eyes up to the heavens as you opine about the meaning of life, or they will casually dismiss it as not being relevant to the real, material world.

Others will absorb your words with enthusiasm, thank you for sharing and thank you for providing some solace for their emotional worlds. Some, in response to your words, will express their inner thoughts and reveal their souls, reveal the beauty within.

Others will go off on some crazy tangent, making you wish you had never raised the subject in the first place. Some will be actively hostile, responding with aggression and harsh words, making you actively retreat. In my late teens and twenties I used to be something of a guerrilla philosopher, which meant that I brought up metaphysical subjects at the most inopportune moments; such as raising notions of love and forgiveness among drunken people with narrowminded, right-wing beliefs. I guess, dear reader, that you are now raising your eyebrows in disbelief, taken aback by my foolishness.

What can I say in defence? I was young, full of emotion and wanted to challenge stupidity. Today's Derek, the 49 year old Derek, is much more cautious; and like most sensible people I try to avoid danger and stress as much as is possible (without living in a cowardly cocoon).

In actual fact, there is nothing odd about you if you ask philosophical questions. Indeed, asking questions about the universe we find ourselves in is one of the most natural human activities; it is the sign of a healthy human mind. For example, let's take one of my favourite philosophical questions: Why is there something instead of nothing? Or, to put it another way, why is there a universe at all? When we think about it, it seems perfectly possible that there might have been nothing whatsoever  no Earth, no stars, no galaxies, no universe.

In his great book A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson brilliantly describes the Singularity, which was the first object in the universe. He points out that the dot on this 'i' can hold about 500 billion protons (protons are tiny components of an atom). Having established in the reader's minds that protons are incredibly microscopic, he points out that the Singularity was so small that it was a billionth the size of a single proton. Packed into the Singularity was an ounce of matter. Out of this minuscule object, the first thing we know to have existed, came the universe. 13.7 billion years ago the Singularity suddenly began to expand (the Big Bang) creating space and time as it went. It moved at a staggering speed. In less than a minute the universe was a million billion (a quadrillion) miles across and growing fast; the temperature was ten billion degrees and nuclear reactions were creating the lighter elements including hydrogen and helium. In three minutes, writes Bryson, 98 per cent of all the matter there is or will ever be had been produced.

Some philosophers and scientists are of the opinion that there had to have been something prior to the Big Bang.

Over the centuries some thinkers (who of course had no knowledge of the Big Bang because science hadn't yet discovered it) said that, for varying reasons, it would have been impossible for there to have been no creation  the universe simply had to exist. The 17th Century Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza stated that the entire universe, along with all of its contents, laws and events, had to exist, and exist in the way it does. Spinoza believed that reality, the material world, is identical with divinity.

The contemporary theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss in his book A Universe from Nothing (2012) speaks of a Quantum Vacuum existing before the Singularity. He describes the Quantum Vacuum as being empty space teeming with virtual particles that spontaneously pop into existence before disappearing again.

He says the Singularity was created because of the operation of gravity on the Quantum Vacuum. Krauss is arguing that there could not have been nothing because there has always been something: first there was gravity and the Quantum Vacuum, and out of that was born the universe as we know it. Other physicists agree that there must always have been something in existence from which our universe arose, such as strings or membranes. However, some contemporary thinkers very plausibly point out that the trouble with such scientific answers to the question of why there is something and not nothing is that it is not clear why we should think that there had to be gravity, or the Quantum Vacuum, or strings, or even a universe at all. It seems entirely possible that instead of these things there could have been absolutely nothing.

Some thinkers say there is no answer to the question. The British philosopher Bertrand Russell said this was his opinion during a radio debate in 1948. Asked why he thought the universe exists, he answered, I should say that the universe is just there, and that's all. (This is what philosophers call a brute fact - something that does not have an explanation). Russell's viewpoint (that there is in fact no possible explanation) is quite popular nowadays. Some believe that our universe is part of a multiverse and neither phenomena have any explanation. The problem with these people and with Russell's radio comment is that their response is intellectually unsatisfying  there's more to be said about the subject than it's just there, and that's all.

Some philosophers say there was no God, no divinity, no Prime Mover (Aristotle's phrase); that the universe simply lifted itself out of non-existence and made itself actual. Again, this is an intellectually unsatisfying conclusion for some.

Personally, I have always gravitated to people like Spinoza whose Pantheism is very attractive to me (Pantheism is a comfortable fit for nature poets). I love Aristotle's idea of the Prime Mover, and I adore Plato who believed to deny our spiritual selves was to deny our potentiality as people. But I love the science as well  contemplating the workings of the universe fills me with a sense of humility and awe (as well as being a welcome diversion to the mundane realities of our daily lives).

Ultimately, I agree with what the 17th Century German philosopher Gottfried Leibniz believed. Leibniz bequeathed us the calculus and the binary system at the heart of modern computers. He thought that the fact that there is something and not nothing requires an explanation. The explanation he gave was that God wanted to create a universe (the best one possible) which makes God the simple reason that there is something rather than nothing. In our increasingly secular age many people are uncomfortable with Leibniz's conclusion, but from my point of view it remains a perfectly satisfactory belief.
Nigerias Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) plans to pump more investments into the Egyptian market in 2021.

In an interview, which was conducted virtually, Ahram Online discussed with the AFCs Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer, Sameh Shenouda, the corporation's future plans for Egypt and Africa.

Shenouda unveiled to Ahram Online that AFC is currently in talks with the government and the Egyptian Sovereign Fund to tap into investment opportunities in the Egyptian market, saying that AFC sees Egypt as a promising market and that it has all the potential to be more attractive to foreign investors.

He also said that transport, logistics, renewable energy, water, gas processing, and technology are expected to be key sectors that will drive Egypts growth and economic recovery.

Ahram Online: In light of the severe impacts that COVID-19 has caused to Africa, how do you see the crisis' impacts on investment and doing business in the continent?

Sameh Shenouda: Actually, the crisis has affected the African market in many ways, on macroeconomic, personal finance, and private sector levels.

For the private sector in the African market, I think it will be one of the key areas that AFC can play quite a big role in turning the current challenges caused by the crisis into opportunities through investments.

We do a number of investments; indeed, we invest alongside governments and lend them as well as lend to the private sector. So, supporting governments, the private sector, and government entities are some of our priorities based on the fact that Africa is very rich with mineral resources and primary products, including oil, gas, and basic minerals.

The disruption that we have seen in logistics, transport, and production, especially in China, is where we see the opportunity to tap. Africa exports primary products to China, while the latter manufactures the final products and then exports them back to the world.

The opportunity here is that we can build manufacturing facilities in Africa using primary products that are extracted from the continent, especially since Africa is much closer to the demand markets, which allows for selling the final products.

Thus, one of our areas of focus as a continent is to convert Africa into a production hub and add value to our primary products.

AO: So, in your perspective, how do you think the private sector in the continent has been affected by the pandemic?

SS: The extent of the repercussions in this regard depends on each sector within the private sector. I mean, a sector like tourism is one of the most hit sectors amid the crisis due to lockdowns and the associated measures that all countries have been applying.

Additionally, airlines, transport, and any activities that are related to movement have been very badly affected, which in return affects their investments and businesses consequently.

On the other hand, sectors like technology and its related activities and businesses have been positively affected by the crisis. This is the area Africa should do more in, as the crisis proves that focusing on technology is extremely important.

Out of that, we cannot say that the private sector was generally affected badly by the crisis or even positively.

AO: Which sectors are expected to drive Africas growth and recovery going forward?

SS: Actually, they are the same sectors that the AFC is focusing its investment on. This includes power, especially within the renewable energy field.

In this respect, I can say that Egypt, alongside two other countries in the African market, already have excess power, while most other countries in Africa have a huge demand for power to drive the economy and the energy industry itself.

So, power is a very important sector to focus on, and we plan to build a number of power platforms across the continent over the upcoming three to five years.

Oil and gas mainstream infrastructure is also expected to play a role in this regard, as there are a lot of gas fields across Africa, including the Zuhr gas field in Egypt, as well as gas fields in West Africa on the coast of Senegal, Mauritania, and Mozambique.

So, how we can convert this gas into sellable products, and how we can bring it on shore or build energy plants is really critical.

Mining is another interesting sector in Africa that can play a role in driving the continent's growth, while value addition can do more for such a sector.

Also, transport and logistics are expected to lead Africas recovery and growth, including constructing ports and warehouses, as well as linking them to technology to create e-logistics and e-transports.

Technology and heavy industries will contribute as well. Investing in all these fields in Africa will gain quite a lot of upsides, I think.

Obviously, investors should look to the long term, especially since we are not traders, we are, however, infrastructure investors. These kinds of projects will take some time, but we have the patient capital to do that.

AO: As AFC focuses on infrastructure investments, how do you see the actions Egypt has taken in this area over the past few years?

SS: Egypt is a very interesting market for us. We are focusing on a number of sectors in the country. Transport is a huge sector there. the major developments that we have seen in it over the past few years are impressive, and there is more to come. There is are high-speed trains and the monorail.

I have met with Egypts Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir last week and we discussed the avenues of cooperation.

Also, there is lot of potential in renewable energy, water, warehousing, and logistics in Egypt.

Additionally, I have met with the CEO of the Egypts Sovereign Fund (TESF), Ayman Soliman, as well as with the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and Non-Executive Officer of the TESF Hala El-Said a few weeks ago in order to introduce the AFC and the role it can play in investing in the Egyptian market.

AO: Egypt is not among the AFCs 28 member countries, so does the corporation have specific future plans for investing in the Egyptian market?

SS: We are very keen for Egypt to be an AFC member country and to be a shareholder. We were in talks a few years ago with the finance ministry and the Central Bank of Egypt for the same purpose and the process in ongoing.

I want to take this opportunity to push this agenda forward if possible. We invest in any African country without the need for it to be a member of AFC, but obviously, the membership helps quite a lot in making the case to invest even more.

AO: Does it mean that AFC have current investments in Egypt?

SS: Yes, we have two small investments, yet we are very keen to invest so much more now.

AO: What is the amount of expected investments that AFC plans to inject in the Egyptian market?

SS: We have the mandate to invest significant funds worth billions of EGP in Egypt.

Egypt is the second largest economy in Africa after Nigeria. We put Egypt in the centre of our attention, and we plan to expand geographically in Egypt and in the whole continent.

AO: You talked about likely cooperating with the TESF, what are the key traits of that?

SS: We are currently discussing potential partnerships in projects within the sectors that we operate in, including water, power, and logistics. They are early discussions, but we are keen on working jointly with the fund.

Actually, we are in talks with TESF, the government, and with the private sector as well.

AO: Should we expect bigger investments from AFC in the Egyptian market during 2021?

SS: Yes, we are working on that, indeed.

AO: AFC announced in January that it had doubled its lending to $2 billion to be directed to the African market in 2021 as a response to the challenges the pandemic has imposed on African countries. How is this allocation expected to be used? And what are the sectors that will benefit from this?

SS: The sum will be used as a lending facility for all African countries, even for the countries who are not members of AFC. We do not allocate a certain amount of money to a certain country; it depends on the opportunities itself and the relationships.

If we get a good opportunity in a country, we will invest in it.

AO: Out of that, AFC is a company that focuses on investing in Africa, how is the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) expected to benefit the private sector to work much more easier in the African market and to attract more investments to the continent going forward?

SS: The AfCFTA is in a very critical point that countries and private sectors must take advantage of. AFC has access to all 54 countries in the continent and is a very strong supporter of the private sectors' companies there. We are owned by African countries and African Banks.

On the back of this agreement, we can significantly help African companies to expand regionally as well.

AO: The World Bank projected Africas growth to decline by 3.3 percent in 2020, with a notable slowdown over 2021. When do you expect Africa to start bouncing back and to recover from the pandemic's repercussions?

SS: It is difficult to have a blanket statement on that as we cannot look at Africa as one entity. Egypt has been doing quite well in dealing with the crisis and its associated implications, so Egypt has seen some growth, while other countries have seen a reduction in their GDP.

I think it will take time to turnround. I am guessing that Africa will see a rebound by 2023 or 2024, but it all depends on each sector and how it deals with the crisis and its related results. On a macroeconomic level, the great majority of African countries will see growth over the coming few years, I think.

AO: Which kind of procedures do Egypts government need to take in order to ease investors operating in the market, and what kind of incentives should it extend to foreign investors?

SS: The most important thing is to show the real opportunities clearly and that they are ready to be tapped by foreign investors. A good example of that is the Benban power station in Aswan. The government announced it as a specific clear opportunity that is ready to receive investments. If it is only a matter of PR announcements without specific announced opportunities, investors will come and go, and nothing will happen.

AO: To what extent do the actions Egypt has been taking in investment and business are expected to ease investors' work in the market?

SS: They are very good steps, but there is more to be taken. Egypt is growing by three to five percent, and its population is growing by two percent. What the government has done so far in all sectors in this regard is incredible despite the very difficult circumstances.

For instance, only eight years ago, Egypt was suffering from a power shortage, now it has excess power because there was a focus on that. Also, only three years ago, the roads were not as good as they are now. In addition, Egypt experienced devaluation five years ago, but now the currency is more stable.

So, all these things are positive, yet they are not enough because the country has a growing population that needs job opportunities to be created. It is a very good base to do more and foreign investors can play a critical role in this area to support the government in continuing its role.

Egypt is a very promising country, and it has all the ingredients to continue being a great success story.

AO: For Egypt, which sectors are expected to lead the countrys growth and recovery?

SS: Transport, logistics, renewable energy, water, gas processing, and technology.

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Turkey donates ventilators, face masks to Sri Lanka to fight COVID-19 View(s):

Turkey has donated ventilators and personal protection equipment to support Sri Lanka help combat and control Covid-19.

The donation includes ten Turkish-made medical ventilators, 50,000 surgical masks and 15,000 N95 masks. The donation was made by the government of Turkey as a gesture of friendship and goodwill between Turkey and Sri Lanka, a statement from the Turkish embassy said.

The items were handed over to Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage by Turkish Ambassador R. Demet Sekercioglu during a ceremony on Thursday at the Foreign Ministry.

This is the second consignment of medical equipment donated by Turkey to the Sri Lankan health authorities since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier, 12 NF-400 NUVE Benchtop Centrifuges funded by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) were handed over to the Ministry of Health.
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you - Matthew 7:1,2

by Raj Gonsalkorale

The entire world needs to respect human rights. That should be a just and natural phenomenon that all human beings should practice. Unfortunately, it is not. Some do better than others while many preach love but practice the opposite. The UNHCR seems to be a pulpit from which some preach to the rest of the world, and often the preacher is a Nation whose own practices should shame itself and the rest of the world if it understood the meaning of the word shame. The unfortunate consequence is that the selective application of human rights violation censuring, diminishes the credibility of the world body that is tasked to defend the rights of those who do not have the power to defend themselves. It is those unfortunate and helpless segment of the world population, which happens to be the majority in the world, that continues to suffer when Nations calling the shots, openly and behind the scenes, do so not to promote and defend the rights of fellow human beings, but to further their strategic political interests under the guise of advancing human rights.

The following are some highlights from the Human Rights Watch report of the human rights record of the USA (https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-chapters/united-states. The Sri Lankan government and the public in Sri Lanka are encouraged to read this report, and others published by the US State Department, Amnesty International, the Human Rights Watch on the human rights record of the Core Group that is sponsoring the latest resolution relating to human rights issues in Sri Lanka. The Core Group consists of Canada, Germany, UK, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Malawi.

While the USA is not in the UNHRC, many analysts are of the opinion that it is the hand that is manipulating the Core Group to pressurise Sri Lanka. They also contend that pressure is being exerted through this group as firstly, it is not in the Human Rights Council, and secondly in pursuance of another interest, a strategic political interest, arising from Sri Lankas closeness to China and their growing influence in the country.

It has been reported in the media that Sri Lanka has asked for Indias support to either prevent this resolution coming up for a vote, or for help in defeating it should it come to a vote. Sri Lanka surely has to be wary about seeking Indias support, as, should they support Sri Lanka, they would do so at a price detrimental to the sovereignty of Sri Lanka. This is simple logic considering what both India and the US have an enemy in common; China, and its growing presence in Sri Lanka. India would be like the Kapati Arakshakaya or the cunning saviour who first instigates others to pressurise Sri Lanka, and then offers to help save it from the instigators, but, at a price.

Looking at the record of the Core Group on human rights, especially that of Malawi, it is a joke that such a group could lecture Sri Lanka on human rights violations. While countries like North Macedonia and Montenegro, who also had and still have human rights issues to contend with, they seem to have taken several steps to improve their own weaknesses in human rights issues. It appears they have not taken into consideration steps that have been taken in Sri Lanka to address any lingering issues.

Neither have they taken in to account the background and the environment in which Sri Lanka had to contend with when the country fought to defend their people and its sovereignty when confronted with the most violent and virulent terrorist organisation in the world, the LTTE. So labelled by the world, not Sri Lanka.

The Core Group has also not recognised that every country, including their own, would have human rights issues arising from time to time, and that they need to be addressed by the countries themselves. The Core Group is not a pristine Snow White group who are suited to preach to others. Worse, it should not be a group that lends itself to being manipulated by any powerful force in its own strategic political interests.

No doubt there are areas where Sri Lanka has to get its house in order, but it cannot and should not countenance being pressurised by this so called Core Group that is acting on behalf of a country which is pursuing this issue not because of human rights issues but to advance its own strategic political interests. It is not to India that Sri Lanka should turn for support on this issue but other members of the Human Rights Council who have been similarly pressured by interests pursuing their strategic agendas.

The Human Rights Watch report presents an abysmal record on human rights issues in the US and it certainly is not a position to lecture Sri Lanka or for that matter any other country on human rights issues. While some specifics are attributed to the Donald Trump term in office, many others appear endemic to a long and sad record on human rights violations in the US.

The HRW report on the US begins by stating In 2019, the USA continued to move backwards on rights. The Trump administration rolled out inhumane immigration policies and promoted false narratives that perpetuate racism and discrimination; did not do nearly enough to address mass incarceration; undermined the rights of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people; further weakened the ability of Americans to obtain adequate health care; and deregulated industries that put peoples health and safety at risk. In its foreign policy, the Trump administration made little use of its diminishing leverage to promote human rights abroad; continued to undermine multilateral institutions; and flouted international human rights and humanitarian law as it partnered with abusive governments

The full report referred to above paints a grim picture of the country that parades itself as the epitome of freedom, justice and human rights. Besides this report, in the area of foreign policy, the duplicity of the US in supporting countries like Saudi Arabia, an unabashed leader in human rights violations, especially against women, Israel, which has consistently abused the rights of Palestinians and snubbed all attempts by international bodies to defend the rights of Palestinians, is well known. US involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Egypt to defend justice and freedom while killing millions of people, and prior to that in Vietnam and Laos, to defeat the what they termed evil communism, again, killing millions of people, are not exactly good examples to demonstrate their respect for other human beings. The HRW report is a telling indictment of life at home in the US and the love and respect they show for their own citizens and hapless refuges. Following are some extracts from the HRW report

 The US continues to have the highest reported criminal incarceration rate in the world, with 2.2 million people in jails and prisons and another 4.5 million on probation and parole as of 2017. In several states incarceration rose, as did the incarceration rate for women, which grew by 750 percent from 1980 to 2017.

 Stark racial disparities still exist in the prison population. While the overall imprisonment rate was down, among black women it was nearly twice as high as among white women and the rate for black men was almost six times the rate for white men. For younger black men, the disparity was even larger

 Poor people accused of crimes continue to be jailed because courts require money bail as a condition of release, forcing people not convicted of any crime to stay behind bars for long periods of time awaiting trial and resulting in coerced guilty pleas.

 On any given day, approximately 50,000 children are held in confinement. In the juvenile justice system, 2,200 are imprisoned for status offensesnoncriminal acts that are considered violations of the law only because the individuals in question are under 18 years old.

 Additionally, all 50 states continue to prosecute children in adult criminal courts. According to the Citizens Committee for Children, roughly 32,000 children under 18 are admitted annually to adult jails. The Sentencing Project reports there are approximately 1,300 people serving life without parole

 Racial disparities persist at every stage of a persons contact with the law, leaving children of colour disproportionately in juvenile justice systems across the country; in 37 states, rates of incarceration were higher for black children than for white, according to The Sentencing Project.

 Stark inequalities in wealth exist throughout the United States, and poverty intersects with crime, which is used to justify more aggressive policing in poor, often minority communities.

Rather than address problems of povertyincluding homelessness, mental health, and gang involvementwith services, support, and economic development, many US jurisdictions simply add more police and effectively criminalize poor communities, a vicious circle that fuels high rates of incarceration.

 According to the Washington Post, police reportedly shot and killed 783 people in the US in 2019 as of mid-November. Of those killed whose race is known, 20 percent were black even though blacks make up 13 percent of the population.

 In September, the Census Bureau released a study showing that income inequality in the US had hit the highest level in five decades. About 40 million people live in poverty, many of them members of households with at least one wage earner making at or near the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

 At time of writing, over 55,000 asylum seekers had been returned to often dangerous and unliveable conditions in Mexico, with significant barriers to obtaining legal representation and a fair hearing. This included asylum seekers with disabilities or other chronic health condition.

 The number of immigrants in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody reached a record high of 55,000 people per day.

These are but a few of the shameful record of the human rights violations in the US that is noted in the HRW report.

Within the Core Group, Amnesty International has noted gross human rights violations in Malawi in its 2019 report. Https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/africa/malawi/report-malawi/

It says, quote 2019 was an election year for Malawi. There were incidences of protests in Malawi around elections, and the government used the law to silence civil society leaders and organisers of peaceful demonstrations. Some civil society leaders were threatened with death and their property was destroyed by ruling party activists. Persons with albinism continued to live in fear as ritual killers murdered at least one person with albinism. Persons with albinism continued to be targeted for their body parts: in many of the cases persons with albinism have been killed for ritual purposes and a superstitious belief that their body parts would bring luck in business and politics. In January, 60-year-old Yassin Kwenda Phiri was murdered in his house in Nkhata Bay while his 9-year-old son George watched helplessly. Two men cut off his fathers arms with a knife and removed his intestines with their bare hands. Goodson Fanizo, 14, was abducted in February. Although six suspects were picked up by police, neither the child nor his body had been found by years end.

Following the May general elections, opposition parties and civil society organizations were unhappy with the outcome, alleging electoral fraud. The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) organized protests against alleged mismanagement of elections by the Malawi Electoral Commission. The state responded by deploying members of the police service and the military and applying for court injunctions to stop protests.

Human rights defenders and activists remained under threat as the country prepared for its May general elections. HRDC activists who organized and led demonstrations against alleged electoral fraud after the May elections were attacked by ruling party youth cadres, intimidated, and targeted for prosecution by the authorities. Timothy Mtambo, Chairperson of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition and Executive Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), increasingly received death threats through text messages and was attacked by unknown people. In October, at around 11pm unknown gunmen fired six shots at Mtambos vehicle as he drove home from a meeting in Lilongwe.

On 25 September, unknown youths hacked human rights activist Billy Mayaya and several other activists in Blantyre. Mayaya sustained serious injuries to his head. Instead of protecting activists from attacks, police tear-gassed demonstrators.

Excessive use of force, unlawful killings and torture persisted with impunity. In February, Buleya Lule was arrested in Lilongwe on charges of abducting a child with albinism and appeared in court in February, jointly charged with five other people. Bulela Lule later died in a police cell.

The post-mortem report released on 12 April revealed that Bulela had been electrocuted and sustained injuries to his head, buttocks and stomach

In September, one of the post-election protesters, Justin Phiri, died in custody of infected wounds that were not treated. He had been severely assaulted by soldiers and the police did not take him to a hospital. Human rights issues included extrajudicial killings; torture; arbitrary detention, the preceding abuses all committed by official security forces; harsh and life-threatening prison and detention centre conditions; criminal libel; corruption; lack of investigation and enforcement involving cases of violence against women, including rape and domestic violence, partly due to weak enforcement; criminalization of same-sex sexual conduct; and child labour, including worst forms.

There were reports the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. Media reported that, between January and August, 43 suspects had died at the hands of police. For example, on June 16, after police arrested 11 persons in Blantyre, four individuals, Humpfrey Sakhumwa, Dave Sembele, Dave Gondwe, and Ashbu Daiton, were separated from the group to be transferred to another facility. Later that day officers dropped their bullet-riddled bodies at the local hospital mortuary. A reputable nongovernmental organization (NGO) and the United Nations carried out a preliminary investigation into several of the deaths that included interviews with family members and witnesses and found the allegations generally credible and warranting a more in-depth inquiry unquote.

In advocating that Sri Lanka should not succumb to pressure from the US or India or the Core Group and should harness the support of other members of the Human Rights Council to defeat any move to censure the country through stealth, it does not automatically mean Sri Lanka could pretend it has a Snow White record on human rights.

Going back to the war against the LTTE and issues that arose upon its conclusion, there are unresolved matters that need addressing. The LLRC report and its action plan that has been sent to a cold room could be activated and followed through as the Mahinda Rajapaksa began doing before the change of government in 2015, and the scuttling of it by the Sirisena/Wickramasinghe duo. The same applies to the Paranagama commission on Missing Persons, again initiated by Mahinda Rajapaksa and the scuttling of that report once again by Sirisena and Wickramasinghe. The current government owes it to all people of the country to implement the recommendations of those two reports, as they were hailed by many as sound starting points to address genuine concerns that arose in regard to the dark days of the LTTE terrorism and the States role in some questionable issues. One needs to identify any shortcomings in those reports and act to address them, but it is common sense that it can best be done once the available recommendations are implemented.

Sri Lanka cannot defend itself by being the Emperor without clothes. It needs to build itself to be a beacon for the rest of the world in ensuring the unalienable rights of all Sri Lankans are respected and assured. A country that calls itself the citadel of Theravada Buddhism and the defender of Buddhism, should not do any less unless this defence of Buddhism is also a facade to protect the strategic interests of the Buddhist institution which in turn serves the interest of politicians and vice versa. If one lives by the Dhamma and the original teachings of religious leaders like Jesus Christ and the Prophet Mohammed, Sri Lanka can be that beacon which would put many other countries to shame.
Officials from KB Kookmin Bank and Myanmar's government hold an opening ceremony for KB Bank Myanmar in Yangon on Jan. 27. Courtesy of KB Kookmin Bank



By Lee Min-hyung



Korea's commercial lenders are changing their expansion strategies in the Asian market to focus on boosting their presence in a few key markets as uncertainties mount in the wake of the military coup in Myanmar.



Several Korean private and state-owned lenders, including the Korea Development Bank (KDB) and KB Kookmin Bank, opened new offices in Myanmar in January this year, hoping to expand their presence in what they view as a "strategic geographical region" of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).



But persistent corruption, lack of transparency and a disastrous human rights record in recent years continue to plague the Southeast Asian country. Yet many foreign investors still believe in the vast growth potential of the ASEAN region from a mid to long-term perspective.



Several companies have already announced they will be halting operations in Myanmar or even terminating relationships with the government following the coup. Korean financial companies have also temporarily halted their businesses in Myanmar.



At the same time, however, Korean financial companies are shifting their growth strategies in the region, choosing to bolster their presence in established emerging economic powerhouses, rather than investing in relatively untapped territories such as Myanmar.



"Uncertainties keep growing, making it unclear when they will be able to resume their businesses in Myanmar," a bank industry source said. "For now, banks have no choice but to focus on other key Asian markets to generate stable overseas earnings and offset losses from Myanmar."



Last week, the KDB announced plans to open another office in Hong Kong in the latter half of this year, calling the move as part of a strategy to build a "double post" there. KDB Asia, the lender's head branch office in the special administrative region, will play a pivotal role as an investment bank, while the new office will handle corporate financing and other fund-raising activities, according to the state-run bank.



The KDB and other major Korean commercial banks have pursued aggressive business expansion plans in recent years as the Korean market became increasingly saturated. In 2014, the KDB opened an office in Manila, Philippines aiming to help finance business projects of Korean companies in Southeast Asia. But the state-run lender recently decided to shut down the office as Korean firms pay less and less attention to the territory.



In December of last year, KB Kookmin Bank became the first non-Myanmar-based lender to obtain a license to operate there. But the military coup forced it to discontinue operations at the new subsidiary. As a back-up plan, KB is shifting its focus to other key Asian markets, including Indonesia until the political turmoil comes to an end in Myanmar.










The national ministry of the interior does not believe that there is a specific illegal immigration route from Algeria to the Balearics. The ministry states that, based on available data regarding an increase in migrant numbers, the situation "does not indicate the opening of a specific route". Nevertheless, there is an acceptance that the increase in recent years points to there being a "common route" for the eastern part of Spain.

Last year, 1,471 illegal migrants arrived in the Balearics on 110 boats. Compared with 2018 there was a 686% rise; with 2019 a 226% increase. The ministry was asked to give this information by members of Congress from the Partido Popular in the Balearics. They also wanted to know about the "extraordinary measures" for attending to migrants.

The ministry has explained that attention under the humanitarian programme is given by organisations which receive government grants. There is one in particular - the Cruz Roja (Red Cross). When migrants arrive, they spend time in police custody before coming under the programme and therefore the care of the Red Cross, which looks after the assigning of a reception centre place. This isn't normally in the Balearics but on the mainland. The ministry adds that if more resources (places) are needed, those of other organisations are used temporarily.

The PP deputies in Congress, Marga Prohens and Miguel Angel Jerez, argue that the numbers of migrants point to a route between Algeria and the Balearics having been consolidated. As well as figures, they were interested in knowing about where migrants are placed while the procedures for repatriation are carried out and also about health checks.

In 2020, there were particularly high numbers of migrants in June and July, while in the autumn there was one day when ten boats arrived. Two weeks ago, a small "patera" boat arrived in Ibiza. It was the first one in 2021.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 20)  Former COVID-19 task force adviser Dr. Tony Leachon said it is not yet time to relax restrictions on the entry of foreigners in the country.

In an interview on Saturday, the health reform advocate said doing so may only make way for the entry and spread of other COVID-19 variants in the country, like the South African variant. Moreover, the delayed implementation of the vaccination program may further cause challenges in controlling its spread once this enters the country, he said.

The problem on efficacy of the vaccine may also arise. Leachon cited a study in South Africa that said the AstraZeneca vaccine did not work well for the variant, thus the imposition of a travel ban is vital.

The vaccines efficacy may also be challenged once the South African variant enters the country while community restrictions are also relaxed, he added.

That would be a disaster kung hindi pa tayo makapagstart ng (if we have not started) vaccination, he said.

On Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force has permitted more foreign nationals with valid visas to enter the country. He said the group decided to remove the reckoning period of March 16, 2020 to allow more foreign nationals to travel to the Philippines.

For her part, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat assured that the government is continuously monitoring the entry of foreigners who are allowed to do so as well as returning Filipinos. She also noted that the country was awarded by the World Travel and Tourism Council a safe travel stamp, meaning our health and safety protocols passed the worldwide standards.

If this policy will really push through, Leachon said it is advisable to extend quarantine period to 21 days and to strengthen local government response once the new variant enters the country or a spike in new cases occurs.

In its latest report, the OCTA group said the overall trend in the country and the National Capital Region is generally flat, but reproduction number in Metro Manila slightly increased to 1.13 over the past week, which signifies a slight uptrend in new infections. Some local government units also recorded spike in new cases due to recent events like Chinese New Year and Valentines day, but the existence of a COVID-19 variant cannot be ruled out as well.

Currently, the country has a total of 44 cases for the UK variant, while the Health department confirmed on Thursday the detection of two new COVID-19 mutations in Central Visayas, which health experts said is still early to say that these will evolve into homegrown kind.

Total COVID-19 cases in the country are now 559,288, with 12,068 deaths, and 513,120 recoveries.

CNN Philippines correspondent Paolo Barcelon contributed to this report.

London: Mathias Cormann will this week learn whether he is one of two candidates left in the race for an influential global leadership position as US officials are urged to throw their support behind the former finance minister.

Australian government figures are increasingly confident the ex-senator is well placed to become the next secretary-general of the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) but say the White House will be an important factor in the decision.

Mathias Cormann, Australias longest-serving finance minister, wants to become the next secretary-general of the Paris-based OECD. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Daniel Runde, the senior vice-president of Washingtons influential Centre for Strategic and International Studies, told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that America should back Cormanns campaign.

Runde said the US and Morrison government shared similar views on taxes, trade and the economy, and suggested clear-eyed members of the Biden administration might show solidarity with Australia amid its tussle with China.
Food 4 Less workers, city leaders and local labor advocates hold a news conference to call on Kroger Co., the parent company of Food 4 Less and Ralphs, to keep stores open and condemn the companys actions to close two of its locations in the city because of the citys emergency ordinance for $4 per hour in temporary hazard pay, at the Food 4 Less location on South Street in North Long Beach on Feb. 3. Christina House/Los Angeles Times/TNS
When the reality of the pandemic hit California last March, jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth found herself in tears, walking along Venice Beach with her boyfriend. Like so many business owners, she was grappling with difficult decisions. Her eponymous company had just endured the loss of its most important vendor, Barneys New York, to bankruptcy. The impending shutdown, which would close her two Los Angeles stores, spelled further disaster for the fashion industry, particularly independent designers. She remembers thinking, Our business is going to go down, were going to have to let people goI cant do it." That day, she resolved to stop paying herself and recommit to the business in a more personal way.

That meant reaching out to individual customers, hand-writing letters of thanks for every piece sold, and focusing on e-commerce. She continued to hand-draw each design for the quirky, colorful, stone-heavy pieces that have enjoyed the status of luxurious cult items for 18 years. Not only did Ms. Neuwirths 24-person business stay strong, it wound up having one of its best years on record. Direct-to-consumer website orders, which previously had accounted for only 20% of her business, rose to up to 60%. With a combination of hustle, belt-tightening and hard work, Irene Neuwirth became a pandemic success story.

Some serious luck also played a role, in the form of attention from Vice President Kamala Harris. While Ms. Neuwirths brand has no shortage of high-profile Hollywood fansBusy Philipps and Maya Rudolph, to name a fewMs. Harris catapulted Ms. Neuwirth to history-book levels of prominence. She showcased Irene Neuwirth designs at several major events: a gumball" pearl-and-chain necklace at the 2020 Democratic National Convention; a pearl-and-turquoise necklace at a vice-presidential debate; sparkling custom diamond-and-pearl earrings for the evening of the inauguration.

Ms. Harris wears pieces by other jewelry designers, too. As a former Alpha Kappa Alpha member from her Howard University days, shes especially partial to pearls in all forms, which are an important part of the sororitys symbolism. But the Irene Neuwirth designs are the ones she wears most prominently, over and over.

These are not the perfunctory pearls of a no-nonsense politician, but the unexpected pieces of a jewelry connoisseur. Take, for example, the gray-ish mauve labradorite necklace that the vice president has worn several times, including on a current cover of Vogue. Labradorite is a feldspar mineral with a complex iridescence, more interesting but quieter than gems like diamond or sapphire. Its also incredibly expensive: Ms. Neuwirths website lists a similar piece for $10,140.

Yet the steep price of Ms. Harriss gems has not yet caused as much of a stir as one might expect. Vittoria Vignone, the New York City blogger who methodically catalogs everything the vice president wears on her website Kamalas Closet," said that the online response to these pieces has been positive. I think theres a little bit of reverence for jewelry," she said. People find the suits and the dresses more shocking." Ms. Vignone said that Ms. Harriss predilection for luxury is something you have to just accept with hershes not Elizabeth Warren. Shes a successful Californian lawyer married to a successful Californian lawyer."

In that sense, she resembles Ms. Neuwirths other clients, many of them self-made women who buy special-occasion pieces for themselves. The designer said, When we see someone wearing our jewelry, its always a strong, powerful woman...So Kamala fits right in with our typical clientele."

While she clearly admires her most famous client, Ms. Neuwirth has been loath to trumpet the Kamala connection. Although she has now confirmed for the press which pieces she designed, shes refused interviews on the topic (until this one). I just am very careful not to capitalize on that," said Ms. Neuwirth. It feels crummy to me." Ms. Harris, too, has avoided conversations about her wardrobe, and never posted the much-talked-about Vogue cover to her social media accounts.

Ms. Neuwirth knows that her pieces, with their valuable stones, represent an indulgence, albeit a subtle one. As she explained, They might not be stones that you know are valuable." Shes built her business on a deep understanding of them. When she started her company 18 years ago, she was completely inexperienced and working nominally as a horseback riding teacher. But people liked the amateur beaded necklaces she made, so she began privately training with a Gemology Institute of America professor, and visiting the influential Tucson Gem and Mineral Show to source stones.

At one early visit to Tucson, she spied a glittering almost-$30,000 lump of opal that she couldnt afford. The dealer offered to let her work with it and see if Ms. Neuwirth could sell the resulting piece. While she was setting it, it broke in half. She ended up making two pieces out of the broken opal, both of which sold. And shes worked with that opal dealer since, putting the finicky multi-colored shimmering stone, rumored to be unlucky, back in fashion.

On the day we spoke, Ms. Neuwirth was sketching a special order for a client: a necklace and earrings made of opals (to be carved into floral shapes in Germany) studded with pearls. She spoke of her satisfaction with stripping the company back to its essentials to stay solvent. Gone were the trips to Europe, the nice hotels, the advertising campaigns, the interest on elevated bank loans. Shes just a woman alone in a room, drawing some incredibly precious jewelry, with her dogs barking in the background.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Changemakers to the fore at Womens Day Festival View(s):

Celebrating International Womens Day in March, the Cargills International Womens Day Festival The Changemakers will be held at Taru Villas Lake Lodge in Colombo over four Mondays  March 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Designed to celebrate women who are championing change, the Festival will highlight womens ability to transform, adapt and be the change, while also stimulating debate, building knowledge and advocating gender equality. The Festival is a collaboration between online digital programme Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo and Table by Taru at Lake Lodge, a small luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Each day begins with dialogue and discussion and concludes with aperitifs and canapes. The Festival will be held across the four Mondays featuring different panels and moderated by host, director and executive producer of Kaleidoscope, Savithri Rodrigo.

Renowned for her unusual and innovative events, Taru hopes that this will be the genesis of an annual event in breaking new ground with the focus of inspire, empower and connect, says Brand Communications Specialist for Taru Management Mahika Chandrasena.

Savithri adds, From its inception, Kaleidoscope has highlighted achievers, pioneers, disruptors, peace builders and entrepreneurs, placing the spotlight primarily on women, as the focus on womens achievements, their determination and commitment to instigate change is rarely spotlighted in the media.

The Changemakers will be held at the newly revamped restaurant Table by Taru. Seating is limited as stringent COVID-19 guidelines are being followed.

Tickets are priced at Rs. 20,000 for the Festival Pass (access to all events of the festival) and Rs. 6,000 for the Day Pass to an individual event. For more information, call 0768 119 191. Cargills is the Festival title partner, while the UNFPA is event partner. The beverage partner is Wineworld, Healing Island is wellness partner, radio partner is Lite 87 and official digital media partners are Hi Online, Daily Mirror Online and Daily Mirror Weekend Online.

The programme is as follows:

Day 1  March 1 -

The Peace Prompters: Women activists who have been fighting to advance peace, reconciliation and nation building. Panelists are author and researcher Sarah Kabir, Writer, researcher and activist Amalini De

Sayrah and Director for Legal and Advocacy NCEASL Yamini Ravindran.

Day 2  March 8 

The Pioneers: Women who have chosen to challenge conventional career paths. Panelists are Triad Joint Managing Director Varuni Amunugama Fernando, Hemas Holdings Group CEO Kasturi Chellarajah Wilson and Sri Lankas first hip hop artiste Ashanthi de Alwis.

Day 3  March 15 

The Creative Forces: This session features author and publisher Ameena Hussein, inter-disciplinary artist and Pro Helvetia awardee Layla Gonaduwa and principal dancer of the Chitrasena Dance Company Thaji Dias.

Day 4  March 22 

The Disruptors: This concluding day will see Session 1 panelists Co-Founder/CEO of GoodLife Accelerator, Randhula De Silva, Founder of Ape and Co-Founder and COO of COLLAB and Co-Founder of Good Market Achala Samaradivakara while Session 2 will bring in comedy duo Gehan

Blok and Dino Corera to discuss the portrayal

of women in disruptive comedy.

Creating art with a splash of coffee Drawing with coffee?Nalinie Kodikaras fourth art exhibition will feature the artists own unique skills in this medium. The exhibition consists of many of her works done with coffee.The exhibition that will be declared open by Dr. Punchi Nilame Meegaswatte at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, Colombo 7, on Saturday, February 27 will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, February 28.Nalinie will also exhibit paintings done with oils as well as acrylics depicting historical as well as contemporary themes. She had her maiden art exhibition at the Art Gallery in 2012. Her two subsequent exhibitions were in Oman. Nalinie has been a preschool teacher in Nigeria and Sri Lanka for 25 years. She has also written five books for children and adults.
Today, much like last year, Guam wont be collectively gathering to thank and honor the troops who never came home. But that doesnt mean this Read more
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 01:40:44|Editor: huaxia

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Yemen's internally displaced children stand outside their shelter at the Dharawan camp near Sanaa, Yemen, on Feb. 16, 2021. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

SANAA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- "I am 72 years old. I have been here for more than six years," said Ahamed Abyadh, who is an internally displaced person (IDP) at the Dharawan camp near Yemen's capital Sanaa.

"In my hometown, my wife and 10 of my children and grandchildren died in a bombardment. The rest of us escaped death and came here," said the old man, who came to the camp during the first year of the ongoing war.

When arriving here, they thought they finally found safety and shelter in a small tent, some 40 km northwest of the country's capital.

However, as the war drags on, what was supposed to be a makeshift shelter for over 300 IDP families gradually become a permanent slum, where the IDPs waited futilely in destitution and squalidness.

"Every day, I have to go to the open dump and find plastic bottles or bags so that we have something to stoke the fire for cooking and warming. We are homeless out here, in the cold and wind," the old man lamented.

Located at the center of the Yemen Highlands, Sanaa is colder than most parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Its winter, especially at night, can be tough for those who have no roof above them.

"Life in here is getting harder. I accidentally broke my leg and it was badly treated. Now I can't do heavy work. Scavenging is the only way for me to survive," Abyadh said.

Years of war and blockade have plunged the Arab country into what the United Nations calls the world's biggest humanitarian crisis.

A staggering 80 percent of the country's population, or over 24 million people, require some form of humanitarian assistance and protection, including more than 12 million children, according to data released by the United Nations.

Inside the Dharawan camp, garbages are scattered between the tatty tents and huts. Children play in the mud with garbages collected from nearby dumpsites, such as wheelless bikes and one-leg dolls, as their toys. Most of their toys were excavated by themselves because all families have to send out the children to collect garbages for the exchange of food.

The United Nations warned this week that Yemen is speeding toward the worst famine the world has seen in decades.

Malnutrition rates are at record highs. Across Yemen, more than 16 million people are starving, including 5 million who are just one step away from famine. About 400,000 children under the age of 5 are severely malnourished.

Om Fadhl, a widow, lives with her three children in a tattered tent. Her husband was wounded during the war and eventually died because of the lack of proper treatment.

"My children and I have to go to collect plastic bottles. We sell them to buy food," said Fadhl, who was wearing an oversized crumpled men's coat, which she found at a dumpsite. Most of the "possessions" inside Fadhl's tent were scavenged by her or her children.

Fadhl said her heart aches when she watches that her children couldn't fall asleep at night because of the cold and hunger.

"I wish I can return to our home. If we have to die of starvation anyway, I prefer to die home, not here," said Fadhl. Enditem
Lucknow, Feb 21 : Death row convict Shabnam, who was awarded the death sentence for killing seven members of her family in April 2008, has sent a fresh mercy petition to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and the President of India Ram Nath Kovind.

According to Anand Kumar, Director General (prison department and reform services), Shabnam had also approached the Uttar Pradesh Governor earlier for pardon, but Patel had rejected her petition.

"A copy of mercy appeal to the UP governor by death-row convict prisoner Shabnam through her lawyer regarding Supreme Court order dated May 25, 2015, was made available to our office to be forwarded," said Rampur jail superintendent.

Sources said that two lawyers had met Shabnam in Rampur jail on Friday and convinced her to send a mercy petition to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.

Confirming that a second mercy petition has been sent to the Governor and the President of India, Shabnam's lawyer Shreya Rastogi, in a press release, claimed that 'news reports should correct the factual and legal positions regarding the remaining remedies available to Shabnam.' She said in the release, "Shabnam has several constitutional remedies that remain to be exercised. These include the right to challenge the rejection of her mercy petition before the Allahabad HC and the Supreme Court on various grounds. She also has the right to file a curative petition in the SC." The development comes a day after 12-year-old son of Shabnam Ali appealed to the President of India on social media to consider his mother's mercy plea again.

"President uncle ji, please forgive my mother Shabnam," read a placard that he was seen holding in a viral video.

Shabnam, now 38, has been convicted for killing seven members of her family -- her mother, father, two brothers, sister-in-law, cousin and 10-month-old nephew -- after they opposed her relationship with Salim, also a resident of the same Amroha village.

The two slit the throats of all the seven persons after serving them sedative-spiked milk. Shabnam was pregnant at that time.
Court issues summons to top SLTDA officials over Yala land deal By Ranjith Padmasiri View(s): View(s):

The Colombo District Court, this week, issued summons and charge sheets to top officials of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) including its Chairperson Kimarli Fernando, for allegedly violating an Interim Injunction issued regarding the leasing out of a land in the Yala tourism zone.

SLTDA Director General Ms Dhammika Wijesinghe and Additional Director General Ms Anoma Nandani were the others issued summons and charge sheets by District Judge Aruna Aluthge.

This was after considering an application by the Plaintiff-Petitioner Lanka Realty Leisure (Pvt) Ltd (LRL).

The initial action was instituted by LRL on June 15, 2020 in respect of a land in the Yala tourism zone, where the SLTDA had leased the property to LRL for a period of 99 years.

However, thereafter the SLTDA had unilaterally executed a Cancellation of Lease, and LRL instituted proceedings against the SLTDA to declare the cancellation as void.

At the first instance, ex-parte enjoining orders were issued against the SLTDA, and thereafter at the Interim Injunction Inquiry, an Interim Injunction was issued against the SLTDA preventing the SLTDA acting on certain documents including a Deed of Cancellation of the Lease.

The Interim Injunction remains in force until the end of the trial.

LRL took up the position in the recent petition that though the Interim Injunction was in operation, preventing the cancellation of the lease agreement through the respective documents, the SLTDA has proceeded to lease the Yala land to a third party, which LRL complained to Court to be a direct violation of the Interim Injunction in disrespect of the District Court.

Pursuant to submissions made on behalf of LRL, the District Court issued summons and charge sheets on the SLTDA, the Chairperson Ms Kimarli Fernando, Director General Ms Dhammika Wijesinghe and Additional Director General Ms Anoma Nandani to appear before the Court on May 24.

Plaintiff-Petitioner LRL was represented in Court by Counsel Mr Nishan Premathiratne with Mr Pravi Karunaratne on the instructions of Mr Francis Julian Pratheep, Attorneys-at-Law.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Fresh from medical treatment in Germany, Kyrgyz national security head Kamchybek Tashiev urgently flew from Bishkek to the southern Batken region on February 18 to deal with people's growing anger over the failure by officials to resolve pressing border issues.

Tashiev, chief of Kyrgyzstans State Committee for National Security (UKMK), hoped to reduce tensions along Kyrgyzstans long southern borders with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Since the border guard service was put under UKMK control in November, the problems are Tashievs responsibility.

Grumbling by residents along the border resulted in people from Batken and districts in Jalal-Abad Province demonstrating earlier this month in the capital for a resolution to the long-standing problem of demarcation.

Villagers living along the borders claim neighboring states are encroaching on Kyrgyz territory and want it stopped.

New Kyrgyz Prime Minister Ulukbek Maripov spoke about the disputed Torkul reservoir and canal in the Kyrgyz-Tajik border area on February 8.

Unfortunately, it seems we (Kyrgyzstan) have ceded the upper reaches of the Tokgul reservoir channel, Maripov explained.

Maripov's comment is precisely what residents of Kyrgyzstans border areas do not want to hear from government officials.

In Bishkek on February 15, Gulzhigit Isakov, the leader of a group from Batken that calls itself Chek Ara (Border), criticized new populist President Sadyr Japarov.

"It is upsetting that while someone is taking over our border, Sadyr [Japarov] has not raised the issue once in any of his interviews," Isakov said.

The Kyrgyz-Tajik Border

Isakov was referring to the situation in the area around the Kyrgyz villages of Ak-Sai and Kok-Tash that over the last decade have seen many clashes between residents from both sides of the border.

And while once those clashes were limited to the two parties throwing sticks and stones at each other, they have increasingly involved gunfire and deaths.

On February 11, a group of Tajik villagers planted trees in a field by the Kyrgyz village of Chek-Dobo, which is near Kok-Tash.

The field was in an area that has not yet been demarcated.

The next day, all the trees had been dug up and were left lying on the ground. So the Tajik villagers returned to try and replant them.

But Kyrgyz border guards arrived and ordered them to stop, with harsh words exchanged. Then Tajik border guards arrived and the border guards of the two countries took up positions."

In Bishkek, Isakov claimed the Tajik side brought soldiers and equipment to the Ak-Sai areabecause our border guards removed their post [there].

Officials from both countries eventually arrived and negotiations cooled tempers -- for a while at least -- with each side pledging not to do any work of any kind on disputed land.

But the incident points out how sensitive the situation is and how high emotions there are, that a simple act such as planting trees nearly set off violent clashes.

The Kyrgyz-Uzbek Border

On February 14, workers from Uzbekistans electricity company started setting up electricity poles near the Kyrgyz villages of Suu-Bash and Boz-Adyr in Batken Province.

The village is near Uzbekistans Soh exclave, one of the most interesting places in the Ferghana Valley. It belongs to Uzbekistan, is surrounded by Kyrgyzstan, and is inhabited overwhelmingly by ethnic Tajiks.

Ethnic Kyrgyz residents alerted border guards to the action and, after a meeting with their Uzbek counterparts, the poles were removed.

But more problems are almost surely coming as Uzbekistan has already started building an airport at Soh -- scheduled to be completed in May -- to better connect the exclave with Uzbekistan proper.

No Kyrgyz territory is endangered by the airport, but symbolically it certainly reinforces Uzbekistans claim to the exclave and is a reminder to local Kyrgyz that its larger neighbor is paying attention to an area many in Kyrgyzstan believe is neglected by their government.

On the same day Tajik villagers attempted to plant trees near Chek-Dobo, Uzbek border guards accompanied by others in plainclothes began setting up border markers near the Kyrgyz village of Kosh-Bolot, in the Ala-Buka district of Jalal-Abad Province.

Kosh-Bolot residents say the Uzbeks were on Kyrgyz territory.

"The Uzbek military came close to the house of one of our residents and put their pillars there, thereby marking it as their territory. Our border guards arrived at the scene but did not say anything," one local resident said.

The Kyrgyz website Kaktus.media reported that sources in the government said that the area where the Uzbek border guards were setting up markers belongs to Uzbekistan under the terms of a September 2017 agreement, but local residents, not understanding the situation, expressed their dissatisfaction.

The Ala-Buka district has been the scene of high tension between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan before.

A reservoir is located there that is claimed by both countries: by Uzbekistan because they say they paid for its construction during the Soviet era, and by Kyrgyzstan because it is located well inside Kyrgyzstan.

Water from the reservoir has always been mainly used for fields in Uzbekistan.

Uzbek troops crossed into the area twice in 2016 and, in August of that year, occupied a nearby mountain called Ungar-Too, holding captive several Kyrgyz employees there who were operating a telecommunications relay station.

No Easy Solutions

The Kyrgyz-Tajik border is some 976 kilometers long, of which about 520 kilometers has been demarcated.

The Kyrgyz-Uzbek border is some 1,378 kilometers long, with about 1,100 kilometers of it demarcated.

Kyrgyz Special Representative for Border Issues Nazirbek Borubaev said at a February 15 press conference that "many of our citizens are making statements that our land is being given to the neighbors, based on unconfirmed information."

But some people in Kyrgyzstan doubts this.

Tashiev said border talks with Tajik officials would take place in the first half of March and with Uzbek officials in the second part of that month.

Tashiev also said the budget for border security would be increased, and he repeated to residents of border villages in Batken Province a promise he has made several times over the years, long before he was UKMK chief, that not one square centimeter of Kyrgyz territory would be given to the country's neighbors.

That undoubtedly suits people in Kyrgyzstan, but it is a hard bargaining point for neighbors who are also seeking concessions.

Borubaev said that if necessary, we can find something in the archives in Moscow. Generally, maps drawn after Russian colonization of Central Asia have been the basis for contemporary border demarcation work for the current Central Asian states that didn't exist at the time.

Meetings of officials poring over Russian-Soviet maps to determine the borders of their countries is possibly the only way to make progress in reaching final agreements on the remaining frontiers of the five Central Asian states.

But for the people living in these areas, the issue of where the borders should be depends on where arable fields and pasturelands are located and where the water sources are.

And as long as the border talks continue, there are tracts of land in disputed areas that could be used for orchards or grazing but are left unused.

Meanwhile, many Kyrgyz residents seem to be poorly informed about the deals that have been made by previous governments about what is and what is not Kyrgyz territory.
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The Minister-designate for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has said the transaction fees generated by operators of mobile money should be taxed in the wake of declining traditional revenue streams in the telecommunication sector.



According to her, a report from the Common Platform, which monitors mobile money transactions, indicated that monthly usage from 344.6 million transactions, in January 2021 alone, amounted to GH81.3 billion.



Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament yesterday, the minister-designate disclosed that the 44.6 million mobile money transactions generated GH124.5 million non-taxed transaction fees for the mobile money operators.



In my opinion, the transaction fees generated by operators from this huge traffic and volumes of mobile money platforms ought to be taxed, Ursula suggested and added that that is my personal opinion and I have said so on several platforms.



Serious Analysis



She explained that this should not be misconstrued to mean that consumers of mobile money be taxed, instead, the revenue earned by the telecommunication companies from the transaction charges on individuals who send and receive monies.



The fee, which they (consumers) pay to all the network operators for this service, is revenue that they earn and the state has to be interested in that, and has to tax them. I have been further informed that some of them are even facing out the sale of scratch cards and insisting on top-ups from mobile money, she said.



For her, what that means is that the revenue that the state would have received from the sale and receipt of scratch cards is lost and that the current levy of 1% on mobile money transactions is income for the telecoms which is beyond the reach of the state.



So while we are losing money on the traditional revenue stream because of technology, we are also disabling the state from gaining revenue from the new streams that these network operators are using, said Ursula.



She added that the state has disabled itself because currently, mobile money and all the revenues generated from it are not taxed as financial transactions. So I believe we need to look at that again.



This will not be a tax against users of mobile money because the telecommunication companies are already charging consumers for the use of this service and that is 1%. That revenue that they are getting from the transaction fees, I believe the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Minister of Finance ought to be interested in that.



As I indicated earlier, GH124.5 million in January alone in transaction fees for mobile money was a huge amount (going as untaxed revenue for the operators). If even the state is getting 10% per month that is GH12.4 million per month; that is significant.



She said, I think we need to have this conversation in view of the fact that the state is losing revenue from the traditional revenue streams because of the evolution of technology.



She noted that the number of people who made normal voice calls was declining and that the revenue that the state would have got from the Communication Service Tax was also declining.



That is organic and it is not going to go up any time soon. We are using more data to do more, which is great. This is a conversation that we are having globally. Other over-the-top services are taking away from the traditional streams which are being lost.



New revenue streams are being generated and a lot of studies are being done globally from the GSMA, ITU and the CTO, all looking at this face, she said.



Cyber Security



In the area of cybersecurity, the Communications and Digitisation Minister-designate indicated that a lot had been done in the past few years on cybersecurity, but said: a lot more needs to be done.



It has given the power to designate critical infrastructure which will also need to be registered and managed in compliance with set standards which the authority will determine. It has also given the power to establish a computer emergency response centre, which will oversee sector-specific emergency response teams.



The National Communication Authority (NCA) has already set up a computer emergence team for the telecommunications sector, she pointed out, and added that the Bank of Ghana, in conjunction with the Cyber Security Centre, has set up another one for the financial sector. The security sector also has one, or if they dont, they need one.



We need one for the utilities, for the transportation sector. I have also launched one for NITA to oversee an e-government network, she said.







Source: Goldstreet Business









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On Saturday, a plane brought Mr. Berger back to Germany, where he remains a citizen, the Justice Department said. German officials have indicated that he will not face additional prosecution there. Mr. Bergers lawyer, Hugh B. Ward Jr., said that his client was safe, sound, free at an assisted-living center in Germany.

Since the Justice Department began a program in 1979 to track down and deport former Nazis, it has won 109 cases, the department said. But this may be the last U.S. Nazi case, said Eli M. Rosenbaum, a senior official at the departments Human Rights and Special Prosecution unit, who was among those who tried the case against Mr. Berger.

Theres hardly anyone left, Mr. Rosenbaum said. The vast majority of the perpetrators have died.

Mr. Bergers case was unique because it was the only one in the history of the Justice Departments Nazi prosecution program in which there were no known surviving victims available to testify, Mr. Rosenbaum said. German forces also destroyed the records from Meppen when they abandoned the camp in 1945, he said, so prosecutors relied on documents found elsewhere.

A crucial piece of evidence tying Mr. Berger to his Nazi past came from SS cards that identified guards in the Neuengamme camps, which were discovered in 1950 in a German ship that had been sunk by the Allies five years earlier.

Mr. Rosenbaum said it was not clear how the cards were not destroyed after years underwater. After the ship was raised from the Baltic Sea, many of the cards were illegible and some were only partly legible. Those that could be read were transcribed and recorded. One of the cards identified Mr. Berger.

It was needle-in-a-haystack stuff, to put it mildly, Mr. Rosenbaum said.

Mr. Berger, he said, had enlisted in the German military in 1943 and had been assigned by the SS to guard the Meppen camp. He moved to the United States in 1959, and he had lived quietly in a ranch house on a cul-de-sac in Oak Ridge, Tenn., about 25 miles west of Knoxville.
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WASHINGTON: Americans may still need to wear masks in 2022 even as the country relaxes other restrictions to combat COVID-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said on Sunday (February 21).

While daily infection rates are coming down dramatically, thousands of Americans still die every day from the virus, and less than 15% of the U.S. population has been vaccinated against it.

US President Joe Biden is trying to accelerate the campaign to vaccinate most American adults as local governments clamor for more doses to prevent the highly contagious illness that has claimed nearly 500,000 lives in the nation.

Fauci, Bidens top medical adviser, told CNN that the approaching deaths tally was "a terribly historic milestone in the history of this country."

Asked if Americans should expect to still be wearing masks into next year, Fauci said, "I think it is possible that that's the case," adding that it depended on the level of the virus in communities and potential virus variants.

"Obviously, I think we are going to have a significant degree of normality beyond the terrible burden that all of us have been through over the last year," Fauci said.

In an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press", Fauci said it was too soon to pinpoint when the United States might reach herd immunity.

"We want to get that baseline really, really, really low before we start thinking that were out of the woods."

He stated that whether people in the United States will later need a booster shot depends on the path the South African variant takes.

While the currently available vaccines appear protective against the UK variant that has appeared across the country, they are less protective against the South African one, which so far is not dominant, he said.

"If in fact this becomes more dominant, we may have to get a version of the vaccine that is directed specifically against the South African isolate," Fauci told Fox News, saying studies were already underway.
After more than a decade with Netanyahu in power, some Arab politicians have put forward a new approach: If you cant beat him, join him, said Mohammad Magadli, a well-known Arab television host. This approach is bold, but it is also very dangerous.

Palestinian citizens of Israel form more than a fifth of the Israeli population. Since the founding of the state in 1948, they have always sent a handful of Arab lawmakers to Parliament. But those lawmakers have always struggled to make an impact.

Jewish leaders have not seen Arab parties as acceptable coalition partners  some on the right vilifying them as enemies of the state and seeking the suspension of Arab lawmakers from Parliament. For their part, Arab parties have generally been more comfortable in opposition, lending infrequent support only to center-left parties whose influence has waned since the start of the century.

In some ways, this dynamic worsened in recent years. In 2015, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited the threat of relatively high Arab turnout  Arab voters are streaming in huge quantities to the polling stations, he warned on Election Day  to scare his base into voting. In 2018, his government passed new legislation that downgraded the status of Arabic and formally described Israel as the nation-state of only the Jewish people. And in 2020, even his centrist rival, Benny Gantz, refused to form a government based on the support of Arab parties.

But a year later, as Israel heads to its fourth election in two years of political deadlock, this paradigm is rapidly shifting.

Mr. Netanyahu is now vigorously courting the Arab electorate. Following his lead, Yair Lapid, a centrist contender for the premiership, said he could form a coalition with Arab lawmakers, despite disparaging them earlier in his career. Two left-wing parties have promised to work with an alliance of Arab lawmakers to advance Arab interests.
Donald Trump will be making his first post-presidential appearance at a conservative gathering in Florida next weekend. Ian Walters, spokesman for the American Conservative Union, confirmed that Trump will be speaking at the group's annual Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 28.

CPAC is being held this year in Orlando, Florida, and will feature a slew of former Trump administration officials and others who represent his wing of the GOP, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.

Trump has been keeping a relatively low profile since he retired from the White House to Palm Beach, Florida, in January, but reemerged last week to conduct a series of phone-in interviews to commemorate the death of conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh.

Trump has a long history with CPAC, which played a key role in his emergence as a political force.

Also read: US to keep tariffs on China in place for now, says Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen
People stand near the body of a dead whale after it washed ashore from the Mediterranean near Nitzanim, Israel, Feb. 19, 2021. Reuters



The carcass of an almost 17-metre fin whale has washed up on a southern Israeli shore, an AFP photographer said Friday, in the aftermath of a storm that caused massive tar pollution.



Powerful winds and unusually high waves pummelled Israel's entire Mediterranean coastline over Tuesday and Wednesday, with tonnes of tar staining beaches from Rosh Hanikra, just south of Lebanon, to Ashkelon just north of Gaza.



The rare appearance of the dead whale, of the second-biggest mammal species in the world after the Blue Whale, was initially thought to have been connected to the tar pollution.



The tar, itself apparently released by a ship unloading oil or by old tar lifted by the storm from the seabed, killed many marine creatures.





People stand around a dead 17-meter-long fin whale washed ashore on the Nitzanim Shoreline at the Mediterranean Sea near the city of Ashkelon, Israel, Feb. 19, 2021. EPA
Manitoba reported a single day drop in new COVID-19 infections Sunday with 58 cases detected provincewide as test-positivity rates remained stable around five per cent.

Manitoba reported a single day drop in new COVID-19 infections Sunday with 58 cases detected provincewide as test-positivity rates remained stable around five per cent.

In Winnipeg, public health officials said 24 new infections had been detected as of 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Meanwhile the Northern health region rivalled the capital city, reporting 25 new infections.

Southern Health added five new cases and Interlake-Eastern notched four. No new cases were detected in Prairie Mountain.

No new cases of the B.1.1.7 variant, also known as the U.K. variant, have been found in Manitoba. As of Sunday, four such variants of concern cases have been identified in the province and have all been connected to travel outside of Canada.

Public health officials also reported the deaths of two more Manitobans who contracted COVID-19: a man in his 70s connected to the outbreak at Heritage Life Personal Care Home in Niverville and a Winnipeg woman in her 80s.

Since the pandemic began, 884 Manitobans have died from COVID-19.

Provincewide, the five-day test positivity rate declined to 5.3 per cent after climbing to six per cent last week. Within Winnipeg, the test-positivity rate was 4.1 per cent. A total of 2,024 COVID-19 swabs were processed at laboratories on Saturday.

More than a week after the province rolled back some pandemic restrictions, Winnipeg is reporting a seven day average of 35 new daily infections with test positivity rates in the capital city holding steady below five per cent.

The World Health Organization recommends the test positivity rate be below five per cent for two weeks before governments move forward with further reopenings.

On Feb. 12, public health officials loosened COVID-19 prevention measures across Manitoba, allowing restaurants to host household members for dine-in while some gyms and fitness facilities reopened with capacity limits, among other reopenings. The current public health order is in effect until March 5.

Coronavirus spread in the north, on First Nations communities fighting outbreaks of COVID-19 and in the Thompson area, continued to drive up provincial totals on Sunday.

According to the province, on Sunday, Pimicikamak Cree Nation (also known as Cross Lake) had an estimated 200 active cases, including many children.

The virus is currently spreading through the community of about 8,000 people located roughly 500 kilometres north of Winnipeg. At least 146 households are affected and testing is ongoing, according to band leadership.

On Friday, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, federal and provincial officials arrived in Pimicikamak to meet with local leaders and to discuss what additional resources are needed to bring the COVID-19 outbreak under control.

The province also noted 184 active cases in the Island Lake health district and 74 active COVID-19 cases in the Thompson/Mystery Lake health district.

As of Sunday, the number of people in hospital receiving treatment for COVID-19 increased slightly to 208, including 31 patients in intensive care. Of those in hospital, 77 are considered infectious.

The province has delivered 61,426 shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, including 25,179 second doses as of Sunday. The province is expected to open up vaccine eligibility criteria to include members of the general public over 95 years old and First Nations people over 75 years old this week.

According to the province, there are 1,180 active COVID-19 cases in Manitoba, though that number is inflated due to backlogs in data entry.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca
Sreedharan's impact likely to be 'minimal'; BJP not serious contender in Kerala: Shashi Tharoor

India

pti-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 21: With E Sreedharan throwing his hat in the political ring by deciding to join the BJP, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said the technocrat is likely to have a "minimal" impact on the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls, and asserted that the BJP is not a serious contender except in a few seats in the state.

Tharoor also said it will be very difficult for the BJP to improve upon its performance of winning one seat in the 2016 assembly polls and the high point of Sreedharan's impact on Kerala elections will turn out to be the announcement of joining the BJP itself. In an interview with PTI, Tharoor said he was surprised at the announcement that Sreedharan was going to enter the political fray and join the BJP.

He said Sreedharan's entry came as a surprise to him because the technocrat had a long innings executing engineering projects, not making or implementing policies in a fractious democracy. "It's a very different world," he added.

Asked what kind of impact Sreedharan could have on the Kerala Assembly polls, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram said, "Since he has no political background or experience, I think his impact is likely to be minimal." "When I joined politics at 53, I thought I had left it too late to make the kind of impact I felt I was capable of. What can I say about someone who is 88?" Tharoor said.

On whether Sreedharan's entry will make the Kerala polls a three-way contest and the BJP will emerge as a serious contender alongside the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), he said the BJP is not a serious contender at all except in a handful of seats, and it will be very difficult for the party to improve upon the one seat it won last time.

Karnataka makes negative RT-PCR report mandatory for travellers from Maharashtra, Kerala

"The high point of the impact (of Sreedharan) will turn out to be this announcement itself," the 64-year-old former Union minister said. Sreedharan, who recently announced that he will enter the political fray by joining the BJP, had told PTI last week that he will contest the assembly elections if the BJP wants and will also be open to chief ministership if the party asks.

Known as the 'Metroman' and for completing big infrastructure projects, the 88-year-old technocrat has also said his main aim is to help the BJP come to power in Kerala. Sreedharan's entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is being seen as a major boost for the party in election-bound Kerala. The state has been ruled by the LDF and the Congress-led UDF alternately for the past many years. Tharoor said the UDF has the talent, the experience and the creative energy to build a new narrative for the future of Kerala.

"What I am working on is intended to be, above all, a 'people's manifesto' -- not just about what the Congress will do for the people of Kerala, but what the people of Kerala want and expect the Congress to do for them," said Tharoor, who has been entrusted by the Congress in bringing various pertinent issues into the UDFs election manifesto. "That is why it is so important to seek suggestions and inputs from the people, about what they judge to be lacking in their lives that a receptive and inclusive government would seek to provide," he said.

The end product should reflect a vision for 21st century Kerala, and lay out some practical directions for the state to unleash its true potential and develop into a progressive and self-reliant place, offering abundant opportunities to its people, especially the youth, Tharoor said.

"I see our 'Talk To Tharoor' campaign as an opportunity for the UDF to serve the people of Kerala through creative ideas, responsible governance and the courage and confidence to rise to the aspirations of our people," he said. It is sad but true that Keralites flourish everywhere in the world they go to, more easily than in Kerala, Tharoor argued.

"We must remove the obstacles that prevent Keralites from thriving in Kerala. The UDF has the talent, the experience and the creative energy to build a new narrative for the future," he said. The polls for the 140-member Kerala Assembly are likely to be held in April-May this year.
East Belfast UVF boss Stephen 'Mackers' Matthews is being targeted in a non-violent coup by elements of the terror gang's Shankill Road leadership.

They want to oust the 58-year-old while he and close associates Derek 'Banic' Lammey (56) and David Matthews (34) are on remand charged with affray connected to a paramilitary show of strength in east Belfast earlier this month.

Belfast Magistrates Court was told on Friday that police believe the group of 60 men in a "display of sinister force" at Pitt Park was linked to the East Belfast UVF.

The move against Matthews has the backing of veteran UVF chief-of-staff John 'Bunter' Graham and his second-in-command Harry Stockman.

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They have been told that if they want 5m of government financial aid to help members of the group morph into the Action for Community Transformation (ACT) charity, the gang must abandon criminality.

Getting rid of Matthews is seen as being central to this, as police say his East Belfast UVF is heavily involved in drug dealing and racketeering.

"There have been conversations with UVF figures in east Belfast about replacing Matthews. It won't be violence that forces him out - there is no prospect of that. If he goes, it will be a velvet coup," said a senior UVF source.

"Matthews is shrewd enough to realise that his time is coming to an end, and it would be better for everyone concerned if he went of his own accord.

"Government officials have told the UVF leadership at meetings that Matthews has to go, but the onus shouldn't be on us. It's a matter for the police."

Matthews' East Belfast UVF is the gang's biggest unit with approximately 2,000 members.

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PSNI chiefs consider it a huge money-making machine that pulls in 2m per year from criminality. It is because of this that a dedicated team within the Paramilitary Crime Taskforce has been ordered to take him down.

In preparation they have been speaking to other police forces within the UK and Ireland that have dismantled drug gangs in London, Manchester and Dublin. Cops were briefed that at the centre of such crime groups is a core of up to a dozen individuals into which all the other members feed. If police can remove these leaders, then the rest of the gang ceases to function properly.

PSNI insiders told Sunday Life that having Stephen Matthews, Derek Lammey and David Matthews on remand in prison takes away the East Belfast UVF's core.

Our source said: "Lammey is Matthews' 2IC (second-in-command) and his son David Matthews acts as a UVF enforcer and bagman.

"Having them off the streets really hurts the East Belfast UVF's ability to function as a criminal organisation.

"It also opens up the possibility for a new leadership to be installed, one that is more receptive to the transformation process other UVF brigades are currently going through."

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Supporters of Matthews are adamant he has the full backing of the UVF, not just figures in east Belfast. They insist he and his co-accused have been remanded on "trumped-up" charges and the case against them is going nowhere.

Pals of the loyalist leader are also in agreement with other senior UVF sources that any idea of an internal feud is "fanciful".

A spokesman for Matthews said last night: "Mr Matthews robustly denies the common law public order charges brought against him. He will be strongly challenging the veracity of the evidence in this case.

"Mr Matthews is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair trial. Public commentary should be mindful of the need not to prejudice those fundamental principles to which every citizen is entitled."

Stephen Matthews, Derek Lammey and David Matthews are expected to apply for high court bail later this week after being remanded on charges of affray and unlawful assembly in Belfast last Friday.

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They are alleged to have played prominent roles in an East Belfast UVF show of strength earlier this month when 60 masked and hooded men swaggered around an estate at the bottom of the Newtownards Road.

PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne told a meeting of the Policing Board that officers received specific information relating to a threat against a person and went to find him.

According to Mr Byrne, cops then put "themselves between the person sheltering and the crowd" until back-up arrived.

Belfast Magistrates Court was told the charges against the Matthews and Lammey were based on identification evidence.

It was alleged that Stephen Matthews was spotted near the front of the group "displaying a leadership role". While masks were worn during the show of strength, a prosecution lawyer said that all three defendants were recognised by build and facial recognition.

PSNI sources have identified Stephen Matthews as dressed in a black coat and bobble hat, and his son David Matthews as wearing a sand-coloured snorkel jacket.

Derek Lammey, they claim, is the man seen in the crowd in a dark-blue tracksuit, black monkey hat and facemask.

While up to 60 UVF members walked around Pitt Park, a dozen men and women were forced to seek shelter in the Ballymac Friendship Centre.

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Opposing bail at their court case on Friday, a prosecution lawyer argued that the wearing of masks was "highly indicative of those involved clearly knowing this was unlawful activity". She added: "This involved a display of sinister force."

As none of the three accused are charged with any paramilitary offences, their lawyers have disputed the evidence against them.

Stephen Matthews' barrister told the court no face coverings or clothing to match the alleged description were discovered at his client's home.

"This case has been all over the news. There have been politicians getting involved with complaints about how police dealt with it and then mysteriously a number of arrests are made," he said.

David Matthews' lawyer, meanwhile, argued that the alleged UVF connection should be ignored.

He said: "The court simply cannot take account of claims in the community that someone may or may not be a member of an organisation."

cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison joins Aged care resident Jane Malysiak (left) as she receives the first Codid-19 vaccine in Australia during a visit to Castle Hill Medical Centre to preview the COVID-19 vaccination program on Feb. 21, 2021. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

First Australians Including PM Get Vaccine Jab

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has become one of the first in Australia to get a COVID-19 vaccination, describing it as a curtain raiser to the national rollout which starts on Monday.

The prime minister joined Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly and Chief Nursing Officer Alison McMillan getting vaccinated at a Sydney medical centre, as well as healthcare workers.

But heading the vaccination queue was aged care resident Jane Malysiak, 84, who survived World War II in Poland as a child before migrating to Australia.

This is a curtain raiser, Mr Morrison told reporters on Sunday.

Tens of thousands of people will be coming in tomorrow, and I wanted them to know as they went to bed tonight that we have been able to demonstrate our confidence in the health and safety of this vaccination.

The rollout more broadly commences on Monday, targeting health and border control workers, aged care residents and their carers in the first phase.

Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed that he and the head of the Department of Health and former chief medical officer Brendan Murphy will get the alternative AstraZeneca jab when it becomes available at a later date.

Donned in his Australia flag face mask and preparing for his injection, Mr Morrison said: Im ready to go, just like the country,.

You all thought theres be tatts there, didnt you? he quipped as the arm of his T-shirt was lifted to deliver the jab.

Mr Hunt told ABCs Insiders program he wants as many as people as possible to be vaccinated, but declined to put a figure on what percentage he wanted to see.

Weve provisioned so that  every Australian has access to vaccines. Weve secured 150 million doses of a range of vaccines, he said.

The first jabs came after hundreds of people took to the streets on Saturday to protest against having the vaccination.

Even so, according to an Australian Bureau of Statistics survey, almost three quarters of Australians said they would get the vaccine.

There were no locally acquired COVID-19 cases reported across the country on Sunday, but there were three infections in NSW quarantine, two in South Australia and one in Western Australia.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner left self-isolation after testing negative for COVID-19 and after becoming unwell on Friday morning at the Bombing of Darwin Day commemoration.

In Victoria, the Andrews government announced $143 million in relief for businesses unable to operate on Valentines Day during the states five-day lockdown.

Meanwhile, the one-way travel bubble with New Zealand resumed on Sunday which allows people to travel to Australia without having to quarantine for 14 days.

But if they have been in Auckland in the two weeks before departing, they will need a negative coronavirus test. That condition will remain until March 1.

The travel bubble was swiftly halted last week after an outbreak of COVID-19 in Auckland.

Prof Kelly said briefings from New Zealand showed the recent cases now posed a low risk.

By Colin Brinsden
Imperial Valley News Center

WWII Nazi Concentration Camp Guard Removed to Germany

Washington, DC - Today a Tennessee resident with German citizenship was removed to Germany for participating in Nazi-sponsored acts of persecution while serving as an armed guard at a Nazi concentration camp in 1945.

In February 2020, Friedrich Karl Berger, 95, was ordered removed from the U.S. based on his participation in Nazi-sponsored persecution while serving in Nazi Germany in 1945 as an armed guard of concentration camp prisoners in the Neuengamme Concentration Camp system (Neuengamme).

Bergers removal demonstrates the Department of Justices and its law enforcement partners commitment to ensuring that the United States is not a safe haven for those who have participated in Nazi crimes against humanity and other human rights abuses, said Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson. The Department marshaled evidence that our Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section found in archives here and in Europe, including records of the historic trial at Nuremberg of the most notorious former leaders of the defeated Nazi regime. In this year in which we mark the 75th anniversary of the Nuremberg convictions, this case shows that the passage even of many decades will not deter the Department from pursuing justice on behalf of the victims of Nazi crimes.

We are committed to ensuring the United States will not serve as a safe haven for human rights violators and war criminals, said Acting ICE Director Tae Johnson. We will never cease to pursue those who persecute others. This case exemplifies the steadfast dedication of both ICE and the Department of Justice to pursue justice and to hunt relentlessly for those who participated in one of historys greatest atrocities, no matter how long it takes.

Friedrich Karl Berger (1959)

In November 2020, the Board of Immigration Appeals upheld a Memphis, Tennessee, Immigration Judges Feb. 28, 2020, decision that Berger was removable under the 1978 Holtzman Amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act because his willing service as an armed guard of prisoners at a concentration camp where persecution took place constituted assistance in Nazi-sponsored persecution. The court found that Berger served at a Neuengamme sub-camp near Meppen, Germany, and that the prisoners there included Jews, Poles, Russians, Danes, Dutch, Latvians, French, Italians, and political opponents of the Nazis. The largest groups of prisoners were Russian, Dutch and Polish civilians.

After a two-day trial in February 2020, the presiding judge issued an opinion finding that Meppen prisoners were held during the winter of 1945 in atrocious conditions and were exploited for outdoor forced labor, working to the point of exhaustion and death. The court further found, and Berger admitted, that he guarded prisoners to prevent them from escaping during their dawn-to-dusk workday, on their way to worksites and on their way back to the SS-run subcamp in the evening.

At the end of March 1945, as allied British and Canadian forces advanced, the Nazis abandoned Meppen. The court found that Berger helped guard the prisoners during their forcible evacuation to the Neuengamme main camp  a nearly two-week trip under inhumane conditions, which claimed the lives of some 70 prisoners. The decision also cited Bergers admission that he never requested a transfer from concentration camp guard service and that he continues to receive a pension from Germany based on his employment in Germany, including his wartime service.

In 1946, British occupation authorities in Germany charged SS Obersturmfuhrer Hans Griem, who had headed the Meppen sub-camps, and other Meppen personnel with war crimes for ill-treatment and murder of Allied nationals. Although Griem escaped before trial, the British court tried and convicted other defendants of war crimes in 1947.

The trial and appeal of the removal case were handled by Eli Rosenbaum, Director of Human Rights Enforcement and Policy in the Criminal Divisions Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), HRSP Senior Trial Attorney Susan Masling, and attorneys from ICE New Orleans, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (Memphis), with assistance from HRSP Chief Historian Jeffrey S. Richter. Daniel I. Smulow, Senior Counsel for National Security in the Justice Department Civil Divisions Office of Immigration Litigation has participated in the litigation of Bergers appeal.

The investigation was initiated by the HRSP and was conducted in partnership with the Nashville HSI office.

Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson expressed gratitude for assistance provided by the FBI, our German colleagues, and by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Since the 1979 inception of the Justice Departments program to detect, investigate, and remove Nazi persecutors, it has won cases against 109 individuals. Over the past 30 years, the Justice Department has won more cases against persons who participated in Nazi persecution than have the law enforcement authorities of all the other countries in the world combined. HRSPs case against Berger was part of its ongoing efforts to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals who engaged in genocide, torture, war crimes, recruitment or use of child soldiers, female genital mutilation, and other serious human rights violations. HRSP attorneys prosecuted the first torture case brought in the United States and have successfully prosecuted criminal cases against perpetrators of human rights violations committed in Guatemala, Ethiopia, Liberia, Cuba, and the former Yugoslavia, among others.

This removal was supported by ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations and Office of the Principal Legal Advisor as well as the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC). The HRVWCC is comprised of HSIs Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Unit, ICEs Human Rights Law Division, FBIs International Human Rights Unit, and HRSP. Established in 2009, the HRVWCC furthers the governments efforts to identify, locate and prosecute human rights abusers in the United States, including those who are known or suspected to have participated in persecution, war crimes, genocide, torture, extrajudicial killings, female genital mutilation and the use or recruitment of child soldiers. The HRVWCC leverages the expertise of a select group of agents, lawyers, intelligence and research specialists, historians and analysts who direct the governments broader enforcement efforts against these offenders.

Canary Islands, 21 February 2021 (SPS)- Vice-president of the Canary Islands,Mr. Roman Rodriguez, has made an appeal to the government of Mr. Pedro Sanchez to assume Spanish states full responsibility to conduct self-determination referendum in Western Sahara, as to intervene to halt Moroccos violations of human rights.



In a meeting with POLISARIO representative in Madrid Mr. Abdallahi Al-Arabi, the Canary official indicated that supporting the Saharawi issue has long been a priority in the political and humanitarian programme of his government.



In a visit to Canary institutions ahead of the commemoration of SADR proclamation, the Saharawi diplomat, for his part, hailed Canarys great historic support to the Saharawi people, reflected in a positive noticeable reality in the Saharawi refugee camps. (SPS)



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Rishi Sunak is planning to announce the extension of furlough-style support for businesses hit by Covid until the autumn, The Mail on Sunday has learned.

The Chancellor has told Tory MPs that support for some businesses will need to last beyond the summer, particularly for those that will not open any time soon, such as nightclubs.

The MPs say Mr Sunak will present the furlough as an offset to the tax rises.

The Autumn Budget is expected to be used to announce tax rises to come in from 2022. The MPs say Mr Sunak will present the furlough as an offset to the tax rises

He will deliver his second Budget on March 3, and is expected to lay down markers for future tax rises to start balancing the books.

Corporation tax is set to rise from next year from 19 to 24 per cent, in staggered stages. High earners are also likely to be hit.

An announcement is also expected on freeports, including naming the first three or four, a source said.

The Autumn Budget is expected to be used to announce tax rises to come in from 2022.

The Treasury has spent more than 300 billion supporting the economy through the pandemic, with Mr Sunak keen to tell MPs he will balance the books once the Covid crisis is over.

Corporation tax is set to rise from next year from 19 to 24 per cent, in staggered stages. High earners are also likely to be hit.

Raising revenue through an online tax, green taxes and property taxes in the long run have been mooted.

These will struggle to match the three big revenue raisers  VAT, National Insurance and income tax  although the current consensus in the Government is to keep them off the table in line with Boris Johnsons manifesto pledge.

One insider warned that not increasing one of the big three means death by a thousand tax rises which ends up angering many different groups.

A Treasury source said: It is not fair to frame the furlough as a sort of figleaf for tax rises.

Where Mr. Biden falls is the ultimate unknown. A longtime institutionalist, he has said he opposes ending the filibuster, giving cover to his partys centrist wing. But some Democrats believe that his administration is playing out its options and that once he faces the inevitable opposition of Republicans, he will nix Washington traditionalism in favor of passing his agenda.

During his town hall event in Wisconsin, Mr. Biden signaled an openness to negotiations about the minimum wage, speaking of a gradual increase while also affirming his commitment to $15 per hour. He also rejected one question about whether he intended to cancel up to $50,000 in student debt via executive order.

I will not make that happen, he said.

The answer set off an outcry among progressives, student activists and some members of Congress, who argued that he had not only the legal authority but also a political mandate to act.

Ms. Warren penned a letter with Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, that said they were confident the Biden administration would agree with the standards Obama and Trump used as well as leading legal experts who have concluded that the administration has broad authority to immediately deliver much-needed relief to millions of Americans.

In the phone interview, she said Mr. Biden had run not only on unity and restoring bipartisanship, but also on the most progressive policy platform in history.

Biden has said: Im not going to hand you a veto. Im not going to let you block what this moment demands, Im not going to let us stop the changes that we need to make for the American people, Ms. Warren said. So I think that Biden has gotten this exactly right, wants to work on a bipartisan basis, but not at the cost of getting nothing done.
In view of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the Uddhav Thackeray government is contemplating imposing a night curfew to curb the virus, State Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar informed on Sunday while adding that the decision will be soon taken by the state government.

"The cases are increasing on daily basis in several districts of Maharashtra. Due to this, an order to enforce the norms has been given to all district magistrates. They have also have been authorised to take decisions in view of the pandemic situation," said Wadettiwar.

"In view of rising COVID-19 cases in districts like Nagpur, Amravati, Yatvmal, Maharashtra Government is thinking of imposing a night curfew in the districts. A meeting chaired by the Chief Minister (Uddhav Thackeray) to be held soon to make a decision," he added.

This comes amid a rising number of cases in Maharashtra which has prompted the state government officials to reinforce the norms. The State Health Department on Saturday informed that 6,281 new COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

The total cases in the state increased to 20,93,913 including 48,439 active cases and 19,92,530 total recoveries. The death toll in the state mounted to 51,753 including the new deaths, the state department said.

(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.)
It is time to be positive. After almost 12 months of hunkering down as Covid-19 raged, economic recovery is on the way. Not just in the UK, but globally as economies across the world emerge from lockdown and life hopefully returns close to normality.

Although China is leading the global economic reboot, the UK is in a mighty strong position to recover from the pounding it took last year, resulting in a near 10 per cent shrinkage in the economy.

More than 15 million UK adults have been vaccinated and the Government will unveil tomorrow its plans to get the economy out of lockdown and back on track.

Road to riches? We have asked some of the countrys leading investment experts to explain how people can make long-term profits from investing in the global recovery

Against this positive backdrop, we have asked some of the countrys leading investment experts to explain how people can make long-term profits from investing in some of the companies and worlds stock markets that are likely to thrive as the world goes into growth mode.

Here, we identify some of the investment funds that could shine in the years ahead, while our inimitable Midas (Joanne Hart) reveals her winning share picks.

BEGINNING ON THE HOME FRONT...

Jason Hollands, a director of wealth manager Tilney, says: The UK is the most promising of the developed markets for its recovery potential this year. It was harder hit than most markets last year because of its high exposure to cyclical, economically sensitive stocks such as those in financial services and energy.

As a result, unlike some other developed markets, notably the US, it isnt trading at a record high. So, it has more return to give and looks great value from the perspective of global investors whom I expect to see taking a renewed interest this year, especially now that Brexit uncertainties have faded.

What excites me most is the cash war chest that households have amassed during lockdown  some 125billion. I think that as lockdown eases, a big chunk of these forced savings will come flooding into the economy, feeding a virtuous circle of economic growth.

Beware the US 'mania' It is no coincidence that the fund picks of our investment experts are largely devoid of exposure to the United States. As FundExperts Brian Dennehy says, the buoyant US stock market and the behaviour of US investors in particular across a range of assets such as cryptocurrencies, screams maniacal. He believes the end of the mania when it comes will be ugly with falls in asset prices  US equities and cryptocurrencies  in excess of 50 per cent and rapid falls will be commonplace. But, he adds, there is no natural end to a mania. He adds: I hope for a Biden honeymoon to allow the investment potential locked up in UK and emerging markets to blossom. But hope is not an investment strategy. That means investors must take care in where they invest and have a stop-loss in place  selling on market falls of 10 per cent or more. In other words, diversify your investments  geographically and across funds  and invest regularly rather than on an ad hoc basis.

Axa Framlington UK Mid Cap should perform well in this environment. The companies it holds make more than 46 per cent of their revenues in the UK  compared to 27 per cent for the UK stock market as a whole. Its a fund that should thrive on the back of a UK economic recovery.

Ryan Hughes, head of active portfolios at wealth manager AJ Bell, says: Man GLG Undervalued Assets has exposure to those companies that are currently somewhat unloved and undervalued in the UK but which will prosper as economic recovery gets underway.

Holdings such as easyJet, Ryanair and Wetherspoons should benefit once people start travelling again or are allowed to visit their local pub.

Ben Yearsley, investment director at Shore Financial Planning, says: Montanaro UK Smaller Companies remains my favourite way of accessing quality UK smaller companies.

It invests in simple companies with good prospects in a region [the UK] that has been unloved by investors for the past four to five years  and where the problems are largely sorted.

Freddie Woodhead, investment manager at JM Finn, says: I see the best equity opportunities in the UK because it has lagged global markets for the past four years. Polar Capital UK Value Opportunities looks for companies that are trading at a temporary discount to their intrinsic value. The fund should capitalise on a change of sentiment towards the UK after years of neglect from overseas investors.

Brian Dennehy, director of scrutineer FundExpert, says: Everything changed on Pfizer Monday (November 9, 2020) when hope for the future could be cashed in for something more concrete  recovery fuelled by a pandemic vaccine. That road to recovery reached another important milestone six days ago  Pfizer Monday II  with the news from Israel confirming 94 per cent effectiveness for the Pfizer drug. On that same day, the UK stock market enjoyed a broadly based sharp bounce.

To put this bounce into perspective, the UK stock market went up 2.5 per cent six days ago whereas France and Germany were up by 1.45 and 0.42 per cent respectively. This was no one-off  it has been commonplace since Pfizer Monday.

The UK is stirring and the investment opportunities are clearly emerging. The march of the vaccines, combined with the end of Brexit uncertainty, are a powerful antidote for the UK stock market which has been under the weather since 2016  leading to global investors keeping their distance.

These global investors are now underweight in the UK and the UK stock market has not been cheaper versus the rest of the world in decades. Economic recovery will spur value-style funds which have been poor performers over the last decade when markets have been driven by central bank action rather than a buoyant economy.

Value funds dont just buy what is cheap, but what is cheap without good reason. The leading fund in this area is Schroder Recovery, supported by an expert team with considerable strength. It has massively outperformed the FTSE 100 index since Pfizer Monday. I expect that to continue.

BROADEN HORIZONS... IN EMERGING MARKETS

Deennehy says: Emerging markets have been overlooked for a decade and now look superb value. No longer are they dominated by commodity-type businesses at the mercy of Western economic cycles. Technological innovation and increasingly confident consumers have transformed their outlook, and its all rather exciting from an investor point of view.

Jason Hollands at wealth manager Tilney says the pandemic has sped up the rise of China, which is now forecast to eclipse the US by 2028, five years earlier than previously expected

Emerging market companies are at the forefront of many new and fast-growing industries. The electric vehicle battery industry is an example. There are five big manufacturers which make up 82 per cent of the global market  four are located in emerging market economies.

Technological innovation means increasing productivity, higher wages, more consumption and growing middle classes  a powerful virtuous circle.

M&G Global Emerging Markets should be a substantial beneficiary from global recovery with emerging markets playing a central role.

Yearsley says: Alquity Indian Subcontinent focuses on companies with businesses centred on domestic and rural India. Its view is that rural India will drive an economic recovery.

The India story is fascinating. Yes, its behind China in many areas, but its the worlds second most populated country and is working its way up the economic growth tables.

With a young population and despite low healthcare standards, it has been less troubled by Covid than many other countries  and has not had to spend as much on propping up the economy.

AJ Bells Ryan Hughes says: China is growing at a phenomenal rate and domestic China is transforming from a manufacturing economy to one based on consumption. The A shares market is Chinas domestic stock exchange and comprises hundreds of companies bigger than many in the FTSE 100 Index.

Allianz has been investing in this market for many years, managing the money locally and building up a strong knowledge of company management. The Allianz China A Shares fund will be volatile in terms of performance, but offers something different for long-term investors.

Hollands says: While all major economies are expected to return to growth this year, it will be particularly sharp in emerging Asia where the International Monetary Fund predicts GDP in India to grow by 11.5 per cent and in China by 8.3 per cent.

The pandemic has sped up the rise of China which is now forecast to eclipse the US  the worlds largest economy  by 2028, five years earlier than previously expected.

Although there is a lot of attention on US-China trade tension, future Chinese growth will be more about the home consumer than exports. In fact, consumption now accounts for 54 per cent of Chinese GDP.

One fund well positioned to take advantage is Aubrey Global Emerging Market Opportunities.

It is run from Edinburgh by seasoned manager Andrew Dalrymple and has a major focus on the emerging market consumer  with 39 per cent of the fund invested in consumer discretionary stocks and 28 per cent in consumer staples.

Chinese stocks make up 60 per cent of the portfolio and Indian companies around a quarter. Dzmitry Lipski, head of investment research at wealth manager Interactive Investor, says: Asia tackled the pandemic more efficiently than the West and is likely to lead global recovery.

Asian equities are still trading at attractive valuations with higher earnings growth. We like good quality investment options such as Pacific Assets Trust, managed by Stewart Investors. The trust is on our recommended list of ethically minded investments.

BUILD A PORTFOLIO... WITH INFRASTRUCTURE

Hollands says: Across the globe, governments are talking about big plans to invest in infrastructure.

This was the case before the pandemic but it has been given added impetus as governments look to infrastructure investment to help rebuild battered economies and seek to take advantage of ultra-low borrowing costs to help finance this.

Investing in infrastructure: Hollands says this is happening across the globe, including in the US with Joe Bidens 'Build Back Better' proposal

We are witnessing it here with Boris Johnsons levelling-up agenda, in the US with Joe Bidens Build Back Better proposal and the European green deal also has infrastructure at its heart.

Lazard Global Listed Infrastructure Equity invests in the shares of listed companies involved in infrastructure, rather than directly in projects themselves.

Its portfolio includes US rail freight group CSX, Italian electric grid operator Terna and UK water group Pennon.

Hughes says: Its likely that governments will look to infrastructure spending as a way of helping economies recover, while airports and toll roads will see a big pick-up in usage as we go back to a more normal way of life.

First Sentier has been investing in this sector for many years and its Global Listed Infrastructure fund has exposure to all key areas  such as water, highways and railways.
CAIRO : Kuwait's Civil Aviation Authority on Saturday announced it was extending an entry ban for non-Kuwaiti citizens until further notice as part of coronavirus restriction measures, it said on Twitter.

Citizens are still allowed to enter but they must spend a week in quarantine at a hotel and another week at home.

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Disturbing Chinese government statistics reveal a huge drop in the number of old people receiving state payments in Hubei  the province containing the city of Wuhan  in the immediate aftermath of the pandemics eruption.

The official data, which shows a fall of more than 150,000 people receiving the benefits in the first quarter of last year, will fuel fears the death toll from Covid-19 in China was far higher than the government has admitted.

According to the Chinese authorities, there have been only 4,636 Covid deaths in their nation of 1.4 billion  with all except 124 of the fatalities in the central province of Hubei. There is widespread scepticism over these figures.

They conflict with studies of cremations and news reports from Wuhan, one of which claimed 10,000 funeral urns were delivered over two days to a single funeral home before news was censored.

The official data, which shows a fall of more than 150,000 people receiving the benefits in the first quarter of last year, will fuel fears the death toll from Covid-19 in China was far higher than the government has admitted. Pictured, the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

The Hubei government website discloses the number of elderly enjoying the old age allowance fell from 1,149,153 in the final quarter of 2019 to 997,332 in the first three months of 2020  a decline of 151,821.

This followed the diseases emergence, with most scientists believing it started circulating undetected in Wuhan some time in October or November 2019. The state benefit is paid to people from the age of 80.

This sharp drop of applicants for pension subsidies in Hubei is highly dubious, said Lianchao Han, a leading pro-democracy activist and former government official. I fear all those missing seniors may be among the victims of Covid-19. Communist China habitually lies, even about natural disasters, so it is not surprising the regime has lied consistently about the pandemic the ruling party has no respect for human life.

The patchy Hubei data shows the number of pension recipients at similar levels in 2018 and the end of 2019, then crashing during the pandemics peak. There was a marginal rise of 4,141 in April to June, then a surge back to almost previous levels in the third quarter.

Peter Ben Embarek, of the World Health Organization team, right, shakes hands with his Chinese counterpart Liang Wannian after a WHO-China Joint Study Press Conference held at the end of the WHO mission in Wuhan

The figures for Wuhan itself are not updated since 2019. The city of 11 million was locked down on January 23 last year, three days after the government finally admitted to human transmission of the new virus. There is no similar fall in other allowances such as disability benefits, so the drop is unlikely to be due to the restrictive measures keeping people in their homes.

The ruling party has no respect for human life

China is home to one-sixth of the worlds population  yet despite being the birthplace of the pandemic and guilty of appalling cover-ups to suppress news of its outbreak, the authorities claim to have seen 25 times fewer fatalities than Britain.

In the days after Wuhans lockdown, the CIA warned that China was hiding the real number of infections and deaths, while several studies suggested fatality levels were at least ten times higher than being admitted. Wuhan funeral home furnaces worked round the clock to dispose of bodies, with estimates of almost 30,000 cremations a month in the first months.

The studies are all very consistent  showing that actual deaths were much higher than admitted, said Mai He, associate professor of pathology and immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis.

The Chinese-born doctor has published a paper on crematorium data that found fatality levels to be at least ten times higher than claimed by Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping chairs the China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Summit and delivers a keynote speech via video link in Beijing

Another study of 452 Hubei residents evacuated in March to Hong Kong suggested infection levels were 30 times higher in the region than official figures.

The latest revelation comes amid growing evidence the virus started spreading in Wuhan earlier than admitted by the Communist dictatorship, before exploding in multiple locations in the city rather than one food market as first claimed.

Chinese authorities told the World Health Organisation it knew of 174 confirmed Covid cases in Wuhan in December 2019, along with 90 people hospitalised with similar symptoms in the two months before the disease was identified.

These figures, higher than previously admitted, imply thousands more mild or undiagnosed cases were circulating in the city  yet the WHO team was refused access to data on these and thousands of other possible early cases.

In January, the US government suggested several researchers at Wuhan Institute of Virology fell sick in autumn 2019 with Covid-like symptoms.

The WHO team, vetted by Beijing, was criticised for rejecting suggestions of a lab leak as extremely unlikely, and pushing Chinas narrative that the virus might have emerged outside its borders and been imported on frozen food.

Western health bodies disregard the idea. The WHO inquiry into the origins is expected to issue its interim report this week, said a spokesman.





Position Objective: The Social Media Specialist is a member of the Anne Arundel Medical Center Marketing and Communications team. The individual is responsible for coordinating, overseeing and executing the social media strategy for the health system and supporting the content marketing strategy. The key objective of this role is to use social media to drive AAMC's content marketing strategy, align all content marketing with overall communication and marketing goals, and ensure that Anne Arundel Medical Center remains at the forefront of effectively leveraging the social technology available to drive broader awareness and engagement. The Social Media Specialist works in a busy office environment with frequent deadlines and phone interruptions. Responsibilities may require flexible working hours on occasion. The position may require travel to off-site locations and other community venues. Essential Job Duties: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Create, manage and execute the strategy and daily management of AAMC social media channels and all social media marketing efforts. In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team, ensure integration of all social media communication efforts across the health system. Collaborate with other AAMC leaders, service lines, departments and offices as appropriate. Serves as managing editor for AAMC's blog. Regularly monitor and report on social media efforts to ensure organizational priorities are being met across all social channels. Manage AAMC's online reputation by monitoring social media and review sites and by developing appropriate responses, in conjunction with AAMC leaders, to actively strengthen reputation and improve public perceptions. Write copy for social media platforms and campaigns and contribute regularly to health system blog. In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team, support thought leaders, service lines, departments, and offices throughout the health system in developing social media strategies and leverage existing AAMC social media influencers. Research, organize and execute strategic coordination with other social communities and influencers outside AAMC. Oversee social listening to bring forward trends or opportunities and address relevant issues. Facilitate service recovery by addressing comments, complaints and incidents through appropriate response or by triaging to Patient Advocacy and the designated department/leader. Supervise and support individual program social media efforts and lead a system-wide social media governance committee. Create social media best practice guidelines and training materials to educate, inform and guide employees in social media use. Coordinate with departments throughout the health system operating on a shared governance model for social media content created outside of the Marketing and Communications team. Is part of media rotation for 24-hour on-call coverage; contributes to crisis communication strategies in tandem with senior leaders to develop official responses, as needed. Assist Marketing and Communications team with other departmental activities as assigned. Educational/Experience Requirements: The minimum level of education and experience for this position includes: Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism or related field required. Minimum of two years' experience in journalism, media relations, marketing, social media management or public relations.

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and strong interpersonal skills.

Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and demonstrated ability in managing multiple projects simultaneously while working effectively under the pressure of last-minute deadlines and changing priorities.

Ability to effectively communicate complex and medical/scientific ideas in laypeople's terms is essential.

Takes initiative and functions effectively, both independently and as a member of a team, with a willingness to assist with routine and last-minute projects.

Exceptional judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential issues. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.

Experience with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media platforms as well as social media management tools.

Healthcare industry knowledge and community knowledge are ideal. Required License/Certifications: Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands: There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will not be exposed to blood-borne pathogens. Physical Demands - Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work. The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.


Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Chance of a morning shower. Cloudy skies. High 61F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

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Vote Percentage of Parties in Puducherry2021: How did the parties fare

Puducherry Political Crisis: Narayanasamy govt to face crucial floor test today

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 21: The ruling Congress government led-by V Narayanasamy is set to face a crucial floor test to prove its majority in the Puducherry Assembly on Monday.

Puducherry Congress-led govt falls | CM loses trust vote | Oneindia News

Beleaguered Narayanasamy, who held a meeting with theremaining MLAs of the Congress and DMK, said the government'sstrategy would be made known before Monday's floor test, ordered by Lt Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, to prove hismajority.

Two more MLAs of the Congress-DMK alliance in Puducherry resigned on Sunday, delivering yet another jolt to Chief Minister V Narayanasamy as the ruling side's strength further depleted to 11 against opposition's 14in the 33-member assembly, a day before the trust vote.

The fresh bout of resignations took the tally in the last few days to three and the cumulative since last month to sixand further reduced the strength of the Congress-DMK combinein the assembly to 11.

Puducherry floor test: CM meets Congress, DMK MLAs to discuss strategy

Soundararajan had on Thursday ordered the floor test after the opposition, which has 14 MLAs, petitioned her, saying the government has been reduced to minority and it should prove its strength in the assembly.

On Sunday, Congress member K Lakshminarayanan and DMK's K Venkatesan quit the assembly, with the former saying the government lacked majority in the wake of the spate of resignations while the Dravidian party legislator hit out atthe alleged lack of funds to meet people's requirements.

The present party position in the assembly: Congress(nine, including Speaker), DMK two, All-India NR Congressseven, AIADMK four, BJP three (all nominated with votingrights) and one independent who has supported the government.

There are seven vacancies.

Lakshminarayanan and Venkatesan submitted their resignation letters separately to Assembly Speaker V P Sivakolundhu at his residence here.

Speaking to reporters, Lakshminarayanan said, ''thisgovernment led by Narayanasamy has lost majority.'' He said he has also resigned from the Congress party.

Later, Venkatesan told the media that he had quit thepost of MLA only and continued to be in the DMK.

''... I was not able to meet the needs of the people inmy constituency since there was no allocation of funds under the MLA Local Area Development fund,'' he said.

Five Congress MLAs--including ex-ministers A Namassivayam(now in BJP) and Malladi Krishna Rao have quit since last month, while another party legislator was disqualified earlier.

Meanwhile, Narayanasamy, who held a meeting with the Congress and DMK MLAs and others here, said the discussions centered around the strategy to be adopted in the House on Monday.

''No final decision was taken by the participants attoday's meeting... ministers and legislators of the Congress DMK alliance attended and they only discussed the strategy tobe adopted on Monday,'' the chief minister said.

While 'several suggestions'' were put forth in themeeting, it was ''unanimously decided'' that the coalition MLAs will meet on Monday again before the start of the special session of the House to take final decision.

''We will disclose our strategy on the floor of the House tomorrow,'' Narayanasamy said.

The CM-chaired meeting was attended by all three Ministers - M Kandasamy, M O H F Shah Jahan and RKamalakannan, deputy Speaker M N R Balan, Congress MLAs Vidjeaveny, T Jayamoorthy, government whip R K R Anandaraman, DMK legislators R Siva and Geetha Anandan, the lone Lok Sabhamember V Vaithilingam and PCC president A V Subramanian.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 23:44 [IST]
Donald Trump might as well be known as He Who Must Not Be Named at this weekends California Republican Party convention.

Thats because the California GOP has a tightrope to walk. Republicans dont want to talk too fondly of Trump in a state where twice as many people (64%) hold negative views of the former president as positive ones (32%), according to a Berkeley IGS Poll. And they especially dont want to focus on him when Democrats are already casting the potential recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom as a Trumpist plot.

But the GOP cant disown his name like its a San Francisco high school. Not when 2 out of 3 California Republicans say they would back Trump for president again in 2024, according to that same poll. The party is going to need its Trump-loving base to be energized if it hopes to recall Newsom.

Thats why party chair Jessica Millan Patterson has reflexively shrugged off Trump questions for most of her four-year term. (Shes expected to be re-elected to another Sunday.) But others are taking a nuanced view.

Corrin Rankin, a Stockton resident who was a member of the advisory board of Black Voices for Trump during the 2020 campaign, told me that while Trump is still the leader of our party, when it comes to California, we are best served by focusing on California and giving voters very viable options and solutions to our current administration.

Tim Rosales, an adviser to GOP governor candidate John Cox  whom Trump endorsed in his failed 2018 bid against Newsom  said, You cannot succeed in the future by running the last campaign. And in the case of California, that future doesnt include the former president.

GOP governor candidate Kevin Faulconer pivoted so sharply away from a Trump question I asked him the other day when he was campaigning in San Francisco that its surprising he remained standing. The question: How should California Republicans handle Trump?

What our California Republican Party is rightfully focused on is this recall of the governor and the governors race in California, Faulconer said.

But while party leaders try to avoid the T-word, the scheduled lineup of speakers at the state GOPs virtual convention this weekend would feel right at home at Mar-a-Lago.

It includes New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, whom Trump called a star for the way she defended him during his first impeachment; Florida Sen. Rick Scott, one of only eight senators who voted against certifying President Bidens Electoral College victory in Pennsylvania; and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who gave Trump a $1,100 bust with his face on Mount Rushmore. Yes, really.

Disclaimer: No presidents currently on Mount Rushmore were kicked off to make room for Trump on the 4-foot-high sculpture.

Of course, these speakers also get something in return by appearing virtually at the convention: face time in a state that gave more to Republican candidates than any other in 2020, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Some of those speakers may run for president in 2024.

Progressive challenge to Newsom? Speaking of the recall, one of the scenarios that keeps Gov. Gavin Newsoms supporters up at night is another Democrat jumping into the race  especially if that Democrat is a progressive who can rally the Sen. Bernie Sanders wing of the party.

But that person has yet to emerge, said Norman Solomon, co-founder and national coordinator of RootsAction.org, a former Sanders delegate to the Democratic National Convention and an organizer in progressive circles.

I havent heard any feelers, even second- or third-hand, from someone who would be interested, said Solomon, who lives in Marin County.

Fremont Rep. Ro Khanna has said he isnt interested. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would be reluctant to lose other progressive Democrats, like Reps. Barbara Lee of Oakland or Karen Bass of Los Angeles, while holding such a narrow majority in the House.

Solomon is no fan of Newsom. He wrote in the progressive publication Common Dreams last week that both New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Newsom know how to talk progressive, but theyre corporate Democrats to the core.

Nevertheless, Solomon is opposed to the recall, as are most progressives. But if were stuck with it, were going to have to hash out what to do.

California Exit Interview: The story of why people are leaving California will dominate upcoming political campaigns. Heres the latest California Exit Interview, where we ask ex-Californians why they left.

Deanna Rhoades, 25, didnt want to leave for Tucson, Ariz. Shes a native Californian who was born in Walnut Creek and graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in ecology and evolution. She was looking for a research job studying wildlife.

A lot of people think that if you study that there must be tons of jobs in Santa Cruz, because everyone there wants to do that. But thats exactly the problem, she said.

Its a pricey place. Rhoades grew tired of paying $750 to $800 a month for a room in a house with three or more roommates. So in July, she moved to Arizona. The job scene isnt much better, but the cost of living is.

 What she found outside of California: Plenty of studios for less than $700 a month.

 What she didnt expect to find, but did: racial diversity  and good food.

 Biggest surprise: How politically blue it is here.

 What she misses most: Being around a thriving community of hippies. I really vibed with a lot of hippies.

 Surprising trade-off: Although she misses the ocean breeze and the redwoods, I was so stressed out by my economic situation that I didnt have the mental health to be able to fully appreciate them. I feel like because that aspect of my life is better here, Ive actually been able to appreciate my surroundings more.

 Least favorite thing about Arizona: It gets really hot here in the summer. But my boyfriend likes to say that the heat is good because it keeps away Californians who might want to move to a more affordable place.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
Prayagraj, Feb 21 (UNI) Congress General Secretary In-Charge of Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday reached the Basawar village in Ghurpur area here, to extend support and solace to the Nishad community, who were allegedly harassed by the local police for mining in Ganga river.



According to Ms Vadra, it was the right of the Nishad community, including boatmen and fishermen on the rivers, and no one can deny it.



She said, 'This government is only interested in giving all the rights to some selected industrialists and denying the genuine ones.

'Similar is the case of farmers, where a handful of industrialists are being promoted, while the deserving ryots are being denied of their rights," she added, while interacting with the fishermen and their families.



Ms Vadra said the government was more interested in protecting the mafias in every sector, rather than giving the poor their rights, to meet their livelihood requirement.



If required, senior party lawyers will be consulted to fight the case of people, who were beaten up by the police and for banning their livelihood.



The Congress leader said that her party will stand behind the Nishad community strongly and fight for their cause.



'You all had supported the BJP in 2017 to form the government here in the state, but now they are denying your rights and harassing you. It shows their character,' she said.



UP Congress Legislature Party Leader Aradhana Mishra Mona, who was also present along with State president Ajay Kumar Lallu, announced that the party will raise the issue in the ongoing Budget session of the state Assembly.

Earlier, Ms Vadra had taken a boat ride to the Sangam, a confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, where she took a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya on February 11.

Rower Sujit Nishad had then told the Gandhi scion about the issues that boatmen belonging to the Nishad community were facing, including brutality against them by the police, who he alleged, destroyed their boats.



The boatman requested her assistance in raising their voices against the oppression to which she agreed, party sources said.



He said that several boats belonging to the Nishad community, an OBC (other backward class) caste, were damaged by the police and administrative officials.



The Uttar Pradesh government banned the use of boats in sand mining across the state on June 24, 2019. Suddenly, millions of Nishads became unemployed. So, there is anger among the caste. Lakhs of Nishads depend on rivers for their livelihood in Uttar Pradesh, he added.



In 2013, the NGT prohibited the extraction of sand from rivers using machines, but mining companies continue to extract it with Pokeland machines and the government levies tax, said Mr Sujit.



There has been a dispute between the mining mafia and Nishads in and around Ghurpur for about 15 years. Nishads have been in conflict with the police over it.

UNI MB RJ 2030
President Biden, who has made no secret of his desire to reenter the Iran nuclear deal, continues to send Tehran the wrong message.

Were prepared to reengage in negotiations with the P5+1 on Irans nuclear program, he told the Munich Security Conference on Friday, echoing the new line that his administration announced the previous day.

This new phase of the Biden strategy should have surprised no one, but it sheds light on the administrations misguided approach to the Islamic Republic.

Biden and his team have long said that their intent is to return the U.S. to the 2015 agreement, which doesnt address Irans missile program and support for regional proxies, so that it may negotiate a follow-on accord on those issues. But, these officials say, before the U.S. lifts the requisite sanctions to make this return, Iran must first return to compliance with the deal and stop enriching uranium beyond what it permits.

During a call on Thursday afternoon, senior administration officials told reporters for the first time that the U.S. would accept EU offers to moderate discussions between the JCPOA parties, including Iran. That announcement followed two noteworthy measures taken by the U.S. at the U.N. earlier that day: The administration reversed the Trump administrations position that the U.N. ought to enforce snapback sanctions against Iran, and it stopped enforcing stringent travel measures on Iranian diplomats that had been in place, bringing them in line with the restrictions on other countries, such as Russia and China.

In spite of these conciliatory moves, White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed on Friday afternoon that the U.S. will not be lifting sanctions before its talks with Iran.

The Iranians believe otherwise, or at least they hope to push the administration into relenting, freeing up the regional proxies that languished under the Trump administrations maximum-pressure campaign. Though the Biden team is reportedly still split on how to proceed, nothing thats happened recently would lead them to conclude that they cant eventually succeed.

Story continues

After Shiite militias in Iraq lobbed rockets at a U.S. base in Erbil earlier this week, the administration declined to immediately assign responsibility for the attack, even though a group backed by Iran duly claimed responsibility. Weve seen Iraqi militia, Iranian-backed militia in many cases, be responsible, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told NPR. But to date, its too early to know who is responsible for this one.

Thankfully, no U.S. service members were killed, but one was injured. What will the administration do if the worst comes to pass in another attack?

Instead of signaling to the Iranians, as President Trump did, that the U.S. will hold them directly accountable for the actions of the militias under their control, the new team appears to have let it slide without a direct warning to Iran.

And as Yemens Houthi rebels continued their assault on civilian areas, Biden lifted the Foreign Terrorist Organization designation of the Iran-backed group.

Worst of all, though, the Biden administration has extended this olive branch to Tehran following a report this month revealing that the International Atomic Energy Agency found new Iranian uranium-metal production in excess of JCPOA limits. Meanwhile, Iran is threatening to curtail IAEA inspections following a February 23 deadline set by parliament if the U.S. doesnt cave.

Contrary to what some Iran appeasers argue, this bad behavior is not the result of the Trump-era maximum-pressure campaign. Tehran is escalating now because it sees an opportunity to strong-arm Biden into lifting sanctions first.

Since Thursday, the calls for talks by Jake Sullivan, Blinken, and the president himself have been taken less as a sign of magnanimity than of weakness. Already, Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif has reiterated his demands for sanctions relief as a prerequisite for any talks about U.S. reentry into the JCPOA.

At least the administration hasnt budged on sanctions  yet. But unless Biden is forceful in pushing back on Irans tests of his resolve, yet more will come and perhaps force the kind of crisis that the president wants to avert.

More from National Review
Based on the book in which he invented Christmas, you can probably guess that Charles Dickens was pretty into ghosts. He even believed that he himself had "magnetic powers" that he used to cure friends of hauntings, but when it came to everyone else, he was pretty fond of proof. Dickens also felt bad that his fictional ghost stories had boosted interest in spiritualism to the point of flooding the market with phony mediums. Meanwhile, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, despite the devotion to logic of his most famous character, was so enamored with the idea of the supernatural that he insisted Harry Houdini had magic powers no matter how many times Houdini tried to correct him.

"Your ass is going to have to escape my foot if you don't knock this off.

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Together, this unlikely duo formed the ragtag team of Victorian ghost hunters they called the Ghost Club to investigate claims of paranormal activity. Okay, Dickens actually founded it in 1862, and Doyle came on board shortly thereafter, but that's not as good of a movie. They actually garnered some acclaim after one of their first and most famous investigations of the "Davenport spirit cabinet," which they proved rather conclusively was the product of clever engineering rather than ghosts, but even in death-obsessed Victorian England, they were pretty much immediately a laughingstock.

Frustrated with the bad press, Dickens left in 1870, which opened the floodgates for his more credulous companions to go full History Channel. The next year, Ghost Clubber and supposedly renowned scientist Sir William Crookes claimed that he'd discovered the unquestionable physical existence of a "psychic force" that explained why mediums could contact the dead, and the Ghost Club never lived it down. They disbanded for a little more than a decade, but the Ghost Club was revived (get it?) by famed spiritualist William Stainton Moses, who believed, among other things, in the sort of "spirit photography" that would lead Sir Doyle to disgrace in 1920 when some little girls showed him pictures they'd taken of fairies and he was like "Yep, seems legit."
Airbus, a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services, will showcase a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, capabilities and solutions from Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2021.

The event is set to take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) from February 21 to 25 and is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Airbus will exhibit at stand 08B05. The companys presence at the exhibition will be in strict accordance with Covid-19 protocols laid down by the UAE Government to ensure the safety of employees and visitors, a statement said.

Airbus Defence and Space will display a model version of the A400M, the most advanced airlifter available, as well as a scale model of an A330 MRTT  Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), the 21st century benchmark for new generation tanker/transport aircraft. There will also be mock-up of the C295, the most versatile and efficient tactical transport aircraft. Visitors can also view a model of Inmarsat 6, the latest and most sophisticated satellite of the world leading communications satellite operator, Inmarsat.

Airbus Helicopters will showcase a scale model of the NH90 NATO frigate helicopter and the NH90 TTH tactical troop transport - which contain unique, fully integrated mission systems for operations in the most demanding conditions over land and sea, day and night. The H225M, the fully effective, versatile and flexible helicopter can also be viewed at Airbus booth.

Present in the Middle East for more than 40 years, Airbus collaborates with governments across the region to drive aerospace, space and defence initiatives. Having initiated a number of landmark partnerships that have contributed to the development of the industry through localisation of skills and capabilities as well as driving economic diversification.TradeArabia News Service
Saturday Night Live skewered Gov. Andrew Cuomo over his handling of nursing home deaths from Covid-19 in New York state.

Pete Davidson played the Democratic governor in a cold open skit with recently shamed public figures given the chance to apologize on a fake show hosted by Britney Spears (portrayed by fellow SNL cast member Chloe Fineman) called Oops... You Did It Again.

Governor, do you know why youre here today? Finemans Spears asked him.

Is it because indoor dining is back in New York? Thats exciting right? Davidson said as Cuomo, pausing for cheers.

All right, I know. Its because of the nursing home stuff, he admitted. Some of the people who died in the nursing homes were not counted as nursing home deaths, they were counted as hospital deaths.

Davidson then claimed the same thing happens at Disney theme parks.

People die and they move the bodies, he said. They say, Oh, I guess Brenda died in the parking lot, not on the teacups! So you know we just did the Disney thing. All right, so we done here?

But Fineman, who was highlighting the recent Britney Spears documentary and concerns about her well-being, wouldnt let him off the hook without an apology. Davidson mumbled a sorry before reluctantly apologizing.

I said I was sorry, he said as Cuomo.

He went from sheepish to angry, though, when Fineman mentioned that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has called for an investigation of Cuomos administration.

What did that bird b---- say about me? Davidsons Cuomo shouted. I will bury him in the tallest grave this city has ever seen. I will hire a hobo to Rick Moranis him so hard hell think hes back in universal pre-K!

He then apologized again: Im sorry, I get a little angry now and then and always.

The sketch also featured Cecily Strong as recently fired The Mandalorian actress Gina Carano and Aidy Bryant as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who was criticized over a trip to Cancun as his state faced power outages and boil water orders amid a deadly winter storm. Bryants Cruz tried to offer sympathy to Cuomo, calling them both strong, misunderstood men.

Do not associate yourself with me, Davidsons Cuomo told Cruz. We are not the same. I am a man, you are a clown. And if you mess with me, I will send you to a clown hospital... and when you die, I will not count your body.

SNL fired additional shots at Cuomo later in Saturdays episode, during Weekend Update.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who looks like all three Goodfellas at once, said he hopes to legalize marijuana next month. Cuomo is hoping marijuana will provide New Yorkers a safe and effective way to forget about the nursing home stuff, Michael Che joked.

In another jab later in the segment, Che brought up scientists who uncovered the worlds oldest DNA sequence in the remains of a wooly mammoth.

In fact, its so old, Andrew Cuomo is covering up its death, Che said.

Saturday Night Live made a few digs at Cuomo last week, but was criticized by some on social media for not addressing the scandal over the governors top aide, Melissa DeRosa, admitting Cuomos office froze data on coronavirus deaths at nursing homes amid concerns of a Department of Justice investigation and political pressure from then-President Donald Trump. A report from NYS Attorney General Letitia James said the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) undercounted Covid-19 deaths among long-term care facility residents by approximately 50%.

Cuomo admitted his administration made a mistake in creating the void of data, but came short of apologizing this past week.

The truth is everybody did everything they could, Cuomo said. Older people, vulnerable people get this disease, it is likely to kill them. Thats why people died, not because anyone did anything wrong or because there was a conspiracy.

SNL does not often joke about Cuomo, though the late Phil Hartman portrayed the governors father, the late Gov. Mario Cuomo, in the 1990s. The NBC sketch comedy show, which has filmed in New York since 1975, receives between $12 million and $15 million in state tax breaks each year.
New Delhi:

The security forces on Monday gunned down one terrorist during an encounter at Turna village of Baramulla's Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The operation was underway at the time of filing reports.

On Sunday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Tahab area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The encounter was ended, but the security forces had launched a search operation of the area.

The reports had said that the slain terrorists were locals and belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen.

J&K: One terrorist killed in an encounter at Turna village of Baramulla's Uri sector, operation underway, more details awaited. pic.twitter.com/flVUvomfr7  ANI (@ANI_news) July 31, 2017

On the other hand, Indian Army recovered the body of a terrorist killed in an infiltration bid foiled on 27 July in Rampur sector.

Also Read | J&K: One terrorist killed as security forces foil infiltration bid in Machil sector

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
SALEM : The disengagement process by India and China in eastern Ladakh is 'complete' after nine rounds of diplomatic and military level talks between the two neighbours, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Sunday as he hit out at Congress for 'doubting' Indian soldiers' bravery.

The country will not allow any "unilateral action" on its border and will pay any cost to thwart such attempts, he told the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha's state conference here.

"After nine rounds of military and diplomatic dialogue, the disengagement process is complete. But unfortunately the Congress is doubting Indian army's bravery.... isn't it insulting to the soldiers who do the supreme sacrifice," he said. Twenty Indian army personnel were killed in the Galwan clash with the Chinese troops last year during the face-off.

The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has never compromised with country's unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty" and it shall never do so, he asserted.

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Columbia-Greene Media has recently teamed up with the US Postal Service to provide same-day delivery of your local newspaper with your mail. Our expanded daily delivery of your local news reaches into the following areas:
While technology stocks continue to front Asias equity rally, one hot sector from 2020 has fallen to the bottom of the leaderboard: health care.

Essentially flat year-to-date, a gauge of the sector is the worst-performing in Asia, lagging the regions benchmark by eight percentage points. It is on track to underperform the MSCI Asia Pacific Index for a third straight month, the longest losing streak in three years.

A growing expectation of a return to normal for the global economy has caused investors to abandon defensive bets made during the pandemic, such as health care -- the second-best performer last year. Energy shares have staged a comeback on the rebound in crude prices, while financials have strengthened thanks to the rise in bond yields.

The market is reflecting re-opening and recovery expectations, which is supportive of cyclical sectors rather than health care," said Kieran Calder, head of Asia equity research at Union Bancaire Privee Ubp SA.

Hefty valuations are also a concern, according to Calder. The industry gauge is trading just below 30 times forward earnings, the highest among all sectors, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The benchmark is on just 18 times.

View Full Image Healthcare stocks have underperformed

Fading Retail Frenzy

A fading retail frenzy in markets like South Korea has also played a role in the health care sectors recent weakness. Shin Poong Pharmaceutical Co., a company that is developing a Covid-19 treatment, has slumped 36% this year after amateur investors helped it surge 1,600% in 2020. Celltrion Pharm Inc., another vaccine-related stock, has fallen 32% after rallying more than 500% last year.

One of the prominent features of the South Korean stock market is retail investors actively trading stocks and strong herd behavior," said Seo Sang-Young, a market strategist at Kiwoom Securities. Unless there is additional events or earnings improvements, such as new drug developments for pharma or bio companies, stocks tend to go back to where they came from."

Teflon Tech

Conversely, strength in technology stocks has extended into the new year, with a gauge of communication services names the top winner in Asia.

Global Value Rotation Has Morphed Into Chasing Risk at Any Price

Some of the lockdown winners that provide exposure to long-term growth themes in countries like China will continue to outperform, according to Stephen Kam, head of product management for Asia ex-Japan Equities at Schroders.

Tech hardware is one such industry, as people continue to work from home through 2021," Kam wrote in a recent note.

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Two people were killed yesterday in Myanmar's second city, Mandalay, when police and soldiers opened fire to put down protests against a February 1 military coup, emergency workers said.

It was the bloodiest day in more than two weeks of demonstrations.

Protesters took to the streets in cities and towns across Myanmar, with members of ethnic minorities, poets, rappers and transport workers among those demanding an end to military rule and the release from detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and others.

Tensions escalated quickly in Mandalay, where police and soldiers confronted striking shipyard workers and others.

Some demonstrators fired catapults at police as they played cat and mouse through riverside streets.

Police responded with tear gas and gunfire, and witnesses said they found the cartridges of live rounds and rubber bullets on the ground.

"Twenty people were injured and two are dead," said Ko Aung, a leader of the Parahita Darhi volunteer emergency service.

One man died from a head wound, said Lin Khaing, an assistant editor with the Voice of Myanmar media outlet in the city.

Ko Aung said a second man was shot in the chest and died later of his injuries. He was identified by relatives as Thet Naing Win, a 36-year-old carpenter.

"They took away the body to the morgue. I cannot bring him back home. Although my husband died, I still have my son," said his wife, Thidar Hnin.

"I haven't been involved in this movement yet, but now I am going to. I am not scared now."

Several other injured prot- esters were carried away on stretchers by volunteer medics whose clothes were soaked in blood.

Police were not available for comment. State television MRTV's evening news broadcast made no mention of the protests or casualties.

In the main city, Yangon, residents again banged pots and pans in a nightly ritual expressing defiance of the coup.

More than a fortnight of demonstrations and a civil disobedience campaign of strikes and disruptions show no sign of dying down.

Opponents of the coup are sceptical of the army's promise to hold a new election and hand power to the winner.

A young woman protester died last Friday after being shot in the head last week as police dispersed a crowd in the capital, Naypyitaw, the first death among anti-coup demonstrators.

The army said one police officer has died of injuries sustained in a protest.

Yesterday, young people in Yangon carried a wreath and laid flowers at a memorial ceremony for the woman, Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, while a similar ceremony took place in Naypyitaw.

"The sadness from her death is one thing, but we've also got courage to continue for her sake," student protester Khin Maw Maw Oo said.

The demonstrators are demanding the restoration of the elected government and the release of Suu Kyi and others.

They have also called for the scrapping of a 2008 constitution that has assured the army a major role in politics since nearly 50 years of direct military rule ended in 2011.

The army seized back power after alleging fraud in November 8 elections that Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy swept, detaining her and others.

The electoral commission had dismissed the fraud complaints.

Nevertheless, the army said its action is within the constitution and is supported by a majority of the people.

The junta has blamed protesters for instigating the violence and said it will hold new elections in a year's time.

Sanctions have been imposed on the new military leaders by the US, British and Canadian governments, and they and other nations have called for Ms Suu Kyi's administration to be restored.

The EU is expected to ann-ounce sanctions tomorrow, which would start soon.

The EU is Myanmar's third-biggest trade partner, but the measures are unlikely to touch trade, as EU states also agreed to seek to avoid measures that could adversely affect the most vulnerable people of Myanmar.

Any new sanctions would come on top of existing EU measures, which were imposed due to the previous government's persecution of the Rohingya minority.

The coup was a major setback to Myanmar's transition to democracy after 50 years of army rule.

Ms Suu Kyi came to power after her National League for Democracy party won a 2015 election, but the generals retained substantial power under the constitution, which was adopted under a military regime.

 Reuters
Syracuse, N.Y. -- A more contagious variant of Covid-19 that first appeared in South Africa has been confirmed in a Long Island resident, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Thats the first time this variant has been detected in a New Yorker. Last week, a person from Connecticut with the variant was transferred to a New York hospital.

The discovery comes as new caseloads, hospitalizations and deaths continue to decline in New York.

As of Saturday, 5,764 patients were hospitalized statewide. Thats the lowest level since Dec. 13, according to state data.

Of those, 1,162 people were in intensive care.

Statewide, 6,610 test results confirmed new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday. Thats based on results from 221,157 tests -- or a 2.99% positive rate.

During the past week, an average of 3.44% tests came back positive each day, according to the governors office.

The death toll continued to climb, with 75 new deaths reported on Saturday.

Since the pandemic began, the state has reported 37,851 deaths related to the coronavirus. Nearly 1.6 million people in New York have tested positive for Covid-19.

Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share with a Syracuse-area reporter? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274.
Forbes Travel Guide, the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, announced its annual Star Awards, presenting The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort with its Five-Star award for the second year in a row.

The St. Regis Maldives resides on the private island of Vommuli in one of the destinations most exclusive atolls. Revered as the Maldives finest address, the inimitable property designed by WOW Architects and presents a rarefied expression of luxury  from its distinctive accommodations and facilities to bespoke programming  complemented by intuitive personalized service, signature to the St Regis.

We are honoured that The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has again earned the Forbes Five-Star award, said Vincent Pauchon, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Retaining this esteemed rating, following a year of incredible challenge for the hospitality and travel industry, demonstrates our uncompromising commitment to deliver against the utmost standards of luxury service. This is a direct recognition of our dedicated associates, who work tirelessly to ensure our guests experience an unforgettable stay, one that is unparalleled anywhere in the world.

Forbes Travel Guide is the world-renowned authority on genuine Five-Star service, and The St Regis Maldives is proud to be named on its illustrious annual Star Rating list for the second consecutive year. This recognition comes on the heels of the property achieving health security verification, one of the first in the Maldives, for its exacting health safety protocols including on-site PCR tests, from Sharecare Health Security Verified with Forbes Travel Guide.

These 2021 award winners are a testament to the resiliency of the hospitality industry, said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. During an unprecedented time, these top properties adapted to numerous adversities all while maintaining high service levels and ensuring the health security of their guests and staff.

He added: We hope that these excellent properties will inspire travelers for when they are ready to venture out on their next trip. -TradeArabia News Service
New Delhi:

Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist Abu Dujana was gunned down by security forces in an encounter in south Kashmir's Pulwama on Tuesday. A category A+++ terrorist, Dujana had managed to escape capture 20 times and his encounter is being considered as a major achievement for Indian Army.



Here is all you need to know about one of the most notorious terrorists Abu Dujana:



#The twenty-six-year-old Lashkar commander was one of militant outfits most famous commanders in south Kashmir.

Dujana joined Let at the age of 17, he was appointed as the assistant of Abu Qasim.



#After the killing of Abu Qasim in 2015, Dujana, who was a close associate, was nominated as the top commander of Lashkar.



#A resident of Gilgit Baltistan, Dujana had sneaked into the Valley around six years ago. Initially, police officials said that he remained active in north Kashmir before permanently shifting his base to south Kashmir.



#Dujana was also one of the top recruiter for the militants especially in south Kashmir.



#More than a dozen security raids and operations were conducted across south Kashmir to nab Dujana, but he managed to give them the slip everytime. Some officials describe him as brainy militant who was a master in breaking the security cordon.

Suggested read: Pulwama encounter live | LeT terrorist Abu Dujana, accomplice and a civilian killed in south Kashmir



#Dujana was an A+++ category militant and carried a bounty of more than Rs 15 lakh on his head.



#Dujana was in touch with Al Qaeda terrorist Zakir Musa as he too operates in the same belt where Dujana had his hideouts.



#Dujana was considered by security agencies to be the mastermind behind several attacks in south Kashmir, such as the one on a CRPF convoy at Pampore and another at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute in the Sempora area last year.



#After the killing of Dujana, the focus will be now shift to the new Lashkar commander, Abu Ismail who was named by police in the Amarnath yatra attack and Abu Qasims brother Abdul Rehman.

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Remembering those we've lost and helping those who are grieving

A commuter has been hit by a train in Melbourne, causing peak-hour chaos on Monday morning.

The person was hit near South Yarra station, prompting the Sandringham train line between Ripponlea and Prahran stations to be suspended.

Emergency services are on the scene and buses have replaced trains from Elsternwick station to transfer passengers to Caulfield station.

The person was hit near South Yarra station, prompting the Sandringham train line between Ripponlea and Prahran stations to be suspended (stock image)

Commuters will be forced to wait about an hour for replacement buses to arrive at Elsternwick to connect with the Pakenham, Cranbourne and Frankston line trains at Caulfield

Commuters will be forced to wait about an hour for replacement buses to arrive at Elsternwick to connect with the Pakenham, Cranbourne and Frankston line trains at Caulfield.

'Passengers between Ripponlea and Prahran are advised to consider local tram and bus services,' Melbourne Metro said.

Delays of up to 30 minutes are to be expected on the Frankston, Pakenham and Cranbourne lines.

Passengers have been encouraged to use other transport options where possible.

South Yarra station reopened about 9am and the Sandringham line resumed just before 9.30am.

'Trains are resuming between South Yarra and Elsternwick with delays up to 20 minutes,' Metro Trains said.

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 and Beyond Blue coronavirus support service: 1800 512 348
Majority of black Americans remain highly religious even if they don't go to church

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Even if they dont go to church or subscribe to a particular religion, a majority of black Americans still pray and believe in God or a higher power, a new study shows.

Findings from a large-scale, nationally representative survey of 8,660 black Americans, conducted from Nov. 19, 2019, to June 3, 2020, by Pew Research Center, revealed that about one-in-five (21%) black Americans identify as atheist, agnostic or nothing in particular.

When the group of religiously unaffiliated black Americans is broken down, 18% of all black Americans identify as nothing in particular. Just 2% identify as agnostic and 1% as atheist.

Most also pray and believe in the work of evil spirits.

The survey, which is Pews first national large-scale survey aimed at trying to understand distinctive aspects of the religious lives of black Americans," found that several religious beliefs and practices are common among Black nones.

Nine-in-ten say they believe in God or a higher power. Just over half report praying at least a few times a month, the report detailed. Similar shares say they rely, at least a little, on prayer and personal religious reflection when making major life decisions, and that they believe evil spirits can cause problems in a persons life.

According to the data, 94% of black religiously unaffiliated Americans who identify as "nothing in particular" say they believe in God or a higher power, 60% say they pray a few times a month or more and 58% said they rely on prayer "at least a little" for major life decisions.

About half of the religiously unaffiliated group also expressed a belief in reincarnation, while just over a third say they believe prayers to their ancestors can protect them from harm.

By these measures, religiously unaffiliated Black adults are a lot more religious than unaffiliated adults in the U.S. general population, the Pew analysis added. For example, they are more likely to believe in God or a higher power (90% vs. 72%) and to pray at least a few times a month (54% vs. 28%).

The survey also showed that the percentage of religiously unaffiliated is increasing over generations. While only 5% of those in the Silent Generation identified as religiously unaffiliated, that share jumps to 11% among Baby Boomers, 33% among Millennials and 28% among Generation Z.

In an October 2019 analysis, Pew reported that only 65% of Americans identified as Christian, while those identified as religiously unaffiliated swelled to 26%.

The changes underway in the American religious landscape are broad-based. The Christian share of the population is down and religious nones have grown across multiple demographic groups: white people, black people and Hispanics; men and women; in all regions of the country; and among college graduates and those with lower levels of educational attainment," Pew researchers stated.

"Religious nones are growing faster among Democrats than Republicans, though their ranks are swelling in both partisan coalitions, Pew added. And although the religiously unaffiliated are on the rise among younger people and most groups of older adults, their growth is most pronounced among young adults.

It was noted that the share of Americans who say they attend religious services at least once or twice a month dropped by 7 percentage points, while the share who say they attend religious services less often if at all rose by the same figure.

The 2019 study also indicated that regular churchgoers still outnumber those who infrequently or never go to religious services among black Americans. However, the share of black Americans who say they attend religious services at least a few times a year or less has risen in the last decade.

According to the Pew analysis released last week, younger black Americans  much like younger Americans in general  are less religious than their elders. Black Millennials and members of Generation Z are twice as likely as black members of the Silent Generation to say they seldom or never attend religious services.



"Black Millennials and members of Generation Z are less likely to rely on prayer, less likely to have grown up in Black churches and less likely to say religion is an important part of their lives," the researchers wrote.

Still, though, the findings show that Black Americans are more religious than the American public as a whole on a range of measures of religious commitment.

The study shows that 59% of black adults  compared to 40% of all adults  say that religion is important to them. About 97% of black Americans and 90% of all Americans say that they believe in God or a higher power.
An Australian spy who was found dead in the car park of army headquarters was allegedly planning to release classified information on alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

The intelligence officer was claimed to be clutching a hard drive which detailed Australian soldiers' behaviour while on tour when his body was found.

Data stored on the drive could reveal what really happened in Afghanistan, where Special Air Service troopers are accused of murdering 39 civilians and prisoners.

A source said the encrypted hard drive 'would change a lot of the public stance and opinion on what went on in Afghanistan' if it were made public.

An Australian soldier who was found dead in the car park of an Army headquarters was reportedly planning to release highly classified information which could have revealed what truly happened in Afghanistan during wartime

The findings in the report determined Australian special forces had murdered 39 civilians and prisoners, including children, in Afghanistan

'It is understood the intelligence officer was going to make the information public because the Brereton report is an erroneous one-sided witch- hunt against the SAS to try to appease the Afghanis,' the source told The Sunday Telegraph.

The source said the footage contained on the hard drive could help put the war 'into context' following the release of the damning Brererton report in 2020 which horrified the public.

The findings in the report determined Australian special forces had murdered 39 civilians and prisoners, including children, in Afghanistan, which was then covered up by Australian Defence Force personnel.

The report stated some 25 Australians were involved in the killings - including some who were still serving when the redacted report was released to the public in November 2020.

The findings in the report determined Australian special forces had murdered 39 civilians and prisoners, including children, in Afganistan, which was then covered up by Australian Defence Force personnel

The report stated some 25 Australians were involved in the killings - including some who were still serving when the redacted report was released to the public in November 2020

Major General Paul Brereton's chilling investigation found junior troops were allegedly ordered to execute Afghan detainees in a practice known as 'blooding', while weapons and evidence were planted on bodies to cover up unlawful deaths.

One incident was described in the report as the 'most shameful episode in Australia's military history'.

The unlawful killings were alleged to have happened between 2009 and 2013.

In the weeks to follow the document's release, nine serving and retired members of the special forces took their own lives.

The officer, who has not been publicly named but worked for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service was found dead in the Russell complex in Canberra by colleagues on December 21, 2020.

ASIS is Australia's overseas intelligence service, the counterpart to ASIO which handles domestic intelligence, security, and counter-terrorism.

Major General Paul Brereton's chilling investigation found junior troops were allegedly ordered to execute Afghan detainees in a practice known as 'blooding'. Pictured: Chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) General Angus Campbell delivers the findings of the report

In the weeks to follow the document's release, nine serving and retired members of the special forces took their own lives

Word quickly spread of his death before police shut down rumours and said it was not suspicious.

A former insider told the publication it was 'unsurprising the intelligence community is being so evasive about the apparent suicide of one of its people'.

'This is how they bury their mistakes,' he said.

A Coroners Court could not confirm whether an inquest would be held into the man's death.

A spokesman from the Australian Defence Force would also not comment on the matter.

LIFELINE 13 11 14

A former insider told the publication it was 'unsurprising the intelligence community is being so evasive about the apparent suicide of one of its people'
What year was the floppy disk invented?

a. 1971.

B. 1973.

C. 1975.

D. 1977.

Answer: - A. 1971.

Which of the following Sultans imposed an irrigation tax called Haq-e-Sharb?

a. Iltumish.

B. Alauddin Khilji.

C. Giasuddin Tughlaq.

D. Firoz Tughlaq.

Answer: - D. Firoz Tughlaq.

The right to equality in the Indian Constitution is conferred by five Articles?

a. Article 16 to Article 20.

B. Article 15 to Article 19.

C. Article 14 to Article 18.

D. Article 13 to Article 17.

Answer: - C. Article 14 to Article 18.

During which period did the third Buddhist Council?

a. Kalashok.

B. Ashok.

C. Kanishka.

D. Ajatashatru.

Answer: - B. Ashok.

Which of the following national parks is not located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

a. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

B. Campbell Bay.

C. Guindy National Park.

D. neither of the above.

Answer: -S. Guindy National Park.

Giving another major setback to which country, the Government of India has banned the import of refrigerator air conditioner (AC)?

a. China.

B. Nepal.

C. Pakistan.

D. Bangladesh

Answer: a. China.

Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan announced that by which year India has targeted to be trans-fat free?

a. 2022.

B. 2025.

C. 2028.

D. 2030.

Answer: a. 2022.

What kind of printers are ribbons used?

a. Dram Printer.

B. Dot matrix.

C. inkjet printer.

D. None of these

Answer: B. Dot matrix.

The book Rehla is a description of the events of the time of which ruler?

a. Firoz Tughlaq.

B. Bahlol Lodi.

C. Muhammad bin Tughluq.

D. Ibrahim Lodi.

Answer: - C. Muhammad bin Tughluq.

Which dynasty was replaced by the Tughlaq dynasty from Delhi?

a. Slave dynasty.

B. Khilji dynasty.

C. Lodi Dynasty.

D. Syed dynasty.

Answer: - B. Khilji dynasty.
Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, say goodbye to law and order Joe.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 09:10:30|Editor: huaxia

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ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia registered 841 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 151,857 as of Saturday evening, the country's Ministry of Health said.

The country's death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic has reached 2,271 after 12 new deaths were reported.

The ministry said 675 more recoveries were logged during the same period, taking the national count to 131,241.

Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous nation, has so far reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the East Africa region.

According to the latest figures from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ethiopia's COVID-19 cases account for about 4 percent of the African continent's total confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The Ethiopian government has been urging the public to implement COVID-19 precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus. Enditem
Now you see them.

Now you dont.

A military camouflage uniform testing exercise held at Tobyhanna Army Depot last month will help ensure service members remain safe when engaged in future battles.

The facility in Monroe County was selected as a data collection site by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after its analysis discovered the areas terrain closely resembles potential combat environments in the Baltic region of Europe, said Danielle Weinschenk, the depots lead public affairs specialist.

And the snow on the ground helped.

The testing was part of an ongoing study to determine the effectiveness of military overwhite uniforms. The attire, also known as snow camouflage, is designed to conceal soldiers from different types of night vision sensors.

The work we did will help us determine how we can improve our snow camouflage system for our soldiers, said Clay Williamson, future programs officer at PEO Soldier in Virginia.

Anabela Dugas, a textile technologist at the Armys DEVCOM Soldier Center in Massachusetts, stressed the findings will provide agencies with vital data to determine if the uniforms can be spotted in different environments.

They will do a probability of detection evaluation where they take all the images, calibrate them and go through a simulation-type database where soldiers look at different images to see if they are able to detect the garment under the conditions and backgrounds, and at what range, she said.

The results from the study will also be used for future product development and procurement, Weinschenk said.

Williamson lauded members of the depots staff for their cooperation with the project.

We do testing at a huge array of military installations, not just Army, and the support we got at Tobyhanna was top-notch, he said. It was also the exact environment we needed and the weather was perfectly cooperative to accomplish our testing.

Representatives from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment and a Program Executive Office soldier participated in the study.

Williamson added the Army is considering converting some conventional units into a Arctic-capable brigade to increase its presence in that region.

That highlights the importance of making sure we have good snow camouflage, he said.

Although soldiers have been wearing snow camouflage for many years, Williamson noted the importance of continued testing.

As technology develops and proliferates across the battlefields, and becomes more prevalent in our enemys hands, we need to make sure were able to protect soldiers from detection by more advanced systems, he said.
Additional forces, including 150 rapid striking contingents, have been deployed in hyper-sensitive parts of Penukonda, Hindupur and Madakasira areas of Penukonda revenue division, which is dominated by factionists. (Representational Photo: DC/ Narayana Rao)

ANANTAPUR: Anantapur district is all set to conduct the fourth phase of gram panchayat polls. Additional forces, including 150 rapid striking contingents, have been deployed in hyper-sensitive parts of Penukonda, Hindupur and Madakasira areas of Penukonda revenue division, which is dominated by factionists. A tense situation is prevailing in several villages of Lepakshi, Roddam and Penukonda areas.

Hindupur is represented in the assembly by film star Nandamuri Balakrishna of TDP. Both Telugu Desam and YSRC groups are keen on gaining an upper hand in the gram panchayat polls.

Collector Gandham Chandrudu inspected polling stations in Madakasira and Penukonda areas in the district on Saturday. Elections are to be held on Sunday in 184 gram panchayats of 13 mandals in Penukonda revenue division. Superintendent of police P. Satya Esubabu said about 4.500 policemen have been posted in Penukonda revenue division to maintain law and order.

Kadapa district administration has also made all arrangements for the final phase of panchayat elections in 224 gram panchayats of 13 mandals under Pulivendula and Jammalamadugu constituencies. Of these, 108 panchayats, amounting to 48.02 percent, have seen unanimous elections. All panchayats in Chakrayapeta and Tondur mandals have elected their representatives unanimously. District collector Chevuru Harikiran and SP Karur Karunapati Nagendra Kumar Anburajan jointly said at a press conference on Saturday that total 116 panchayats in 11 constituencies will go to polls on Sunday. In the run up to the election, cash worth Rs. 1.3 crore and liquor worth Rs. 1.96 lakh have been seized, the SP said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of MPTC and ZPTC candidates, including women, reached the collector's office on Saturday after the State Election Commission directed candidates, who could not file their nominations for various reasons, to file their applications through the collector. Hundreds of people from all parts of the district arrived at the collectors office early Saturday morning. Applications were collected till 5 p.m. on Saturday. Gates of the collectors chamber were closed after 5 p.m.

A large number of Telugu Desam, Bharatiya Janata Party and independent candidates from Pulivendula, Rayachoti, Kadapa and Kamalapuram constituencies were among those who came to the collector's office. They all complained to the collector about the irregularities that took place during the nominations. They alleged that YSR Congress leaders and some officials had warned them against filing their nominations.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 23:50:39|Editor: huaxia

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MALE, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives' President Ibrahim Solih and visiting Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar discussed development cooperation between the two countries in a meeting here on Sunday.

Solih said a travel bubble between the Maldives and India had made India the largest source of tourists for his country in 2020, according to a statement issued by the President's Office.

Solih and Jaishankar also discussed development projects supported by India.

Jaishankar arrived in the Maldives on Saturday for a visit.

During his visit, the Indian side donated a batch of COVID-19 vaccines to the Maldives. Jaishankar also oversaw the signing of cooperation documents on public broadcasting, sustainable urban development, and fish processing. Enditem

Five people are suspected to have died and hundreds more, including children, became seriously ill after eating contaminated chicken imported from Poland.

The meat was turned into cheap frozen nuggets and breaded chicken products sold by major supermarkets across the UK over the past year.

Some 480 people are known to have fallen ill with salmonella poisoning with more than one in three becoming so sick they needed hospital treatment.

The processed chicken products are typically bought by parents as a cheap and easy meal for children. Some 44 per cent of victims were aged 16 or under.

As many as five people have died after eating contaminated chicken from Poland. it comes as customers are being told to avoid eating certain batches of SFC's Take Home Boneless Bucket product amid concerns it contains salmonella

Significantly, public health watchdogs say the salmonella infection has been recorded as a contributory cause of death in at least one case.

There have been a further four recorded deaths linked to these outbreaks, however it is not clear whether salmonella infection was a factor.

Public Health England refused to give any details on the age, gender or location for this group, potentially leaving bereaved families in the dark about the full circumstances.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning over the consumption of two SFC chicken products - which use packaging that mimics KFC - Take Home Boneless Bucket and Chicken Poppets.

There also been a recall of Chick Inn 32 Jumbo Chicken Nuggets, made by Vestey Foods.

The Daily Mail has learned that the chicken used in all of these products came from sources in Poland, which have been associated with two strains of the salmonella food poisoning bug

The SFC products have been on sale for months through both Sainsbury's and Morrisons, while the Vestey nuggets have been sold through hundreds of Heron Foods stores, B&M, and B&M Express.

These recalls are linked to a raft of others involving similar products sold by Lidl, Aldi and Iceland, which were recalled last October.

The Daily Mail has learned that the chicken used in all of these products came from sources in Poland, which have been associated with two strains of the salmonella food poisoning bug.

A number of European countries, including Ireland, have issued nearly 100 warnings about salmonella in chilled and frozen poultry from Poland since the beginning of last year.

It is thought hundreds  or possibly thousands  of cases of illness have occurred across the Continent over the past year.

The revelations raise serious questions about Britain's food safety and surveillance system and whether the outbreak and deaths could have been prevented.

There also been a recall of Chick Inn 32 Jumbo Chicken Nuggets, made by Vestey Foods

Of the 480 cases in the UK, some 400 were in England, 42 in Scotland, 31 in Wales and seven in Northern Ireland. These figures are likely to be the tip of the iceberg, as many people with less serious symptoms may not have visited their doctor or gone to hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Public Health England (PHE) said cases of sickness caused by salmonella linked to frozen breaded chicken products continue to be reported.

Head of the Gastrointestinal Pathogens Unit of PHE's National Infection Service, Saheer Gharbia, said: 'Salmonella generally causes a mild illness, although vulnerable groups like children under five years, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness and may require hospitalisation.

'Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever. Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should contact their GP or out of hours service in the first instance.'

The FSA together with the public health authorities in Scotland and Wales have warned people not to eat the products at the centre of the latest recall.

They have also issued new safety advice on the handling and cooking of frozen raw breaded chicken products, such nuggets, goujons, dippers, poppers and kievs.

Chief operating officer of the FSA, Colin Sullivan, said: 'Our advice is to always take care when storing, handling and cooking these types of frozen breaded chicken products to help reduce the risk of food poisoning to you and your family.

'You should always check the cooking instructions on food packaging, as different brands of the same product might have different instructions. Cooking food at the right temperature and for the correct length of time will ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed.'

SFC, which is based in Merseyside, apologised and said it would like to 'assure customers of our continuing commitment to the highest standard of quality and safety'.

Vestey, which is based in Croydon, confirmed salmonella has been found in the Chick Inn nuggets.
The announcement by the presidency of Abdulrasheed Bawa as the chairman-designate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) shocked many of his colleagues Tuesday.

The 40-year-old Mr Bawa will have to be screened and confirmed by the Senate before he steps into office as the substantive chairman of the commission.

At the EFCCs Lagos office, which Mr Bawa currently heads, detectives and other officials of the commission expressed slightly divergent views on the appointment, with some expressing joy that a workaholic who pushed staff beyond their limits would now have his attention diverted to other places, while others expressed sadness that a reformer who transformed the Lagos office would now have to pay less attention to the Lagos office.

Hes a workaholic who pushes people to work hard, sometimes too hard, said a senior detective at the EFCCs Lagos office, adding that he hardly approves casual leave and has no regard for COVID-19 protocols. You just must come to the office and work.

Spirit (as Mr Bawa is called by his colleagues) really brought professionalism to the Lagos office, another detective said. He introduced biometrics to ensure entry and exit of staff can be monitored and has virtually ended the culture of people coming late or not coming to the office. He ensures he gets briefings from team leads, not zonal heads, he tries to know all his staff.

To understand how Mr Bawa is viewed by his colleagues, PREMIUM TIMES interviewed over 10 EFCC operatives including two senior police officers working at the commission, all of whom have worked directly with Mr Bawa in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan or Port Harcourt  the four EFCC bases that the nominee has worked from. All of them asked not to be named as they are not permitted to talk to the media.

Actually Bawa is one of the more thoughtful officers in the EFCC, a former senior official of the EFCC said. He is also very hard working. What I can remember is that he is one of the finest in his course set. I will say that being the first product of the EFCC academy to head the agency makes good of the promise to end the reign of police leadership.

Our findings reveal that Mr Bawas colleagues see him as a young, brilliant, hardworking, and ambitious reformer who would most likely deliver if his backers in government, including Abubakar Malami, Nigerias attorney-general, do not interfere with his job. Mr Malami engineered the exit of the former acting chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Magu, and is believed to be one of the nominees major backers.

Mr Malami is from the same Kebbi State as Mr Bawa, although while the attorney-general is from Birnin-Kebbi local government area of the state, the new EFCC chairman-designate hails from Jega local government. Both men are not known to have any family, business or professional relationship.

However, Mr Malami is believed to have contributed significantly to Mr Bawas nomination for the top EFCC job.

Abdulrasheed Bawa: Profile

Mr Bawa, 40, joined the EFCC in 2005 as one of its pioneer cadets (Course 1).

He graduated from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics (Second Class Upper) in 2001.

Mr Bawa, who joined the EFCC as an Assistant Detective Superintendent in 2005, also holds a Masters degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy which he obtained from the same university in 2012.

Mr Bawa has spent all his work life at the EFCC and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of London.

He has successfully investigated and testified in the prosecution of many cases leading to convictions and recovery of looted monetary and material assets across the world.

He has been head of the EFCC team investigating Diezani Allison-Madueke from 2015 till date. His team has recovered millions of dollars worth of property in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. No fewer than 92 of such assets are in Nigeria.

He also supervised the investigations of Atlantic Energy Group  from 2014 to 2015  leading to the recovery of assets in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and Canada.

Most times, when the EFCC is collaborating with the London Metropolitan Police on investigations, Bawa is usually tasked to head the team. He is that brilliant, a detective, who worked with Mr Bawa on some of the investigations, said.

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Mr Bawa, once his nomination is confirmed by the Senate, will set two records: the youngest ever EFCC chairman and the first EFCC chairperson who is not a police officer.

Among his colleagues that we spoke to, no one expressed doubt about Mr Bawas capacity and commitment to the commission. However, they all speculated about his relationship with Mr Malami while some described him as being very ambitious.

The Bawa Network and the battle with Magu

Mr Bawa has worked with all EFCC chairpersons since inception, but those close to him say he was closest to Ibrahim Lamorde, a retired deputy inspector-general of police, who headed the EFCC between November 2011 and November 2015.

When Mr Magu was appointed acting EFCC chairman in November 2015, he developed a close working relationship with Mr Bawa. Both men worked under Mr Lamorde and under Nuhu Ribadu, the pioneer chairman of the agency.

They knew each other very well. In fact, Bawa was the first among his course mates that Magu appointed head of zonal office, a senior official who worked with both Messrs Magu and Bawa said, referring to when Mr Bawa was appointed the head of the Ibadan zonal office in June 2018.

Their good working relationship continued when Mr Bawa was moved from the Ibadan zonal office to Port Harcourt zonal office in January 2019. It was from there that their relationship went south, those familiar with the matter said.

Recent media reports said Mr Magu had in the past ordered Mr Bawa arrested and detained for alleged theft of some confiscated petro-laden fuel tankers. But PREMIUM TIMES has since determined that report to be inaccurate.

The truth of the matter, our findings show, is that sometime in 2019, the Port Harcourt Zonal Office of the commission, then headed by Mr Bawa, identified 244 trucks alleged to have illegally dealt in petroleum products and whose owners could not be traced. It wanted the trucks permanently forfeited to the federal government and obtained Mr Magus approval to proceed.

On May 31, 2019, Justice Isaq Sani of the Federal High Court gave an order of interim forfeiture of the trucks. In compliance with that order, the EFCC publicised details of the trucks in The Nation newspapers edition of June 21, 2019. The court granted a final forfeiture order on July 5, 2019.

However, as a result of the publication in the newspaper, owners of 45 of the trucks emerged, saying their drivers acted without their consent. The commissions legal department then advised Mr Bawa that it would be illegal to auction the trucks whose drivers confessed to having acted alone.

The legal department quoted Section 25 (iii) of the EFCC Establishment Act to back its advisory. That section states, No means of conveyance shall be forfeited under this section to the of an interest of an owner, by reason of any act established by that owner to have been committed without the knowledge, consent or willful connivance of that owner.

The legal department also advised that rather than allow the 45 truck owners who showed up to challenge the final forfeiture order granted by the court, the commission should release their trucks to them and prosecute their drivers.

Based on that advice, Mr Bawas zone released the 26 of the trucks to their owners on bond. Also around that time, it was found that due to duplication and serial numbering problem, there were actually 235 trucks instead of the 244 Mr Magu earlier reported to the presidency via a July 29, 2019 letter.

When Mr Magu became aware that the 26 trucks had been released based on the EFCC law and the commissions legal departments advice, he became angry that there were now fewer trucks than he had reported to the presidency. He directed Mr Bawa to give him a formal report on the matter.

Those familiar with the matter said in his report, Mr Bawa took absolute responsibility for his zones action, saying all the 26 trucks/vehicles were released on bond and could be recovered.

It was eventually determined that no truck was missing and that Mr Bawa and his colleagues at the Port Harcourt zone did not engage in any underhand dealings, an EFCC insider said.

Mr Magu later redeployed Mr Bawa from Port Harcourt and transferred him to the EFCC training academy in Abuja, a posting many considered a punishment.

Three of our sources, two of whom are close to Mr Bawa, say it was from that point that Mr Bawa started getting closer to Mr Malami.

Mr Magu has yet to speak on Mr Bawas nomination, but one of his lawyers raised an eyebrow with the appointment, saying Mr Magu has not been treated fairly as he was controversially removed without being indicted of any offence while his reputation was smeared.

The Appointment/Confirmation

Since presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, announced Mr Bawas appointment as EFCC chairman on Tuesday, there have been widespread reports that the attorney-general played a role in the appointment, although no concrete evidence has been adduced for the speculations.

The next stage is for the Senate to review Mr Bawas appointment for possible confirmation. With the Senate dominated by President Muhammadus Buharis loyalists, the lawmakers are expected to confirm the nominee.

However, some EFCC officials said they would be looking forward to seeing how Mr Bawa would guard the independence of the EFCC from Mr Malamis influence.

We are happy, one operative said. At least Bawa is one of us, not a police officer. As for Malami, we will be watching.
Protest organizers said that while Pakistan had been repeatedly adopting the tactic of showcasing taking action against terror financing by placing senior terror group leaders under arrest ahead of FATF plenaries, those UN listed entities, like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (now rebranded as Jamat ud Dawa -JuD) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) continued to function freely in the country, including collecting funds.

Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is set to decide whether or not Pakistan will be added to its blacklist. In light of this, dissidents from Baloch, Hong Kong, Pashtun, Tibet and Uyghurs from East Turkestan already started protesting outside the FATF Headquarters in Paris, demanding that Pakistan be blacklisted so it can stop funding terrorist organisations.

Protest organizers said that while Pakistan had been repeatedly adopting the tactic of showcasing taking action against terror financing by placing senior terror group leaders under arrest ahead of FATF plenaries, those UN listed entities, like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (now rebranded as Jamat ud Dawa -JuD) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) continued to function freely in the country, including collecting funds.

The organizers said that the charity front of JuD, the Falah e Insaniyat Foundation (FeF) had continued to collect funds, FeF chief Hafiz Abdur Rauf had remained active and openly delivered sermons. They added that Talha Saeed, son of Jamaat ud Dawa leader Hafiz Saeed and a designated a terrorist by the US Treasury dept, had been active and addressed gatherings in recent months, the JuD offices, including the Markaz Al Quds in Lahore, are also able to raise funds to meet their monthly expenditures. They added that the JuDs social media team functioned unhindered advertising their fund collection drives.

Protest organizers went on to say that the Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) had also been openly collecting funds, often to support families of martyrs or jihadists killed during operations. They said that in order to avoid detection by FATF, Pakistan had moved JeM training camps and fighters to Afghanistan.
By Michelle Nichols

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Erik Prince, the private security executive and supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, "at the very least" helped evade an arms embargo on Libya, according to excerpts from a United Nations report seen by Reuters.

Independent U.N. sanctions monitors accused Prince of proposing a private military operation - known as 'Project Opus' - to Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar in April 2019 and helping procure three aircraft for it.

A spokesperson for Prince denied the accusations in the annual U.N. report, which was submitted on Thursday to the Security Council Libya sanctions committee and is due to be made public next month.

"Erik Prince had absolutely nothing to do with any operation in Libya in 2019, or at any other time," the spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.

The U.N. monitors wrote in the report that they had "identified that Erik Prince made a proposal for the operation to Khalifa Haftar in Cairo, Egypt on, or about, 14 April 2019." Haftar was in Cairo at the time to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The report described Prince's proposal as "a well-funded private military company operation" designed to provide Haftar with armed assault helicopters, intelligence surveillance aircraft, maritime interdiction, drones and cyber, intelligence and targeting capabilities.

"The Project Opus plan also included a component to kidnap or terminate individuals regarded as high value targets in Libya," the monitors wrote.

Libya initially descended into chaos after the NATO-backed overthrow of leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 when the U.N. Security Council imposed an arms embargo. The country has been divided since 2014 between the internationally recognized government in its west and Haftar's eastern-based forces.

PROJECT FAILURES

The U.N. monitors reported that the air and maritime component of 'Project Opus' had to be aborted in June 2019 after Haftar was unimpressed with the aircraft procured for the operations and "made threats against the team management."

Story continues

A South African team leader evacuated 20 private military operatives to Malta on inflatable boats, the monitors said.

"Project Opus private military operatives were deployed to Libya for a second time in April and May 2020 in order to locate and destroy high value targets," said the U.N. monitors, but the operation again had to be aborted due to security concerns.

The rival Libyan administrations agreed a ceasefire in October, but have not pulled back their forces. Haftar is supported by the United Arab Emirates and Russia, while the government is backed by Turkey. Egypt had backed Haftar, but Sisi last week offered his country's support to Libya's interim government.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has demanded an end to foreign interference in Libya.

Prince - the brother of Trump's education secretary, Betsy DeVos - founded the private security firm Blackwater and was a pioneer in private military contracting after U.S.-led forces invaded Iraq in 2003.

Blackwater sparked international outrage in 2007 when its employees shot and killed more than a dozen Iraqi civilians in Baghdad. One of the employees was convicted of murder in December 2018 and three others were convicted of manslaughter. Trump pardoned the four men in December last year.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
5.05pm Update: One person has died following a car and motorcycle crash in Arataki.

Police were alerted to the crash at the intersection of Exeter St and Eversham Rd at around 2.18pm.

"The motorcyclist was transported to hospital where they sadly later died," says a Police spokesperson.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

3pm Update: Emergency services are responding to a crash involving a car and a motorcyle at the intersection of Exeter St and Eversham Rd in Arataki.

The crash occurred about 2.15pm.

"It appears one person has been injured," says a Police spokesperson.

St Johns Ambulance service has taken the motorcyclist to Tauranga Hospital.

"The Serious Crash Unit has been notified."

Earlier, 2.30pm: A caller to SunLive reports that there has been a vehicle crash in Arataki.

"Just letting you know that it is best to stay away from Gloucester Street and Eversham Road at the moment, because there's been a crash between a motorcycle and a car," says the SunLive reader.

Emergency services are at the scene.

It is unknown at this stage whether there have been any injuries.



SunLive will update this once more information becomes available.

At the scene? Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz
Puducherry, Feb 21 : A day before the floor test in Puducherry Assembly, the ruling Congress-led alliance suffered a major setback as two more of its MLAs resigned on Sunday.

In a dramatic development, Congress' K. Lakshminarayanan and DMK's K. Venkatesan announced their resignations.

Lakshminarayanan said he resigned because the party didn't give him due recognition in the government and in the organisation.

Asked if he will join any other party, he said he would take a decision after consulting people of his constituency. He claimed that the government led by Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy has lost its majority.

Assembly Speaker V.P. Sivakolundhu confirmed that he has received resignations from two MLAs. "I have informed the Chief Minister and the Assembly Secretary about it. I am examining their resignations," he said.

Puducherry's incharge Lt Governor Tamilisai Soundararjan on February 18 had asked Chief Minister Narayanasamy to prove majority in the Assembly on February 22.

Hours after taking over as the incharge Lt Governor, she said the Assembly session shall be summoned on February 22 with a single agenda of ascertaining whether the government continues to enjoy the confidence of the house.

Her direction came after the opposition BJP, the AIADMK and the All India NR Congress submitted a memorandum claiming that the Congress-led government in the Union Territory slipped into a minority.

All India NR Congress founder-leader N. Rangasamy, who is the Leader of Opposition, had claimed that the government had lost its majority after four of the MLAs of the ruling party resigned in the last 25 days. He also pointed out that a legislator of the ruling party was disqualified last year.

Before the resignation of two MLAs on Sunday, both the government and the opposition had 14 MLAs in 30-member Assembly. There are three nominated members and all the three belong to the BJP.

Five seats fell vacant after resignation of four MLAs and disqualification of one MLA.

After the dramatic development of Sunday, the Congress-led alliance is now left with just 12 MLAs. Congress now has nine members. The DMK, which now has three, and an independent, are supporting the Congress government.

The AINRC has seven MLAs and its ally AIADMK four.

The Chief Minister has accused the BJP of engineering defections.

Assembly elections in Puducherry are due to be held in May this year along with the elections in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Saif Ali Khan's 'Tandav' to release in January on Amazon

Cant hurt sentiments, your freedom of speech not absolute: SC to web-series Tandav makers

Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan blessed with baby boy; Netizens pour in wishes

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Mumbai, Feb 21: Bollywood star couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan on Sunday welcomed their secondchild, a baby boy. Kareena, who was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital here, gave birth around 9 am.

"She has delivered a baby boy in the morning around 9 am. I''ll be visiting them soon," Kareena''s father, veteran actor Randhir Kapoor told PTI.

The duo had announced the pregnancy in an official statement, thanking well wishers for their support.

Kareena, 39, delivered their first child, son Taimur on December 20, 2016. The toddler has been an Internet sensation ever since his birth and is followed by the paparazzi round-the-clock.

Kareena Kapoor to pen her guide to pregnancy, book to come out in 2021

Back then, soon after the baby boy was named Taimur, people on social media had started questioning the origins of the name.

Saif, 49, tied the knot with Kareena in October 2012 after a five-year courtship.

He was previously married to actor Amrita Singh, with whom he shares actor-daughter Sara and son Ibrahim.
Heidi Hallstein, of Franklin Township, entered a written guilty plea for gross sexual imposition and attempted unlawful contact with a minor on Friday

A 57-year-old high school chemistry teacher in Ohio has pleaded guilty to having sex trysts in her home with an underage student.

Heidi Hallstein, of Franklin Township, entered a written guilty plea for gross sexual imposition and attempted unlawful contact with a minor on Friday.

Portage County Common Pleas Court Judge Laurie Pittman then subsequently convicted Hallstein of both charges.

Her plea comes months after her arrest in August when investigators accused her engaging in sexual conduct with a minor student of Hudson High School, where she taught chemistry, back in January 2017.

The abuse took place at Hallsteins home where she then lived on West College Avenue and not on school grounds, officials said.

Shortly after her arrest, Hudson City School District Superintendent Phil Herman announced that Hallstein had resigned from her job and said the district would initiate the surrender of Ms. Hallsteins teaching license with the Ohio Department of Education.

The abuse took place at Hallsteins home where she then lived on West College Avenue and not on school grounds, officials said

Hallsteins plea comes months after her arrest in August when investigators accused her engaging in sexual conduct with a minor student of Hudson High School (above), where she taught chemistry, back in January 2017

Hallstein - formerly Gauntner - had been employed by the Hudson City School District since 1995.

The charges stem from an alleged sexual encounter that took place off school property, in January 2017, with a former Hudson High School student who was a minor at the time, said Herman in his statement. In order to protect the privacy of the student victim and the integrity of the investigation, we cannot share further details at this time.

The superintendent further stated that the district had been working diligently with city police on the case, since they were made aware of the allegations on August 4.

The Hudson Police Department investigated these serious allegations, and then properly referred their investigation to the Portage County Sheriffs Department, where the alleged crime had occurred.

Herman told district families that the schools should be an environment where young people feel secure.

Schools must be a safe and protected place for students, and teachers are held to the highest standards, said Herman. These allegations are criminal and a violation of the trust that our children, parents, and community place in adults as educators.

According to the website martialpeace.com, Hallstein is a certified martial arts instructor with over 30 years experience who taught karate at a local martial arts studio in Kent, Ohio.

The student is no longer at the school, but had been a student at the time of the abuse. Their age and identity was never shared by police.

According to the website martialpeace.com, Hallstein is a certified martial arts instructor with over 30 years experience who taught karate at a local martial arts studio in Kent, Ohio.

The Portage County Court has not yet scheduled a sentencing date for Hallstein.

She has been out of jail on a 10 percent of $30,000 bond since September, according to the Record Courier.
High street giant Marks & Spencer is set to kickstart a once-in-a-generation overhaul of its clothing strategy by offering a string of top fashion brands alongside its own ranges.

The first in a raft of third-party brands will launch on its website this week, with more new labels from outside the business being added over the coming months.

The high street stalwart has signed up Touker Suleyman, the fashion veteran and one of the stars of BBCs Dragons Den, to launch his Finery London label on its website on Thursday.

Tie-up: Touker Suleymans Finery London label will launch on the M&S website

Others expected to launch in instalments for the spring offensive include Joules, Phase Eight, Hobbs, Seasalt and Ghost.

This major programme to launch new labels will be among the most high-profile changes in a plan that M&S executives say will turbo charge their online clothing business and reset clothing and home departments in stores as they reopen after lockdown.

Creating a brand marketplace online means M&S can compete more directly with Next and John Lewis. It follows a trend set by Asos and Boohoo which have been building up brand stables.

M&S hopes the new strategy will drive customers to its website and tempt shoppers who only spend in its food halls to buy clothes as well. M&S is also making a number of improvements to its own clothing ranges.

The overhaul at M&S is regarded in the City as the biggest shift in its clothing strategy for 20 years since the retailer drafted in Next founder George Davies in 2001 to help rescue the business, while adding a host of new designers for its Autograph range.

In November, The Mail on Sunday revealed details of talks to buy Jaeger  and these were confirmed only last month.

The overhaul at M&S is regarded as the biggest shift in its clothing strategy for 20 years

Touker Suleymans Finery London for M&S

M&S has drafted in former George at Asda executive Fiona Lambert to run the label and Anna Braithwaite, former brand director for Tescos F&F Clothing, as clothing and home marketing director.

Marks & Spencer has pruned the number of products across its clothing ranges by a fifth to give the fastest selling ranges more visibility in stores and shoppers more space to browse. It has also been rewiring its supply operation to accelerate the pace of reordering and reduce the risk of running out of popular products.

Suleyman, who also operates the Ghost fashion label, told The Mail on Sunday he is relaunching the Finery London label with its own website today.

He has curated an exclusive collection for Marks & Spencer and is also preparing to launch a separate M&S X Ghost collection.

He said: After 45 years in the fashion industry Im going back into a very hands-on, product-led approach and its given me a lot of energy. Im looking at every product individually, signing it off. Im obsessed. This is my baby.

Theres a gap in the market to be exploited and Im drawing on all my experience and my knowledge to make this work. I think this summer people will go and buy and people will look in their wardrobe and say, I want something new. But customers are much more savvy in the way they buy and youve got to have products to excite them. Were taking worldwide fashion  influences from all around the globe  and putting it into one brand.

Marks & Spencer bought Jaeger fashion brand from administrators in January

Suleyman launched a limited M&S X Ghost collection in November, which he said sold out in 24 hours. He said the M&S X Ghost range being prepared for spring will be ten times as big.

He added: The market is swamped with cheap products that nobody really wants at the moment and I think the consumer will pay a little bit more if she thinks shes getting great style, great quality and great value. Thats the aim with Finery and where we want to disrupt the status quo.

Suleyman was previously a passive investor in Finery, but recently took full control of the brand.

He has sold the previous stock and is now supplying from his own factories in Turkey and Jordan.

One fashion supplier said: They say you should never waste a crisis and Archie [Norman, the M&S chairman] and his team reacted quickly to make the most of lockdown.

Their clothing business had been treading water for the past decade, but they appear to be giving it their best shot this time.



Located at the centre of Ho Chi Minh Citys District 5, Cho Quan Church is the oldest church in the city.

Located in central Chinatown in HCM Citys District 5, Cho Quan Church is the oldest church in the city.

It was first built in 1720 with one small building and a prayer area inside. It has suffered frequent destruction and gone through several reconstructions.

In 1882 Father Nicolas Hamm decided to rebuild it in its current form.

The bell tower has three floors. There are five bells in the second floor that are rung from the first floor. The bells were made in France and sent to Vietnam. The third floor is empty.

The interior includes a typical layout of pews for the faithful on either side of an aisle and an ornate altar with an idol of Jesus on the wall.

The chapel can accommodate 1,500 people./.VNA
Britain's new space force could be deploying RAF Typhoon fighter jets to the 'edge of space' in a bid to destroy enemy satellites in the near future, senior military sources have revealed.

Selected fighter pilots will take part in Space Command's training missions with the ultimate aim of taking down Chinese and Russian military, intelligence and communication satellites during wartime.

The specialist team will go through a string of simulated exercises before taking part in training flights where they would reach around 60,000 feet, RAF sources told the Sunday Express.

During a conflict, the pilots would then release anti-satellite (ASAT) missiles at enemy satellites before quickly returning to lower heights.

Britain's new space force could be deploying RAF Typhoon fighter jets to the 'edge of space' in a bid to destroy enemy satellites in the near future, senior military sources have revealed. Pictured: RAF Typhoon combat aircraft

Selected fighter pilots will take part in Space Command's training missions with the ultimate aim of taking down Chinese and Russian military, intelligence and communication satellites during wartime. (Pictured: file photo of a satellite)

The development comes two weeks after the Space Command announced their first commander as Air Commodore Paul Godfrey, 48.

He will carry the new rank of Air Vice Marshal when he takes the helm at Space Command.

Russia and China have already developed anti-satellite weapons, including ASAT missiles, with some being deployed.

RAF sources told the Sunday Express that it would be 'folly not to explore fully the capabilities required for satellite denial'.

While the UK does not have its own anti-satellite missiles, the US has SM-3 ASAT missiles, which could be placed under the wings of an RAF Typhoon.

Air Commodore Paul Godfrey will carry the new rank of Air Vice Marshal when he takes the helm at Space Command

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston has previously warned that the UK's access to space is fundamental to national security and it would be 'negligent' if the UK failed to address the threats posed to satellites and their GPS navigation and communication capabilities.

He said: 'A future conflict may not start in space, but I am in no doubt it will transition very quickly to space, and it may even be won or lost in space.

'So we have to be ready to protect and if necessary defend our critical national interests in space.

'If we don't think and prepare today, we won't be ready when the time comes.'

Justin Bronk, research fellow at the RUSI think tank, told the Sunday newspaper: 'The benefits of having ASAT based on a ship or plane is that you can fire it from wherever you want.

'It doesn't take a Typhoon long to reach the equator.'

But if the UK acquired the SM-3 missiles from the US, they may cause a weight distribution issue as they must be fitted under the Typhoon's wings.

'It's not an insurmountable problem but it certainly makes sense to use Typhoon simulators - where Typhoons fly up to 40,000ft before pulling up to get a zoom climb to 60,000ft - in order to clear the asymmetry issues,' Bronk said.

The Russian Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Progress MS-15 cargo spacecraft lifting off from the launch pad at the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, 23 July 2020

Russia has conducting a series of tests with space-based anti-satellite weapons. Such weapons lead to increased debris and could potentially leave parts of space unusable.

Russia has already shown its capabilities when it comes to ASAT missiles launched from the ground and from space using a satellite.

In December last year, the United States Space Command said Russia conducted a test of a direct-assent ASAT missile, which by definition was launched from the ground.

'Russia publicly claims it is working to prevent the transformation of outer space into a battlefield, yet at the same time Moscow continues to weaponize space by developing and fielding on-orbit and ground-based capabilities that seek to exploit U.S. reliance on space-based systems,' the US Space Command said in a statement.

Russia has also potentially used its satellites for spying for both commercial and military purposes.

Last year the US confirmed China has ground-based missiles that can hit satellites moving in 'low Earth orbit'.

Britain's adversaries have also developed weapons such as lasers that could be used to damage satellites vital for tasks such as predicting the weather and carrying out disaster relief operations.

In one example a rocket was fired from Earth to orbit with the aim of destroying satellites. In 2007 China destroyed a weather satellite, creating more than 3000 pieces of debris.


She's just one of the many Hollywood stars calling Australia their home at the moment.

And Jaimie Alexander made the most of her time in Sydney on Sunday, with the 36-year-old American actress popping out for a spot of retail therapy in Paddington.

The Blindspot actress looked chic in a blue denim dress for the Oxford Street outing.

Shop till you drop: Jaimie Alexander [pictured] made the most of her time in Sydney on Sunday, with the 36-year-old American actress popping out for a spot of retail therapy in Paddington

The Thor actress paired the maxi dress with a pair of white sneakers and travelled light, carrying only a black leather handbag.

Jaimie's short cropped, raven tresses were swept back from her fine features and her eyes were shielded from the summer glare with a pair of dark shades.

She browsed several sale items before leaving the store empty handed.

Blue jean baby! The Blindspot actress looked chic in a blue denim dress for the Oxford Street outing

Accessories: The Thor actress paired the maxi dress with a pair of white sneakers and travelled light, carrying only a black leather handbag

Jaimie was seen arriving in Sydney on January 26, ahead of filming the Marvel sequel Thor: Love And Thunder.

The actress is back in the role of Sif for the franchise's fourth installment.

As reported by Deadline, she will not only return to the Thor movies, but also is likely to appear on the upcoming Disney+ series offshoot Loki.

No sale: She browsed several sale items before leaving the store empty handed

Far from home: Jaimie was seen arriving in Sydney on January 26, ahead of filming the Marvel sequel Thor: Love And Thunder

Jaimie first portrayed Sif in 2011's Thor, before reprising the role in Thor: The Dark World two years later.

She was not included in 2017's third installment, Thor: Ragnarok, which is regarded as the best of the series so far.

Buzz for the new film, to be directed by Ragnarok's Taika Waititi, has already been high, as it will feature Oscar winner Natalie Portman - who has been in Australia a number of months - taking on the mantle of Thor.

In demand: As reported by Deadline, she will not only return to the Thor movies, but also is likely to appear on the upcoming Disney+ series offshoot Loki

Series veteran: Jaimie first portrayed Sif in 2011's Thor, before reprising the role in Thor: The Dark World two years later

Hollywood actors have arrived in Australia in droves recently, with many US studios taking advantage of the country's relatively low COVID rates.

As well as locals like Chris Hemsworth and Nicole Kidman choosing to shoot in their home country, director Benjamin Millepied, who is married to Natalie Portman, has also begun work on his film adaptation of the opera Carmen, which stars Elsa Pataky and Paul Mescal.

Production on Netflix series Pieces of Her was also relocated from Canada to Sydney due to coronavirus fears.

The drama, starring Australian actress Toni Collette, is expected to deliver 400 local jobs and contribute an estimated $58million to the NSW economy.

George Miller's $60million fantasy drama Three Thousand Years of Longing is being filmed in Sydney's northern suburbs with Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba.


Salary $45,801.60 - $82,950.40 Annually Location Arlington, VA Job Type Full-Time Department Department of Environmental Services Job Number 2726-21B-DES-TT Closing 3/4/2021 11:59 PM Eastern Position Information Note: The official title for this position is ITS Technician Trainee/I/II. This position may be filled at the Trainee level, or full performance at either the I or II level depending upon on the qualifications, experience, and certifications of the candidate as outlined in the selection criteria.



Arlington County's Department of Environmental Services (DES) is hiring an ITS Technician to perform skilled work related to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) such as traffic signal construction, installation, repair, and maintenance.



ITS Technicians primarily support the electrical and electronic maintenance and repair work of over 300 intersections as well as a multitude ITS equipment and support devices. This employee is available to assist with the repair and maintenance of streetlights at all times of day and weather which may include call-backs and emergency repairs.



Specific duties for each level:



ITS Technician Trainee:

Performing entry-level work related to the routine installation, repair, and maintenance of ITS equipment, traffic signal, and streetlight devices while under general supervision;

Assisting in troubleshooting device operational performance to determine and confirm correction procedure by using advanced tools and technology such as iPads and laptop computers;

Assisting in implementing operational correction procedure to maintain proper performance of field devices;

Following Virginia Work Area Protection Manual to establish proper work zone within traveled way or near traffic so that maintenance work can be performed safely;

Adjusting field device settings to assist system operational diagnose work; and

Working near traffic, cramped spaces, and using aerial bucket trucks within established work zones to perform device maintenance work. ITS Technician I:

Performing entry to journey-level work related to the routine installation, repair, and maintenance of ITS equipment, traffic signal, and streetlight devices including using heavy equipment such as an aerial truck;

Conducting routine field inspections to determine functionality of equipment and investigating complaints regarding outages and brightness levels of streetlights;

Performing preventive maintenance to the streetlight and traffic control equipment such as pulling cables and ensuring all safety requirements are met;

Reconstructing and refurbishing traffic signal equipment or defective electrical equipment;

Consulting with traffic operations staff or vendor representatives to identify and resolve technical problems;

Setting and removing temporary traffic control signage, cones, and barricades to safely complete installations and repairs;

Advising management if continued inoperability of equipment could pose a safety hazard; and

Entering information into the work order system using Cartegraph, MS Office applications, PublicStuff/311-Report-A-Problem or a similar software package to generate reports and reviewing system performance data on traffic signal and streetlights. ITS Technician II:

Performing highly skilled senior-level work related to the installation, repair, and maintenance of signalized intersections and a wide variety of traffic signal devices including controllers, cabinets, signal heads, vehicle loops, detection systems, emergency pre-empt equipment, video equipment, and flashing beacons;

Investigating high-level complaints and troubleshooting, repairing, replacing, or modifying traffic signal and/or streetlight equipment based upon customer feedback;

Performing electrical system wiring and installations, installing handholes and junction boxes, pulling overhead and underground cables, and locating conduits, cables, and other underground devices to perform work;

Evaluating proposed new equipment by participating in the design and construction tests of new equipment;

Inspecting and testing equipment installed by contractors and providing documented feedback to manager; and

Conducting preventive maintenance for overhead signals, cabinets, school flashers, and a variety of other ITS devices and ensuring all safety requirements are met. The ideal candidate will possess technical expertise in the installation, maintenance, and repair of streetlight systems and other electronic control devices including traffic signal systems. Experience working in an operational environment where emergency response is a key component and having a proven track record of successfully working within a team are all desired traits for this position. The candidate will possess excellent communication skills to facilitate teamwork and superior customer interactions.

Selection Criteria Minimums :



ITS Technician Trainee : High school diploma or GED;

Two years of experience in the maintenance and repair of ITS equipment;

Valid driver's license from place of residence; and

Ability to receive the following licenses and certifications within one year of hire: VDOT Intermediate Work Zone Certification; and IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level I or IMSA Roadway Lighting certifications.

ITS Technician Level I : High school diploma or GED;

Two years of experience in the maintenance and repair of ITS equipment; and

The following licenses and certifications: Valid driver's license from place of residence; VDOT Intermediate Work Zone Certification; and IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level I or IMSA Roadway Lighting certifications.

ITS Technician Level II : High school diploma or GED;

Two years of experience in the maintenance and repair of ITS equipment; and

The following licenses and certifications: Valid driver's license from place of residence; VDOT Intermediate Work Zone certification; ISMA Traffic Signal Technician Level II certification; and ISMA Roadway Lighting certification

Desirables : Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following: Associate Degree in Electronics or Electrical Science;

Training or experience using the National Electrical Code (NEC);

Experience using Microsoft Office or asset management applications;

Experience using traffic management systems; and

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) from place of residence.

Special Requirements The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of his or her official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.



Candidates hired at the trainee level must receive the following licenses or certifications within one year of hire: VDOT Intermediate Work Zone Certification; and

IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level I or IMSA Roadway Lighting certifications



Additional Information Work Hours : Work is generally performed Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call-back hours in emergency situations and alternative schedules.



The position may be filled at either ITS Technician Trainee, I, or II levels. These positions are part of a multi-grade pay band. The salary range at the top of this job announcement reflects the bottom of the salary range for ITS Technician Trainee to the top of the salary range for ITS Technician II. Following the guidelines for this pay band, employees may earn increases and are eligible to progress through the band after acquiring additional skills, training, certifications, or licenses.



Salary Range Information: ITS Technician Trainee: $45,801.60 - $69,971.20

$69,971.20 ITS Technician I: $50,169.60 - $76,627.20

ITS Technician II: $54,329.60 - $82,950.40 Completion of the Supplemental Questionnaire is required as part of the application process for this position. You may further describe your experience by attaching a resume. However, please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered Arlington County Government employee benefits depend on whether a position is permanent, the number of hours worked, and the number of months the position is scheduled.



Specific information on benefits and conditions of employment can be found on the Arlington County Human Resources Department website: (see application details)



Permanent, Full-Time Appointments

All jobs are permanent, full-time appointments unless otherwise stated in the announcement. The following benefits are available:



Paid Leave : Vacation leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. Leave accrual increases every three years until eight hours of leave are earned biweekly for twelve or more years of service. Sick leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. There are eleven paid holidays each year.



Health and Dental Insurance : Three group health insurance plans are offered - a network open access plan, a point-of-service plan, and a health maintenance organization. A group dental insurance plan is also offered. The County pays a significant portion of the premium for these plans for employees and their dependents. A discount vision plan is provided for eye care needs.



Life Insurance : A group term policy of basic life insurance is provided at no cost to employees. The benefit is one times annual salary. Additional life insurance is available with rates based on the employee's age and smoker/non-smoker status.



Retirement : The County offers three vehicles to help you prepare for retirement: a defined benefit plan, a defined contribution plan (401(a)), and a deferred compensation plan (457). The defined benefit plan provides a monthly retirement benefit based on your final average salary and years of service with the County. You contribute a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis to this plan. General employees contribute 4% of pay; uniformed public safety employees contribute 7.5% of pay. Employees become vested in the plan at five years of service. The County also contributes to this plan.



For general employees, the County also contributes 4.2% of pay to a defined contribution plan (401(a)) . The County also matches your 457 contribution, up to $20 per pay period, in this plan. The 457 deferred compensation plan allows you to set aside money on either a pre-tax (457b) or post-tax (457 Roth) basis up to the IRS annual limit. New employees are automatically enrolled with a pre-tax contribution equal to 2% of your base pay.



Other Benefits: The County also offers health, dependent care, and parking flexible spending accounts; long-term care insurance; tuition assistance; transit and walk/bike to work subsidies; a college savings plan; wellness programs; training opportunities; and a variety of other employee benefits.



Permanent, Part-Time Appointments:

Part time employees who work ten or more hours per week receive paid leave and benefits in proportion to the number of hours worked per week.



Limited Term Appointments:

Benefits are the same as permanent appointments except that the employees do not achieve permanent status.



Temporary Regular Appointments:

Temporary regular employees who work 30 hours or more per week are eligible for health, dental, and basic life insurance as described above. They are also eligible for vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.



Temporary Seasonal and Occasional Appointments:

Temporary employees who work on a seasonal basis or variable hours receive sick leave, but do not normally receive other paid leave or benefits. Exceptions are noted in individual announcements.



The latest verbal gymnastics our local San Francisco Bay Area, 11 oclock news team tried and failed to explain was why, when COVID cases are rapidly plummeting, we are not opening the state. There are only five counties that have graduated out of the deadly Purple Tier as of this morning.

After months of touting the so-called crisis in ICU capacity, now we get no mention of that issue. Instead, were treated to ten minutes of proud stories about massive new vaccination sites. These are immediately followed by stories about the lack of available vaccine doses. Its almost funny. We are exhorted to do our duty and get vaccinated, for the common good, if we can find any vaccine. I know people who desperately wanted it and had to drive for hours to locate doses. Personally, I wouldnt get the vaccine. But thats another story.

We did get our outdoor dining restored in my county, but only in the last week or so. Many of our restaurants are understandably cautious, since they put a lot of time, energy, and cash into opening in November, only to be shut down again in December. The wintery weather added to their caution. Who wants to eat outside when its raining and 53 F? We are warming up, so that may change.

The gist of the news report, as confusing as it sounded, was that we measured our tiers of closure based on data showing the spread of the virus. The criteria are the number of new cases per 100,000 residents, along with the percentage of cases compared to the overall tests that theyve done in any rolling seven-day period.

The state website also cautions that Tier assignments may occur any day of the week and may occur more than once a week when the California Department of Public Health determinesthat immediate action is needed. In other words, what the State giveth, it can taketh away in a moment.

So back to the data.... Whats the problem? Both criteria are bogus. Whats a case? Is it someone in the ICU or just someone who tested positive? Ive looked up that definition, and its a bunch of either/or/and mumbo-jumbo that seems to get redefined frequently.

Lets posit that a case is someone with (a) a positive test and (b) symptoms. Symptoms include having two (or more) from a long menu. Pneumonia, olfactory changes, respiratory distress, etc. Those are, of course, symptoms that could mean more than one diagnosis.

Weve seen over time, that the tests themselves are not accurate. Remember in November, when Elon Musk got four done, same day, same test, same machinery, and half were negative, half positive? Remember when they sent goat and pawpaw samples to be tested in Tanzania last April and both tested positive?

The percentage of positive tests in a seven-day span is the second criterion. Think about it: Healthy people dont want to be tested unnecessarily. The people being tested are (a) travelers who must get one to fly, (b) medical professionals exposed continually, and (c) people who are worried that they have COVID. If you are a normal person, feeling just fine, why get a test? Therefore, the percentage of positive tests is still high, and we sit at our purple shut-down tier, twiddling our thumbs.

The newsreader awkwardly suggested that we all do our duty and go for a test, whether we need one or not. That way, the percentages would go down, and we can magically descend to the next, better tier. That being red, where we can resume some normal activity.

The rules that govern each tier are numerical. Purple is defined as seven new cases per 100,000, and more than 8% positive tests in any given 7-day period. It means were shut down, except that stores can open at 25% capacity and groceries at 50%. No rhyme or reason for that, other than mutiny if the groceries were to be closed. Ive been cheek-to-jowl with the crowds in Costco, which doesnt seem to have limited capacity at all, probably because the space is so large. Magically, we all survived.

When we magically get to the red tier, we can open a few things. Gyms at 10% capacity. The zoo at 25%. Higher ed, at 25%, and primary and secondary education at the discretion of local officials. But thats another story.

What it will take for us to resume normal life, with modifications is one or fewer "cases" per 100,000 and 2% or less of positive tests. Anyone taking bets on when we get there?

IMAGE: California in perpetual lockdown. California Safer Economy website.
THREE men appeared in court yesterday charged in connection with the burglary of 20,000 worth of jewellery from the home of a 78-year-old woman.

Edward Wall (49) of Fortunestown Crescent, Tallaght, his brother Martin Wall (42) of Woodbine House, Pollardstown, Co. Kildare and their nephew John Wall (20) of Fortunestown Crescent were each charged with one count of burglary contrary to section 12 of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

All three face sentences, if convicted on indictment, of up to 14 years in prison.

Tallaght District Court heard the trio were arrested at 6.25pm on Friday evening at Mackintosh Park, Dun Laoghaire following an intelligence-led garda operation.

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In relation to Edward Wall, evidence was heard from an officer assigned to the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau that he was transferred to Dundrum Garda station following his arrest where he was detained.

At 3.36 pm yesterday, he was charged with the offence of burglary.

He made no reply to the charge and was handed a true copy of the charge sheet.

Gardai said they were objecting to bail under section 2 of the Bail Act and under the OCallaghan rules.

Objections put forward by gardai included the seriousness of the charge which is punishable on indictment by a sentence of up to 14 years in prison and the evidence gathered by gardai in relation to the offence.

The court heard gardai mounted an intelligence led operation after receiving intelligence relating to a gold-coloured Mercedes.

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The court heard it would be alleged that officers were monitoring this vehicle when it stopped at Watson Road in Killiney on Friday evening.

The court heard it will be alleged two men then exited the vehicle and entered a property.

Lights were subsequently observed moving around in the downstairs of the property.

Evidence was heard the men then emerged and got back into the vehicle.

The court heard the vehicle was stopped by gardai and the five occupants arrested.

Gardai said a burglary was confirmed to have occurred at the address the men had entered and jewellery to the value of 20,000 taken.

Gardai said a 78-year-old woman was present at the time.

The court heard Edward Wall was one of the five men arrested.

The court was also informed that following his arrest, Edward Wall told gardai that he had tested positive for Covid 19 on the morning of his arrest.

In seeking bail, defence solicitor Lorraine Stephens said her client would be willing to abide by any conditions set down by the court.

She also noted no jewellery was recovered from the vehicle when it was stopped.

The court was informed that gardai will allege the jewellery was thrown from the vehicle prior to the arrests being.

Bail was refused and Edward Wall was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court by video link on February 26th.

An application for legal aid was adjourned after gardai requested that a statement of means be provided to the court.

Martin Wall (42) appeared in court next following a brief break during which a cleaning crew sanitised the court room.

The court heard Martin Wall was arrested after the gold Mercedes vehicle was stopped by gardai at Mackintosh Park.

Evidence was given of arrest, charge and caution.

The court heard Martin Wall charged with the offence of burglary at Dundrum Garda station at 3.33 pm yesterday.

He made no reply.

Again a request for bail was refused after gardai objected to this based on the seriousness of the charge and on the basis of the evidence gathered by gardai.

He was remanded to appear before Cloverhill District Court on February 26.

A request for legal aid was again adjourned to allow for a statement of means to be furnished to the court.

Following a second break in proceedings to sanitise the court room, 20-year-old John Wall appeared in court.

The court heard John Wall is a nephew of the two previous accused and that he was arrested after gardai stopped the gold Mercedes at Mackintosh Park.

Garda charged John Wall with the offence of burglary at Dun Laoghaire garda station at 3.08 pm yesterday.

He made no reply to the charge after caution.

Again gardai objected to bail on the basis of the seriousness of the charge and the evidence gathered by gardai.

In support of his application for bail, Walls defence solicitor Mr. Ruane said his client was a newly-wed whose wife was pregnant and who needed her husband at home.

Bail was granted in the defendants own bond in the sum of 1,000 together with two independent sureties of 500.

He was remanded in custody with consent to bail on a number of conditions including that he obey a curfew of 10 pm to 7 am and sign on daily at a named garda station.
Government steps into CPC bailout By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):

The Government is aiming to rescue the debt-saddled Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) from the threat of bankruptcy with around Rs. 600 billion in debt and currently running at a loss, official data confirmed.

According to Finance Ministry statistics, total CPC debt due to state-run Peoples Bank and Bank of Ceylon had reached Rs. 592.7 billion by end April 2020 from Rs. 566 billion in December 2019. These were the latest figures available while the period after April 2020 would show a higher level of losses.

Previous governments used to settle CPC losses through dollar borrowings but in 2018 it borrowed dollars despite having rupee deposits from a price formula which it could have used to settle debt, an official source revealed.

A cabinet subcommittee comprising Ministers of Power, Energy, and Fisheries headed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has been appointed to find ways and means to bailout the CPC. However the corporation has saved $300 million in foreign exchange for the year 2020, CPC Chairman Sumith Wijesinghe told the Parliament Committee on Public Enterprisers (COPE) recently.

He stated that the government was able to take advantage of this due to the fall in the price of a barrel of crude oil last year and several other reasons.

The operational profit of Rs. 1.49 billion recorded by the CPC in the first four months of 2020 has converted to an overall loss of Rs. 45.14 billion due to the foreign exchange loss of Rs. 43.89 billion, Finance Ministry data revealed.

Further, the CPC was in difficulty in reaping optimal benefits over the historically lower global oil price due to the reduction of demand of the petroleum products around by 18 per cent to 1,790 million litres in the first four months of 2020, compared to the demand of 2,117 million litres in the same period of 2019.

The government introduced the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund (FPSF) in March 2020 to maintain stable fuel prices in the country.

The CPCs cash flow constraints further deteriorated as total receivables from other state agencies grew to Rs. 119.77 billion at the end of April 2020.

The accumulated loss and the working capital requirements of the CPC have been mainly financed through loans obtained from two state banks.

This has resulted in the total banking sector exposure to CPC reaching nearly Rs. 600 billion creating more pressure on debt servicing on its balance sheet, Treasury records revealed.

HOUSTON  Randy Calazans is one of the hottest commodities in Texas right now. Hes a plumber.

The winter weather nightmare that swept through the state last week cut off power and heat to millions of homes that were never designed for frigid temperatures. Up and down the state, people were driven from their homes, or came back to find them badly damaged, by pipes and valves and tanks that froze and burst.

So when the snow started to defrost and the sun made a coveted return, plumbers were suddenly like roofers after a hurricane: Everybody seemed to need one, all at once.

At One Call Plumbing, the plumbing business where Mr. Calazans works, employees have been answering the phones nonstop in a small office with sprawling maps of Houston on the walls. The owner, Edgar Connery, said he had been in the business for nearly 40 years and had never seen a crush like this after other natural disasters. Some other companies had gotten so swamped that they stopped answering the phone at all.
A 2018 Pew Research poll revealed that a majority of Americans opposed the use of animals in scientific research. Opponents argue the practice is inhumane and unnecessary. While certainly an interesting topic of discussion and Im certain the debate will rage on for years to come, I am more interested in another animal experiment that has gone on for the past year. I call it the Great un-American experiment of 2020and beyond.

In this grand new experiment, humans, rather than mice or monkeys, were used as the test specimens. And in addition to being both inhumane and unnecessary, this experiment had the additional distinction of being unconstitutional. Our government discovered that they could seize Americans unalienable Rights in the name of public health and under threat of death.

Apparently, until COVID, in the history of the world, mankind has never before been faced with death and disease. Even though cancer and heart disease annually claim the lives of more than a million Americans, our Government told us that if we didnt give up our Rights, more than a million Americans could die from COVID.

With the snap of their tyrannical fingers, a slew of unconstitutional mandates, and the aid of an undiscerning and dishonest press, our politicians achieved the previously unimaginable, but long desired, ambition to render the American citizen slave and themselves master.

In fact, the experiment has been so successful that Joe Biden and the Democrat party do not intend to stop their experimentation. They owe their debt of gratitude to the communist Chinese government, of course, which not only supplied them with the gift of COVID but has for years also generously lined the pockets of our president, Joe who doesnt know where he is Biden.

This new 21st century un-American experiment has canceled out the American Experiment of the 18th century. While the Founding Fathers Experiment of the 18th century upended the notion that our Rights come from man and replaced it with the revolutionary belief that our Rights come from our Creator, our new anti-Founding Pronouns have restored the long-abolished stupidity that our Rights come from them.

But do not despair. While the COVID experiment may eventually end, there is a new experiment that will begin. As the threat of COVID wanes, the threat of manmade climate change regains its former preeminence. Just as mortality began with COVID, so too did Climate Change begin with man.

141 years of available temperature data studied from 5.45 billion years of earths existence provides conclusive and indisputable evidence that CO2 and man are responsible for temperature changes, hurricanes, tornadoes, rain, heat, and cold. Democrats tell us that if we do not continue to forfeit our unalienable Rights to the Government, we will all die.

Never mind that, in the 1970s, climate scientists predicted a new ice age and compared it to the threat of nuclear war, which never came.

Never mind that, in the 80s, they were forced to admit they had been wrong and changed their tune from the threat of a winter apocalypse to the threat of global warming.

Never mind that climate scientists predictions that the Maldives and Manhattan would join the lost city of Atlantis below the sea by 2018 never came true. This is irrelevant; a computer modeling mistake. Their prediction record is an embarrassing 0 for 1,000 but were told thats no reason to doubt them.

Despite their best hysterical efforts, the apocalyptic threat of climate change over the decades just couldnt muster enough fear to convince enough Americans to forfeit their freedom. Thankfully, COVID has shown them the way.

The COVID experiment that the abusive, amoral, and tyrannical scientists in our Government conducted has revealed that Americans are willing to give up their unalienable Rights if they are repeatedly told they will die  and, specifically, how many will die if they do not comply.

To quote the late, great Rush Limbaugh, Do not doubt me.

Time Magazine reported in an article published on August 6, 2020, that if left unchecked, climate change could drive temperatures up to the point where they would lead to 85 deaths per 100,000 people globally per year by the end of the century. Thats more than are currently killed by all infectious diseases across the globe.

You thought COVID was bad? Climate change is so much worse!

Some of you might say, Isnt this the same magazine that made both Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin man of the year? That is neither here nor there.

Climate change tyranny will promptly replace COVID tyranny. And since no one wants to die, we must all comply.

As the morally superior and tolerant Democrats dance cheerfully on the grave of the irreplaceable Patriot Rush Limbaugh, John Kerry is warning us that we only have 9 years to avert a climate crisis.

Is it me or is it ironic that as the Democrats swear CO2 is the poison that will end mankind, they also demand we wear two masks and breathe it in?

But all kidding aside, these people are insane, their ideas are dangerous, and if allowed to succeed, their tyranny will destroy more Americans lives than climate change and COVID combined.

Drew Allen is a Texas-bred, California-based conservative author and speaker, who writes a weekly blog promoting conservative ideals at drewallen.substack.com. Fluent in Italian, Drew has lived and worked in Italy in the fashion industry and in New York City and Los Angeles as an actor, screenwriter, and independent film producer.

IMAGE: Odessa, Texas. YouTube screengrab.


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VICTORIA - Health officials in British Columbia say they're working on making the COVID-19 vaccine rollout a "culturally safe experience" for Indigenous Peoples in a health system that has been criticized for its systemic racism.

Dr. Bonnie Henry talk about the next steps in B.C.'s COVID-19 Immunization Plan during a press conference at Legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Friday, January 22, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

VICTORIA - Health officials in British Columbia say they're working on making the COVID-19 vaccine rollout a "culturally safe experience" for Indigenous Peoples in a health system that has been criticized for its systemic racism.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry told the annual general meeting of Metis Nation British Columbia Saturday that officials want all the pieces in place before announcing the locations of and access plans for 172 vaccination clinics.

"There will be some chaos at the beginning, I know that. So, please be patient," she said.

Henry told the virtual meeting they expect clinics to open in the middle of March, with higher-risk populations getting their shot before that. Metis and other Indigenous people are eligible to get their shots 15 years younger than the rest of the population, meaning they can get their shot at 65 when 80-year-old residents are being called.

Dr. Daniele Behn Smith, the deputy provincial health officer for Indigenous Health, said they've been working hard to make Metis people "feel seen" during the vaccination process.

"We know that there are going to be hiccups, we know that there are going to be bumps along this road. It would be inconceivable that we wouldn't," she said. "Recognizing what just came out in the In Plain Sight report, we have a lot of work to do to create cultural safety throughout systems."

Last June, provincial Health Minister Adrian Dix asked B.C.'s former children's advocate Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond to investigate allegations that staff at a hospital emergency room were playing a guessing game of the blood-alcohol level of Indigenous patients when they were admitted.

Turpel-Lafond's report, entitled In Plain Sight and released in November, found widespread racism in B.C.'s health system and made 24 recommendations, which Dix promised then to implement.

A follow-up report released earlier this month said survey results show Indigenous people in the province are much more likely to feel unsafe in health-care settings, that they are never included in care decisions and they receive poorer service than others.

Behn Smith, who is a member of the Eh Cho Dene First Nation in Fort Nelson, B.C., said her first reaction when she learned the report would be released to the media was "total anger and cynicism."

"Because in my own training and my experience I saw that game being played in two different hospitals and I've heard about it from others. And I thought 'Oh my God this is 15 years in and nothing has changed.' "

But she said this time the complaint was heard and when it landed on the desk of the health minister a full investigation was launched within 24 hours.

"That to me was inspirational," she told the meeting.

This "landmark report" will be helpful to make it very clear how widespread the problem of Indigenous racism is within the health system, Behn Smith said.

She said she doesn't expect the rollout for Indigenous Peoples to be perfect.

"We're trying to be proactive and do as many things as we can to make this a positive experience for people. And for those instances where it's not, we have created, I think, enough relationship to try and respond relatively quickly and shift what we're doing."

Henry, who took a smaller role in the presentation because she had "picked up a bug" and been out of commission for a few days, said Turpel-Lafond's report has been instrumental in identifying and talking about the problem.

"There is a lot of work to do and we're committed to being part of that," she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2021.
The pandemic affected the sleep of many as they adjusted to significant changes in daily schedules and experienced increased stress. Vecteezy.com
Malcolm Turnbull's author daughter Daisy has separated from her husband after 10 years of marriage and now co-parents 50-50 with her ex.

The 36-year-old revealed while discussing her new parenting book that she and her estranged husband James Brown quietly parted ways last year and made their own custody arrangement.

There were whispers the couple separated last May, but Friday marked the first day she publicly commented on their relationship since they broke up.

Ms Turnbull, whose father was Australian prime minister from 2015 to 2018 and a longtime politician before that, modeled raising her kids on her own childhood.

Malcolm Turnbull's author daughter Daisy separated from her husband in 2020 after 10 years of marriage and now co-parents her 50-50 with her ex. Pictured: Lucy (blue dress) with her husband and son Jack at her father's Federal campaign in 2016

Ms Turnbull has modeled her parenting techniques on how she and her brother were raised in the 80s (pictured, a family photo of the Turnbull's during a holiday in Italy)

She and her older brother Alex were largely given the freedoms to explore and make their own mistakes. They relished in the autonomy it gave them.

'I grew up in the 80s which was riskier in a good way,' Ms Turnbull told The Courier Mail.

'There weren't so many concerns around kids walking down the street or bike riding around the block. On a holiday at Northern Beaches one year  I was about 11 or 12  and I caught the bus with a friend from Palm Beach to Avalon to see a movie. Dad told us, "if you hit Wynyard you've gone too far, turn around and come back".'

Ms Turnbull thinks the way she was raised offered a perfect balance of exploration and safety and often asks her mother, who is known as Gaga to her children (while Malcolm is referred to as Baba) for advice.

'I grew up in the 80s which was riskier in a good way,' Ms Turnbull said. Pictured with her dad Malcolm (known as Baba to her children) and her pet dog

Ms Turnbull, whose father was the prime minister of Australia from 2015 to 2018 and a long term politician, has modeled raising her kids on her own childhood

Ms Turnbull (left with Jack and Alice) thinks the way she was raised offered a perfect balance of exploration and safety and often asks her mother, who is known as Gaga (right) to her children (while Malcolm is referred to as Baba (centre)) for advice

'As a kid, I remember feeling really excited by the responsibility we were given and that we were trusted by our parents,' she said.

Ms Turnbull said she wanted her own children to develop a sense of judgement and responsibility that only comes with being given the freedom to make mistakes.

Following a discussion about the differences between parenting in the 1980s and parenting now, Ms Turnbull wrote a book about encouraging children to take risks.

The self-help book details 50 risks - separated into categories of physical, social and character risks - that parents should allow their children to take.

Malcolm Turnbull is affectionately known as Baba by his grandchildren Jack and Alice

Following a discussion about the differences between parenting in the 80s and parenting now, Ms Turnbull wrote a book about encouraging children to take risks. The self help book details 50 risks - separated into categories of physical, social and character risks - that parents should allow their children to take

Malcolm Turnbull's author daughter Daisy separated from her husband in 2020 after 10 years of marriage and now co-parents her 50-50 with her ex. Pictured: After giving birth to Alice

The Turnbull family are incredibly close and Daisy has modeled her book and parenting techniques on her own childhood

These range from simply laying a baby on a blanket on the floor while stepping away for a shower to allowing a young child to use a knife or light a candle.

Other risks include eating sand, climbing trees, catching a bus on their own, and learning to cook.

Ms Turnbull said following her guide will help to develop children who are 'confident, autonomous, passionate and responsible'.

The primary takeaway of the read is to avoid helicopter parenting, without getting bogged down in the guilt and doubt over whether you're doing a good enough job.

But the director of wellbeing at St Catherine's Sydney girls school and accredited Lifeline crisis support counsellor was quick to clarify that she does not see herself as a 'perfect mother'.

Nor does she believe her four-year-old daughter Alice and seven-year-old son Jack to be perfect children.

'We want our kids to develop the skills to pick themselves up when they fall, to know when to ask for help and who to ask, but also to be confident that they can solve a lot of their problems themselves. Let them try, and fall, and fail,' she said.

Ms Turnbull and her older brother Alex (together centre, with Malcolm and their mother Lucy) were largely given the freedoms to explore and make their own mistakes. They relished in the autonomy it gave them
Ahead of the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) convention in Salem where he hailed the state, sharing how the saffron party held its people in high esteem. He also shared how Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been inspired by the ideals professed by Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar in his text- Thirukkural.

"It is a wonderful feeling to be in this culturally rich and divine land of Tamil Nadu, the land of the Siddhars, Alwars, and Nayanmars. Tamil Nadu is also the place where the great Saint of India, Mahatma Thiruvalluvar was born who gave us knowledge in the form of Thirukkural, who acts as a guiding light for all of us. Even the decisions are taken by the NDA government under PM Modi have been inspired by the ideals professed in Thirukkural," said Rajnath Singh.

Highlighting BJP's strong affiliation with the state Rajnath Singh said, "Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee made Dr APJ Abdul Kalam the President...was that not a matter of respect for Tamil Nadu? In 1974, when the then Congress government left Katchatheevu island for Sri Lanka, Vajpayee condemned the decision to cede the island and spoke for moving to Supreme Court against it," he said.

"BJP can never forget that it was Tamil Nadu's daughter puruchi thalaivi Jaya Amma who wholeheartedly supported the first government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee," he added.

The Defence Minister also asserted that the PM Modi-led government was committed to ensuring the safety of the Tamil refugees in Sri Lanka revealing how nearly 16,000 fishermen had been released from Sri Lankan custody under the Modi government. "Our government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi is committed to ensuring that Tamil Refugees in Sri Lanka live with peace, equality and dignity. 16,00 fishermen have been released from Srilankan government's custody by the PM," he added.

Read: Sasikala's Nephew Rules Out BJP Tie-up For TN Polls; Confident Of Regaining AIADMK Control

Read:Sasikala, TTV Dhinakaran Move Chennai Court Against Her Ouster As AIADMK General Secretary

Tamil Nadu Assembly elections

Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are due from April-May 2021. While DMK's MK Stalin is eyeing his maiden term as the Chief Minister, AIADMK has arrived at reconciliation between two warring factions - of Deputy CM O Pannerselvam (OPS) and CM E Palaniswamy (EPS). Incumbent E Palaniswamy has been named as its CM candidate and O Panneerselvam as the chief of the 11-member steering committee. AIADMK has said that they are the big-brother within the NDA alliance. On the other hand, Jayalalithaa's aide Sasikala's release from prison has sent shockwaves across the party. Meanwhile, Kamal Hassan is in talks with Kejriwal's AAP ahead of polls and superstar Rajinikanth who was about to launch his party this year has backed out due to health reasons.

Read: Tamil Nadu CM Releases Industrial Policy 2021; Assures 20 Lakh Jobs, 10 Lakh Cr Investment

Read:'If AIADMK Wants To Oppose DMK, They Have To Include Sasikala,' Opines S Gurumurthy

(With Agency Inputs)

PHILIPSBURG:--- With a second postponement of the Central Committee meeting to discuss the Caribbean Organization for Reform and Development (COHO), Independent Member Of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel has questioned why the government is now clearly stalling and keeping information from the people of St. Maarten. The meeting was requested weeks ago by Emmanuel along with MPs Claudius Buncamper and Akeem Arrindell of the USP faction.

The meeting has now been postponed twice with no explanation provided by the government. In the meantime, the MP pointed out, the COHO is pressing full steam ahead with a PR campaign, Facebook page, website, the works. They are proudly advertising what they will be doing in our country without MPs having a say and without people knowing what it means for their families.

The Prime Minister makes it her business to use transparency as a talking point whenever she gets a chance. Here we are now with the administrative control of the country apparently being transferred to the COHO and the transparent Prime Minister has yet to appear in Parliament and face the people, the MP said.

MP Emmanuel said the only thing thats transparent about this government as it relates to COHO is the confidence being exuded by State Secretary Raymond Knops that the passing of the COHO legislation on St. Maarten is a forgone conclusion.

He was referring to questions posed to Knops by different parties represented in the Dutch Second Chambers Permanent Committee for Kingdom Relations. Some Dutch political parties, as they did during the recently held virtual IPKO, questioned how certain Knops were that there was enough parliamentary support on St. Maarten for the COHO. The Dutch parties noticed that support was very fragile.

Knops, quoted in The Daily Herald last week, responded that a very broad majority of the MPs (on St. Maarten) have expressed explicit support for an accord and that this support was confirmed in writing by the chairman of Parliament.

MP Emmanuel said: This is why Knops seems so confident. He has a letter from the Chairman of St. Maartens Parliament, rubber-stamping the COHO for him. So in actuality, we shouldnt hear from any MP in support of this entity because the Chairman has already spoken for them and cast their rubber vote.

The MP also reminded the public that Knops, in the same article, reminded St. Maartens government using the same threat he has been using for the past three years.

Part of the agreement for support is the establishing of the kingdom law on COHO. Knops said that in case the required consensus for this proves to be insufficient, or is removed from the proposal, the country package will legally cease to exist. In other words, no consensus on the full implementation, no liquidity support.

While the COHO is not officially established on St. Maarten and has also not gotten full support in the Netherlands, the Temporary Work Organization (TWO) of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations BZK has been established and will be in charge of providing support to implement the country package as long as the COHO has not been established.

In this context, a number of things have already happened under the TWO that is being promoted as wins for the COHO. These include the signing of new border control protocols and establishing a new hospital alliance in the Dutch Kingdom. MP Emmanuel has already written to both the Justice Minister and Minister of VSA seeking information on both of these developments.

There is also movement in the area of taxes and general administration within the government that is defacto the COHO already in operation under the cover of the TWO. Then of course there is St. Maartens budget which will have to pay for the reforms. We dont even know when that will get to Parliament. We have questions that the Prime Minister and this government must answer, answers to questions that Parliament and our people must be privy to. The transparent Prime Minister and her government cannot run from this issue forever, the MP concluded.
Australia rolled out its Covid-19 vaccination campaign on Sunday, with top officials among a small group receiving the first jabs. The national rollout of the Pfizer vaccine is set to begin on Monday.

In what is being termed an effort to boost public confidence in the vaccinations, Prime Minister Scott Morrison took the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at a medical centre in Sydney's northwest.

Jane Malysiak, an aged care resident and WWII survivor in her 80s, was the country's first person to receive the vaccine, followed by health care workers and other officials.

"She's taking part in what is a very historic day for our country," Morrison said.

"Tomorrow our vaccination programme starts, so as a curtain-raiser today we're here making some very important points -- that it's safe, that it's important, and we need to start with those who are most vulnerable and are on the front line," he added.

The priority groups in the first round include the 7,00,000 frontline workers in the health sector, border enforcement and care homes, along with the residents of care homes.

Australia has recorded just under 29,000 cases, and 909 deaths since the pandemic began.

Against vaccinations

The move comes a day after anti-vaccination demonstrations were held in major cities. The protesters chanted slogans like "My body, my choice" and signs denouncing the vaccine.

Some protesters clashed with police in Melbourne, leading to several arrests.

Police said 15 people would receive penalty notices for breaching its Covid-19 laws. Five others were charged for resisting arrest, hindering police and refusing to provide details.

The jabs in Australia are free, but it is not mandatory for people to have them.

According to an Australian National University survey, almost 22% of Australians said they were unlikely to get the jab.

The country's vaccination programme is starting months after other nations', following its provisional approval of the Pfizer product for use in January.

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was also approved in recent days but is yet to be administered.

With inputs from agencies.









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The New York Post reports that President Biden told the G-7 that the America First foreign policy agenda is over. The administration previewed the speech, which was closed to the press:
Former Nigeria lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has said, the renowned Islamic Studies, Sheikh Gumi is meeting with bandits across the states because P...

Former Nigeria lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has said, the renowned Islamic Studies, Sheikh Gumi is meeting with bandits across the states because President Buharis led government has failed to protect its citizens against bandits attack.

Sani in a post on his Twitter account on Saturday, February 20 said the President Muhammadu Buhari led government has failed woefully and that has given Gumi a space to come to the rescue.

His tweet reads: If the Government had not woefully failed in securing the lives of the people, there could not have been Sheikh Gumis intervention. He just stepped into a vacuum.

Shehu Sanis statement follows controversies over Gumis visit to bandit camps in Zamfara and Niger State recently.

The cleric has made news headlines over his calls for Amnesty and negotiations with bandits.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The presence of advanced and modern telecommunication infrastructure will transform Bahrain into a robust and resilient digital economy, said the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications.

Minister Kamal Ahmed also described a fibre optic network as the backbone of any knowledge-based economy and society.

Such a network will enable Bahrain to adequately interact with various future developments in this sector and support growth and digital transformation across all sectors of the economy, the minister added.

The minister was visiting BNET headquarters in Hamala to discuss work progress per the national telecommunication plan.

Minister told BNET officials that a strong network supports the governments vision guided by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifas directives, which emphasize on the transformation into a robust and resilient digital economy.
The National Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) that would make it easier for all Muslims in Nigeria to go to Saudi Arabia to perform one of the pillars of Islam, the Hajj, has been launched in the North-east and South-east regions of the country.

Jaiz Bank and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in collaboration with the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board of the respective regions flagged off the sensitization and awareness campaign in Adamawa, Taraba and Ebonyi states, respectively.

The ongoing launch and sensitization of HSS have already been flagged off in parts of the North-central, North-west, South-west and South-south.

Speaking at the occasions, Jaiz Banks Managing Director/CEO, Hassan Usman, represented by the banks Divisional Head, Corporate Services, Ismaila Adamu, said the National Hajj Savings Scheme is a significant milestone for all stakeholders in the hajj ecosystem in Nigeria.

He said the importance of the scheme emanated from the fact that right from planning, funding to actual operations, the scheme has the potentials to positively affect every act and actor in the process.

With such a scheme in place, intending pilgrims that do not have the wherewithal can gradually plan and actualize their dream without stress by saving gradually.

He said that even those who do not live long enough to complete their savings might still in Allahs infinite mercy receive the reward for hajj because they are pilgrims by bringing intention (niyyat) and action (amal) together.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Barr. Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, who earlier flagged off the launch in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State and represented in Taraba and Adamawa States thanked the governments of the states for buying into the scheme.

He said HSS has several benefits amongst which is to assist the less privilege to save money over time to go to hajj and also to earn profit on their savings.

He said: You dont have to sell your farmland to go to hajj as the scheme will make hajj fare affordable.

The Chairman, Ebonyi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Engr. Abbas, said the launch of HSS was significant as it will make it easier for Muslims to go to Hajj. You dont have to sell your items to go to Hajj. Ebonyi has fully integrated into the scheme and ready to work with NAHCON, he said.

in his speech, the Chairman, Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Hamman Adama Tukur, assured NAHCON and all stakeholders that the State Pilgrims Welfare Board would do its best to ensure the success of the programme.

The Taraba State governor, Arch. Darius Dickson, represented by the Commissioner of Science and Technology, Alhaji Alhassan Hamman said hajj is an important pillars of Islam that every Muslim is expected to perform.

He said it is because of the importance of this exercise that the Taraba State government got involved in ensuring that all necessary support is being given to Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for hitch-free and successful Hajj operations

He said: I, therefore, urge our Muslim faithful to use the opportunity to harness the benefit of the scheme. I call on the Muslim Ummah to also imbibe the saving culture and long-term planning to key into the Hajj family. I will like to remind you that this administration encourages programmes that have positive socio-economic impact on Tarabans and the Hajj Savings Scheme is one of them.

Speaking in Yola, the Executive Secretary, Adamawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission, Alhaji Sani Abubakar, said the Council will go to every nook and cranny to enlighten the public on the scheme.

Flagging off the scheme, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, represented by the Secretary to State Government, Engr. Bashir Ahmad, urged Muslim Ummah to take advantage of the newly introduced scheme.

He expressed the state governments determination to fully support the scheme to ensure its success.

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Ahmedabad: As Gujarat civil polls are underway, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday (February 21) cast his vote at a polling booth for election to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and expressed confidence that the BJP will win in Gujarat.

Tight security arrangements were made at the polling booth where Shah and his family members cast their votes. After casting his vote, the senior BJP leader and his family members also offered prayers at the Kamnath Mahadev temple located nearby.

The polling began from 7 am and will continue till 6 pm. The counting will take place on February 23. The six cities going to polls in Gujarat on Sunday include Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar.

There are 2276 candidates in the fray for a total of 575 seats. As many as 577 candidates from BJP, 566 candidates from Congress, 91 candidates from NCP, 470 candidates from AAP and 353 candidates from other parties and 228 independents are contesting.

A total of 1,14,66,973 voters are expected to cast their vote.

Nearly 43,000 police personnel have been deployed for the civic polls, state Director General of Police Ashish Bhatia told PTI on Friday.
New Delhi : Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal has called for embarking on Mission 'one nation one standard' and make India the leader in setting global benchmarks in setting standards.

Reviewing the work of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Goyal said the strength and character of a nation are often exemplified by the standards it sets for the quality of its products and services and it is time for India to settle for nothing less than the best.

According to an official release on Saturday, he said lab testing in India should be of world standards and modern equipment and latest technologies should be used.

The minister said that BIS should explore international partnerships and associations to achieve synergy in the field.

He said that "gap analysis" of BIS and government labs be taken up on a priority basis as well. In management parlance, gap analysis refers to the comparison of actual performance with potential or desired performance.

Referring to the issue of different institutions and PSUs having a variety of non-uniform standards, he said that effort should be made to merge different standards under one standard as much as possible.

The minister said that industry should be invited for more dialogue, participation and collaboration in the mission of 'one nation one standard'.

He said the process of granting certification should be kept as simple as possible and duplication of work should be avoided.

"We should aim to be the world leader in having maximum industrial products under Indian standards and no one should feel the need to go abroad to get quality certification," he said.

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(CNN) -- President Joe Biden pronounced to world leaders Friday that "America is back," promising that he would position the country to take a prominent role in the global fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, hours before touring a vaccine manufacturing plant in Michigan, where he told Americans, "We're going to beat this."

Addressing back-to-back diplomatic meetings and making one of his first official trips outside of Washington as president on the same day, he communicated both the very real seriousness of the crisis and his willingness to fight it with investment in science and infrastructure both at home and abroad -- a stark departure from his predecessor.

"We are not looking backward. We are looking forward together," Biden said during a virtual appearance at the Munich Security Conference where he noted that the US was officially rejoining the Paris climate accord and pledging $2 billion to a global coronavirus vaccine initiative to help further the development of vaccines as the US tries to "earn back our position of trusted leadership."

For four years under Donald Trump, the stature of the US was diminished around the world as many longtime allies watched the former President's erratic behavior and anti-science pronouncements in disbelief. Though the US took the lead in past crises like the Ebola outbreak, which then-President Barack Obama referred to as a national security priority, Trump withdrew from that traditional posture as the coronavirus spread across the world, failing to marshal a coordinated national response even within the US as governors were forced to fend for themselves, despite his administration launching an effort to accelerate vaccine development and production.

In his nearly one month in office, Biden has had his fair share of messaging blunders -- from shifting timelines on vaccinations, when and how schools can reopen and when life can return to normal generally -- but he made it clear Friday that he is making a sharp break from Trump's muddled, go-it-alone approach, looking to strengthen America's partnerships as the US tackles challenges like the climate crisis and future pandemics alongside like-minded allies.

"Even as we fight to get out of the teeth of this pandemic, the resurgence of Ebola in Africa is a stark reminder that we must simultaneously work to finally finance health security; strengthen global health systems; and create early warning systems to prevent, detect, and respond to future biological threats, because they will keep coming," Biden told the Munich Security Conference, hours after he'd participated in his first virtual session of the G7.

Later as he toured a Pfizer facility in Portage, Michigan -- one of three sites in the US that is manufacturing the company's vaccine -- Biden tried to strike a balance between optimism and a realism about how quickly his administration could get the US population vaccinated and moving toward a higher degree of herd immunity. He pointed to the severe winter storm in Texas as an example of the unforeseen challenges that could slow the process, along with potential manufacturing delays and the new dangers posed by virus variants.

Harkening back to the promise that he made during his inaugural address, he noted that he told the American people he would always "give it to you straight from the shoulder, as Roosevelt said, because the American people can take the truth."

"I know we'll run into bumps. It's not going to be easy here to the end, but we're going to beat this. We're going to beat this," he said at the Pfizer plant where he inspected some of the ultra-cold freezers that hold the vaccine and toured another part of the facility where vaccines are boxed with dry ice.

He reiterated his belief that Americans should look toward the end of the year as a time when the US will be "approaching normalcy" but said he could not set a firm timeline for achieving that goal.

As of Friday, the US government had delivered more than 78 million doses of the vaccine to states and jurisdictions, according to the latest data published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 59 million doses have been administered, about 76% percent of what the government sent out.

After vaccine shipment delays that resulted from the winter storms, Andy Slavitt, a senior adviser to the White House Covid-19 response team, told CNN's Wolf Blitzer Friday that the federal government will be "shipping more doses than states have ever received before" because they are shipping this week's doses and next week's in an effort to get back up to normal speed. "For all the governors and all the states that have said we want more vaccines, they're going to have to be ready, they're going to have to make more appointments, they're going to have to extend their hours," Slavitt said on "The Situation Room."

During the White House coronavirus briefing earlier in the day on Friday, Slavitt said the federal government has a backlog of some 6 million doses due to weather and that all 50 states were affected.

Between the doses promised to the US by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, along with the 100 million doses that Johnson & Johnson has said it would deliver of its single-dose vaccine by the end of July  if it is authorized for emergency use by the US Food and Drug Administration  the US could theoretically have enough vaccine doses to fully vaccinate the population by mid-summer.

"God willing this Christmas will be different than last  but I can't make that commitment to you," Biden said Friday. "There are other strains of the virus. We don't know what could happen in terms of production rates. Things can change. But we're doing everything the science has indicated we should do, and people are stepping up to get everything done that has to be done."

He is also redoubling his efforts to win approval of his $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief package, which is on track for a House vote next week, challenging Republicans who oppose it to be clear about the parts to which they object.

Vaccine equity questions persist at home

Biden's pledge to put US ingenuity to work -- and act as a more benevolent and pro-active force to help other nations around the world -- was echoed by Dr. Anthony Fauci during an interview Friday hosted by Georgetown University where he called for the US to take a strong leadership role in developing a universal coronavirus vaccine. The goal of such a vaccine, he said, would be to protect people not only from coronavirus mutations, but also "the entire spectrum of the family of coronaviruses."

"We got hit with three in 18 years that have been either pandemic or pandemic potential, so shame on us if we don't develop the universal coronavirus vaccine," said Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease specialist.

Meanwhile, questions persist about how to get the vaccine distributed more equitably at home, particularly in communities of color where vaccine hesitancy is more pronounced, an issue the White House said it plans to bring into sharper focus over the next few weeks.

A Kaiser Family Foundation analysis showed that among those who have received at least one dose of the vaccine, White people have been vaccinated at a rate three times higher than Hispanic people and twice as high as Black people in the 27 states reporting ethnicity data.

One way the Biden administration said it is trying to address the issue is by opening new community vaccination centers in partnership with states. Two were opened in hard-hit areas of Los Angeles and Oakland this week, and Slavitt announced that five new sites would open in the next two weeks in Philadelphia, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa.

When questioned about the criteria used to determine the locations of those sites during the White House coronavirus briefing on Friday, Slavitt said the federal government works with states to find sites where they can target vaccinations to "those who are most vulnerable."

While answering a question about vaccine equity, Slavitt also said that the administration will soon announce new steps to address some of the key barriers to vaccinations in some of the nation's hardest hit communities. In those areas, many people have had difficulty getting the vaccine due to a lack of transportation and a lack of access to local pharmacies, providers and health clinics, not to mention the ability to get online and try to book scarce appointments that often are snapped up as soon as they are posted.

Slavitt said the administration is looking at solutions like bringing more mobile vans into those communities, adjusting the hours that vaccination sites are open to create more opportunity for shots outside the workday and helping fix some of the problems with the appointment systems.

"I can tell you that we are working (on) these in detail, along with the states, along with local communities," Slavitt said. "I think it's safe to say that if you don't do the things -- you naturally end up with the people who are getting hit hardest by the virus also getting the least access to the vaccine."

"There are some success stories. I think it's too early to report that we have figured this out," he said.

"I think it's a constant battle, to be honest."

This story was first published on CNN.com.
Continuing to reinforce its role as a pioneer in the oil marketing sector in Oman, Shell Oman Marketing Company has expanded its operations in the port city of Duqm, by commencing supply of aviation fuel to Duqm Airport.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr Mohammed Al Balushi, CEO at Shell Oman Marketing, said: Shell Oman Marketing is uniquely positioned to deliver global fuel technology and operational excellence to local and international customers in Duqm.

We truly value our long-standing partnership with the key stakeholders in Omans aviation sector, which is evident from our position as the sole fuel farm operator at both Muscat and Salalah airports, and now with Shell Omans Aviation fuel business actively operating in Duqm. He further stated: With Duqms strategic location and geopolitical advantage on the international logistics map, the city is hoisted to transform into a regional hub attracting significant investments and traffics. We are pleased to be a partner in this progressive journey, contributing to the sultanates economic diversity goals as part of our long-standing commitment to support Oman Vision 2040.

Duqm Airport serves as a gateway into a region with significant economic, industrial and commercial potential as it primarily handles business traffic, with great potential of becoming part of the tourism industry too.

Shells expertise in providing top quality fuels, and reliable, efficient and profitable operations, have been globally recognised since the advent of the jet age. In 1962, Shell began selling aviation fuel in Oman from Bait Al Falaj Airport. In later years, with the opening of Seeb International Airport, today known as Muscat International Airport, Shell has become a major supplier of jet fuel, lubricants and consultancy services in the Omani aviation sector.

Opportunities like these are testament to Shell Omans high standards in Health, Safety, Security and Environment, operational excellence and competitive commercial terms. A world-class supply chain has been built by Shell Oman to ensure wherever customers are served, they can count on a secure supply of quality fuel. This reflects Shell Omans continuous efforts to continuously create value for Oman and support its national agenda to diversify the economy, where logistics and tourism sectors are poised to be key contributors to the national GDP. -- Tradearabia News Service
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.

Ms A.T. writes: I have 70,000 in investment bonds with Quinshaw Group, which you wrote about recently. When Quinshaw went into liquidation, I was told my money would be returned, and I was contacted by Christopher Sutton of Clarity Management Consultants Limited, based in Norfolk. He also said my money would be returned, but I have heard nothing from him since January.

Promise: When Quinshaw went into liquidation, our reader was told their money would be returned

Let me say right away that whoever contacted you was a fraudster, and not Christopher Sutton. This is no surprise.

As I reported two weeks ago, investors were being told about Quinshaw's liquidation many weeks before genuine liquidators took control.

This left a window of opportunity for crooks to contact investors and, even now, they are still offering rescue schemes that don't exist. In contrast, Clarity Management Consultants does exist.

Its registered office is a lovely old building in the shadow of Norwich Cathedral. But this is the premises of accountants M&A Partners, and Clarity itself ceased trading recently and is being shut down voluntarily by its owners.

I contacted Christopher Sutton's wife Julie, who is a director of Clarity, and told her about the offer  supposedly from her husband  to recover money that had gone missing in Quinshaw.

She told me: 'This does sound like a scam. It is nothing to do with us. We closed the company down, and we have never had anything to do with investments.'

Clarity's accountants in Norwich backed this up. Ash Ali, of M&A Partners, said: 'The company is in the process of closing.'

When I told him about Quinshaw's missing millions, he added: 'I have never heard of it. All the post relating to Clarity Management Consultants comes to me, and we have had nothing arrive.'

In a nutshell then, whoever has contacted you has stolen the identity of Christopher Sutton and his company. If you had taken the bait, you would have been asked for an up-front fee before the fake Sutton would release your 70,000. And any fee you transferred to the fraudster's bank account would simply disappear.

How do I know this? Well, this is how so-called 'recovery room' scams work. And as if to confirm this, you told me that a few days ago you were contacted again, this time supposedly by Mark Edwards, the director of Better Escrow Limited, based in Belgravia in London.

His messages boast: 'Mark Edwards is licensed to act as Insolvency Practitioner in the United Kingdom by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales'.

And he told you: 'As the escrow provider who currently holds Quinshaw clients' funds, I feel it is essential that I inform you that the deadline is February 18 for claiming the amount that is owed.'

Fail to lodge your claim by last Thursday, and another creditor would get your money, he threatened.

Better Escrow does exist, and Mark Edwards is its director, but according to Companies House it is dormant and has never yet traded. It has no website, no email address and not even a telephone number.

You were contacted by just another fake. And the Government-run Insolvency Service does not list Edwards or his company as licensed practitioners, nor is anyone of that name and Belgravia address listed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

I suggested you should ask the fraudster how much he wanted before returning your 70,000.

You did so and were immediately told you had to pay about 2,000 for an 'active trading licence'  something which does not exist, but which recovery room crooks often use as an excuse for parting victims from their money.

I called the fake Edwards to ask how much he had made from this fresh fraud, but for some reason he was not happy to talk to me and hung up. His number is 07564 809606.

I expect this is a prepaid 'burner' phone, bought anonymously and soon to be ditched. But if anyone has details about who is using this number, do please let me know.

The police are already investigating the millions of pounds missing from Quinshaw, and I am sure they would be interested to learn how the fake follow-up cheats got access to the names, addresses and other details of Quinshaw's investors.

If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TS or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk.

Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
She relocated to the sunny United Arab Emirates last year to escape the UK's lengthy lockdown.

And Georgia Harrison looked like she was living the dream as she worked from her laptop whilst relaxing on a sun lounger at the at Paradise Beach Club in Dubai on Sunday.

The Love Island star, 26, flaunted her assets in a leopard print bikini which barely covered her peachy posterior as she focused her attention on her business.

The high life: Georgia Harrison was living the dream, working from her laptop on a sun lounger, as she flaunted her assets in a leopard print bikini

She was later seen looking chic in wide-leg, ripped, blue denim jeans as she strolled through the luxury complex.

On top, Georgia wore a white crop top with a plunging neckline and cut-outs around her shoulders, that complemented her toned physique.

The media personality highlighted her beauty with minimal make-up and a nude lip.

She let her long hair fall in loose natural waves around her face and put safety first, wearing a black face mask.

Gorgeous: The Love Island star, 26, was later seen looking chic in wide-leg, ripped, blue denim jeans as she strolled through the Paradise Beach Club in Dubai

The confident celeb recently lashed out at critics accusing her of being on holiday in Dubai despite the fact she has moved there.

She told her social media followers: 'I rented out my flat, sold my car and moved to Dubai months ago. I'm not stuck here, I live here.'

And earlier this week, Georgia took a brief break from her career duties to share a series of topless snaps to Instagram on Thursday.

New home: Georgia recently hit out at critics who suggested she was on holiday in Dubai, when she'd really rented out her UK flat and moved to the UAE

The reality star admitted she was initially 'scared' to upload the racy posts in fear of judgment, but later declared 'I should do what I want' after enjoying a glass of wine.

Leaving little to the imagination, the influencer covered her modesty with her hands as she wore just a pair of blue bikini bottoms.

A defiant Georgia said: 'been to scared to post these incase i got judged but had a vino tonight and remembered i should do what i want when i want.' (sic)

'I've had vino and remembered I should do what I want!' Georgia defiantly shared a series of topless snaps to Instagram earlier this week

She opened up about her health scare that saw her hospitalised in Dubai over the Christmas period.

Georgia revealed she feared she would never get pregnant after she was rushed to a medical facility after suffering from a 'ruptured cyst', which severely infected her organs.

During a new interview with OK! Magazine, Georgia admitted she found the whole ordeal 'scary', especially as she is living abroad.

Scary: The reality star was rushed to a medical facility over Christmas after suffering from a 'ruptured cyst', which made her fear she would be unable to get pregnant

Although she has several family members also living in Dubai, they were not there at the time, which meant that had to spend Christmas alone in hospital.

Georgia spoke about the worry she had when doctors told her they thought that one of her ovaries had 'twisted and burst'.

She recalled: 'When they first took me away they sort of said to me, 'I just hope you're aware that we might have to put you under, we might have to remove your ovaries.'

'I was on my own and I was really scared and I was saying, 'Will I still be able to have children?' and stuff like that.'

Georgia described the experience as 'traumatic', as she revealed that doctors attempted to calm her down.

She went on: 'Thankfully, it was just a burst cyst, which infected all my organs.

'As much as it left me really ill, I don't have any serious damage in the long term. I'm just so grateful.'

Despite her previous fears, the TV personality is still hopeful she will have kids of her own in the future, adding that she would like to have 'three children' and become a 'self-made millionaire'.
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By Charlie Gerow

The various states of the Union have correctly been called the laboratories of democracy. Some of the work in those labs has been substandard to say the least.

In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo finds himself in the middle of a gigantic scandal. The core of the scandal involves his edicts to send elderly people from hospitals into nursing homes and assisted living facilities where many died.

If this sounds familiar, it should. Tom Wolf did the same thing here in Pennsylvania. Of course his Secretary of Health at the time, Rachel Levine, managed to get her mother out of one of those facilities and into a luxury hotel just in a nick of time.

For months there were questions about the number of deaths that occurred in New York in the facilities to which Cuomo sent seniors. States similar to New York, including neighboring states like our own, were reporting deaths 60% higher than New Yorks.

By late summer the Associated Press picked up on the story, suggesting that Cuomos estimate of 6,000 nursing home deaths was potentially a significant undercount.

The big problem for Cuomo is that he allegedly deliberately made the undercount. His own top aide admitted theyd doctored reports and withheld information. Their internal justification was that they feared that Donald Trumps Justice Department would launch an investigation.

Now its his own Party in Albany that is moving forward with investigations. Its not merely his Republican critics. Democrats in the Empire State are taking aim at the governor who used his daily briefings on the pandemic to win himself an Emmy.

New Yorks Democrat Attorney General is after Cuomo, and has issued a report suggesting a massive undercount by Cuomo.

Democrat politicians are harshly critical of Cuomos handling of the situation and there are bi-partisan calls for impeachment. Sound familiar?

Theres also a bi-partisan move to roll back the governors emergency powers, something were going to have an opportunity to do here in the Keystone State when a referendum on a constitutional amendment to do exactly that appears on the ballot later this year.

There are now increased inquiries here at home into Tom Wolfs handling of the pandemic and his own orders to move seniors into assisted living facilities.

Cuomos defense of his actions has been pathetic. Hes blamed everyone but himself and acknowledged only that mistakes were made, a common phrase for trying to mitigate bad behavior. He says that he was doing his best. Of course he was never willingly to give President Trumps coronavirus task force the same credit, choosing instead to demagogue the issue on a daily basis in the media.

The actions of the Democratic Attorney General of New York in aggressively going after the actions of the Cuomo Administration raises the question of how aggressively Pennsylvanias Attorney General, Josh Shapiro, will scrutinize the actions of Democratic Governor Tom Wolf.

At the same time there are multiple problems with the administration of the COVID vaccine. Even Gov. Wolf says that we have to do better.

Meanwhile, at the southern border of the United States the deep freeze in the heart of Texas gave rise to many questions about energy policy.

Lets be clear. I am pro-American energy. Whether its fossil fuels, especially natural gas but including oil and coal, renewables like solar and wind, nuclear or other sources, American energy is good for all of us. It eliminates our dependence on foreign countries, including ones that hate us, its good for our economy and job-creating opportunities and improves the quality of life for consumers.

Yet were being told that we should eliminate fossil fuels and nuclear and depend on renewables for our energy supply. Asking the nation to depend only on renewables is folly.

Although there were problems across the grid, we saw this week when the deep freeze hit that renewables simply arent reliable as the sole source of energy.

The position of some on the left to eliminate fossil fuels is a tragic mistake. It kills thousands of Pennsylvania jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic development and increased opportunity.

It also misses the mark of its stated objectives. We have been reducing our carbon footprint for years. Other nations havent performed as we have. China, for example, is still heavily reliant on burning coal. Coal accounts for more than 60% of Chinas electric production.

Those who want to ban coal, oil and gas will be increasingly faced with the prospects of rolling blackouts and worse. Thats not to mention the devastating impact on the economy, loss jobs and hits to consumers who will pay more.

As the results of policy decisions are increasingly revealed in the states, there is going to be much reckoning over what really works and what is mere talk.

Charlie Gerow is a Republican strategist and CEO of Quantum Communications. He and Democrat Mark Singel write opposite each other each week on PennLive. They can also be seen each Sunday morning at 8:30 on CBS-21s Face the State.
Why burn books when libraries are doing the censor's work? On January 25, 2021, the American Library Association (ALA) Council reviewed the role of libraries in condemning white supremacy and fascism.

Lindsay Cronk, who helped develop a resolution to "condemn white supremacy and fascism as antithetical to library work," believes this work to be "urgent." Cronk bases this assessment on the January 6 attack in D.C.

Just a little more than two weeks ago, a mob, inflamed by misinformation and disinformation in the form of ideological rhetoric and carrying fascist and white supremacist symbols including nazi swastikas and confederate flags, attempted to interrupt and counteract democratic process. They were emboldened by inaction from American institutions.

Facts be damned as Cronk continues.

Furthermore, "Over the course of consecutive ALA conferences, white allies have interrogated our fragility, and we've had experts provide a vision of how we can become an antiracist profession. We've listened to and amplified the voices of our colleagues of color enough to acknowledge that diversity is not the solution to racism or fascism."

Finally, in impeccable radical leftist language, the ALA wants to explore "how we can do intellectual freedom and social justice work together."

In order to "disrupt whiteness in libraries and librarianship," the following titles are recommended.

Collins, P. H. (2019). Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory. Duke University Press.

Crenshaw, K., N. Gotanda, and K. Thomas. (1996). Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings That Formed the Movement. The New Press.

Zuberi, T. and E. Bonilla-Silva. (2008). White Logic, White Methods: Racism and Methodology. Rowman & Littlefield.

Parts of the actual resolution read as follows:

Well, they certainly are not being neutral as they embrace an anti-American, anti-freedom agenda all gussied up with high-sounding verbiage.

In order to rectify these alleged past crimes, the ALA "[w]ill provide confidential communication channels for past and current BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) members, staff members, community members, and others to provide direct feedback." Once that is accomplished, the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will work to "explicitly incorporat[e] existing and developing antiracist and antifascist frameworks, in internal and external communications, advocacy, events, and organizational design efforts moving forward." Lastly, the ALA will "establish a working group to review these areas ... to provide a list of recommendations for implementation that will explore opportunities for restorative and reparative measures."

In this brew of feel-good mea culpas is nary a word about what will actually be removed, made inaccessible, and twisted to fit the radical left-wing agenda. Will White students be forced to read only Black authors? Which authors will be removed from the shelves? Mark Twain? Will White librarians be required to sign confessions of guilt for being White? Will Black authors who despise Critical Race Theory be expunged from the library  e.g., Shelby Steele? Will Black authors who believed in personal responsibility be dismissed  e.g., W.E.B. Du Bois?

Will reading hour feature Golden Books or focus on Ibram X. Kendi's children's book titled Antiracist Baby?

Well, one answer can be found from the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA), which asserts that "Black lives matter. NJLA acknowledges the structural racism in our organization and profession, and NJLA must do better." Thus, "[t]he New Jersey Library Association stands in solidarity with the Black community, librarians, library workers, library users and with members of the communities we serve. We want our Black, People of Color and marginalized members to know you are valued, affirmed and supported. NJLA acknowledges that in order to continue moving forward, there needs to be consistent work towards recognizing our own biases, welcoming change and taking actions that impact policies and create positive change in the direction of equity and inclusion."

Some of the goals include "recruiting a diverse slate of candidates for the Executive Board[.]" Another action plan is to "[e]xamine the structure of NJLA that may prevent black and minority members from participating in NJLA leadership."

Ultimately, it is to "[o]ffer a diverse group of trainings for library administration. Example: removing systemic racism in your library policy, practices and processes that privilege or disadvantage people based on race, ethnicity, and/or socio-economic status." In addition, it is to "[o]ffer a diverse set of trainings for library staff. Example: dealing with individual privilege, unconscious and implicit biases and racism."

In essence, get as many leftists as possible into the system to dominate libraries and continue the work of censorship. In effect, people will no longer have access to all books and materials, except for those that thoroughly support radical left-wing, communist agendas.

That librarians have committed to a known Marxist group such as BLM is most revealing and shocking. In fact, "a co-founder of BLM's Toronto branch is a young woman named Yusra Khogali, who in late 2015 posted the following message on Facebook: 'Whiteness is not humxness. in fact, white skin is sub-humxn[.] ... White ppl are recessive genetic defects. this is factual. white ppl need white supremacy as a mechanism to protect their survival as a people because all they can do is produce themselves. black ppl simply through their dominant genes can literally wipe out the white race if we had the power to.'"

Couple this with the rabid anti-cop sentiment of the BLM leaders, and this is the new face of your once friendly library.

You have to hand it to the leftists  they never stop trying to destroy the country. They infiltrate sports, business, and now libraries. Heck, even math studies are guilty of "white supremacy [as it] manifests itself in the focus on finding the right answer."

Gone will be the days when students could travel the world through books "to take us lands away." Instead, libraries will be the next leftist venue. They will no longer bear the human soul, but instead will indoctrinate the upcoming generation to communism, "the deadliest ideology in history, imperiling not only minds but also souls."[1] What ugliness will abound.

Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com.

Hat tip: PK.

Image: Movidagrafica Barcelona via Pexels, Pexels License.
Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed the centrality of the principle of localizing manufacturing and transferring technology in the state's dealings with foreign companies operating in various fields in the country.

The president's comments came during a meeting with heads and representatives of four foreign companies working in the country and state officials.

The meeting was attended by representatives of German KSB Group, Hungarys Ganz Works, Czechs Sigma Group a.s. and Japanese Torishima Pump, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said.

The meeting addressed ongoing work on pumping water to stations carrying irrigation water from Bahr El-Baqar drain for the cultivation and land reclamation works in central and north Sinai, Rady added.

Major international, specialised, highly-experienced companies operating in Egypt are engaged in these efforts, said Rady.

During the meeting, El-Sisi affirmed a broad scope exists for the activities of these foreign companies in Egypt, in light of the huge and diverse investment opportunities made available by ongoing major development projects nationwide.

These projects include agricultural land reclamation, the transportation of water from sewage and water treatment plants, along with other projects, El-Sisi explained.

The meeting was also attended by Presidential Advisor for Urban Planning Amir Ahmed, Head of the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces Ehab El-Far, and Director of the Water Department at the Engineering Authority Essam Galal.

Short link:


The yacht aboard which the fleeing Princess Latifa of Dubai hoped to reach India  and eventually a life of freedom beyond the clutches of her domineering father  was well-equipped for open water sailing.

A 29-metre ketch motor vessel captained by a former French intelligence officer, the Nostromo carried an array of advanced communication and navigation aids. Below decks, mobile phones, a laptop computer, VHF radio, radar, automatic identification system transceivers and receivers, a satellite Iridium phone and an internet satellite receiver blinked and flashed as they sent and received signals.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum in her latest video, aired this month. Credit:Screengrab/BBC

One of these devices gave away the location of the vessel, which on the eighth day of its 2018 journey was boarded in international waters off the coast of Goa by Indian and Emirati commandos, who carried Latifa kicking and biting back to her life of gilded seclusion in the UAE.

It was like a military operation, recalled Tiina Jauhiainen, the Finnish fitness instructor who was aboard the yacht with her friend and now campaigns for her freedom, this week releasing new videos of the princess in captivity saying she feared for her life.
Civil servants have been accused of caving in to last-minute pressure from transgender activists that will make it easier for people to pick their sex in the UK Census.

The campaign group Fair Play For Women has launched a High Court challenge against the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for letting respondents to the Census on March 21, which will cost 1 billion, choose the sex that appears on legal documents such as their passport.

They are angry that the last-minute decision allows the use of documents that can be changed with a single note from a doctor.

Civil servants have been accused of caving in to last-minute pressure from transgender activists that will make it easier for people to pick their sex in the UK Census. Picture: Stock

Campaigners claim the decision is a U-turn by ONS chiefs who had earlier insisted people would only be able to state the sex on their birth certificate or gender recognition certificate.

On January 22, Professor Sir Ian Diamond, head of the ONS, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The question on sex is very simply your legal sex.

Six days later, Iain Bell, ONS deputy national statistician, emailed a social scientist: We settled on legal sex as being birth certificate or gender recognition certificate.

But on February 12, its ONS guidance said: Use the sex recorded on one of your legal documents such as a birth certificate, gender recognition certificate, or passport.

The original position was seen as a setback for transgender activists and followed a Government decision last year to axe plans to make it easier for people to self-identify their sex.

Transgender groups want self-identifying to become easier because getting a gender recognition certificate involves a rigorous process that can take more than two years. Only some 6,000 people have completed the process.

Campaign group Fair Play For Women has launched a High Court (pictured) challenge against the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for letting respondents to the Census choose the sex that appears on legal documents such as their passport

The Passport Office said it did not know how many people had changed sex on their documents.

Dr Nicola Williams, of Fair Play For Women, accused the trans lobby group Stonewall of putting statisticians under pressure, adding: The ONS has been captured by Stonewall. Its a complete stitch-up.

The ONS is unlawfully messing around with the definition of sex and allowing self-identification through the back door.

Dr Williams also criticised the ONS for what she described as a biased consultation on framing the question about sex.

The ONS invited responses from 23 transgender people and trans ally groups from a sample size of 52. No womens groups critical of self-identification were invited.

Alice Sullivan, professor of sociology at University College London, said: Its shocking. The ONS paid more attention to lobbyists than expert social scientists.

The Passport Office (pictured) said it did not know how many people had changed sex on their documents

Professor Catherine Meads, of Anglia Ruskin University  a member of the Governments LGBT Advisory Panel - who was consulted by the ONS about framing the Census question last year, has suggested the ONS changed tack because it did not want to p*** trans people off.'

Eloise Stonborough, from Stonewall, said: Trans people have always responded to the sex question in line with who they are and how they live.

'This years Census offers clear and inclusive guidance on how everyone can answer the question using legal documents.

The ONS denied it had been pressured and rejected any bias.

An spokesman said: 'This is the same binary question asked since 1801  are you female or male. This is not self-identification, which was evaluated as part of a range of options but not taken forward.'

They added that the wording of the Census guidance was finalised after officials met a small number of researchers, adding: We did this because research showed this was the most help to people as they completed their Census form. It would therefore maximise response rates as well as meeting user needs.
Mumbai:Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is gradually gaining mainstream attention in India following years of limited adoption, after most industries faced covid-led supply chain disruptions.

Following the covid-19 outbreak, 3D printing startups collaborated to address the shortage of several key medical equipment, including face shields and ventilator valves.

According to experts, application of 3D printing has grown since then and demand is now stronger in other sectors such as pharmaceuticals, jewellery, defence, aerospace, fast-moving consumer goods and construction. Earlier, the automotive sector was the biggest user of 3D printing, accounting for up to 70% of all demand while the remaining 30% came from the rest. In the last few months, this percentage has reversed," said Swapnil Sansare, CEO, Divide By Zero Technologies, a Mumbai-based 3D printing firm.

Earlier this month, a critical aero engine component, manufactured by Wipro 3D and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, was awarded an airworthiness certification by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. In December, L&T Construction successfully 3D printed the first two-storey building, which was developed with a special concrete mix.

India has seen increasing adoption of 3D printing technologies with growth rates over 30% year-on-year across materials. The industry has evolved from being a prototyping tech to end use production, with metal AM (additive manufacturing) leading the course," said Mahesh Makhija, partner, technology consulting, EY.

The manufacturing sector has been under a lot of stress. Using 3D printing companies can break centralized manufacturing load centres into smaller production hubs that can be set up closer to the market.

The pandemic forced the shutdown of global supply chains and compelled firms to restructure their production locally. The risks of blocking capital in inventory that was lying unused was another big learning post-covid," said Tanmay Shah, sales and marketing head at Imaginarium, a Mumbai-based 3D printing firm.

Experts said the Centres schemes to boost local manufacturing and reduce dependence on China is likely to drive the adoption of 3D printing.

As the focus on domestic production is driven harder with Make in India push, some high-cost imported part products will switch to 3D printing for production at scale," adds Makhija.

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(Newser)  The interior minister of Libyas UN-backed government survived an ambush by gunmen on his motorcade on Sunday, the AP reports, a brazen attack highlighting the towering challenges that remain for the newly appointed government that is trying to unite the country before elections late this year. Armed men opened fire at Fathi Bashaghas motorcade on a highway in Tripoli, wounding at least one of his guards, said Amin al-Hashmi, a spokesman for the Tripoli-based Health Ministry. He said the minister survived the attack and his guards chased the assailants, killing one and detaining two others. The Interior Ministry said in a statement that Bashagha was returning to his residence in the Janzour neighborhood when armed men in an armored vehicle opened fire on his convoy. The statement called the attack an attempted assassination of the minister.

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Earlier Sunday, Bashagha met with Mustafa Sanalla, head of Libyas National Oil Corporation to discuss the security of oil facilities and how to strengthen the corporations independence to ensure a fair distribution of wealth among all Libyans. He posted a photo for both of them on his Twitter account, calling their meeting fruitful." The US Ambassador in Libya Richard Norland also condemned the attack and called for an investigation to hold those responsible accountable. Minister Bashaghas focus on ending the influence of rogue militias has our full support, Norland said. Oil-rich Libya was plunged into chaos after a 2011 NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. The country has been divided between two governments, one in the east and another in the west, each backed by a vast array of militias as well as foreign powers. (The former head of Blackwater allegedly sent mercenaries to Libya.)
New Delhi, Feb 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked all BJP leaders and workers to relentlessly work to achieve the objective of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas'.

Talking to the media after the day-long meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national office bearers at the NDMC Convention Centre here, BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav said: "In his address to BJP office bearers, Prime Minister Narendra Modiji said the BJP is not just working for political power but 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and the party's organisation must continue to work relentlessly towards that goal." "Prime Minister said that there is a positive atmosphere for development in the country," he said.

Yadav also said that the PM suggested, while working for expanding the organisation, BJP workers must work with a motto "nation first".

It is first meeting of BJP national office bearers post the Covid-19 outbreak. Apart from national office-bearers, state in-charges and co-incharges, party's state unit Presidents and state General Secretaries (Organisation) were present in the meeting. BJP chief J.P. Nadda chaired the meeting.

Yadav said that a political resolution passed in the meeting lauded the Modi government's efforts to successfully manage the Covid situation and bringing legislations to change people's life. He also said the upcoming assembly polls in five states were also discussed.

"The BJP in its political resolution has committed itself to uproot the fascist and undemocratic government of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal. The party and its NDA allies have huge ground support in all states headed for polls this year," he said.

Taking a dig at the Congress, Yadav said that the opposition, especially the Congress, is frustrated and has decided to protest against all moves of the BJP government.

"The BJP will reach out to farmers to bust the myths being spread by the Congress on farm laws," he said.

He said that in his closing remarks, Nadda asked workers run a campaign for 'Atamnirbhar Bharat' while promoting "vocal for local" and promoting "swadeshi products" at their homes.

"Nadda has asked workers run a campaign among youths to create awareness about startups," he said.
Kolkata: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reached TMC MP Abhishek Banerjees residence in Kolkata on Sunday (February 21, 2021) to issue a notice to his wife Rujira Narula in connection with coal case.

A three-member CBI team visited the residence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew just days ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections.

CBI asked Rujira Narula to appear before the probe agency in connection with on going investigation into the coal scam.

The central agency had filed the case in November 2020 to probe the alleged illegal mining and theft of coal from Kunustoria and Kajoria coal fields of Eastern Coalfield Limited.

It is alleged that the coal mafia paid regular kickbacks to leaders of Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress.

Abhishek Banerjee is seen by many as the political heir of Mamata Banerjee and his rapid rise in the party is said to have alienated many leaders.

Notably, just a few days ago CM Mamata Banerjee had challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to contest an election against her nephew Abhishek Banerjee first and then think of fighting against her.

(This is a breaking news, more details are awaited)
Matt Hancock has declined to apologise after the High Court ruled the Government unlawfully failed to publish details of billions of pounds worth of coronavirus-related contracts.

The Health Secretary has faced calls for greater accountability after a judge said he did not publish redacted contracts in accordance with the transparency policy.

However, Mr Hancock insisted legal cases about transparency returns were second order to saving lives and said his officials had been working long hours to procure PPE instead.

He told BBC Ones The Andrew Marr Show: People can make up their own view about whether I should have told my team to stop buying PPE and spend the time bringing forward those transparency returns by just over a fortnight.

Or whether I was right to buy the PPE and get it to the front line. You tell me that that is wrong. You cant. And the reason you cant is because it was the right thing to do.

Legal cases about timings of transparency returns are completely second order compared to saving lives.

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There is no health secretary in history who would have taken the view that they needed to take people off the project of buying PPE in order to ensure that nine months later the Health Secretary didnt have a slightly bumpy interview on the Marr programme.

It is not what it is about, Andrew (Marr), it is about doing the right thing.

He earlier told Skys Sophy Ridge on Sunday that he would publish what is legally required and said that on average the contracts had been published just over a fortnight later than they should have been.

My officials, with my full support, spent every waking hour buying PPE so that even though we came close we never actually ran out of PPE in this country  and they did that even though the paperwork got delayed by, on average, just over a fortnight.

Thats what the court found and I  and I think any secretary of state in my position  would absolutely back my officials in doing the right thing and saving lives.

His comments came as shadow justice secretary David Lammy told the BBC that Mr Hancock should publish the contracts because the court has found it unlawful.

He should cancel the temporary scheme that he has been using without any accountability or any transparency. He should come to Parliament on Monday and explain what he is going to do.

It is outrageous, frankly. This is the sort of behaviour  giving contracts to your pub landlord and your best mate  that you would expect in a banana republic.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer did not call for Mr Hancock to resign in an interview with Sky.

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Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves has written to the Health Secretary asking him to commit to publishing all outstanding contracts, winding down emergency procurement powers and reintroducing tendering.

She said: Matt Hancock cannot simply brush off this court ruling. He must commit to cleaning up the cronyism and waste that has marred government contracting during the pandemic.

The Good Law Project took legal action against the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for its wholesale failure to disclose details of contracts agreed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Government is required by law to publish a contract award notice within 30 days of the award of any contracts for public goods or services worth more than 120,000.

At a hearing earlier this month, the Good Law Project and three MPs  Labours Debbie Abrahams, the Green Partys Caroline Lucas and Liberal Democrat Layla Moran  argued there had been a dismal failure by the DHSC to comply with the obligation.

They also claimed the Government was breaching its own transparency policy, which requires the publication of details of public contracts worth more than 10,000.

In a ruling on Friday, Mr Justice Chamberlain said: There is now no dispute that, in a substantial number of cases, the Secretary of State breached his legal obligation to publish contract award notices within 30 days of the award of contracts.

There is also no dispute that the Secretary of State failed to publish redacted contracts in accordance with the transparency policy.

The judge said that the obligations to publish details of such contracts serve a vital public function and that function was no less important during a pandemic.
Museums will be told by the government to present a more positive view of Britain's history rather than focusing on its imperial past.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden will urge heritage institutions on Tuesday to present a 'more rounded view' of Britain's impact on the world.

He will tell 25 of the country's biggest heritage bodies, museums and art galleries to not skew the public's understanding of history.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden will urge heritage institutions on Tuesday to present a 'more rounded view' of Britain's impact on the world

It comes after concern in the government that many organisations are launching reviews into their colonial links and connections to the slave trade in the wake of last year's Black Lives Matter movement.

Leaders from Historic England, the National Trust, Arts Council England, the British Museum and the Imperial War museum will be present at the meeting, according to The Telegraph.

Mr Dowden is not opposed to their research into the less celebrated parts of British history but he is said to be concerned that it could lead to public misunderstanding.

Historic England, the Government's official adviser on the 'historic environment, recently carried out an audit which identified hundreds of sites including churches and villages which had links to slavery.

Leaders from Historic England, the National Trust, Arts Council England, the British Museum (pictured) and the Imperial War museum will be present at the meeting

A spokesman said ahead of the meeting: '[Mr Dowden] thinks there is a poor understanding of Britain's imperial history, so we need to use our heritage to inform younger generations and bring this complex period of history to life.

'We mustn't be selective about what we explain. That means neither air brushing the past nor denigrating our history and how our nation has uniquely shaped the modern world.'

It comes after it was revealed a project to identify the colonial links to National Trust stately homes received 160,000 in taxpayers' and lottery money.

The University of Leicester's project received a grant of 99,600 from the National Lottery Heritage Lottery Fund and a further 60,000 from the Arts Council, the Daily Express reported.

The project linked almost 100 National Trust properties to British colonialism and the slave trade, including Winston Churchill's former home Chartwell House, Powis Castle, once owned by Clive of India, and the Bath Assembly Rooms.

A project has linked almost 100 National Trust properties to British colonialism and the slave trade, including Winston Churchill's former home Chartwell House (pictured)

The Common Sense group of Conservative MPs wrote to Mr Dowden demanding he investigate why the grant was given.

The funding from the Arts Council also comes under Mr Dowden's remit.

In the letter, the group claimed the funding of the project - spearheaded by a literature professor from the University of Leicester - demonstrated that 'powerful left wing interests' were suppressing 'conservative cultural initiatives.

The National Trust has already been criticised by the group and many of its members for the 'Colonial Countryside: Reinterpreting English Country Houses' project that came at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020.

The project was largely drawn up by Corinne Fowler, Professor of Post Colonial literature at the University of Leicester, who also wrote the book 'Green Unpleasant Land: Creative Responses to Rural England's Colonial Connections'.
New Delhi, Feb 21 : A couple belonging to Jammu and Kashmir with links to the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), who was arrested for allegedly instigating protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in 2020, has approached a Delhi Court seeking bail in the case, emphasizing that there is no evidence to substantiate their role.

Jahanzaib Sami and Hina Bashir Beigh were arrested on March 8 for allegedly conspiring to utilize the anti-CAA protests to instigate Muslims against the government by coining seditious slogans, inscribing graffiti at public places and highlighting the same on social and international media.

In case these protests failed to provoke the Muslims, they were planning for arsoning of government buildings and public property so that riots could happen and they could exploit the sentiments of Muslims, the probe agency had said.

Almost a year after their arrest, they have moved a bail application which stated, "That there is no material to substantiate the claim that the accused was a member of ISIS or was inciting and recruiting like-minded people or was in contact with ISIS operatives." That posting material on social media could be taken as an inclination towards the ideology but it cannot be an indication that the accused had stepped towards the path of violence to achieve the objectives of the organization, the bail plea moved through Advocate Qausar Khan and M.M. Khan, added.

"Possession of any literature or reading material on ISIS and watching videos does not prove anything adverse against the accused. It becomes adverse only when there is any positive act from the side of the accused to instigate violence." Prima facie, there is nothing to suggest that any overt act on the side of the accused, the application stated, adding that the books and videos are also available in public domain and can be easily accessed by anyone.

Communal clashes had broken out in north-east Delhi on February 24, 2020 after violence between the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) supporters and protesters spiralled out of control leaving at least 53 people dead and around 200 injured.

Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is a banned terrorist organization and part of ISIS. Khorasan refers to the Islamic State's Central Asian province. It seeks to establish like ISIS across the world governed by Sharia Law.

In September, the National Investigation Agency had filed a charge sheet against five accused, including a Kashmiri couple, in the Islamic State Khorasan Province case, for provoking youths to protest effectively against the CAA.

In the charge sheet, the NIA has named Jahanzaib Sami Wani and his wife Hina Bashir Beigh, both residents of Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah Basith of Hyderabad, Sadiya Anwar Shaikh, and Nabeel Siddick Khatri, both residents of Pune.

It was revealed during investigation that Jahanzaib Sami, Hina Bashir Beigh, Abdullah Basith, Sadiya Anwar Shaikh, and Nabeel Siddick Khatri entered into a criminal conspiracy with known and unknown associates in India and abroad to propagate the ideology of ISIS and ISKP.

They also purportedly wanted to establish Caliphate by committing terrorist acts, such as, recruit radicalized youth, planning and executing terrorist acts, procuring arms and explosives, make IEDs, etc. and threaten the unity, integrity and security of India.

They were allegedly conspiring to use the anti-CAA protests to instigate Muslims in India against Non-Muslims to join ISIS and propagate their ideology and were also involved in raising, collecting, transferring and distributing funds for the same.

Abdullah Basith is already lodged in Delhi's Tihar jail in connection with another IS Abu Dhabi module case of the NIA. The NIA said they were allegedly provoking some gullible youth to participate in anti-CAA protests actively.

"During the probe it was found that Jahanzaib, Beigh, Basith and Siddick tried to make an improvised IED and were planning to carry out mass killings in crowded places to further the activities of ISIS/ISKP in India." The five accused have been charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for their affiliation with the proscribed terrorist organization ISIS/ISKP and for conspiring to create disaffection against the government, promoting enmity among different religious communities and for committing subversive activities.

The official said that during investigation it was revealed that Wani, a B.Tech from Punjab's Ferozepur, got radicalised and inclined towards ISIS by reading about it on the internet. He established contact with ISIS handler Huzaifa-al-Bakistani and latter's father-in-law Abu Usman-al-Kashmiri (Head of Indian affairs of ISKP) in 2017 on a secure messaging platform.

Beigh, who had done her higher education from Pune, also got radicalized since 2014-15 by reading ISIS-related content on social media. Wani and Beigh married in 2017 as both supported the ideology of ISIS, the official had said.

(Aakanksha Khajuria can be contacted at aakanksha.k@ians.in)
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Four people have died from the hemorrhagic Ebola virus during a new outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, officials said Sunday, warning that people are resisting measures to contain the highly contagious disease.

Since the epidemic's resurgence this month, "we have already registered six Ebola cases. We have lost four infected people," Eugene Syalita, the provincial health minister in North Kivu province in the DRC's east, told AFP.

Syalita said one person died Friday and another on Saturday, while the two others died in early February.

Two patients are receiving care at an Ebola treatment centre in Katwa near the major city of Butembo, he added.

Syalita complained that the region's residents were not taking the new outbreak seriously enough.

"Some families categorically refuse to have their homes disinfected or to hold dignified and safe funerals," the doctor said.

"People have not yet understood that Ebola has reappeared. Everything is not yet clear for them."

A vaccination drive was launched last Monday, but as with past outbreaks, people in the region doubt the existence of Ebola and reject measures aimed at checking its spread, including not to touch sick people and not to wash the dead.

The 10th epidemic, which was declared on August 1, 2018, was finally eradicated on June 25 last year after being exacerbated by ongoing armed conflicts and resistance to anti-Ebola measures.

With more than 2,200 deaths recorded, it is considered the most serious in the history of Ebola in the DRC since the scourge fist appeared in 1976, named after a river in the former Belgian colony, which was known as Zaire at the time.

An 11th outbreak of the virus, which is believed to reside in bats, was declared over in November after claiming 55 lives in the northwestern province of Equateur.

Outbreak in Guinea, too

Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding. It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk.

Funeral practices often include washing, touching and kissing bodies that are still capable of transmitting Ebola, and may have particularly high levels of the live virus in excretions.

The virus has also resurfaced in Guinea, where it has already killed five people in the first outbreak in West Africa since a 2013-16 epidemic that left more than 11,300 people dead in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The United States last week said it would work with the affected governments and the World Health Organization over the outbreaks.

"The world cannot afford to turn the other way. We must do everything in our power to respond quickly, effectively," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
Thiruvananthapuram:

The meet was held in the backdrop of the violence following the slaying of an RSS worker near Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.



As Vijayan reached the meeting venue, apparently on seeing a large contingent of electronic media persons occupying the room, he lost his composure and asked them to leave.



Just as the media persons were coming out, the chief minister asked the staff at the hotel, where the meeting was being held, why members of the fourth estate were allowed inside.



'Kadakku Purathu (just leave)', the chief minister said tersely to the media.



Only after they had left the venue, did he enter the meeting hall.



After the meeting, Vijayan, while giving details about it, declined to reply to a question as to why the media was not allowed inside the meeting hall.



Later in a clarification, the CM's office said the media was not invited for the meeting, not even for the photo-op ahead of the meeting, it said.



"When the chief minister and other leaders came to the venue, the entire media was inside the hall. That is why, the CM asked them to leave the hall," the statement said.



It was not possible to hold such a discussion in the presence of the media, it added.



CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said probably the chief minister got angry as the media took visuals without permission.

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Tuna exports to EU grow thanks to trade deal

Vietnam's seafood exports have benefited greatly from the Europe - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), especially that of tuna.















Tuna exports to the EU grew by 2.4 per cent in 2020 after recovering sharply as the Europe - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement took effect in September.  Photo haiquanonline.com.vn

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, tuna exports to the bloc grew by 2.4 per cent to US$136 million last year. The EVFTA took effect in August 2020, and many tariffs have been reduced to zero.



Demand for canned and frozen tuna is high in the EU also due to the pandemic.



Italy, Germany and Spain are the three largest importers in the bloc. Vietnam's exports to Italy and Germany grew in 2020 but exports to Spain fell.



Italy, one of the largest importers of tuna in the EU, is also Vietnam's largest buyer of fresh and frozen tuna in the bloc, with exports increasing by 9 per cent last year.



Vietnam, Germany's fifth largest supplier of canned tuna, increased its exports to that country last year.



The EVFTA has enabled seafood exports to grow in double digits since September, helping the industry recover from the impacts of COVID-19.



Truong inh Hoe, general secretary of the association, said seafood exports to the EU also picked up from September, and were worth $992 million for the full year.



Businesses utilised the trade deal effectively, he said.



According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, there has been a sharp increase in the number of businesses obtaining the certification of origin to take advantage of free trade agreements.
(Reuters) - U.S. scientists have successfully cloned an endangered black-footed ferret using frozen cells from a long-dead wild animal, the first time any native endangered species has been cloned in the United States.

Black-footed ferret recovery efforts aimed at increased genetic diversity and disease resistance took a bold step forward on Dec. 10, with the birth of Elizabeth Ann, created from the cells of Willa, a black-footed ferret that lived more than 30 years ago, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.

"Although this research is preliminary, it is the first cloning of a native endangered species in North America, and it provides a promising tool for continued efforts to conserve the black-footed ferret," said Noreen Walsh, director of the Service's Mountain-Prairie Region.

The species, North America's only native ferret, were once thought to be extinct but were brought back from nearly vanishing forever after a Wyoming rancher discovered a small population on his land in 1981. They were captured to begin a captive breeding program to recover the species.

But only seven of the original wild animals bred, and all living ferrets today are closely related. That puts limitations on the species' genetic diversity, creating challenges for resilience to changing environments and emerging disease threats.

Related: Endangered species around the world

Elizabeth Ann is a genetic copy of Willa, a black-footed ferret captured among the last wild individuals, who died in the 1980s and has no living descendants, so is not one of the seven founders.

The Wyoming Game & Fish Department had the foresight to preserve her genes and sent tissue samples from Willa to San Diego Zoo Global's Frozen Zoo in 1988. Years later, that provided viable cell cultures for the project.

The team - which includes biotech conservation group Revive & Restore, private pet cloning company ViaGen Pets & Equine, San Diego Zoo Global and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums - is working to produce more black-footed ferret clones in the coming months as part of continuing research efforts.

(Reporting by Deborah Gembara, Writing by Marguerita Choy, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
The owners of a Maungatapu property woke on Sunday to find that a vehicle had left the scene following crashing through their fence.

We woke up to a portion of our front fence smashed in, and huge cut out skids, says the property owner. They hit the tree, then slammed into us.

Police say they received a report on Sunday about a car that had crashed through a fence at a Maungatapu Rd address.

The crash was said to have happened at around 3am, says a police spokesperson.

We received this report at 7.50am after the informant noticed there was damage to the fence.

The vehicle had left the scene. We advised the informant to take photographs of the damage.

The owners of the property say a nearby neighbour had been awake at the time of the crash.

Skid marks from the vehicle that crashed through a fence at a Maungatapu property early on Sunday. Photo: Supplied.

A local heard a car go past their place at high speed, while they were in their kitchen getting a drink of water. They also saw the vehicle turn into a property on Maungatapu Rd, says the property owner.

I went for a walk this morning and photographed a blue Falcon with damage to the passenger side of the vehicle, with a missing wing mirror, which we now have parts of. The colour matches. I have forwarded this info to the police.

The property owner has also sent photographs to police.

Anyone with information about the crash can contact the police's non-emergency 105 number.

Alternatively, information can also be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has been taking a lot of flak lately. He had been the Democrats Golden Boy during the COVID-19 outbreak in New York City. Although his crime of sending elderly coronavirus-infected people into nursing homes had been well known earlier, the media preferred to stonewall that news until after the election steal had been signed, sealed, and delivered. Governor Cuomo's recent experience of being thrown to the wolves is just another example showing that the Democrats will eat their own when they are no longer useful.

Governor Cuomo's well publicized crime of geriatricide points to a problem endemic in United States society: we treat our elderly as useless, disposable people. We do not respect, value, or love our elderly. The roots of that view are found in our values of independence, freedom, and worship of youth. That's not to say we do not love our parents or grandparents deeply; that is just to say that as a society, we do not respect or value the elderly.

The nursing homes and assisted living care facilities have been quick to take advantage of that unethical attitude. There is big money to be made taking elderly into nursing homes and assisted living. Medicare and Medicaid, which most elderly have to use, provides limited funds for nursing home costs. The result: Most elderly end up in facilities with little privacy, hospital-like rooms with dozens of beds, and low-paid and low-motivated help. The elderly have no voice and are often abused, neglected, and disrespected. Those few elderly who have the means fare better. Their money buys them privacy, respect, care from better paid staff, and more comfortable accommodations.

Around 2003, my family had to move our father into assisted living. He suffered from dementia and severe circulation restrictions in his legs as a result of polio in his youth. We admitted him in Life Care Center of Kirkland, Washington. We removed him from that facility when we discovered that staffers had neglected to empty a bladder bag that nearly led to the rupture of his bladder. That is the same facility in which the coronavirus had its first major outbreak in the USA on February 29, 2020. I am not at all surprised by that coincidence, knowing firsthand how poorly our father had been cared for. Fortunately, we found a good assisted living facility that cared for our father well until his passing in 2004.

Contrast the care elderly are normally given in assisted living in the USA to care provided in South Korea. In Korea, the society is imbued with a profound sense of respect for the elderly. That respect finds its roots in the Confucian values that reverence the elderly. They are not considered disposable. Instead, they receive respect as the most esteemed people in society. That view permeates the society so that everyone treats an elderly person as he would his own parents or grandparents.

In 2016, my wife traveled to take care of her elderly mother who is suffering from Alzheimer's. Her mother had been living on her own with a daytime maid helping her. One winter evening she left her home and got lost. My wife's sister called the police. The police immediately issued an all points alert and searched until they found her alive and well. The police treated my mother-in-law as their own mother or grandmother.

After that incident, my wife traveled from our home in Las Vegas to take care of her in Korea. Even with my wife at home, the government paid for full-time care. In addition, she went to a six-day-a-week school setting where she enjoyed an educational environment from professionally trained health care providers.

The COVID-19 virus broke out in South Korea in early 2020. Not only did the Korean government respond in an exceptionally effective way, but the government would never have considered sending COVID-19-infected elderly into elderly care facilities. As of February 20, 2021, South Korea has suffered only 1,553 deaths from COVID-19. Of the total, the vast majority has been in the age group 60 and above (96%).

Recently, the South Korean government has received criticism for the way it has handled an outbreak of COVID-19 infections and deaths in nursing homes, by quarantining health careproviders with nursing home patients. So surely South Korea is not free from criticism for the way COVID-19-infected elderly are treated in nursing homes. Still, I expect that the people's respect for the elderly will lead to a quicker and more satisfactory solution than Cuomo found.

I think that we have to take great care not to use Governor Cuomo, as despicable as his actions were, as the scapegoat for our sins. We are all responsible for the view that our elderly are disposable, worthless, invisible people.

Image via Pixy.
There are workers at Newark-Liberty Airport who get sick, yet still show up for a shift because they cannot afford to stay home or visit a doctor.

They are the people who clean the cabins and terminals, handle the baggage, push the wheelchairs and serve the food, and the vast majority are subcontracted workers dealing with the wretched consequences of living without health insurance.

You would think that the airlines and their airport vendors might acknowledge that these workers are at the highest risk of exposure of COVID, as a US Government Accountability Office report suggests, with 3 million customers turning Newark Airport into a teeming vortex of communicable diseases.

But sometimes it takes government influence to make these employers do the right thing, and this is one of those times. Accordingly, New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Healthy Terminals Act in December, requiring employers at LaGuardia and JFK to add a $4.54 benefits supplement above the minimum wage to be used toward health insurance.

Now New Jersey must demand the same protection for our frontline workers, and we applaud the state Senate for passing a similar version of the Healthy Terminals Act Friday with the blessing of the Port Authority, which manages the three area airports.

This keeps workers at Newark-Liberty on parity with those workers in New York, said Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, who sponsored the bill.

That guy who cleaned your airplane seat feels sick and hasnt had a COVID test. Enjoy your flight | Editorial - https://t.co/GiEyRfuklm https://t.co/l7Rhqf0j8M  Loretta Weinberg (@SenatorLorettaW) August 25, 2020

So as Speaker Craig Coughlin ruminates on what to do with the HTA  which has languished in the Assembly Labor Committee for a year, despite having 50 sponsors  we pause to remind him what is at stake for these workers.

The 10,000 minimum-wage workers at Newark Airport received a pay hike two years ago, but the result was diminished returns: As wages rose, fewer were able to qualify for Medicaid, and their employers plans were still out of reach. Only 13 percent of these workers  employed by contractors like PrimeFlight and Omni-Serv  are enrolled in their companys program, and these plans often have deductibles so high they cannot afford to use it.

Everyone should have comprehensive and affordable healthcare, they should be guaranteed earned sick leave and paid family leave and they should not fear of feeling sick or missing a single paycheck.https://t.co/vDRVGtb1Nc  Steve Sweeney (@NJSenatePres) March 27, 2020

This is not complicated math. A sick worker without insurance will have to drop up to $150 just to visit an urgent care facility. For airport workers, that is an entire days pay. More than likely, theyll skip the clinic, go to work, and infect everyone else.

We shouldnt be forcing people to make these decisions, said Kevin Brown of 32BJ-SEIU, the union that represents 2,300 workers at Newark. These are passionate, hard-working New Jerseyans. When you listen to their stories, you can feel their pain, because its agonizing to make decisions every day based on whether you can afford food and rent and a doctor visit.

We have been pouring billions into upgrades at our airports. The terminals are bigger, plusher, more welcoming. But it is all pointless if you neglect the human capital, and fail to protect the people who work there.

What was true in New York is true here: No one should be without health care  especially now, during a pandemic, for at-risk workers who serve the public. The Healthy Terminals Act needs to become law.

Essential airport workers put their lives on the line everyday to serve one of NJ's largest industries. It's our duty to keep them protected with affordable health insurance. We ask NJ lawmakers to pass the #HealthyTerminalsAct now; if they're safe, well ALL have a safer trip. pic.twitter.com/uepkj85kGU  32BJ SEIU (@32BJSEIU) December 9, 2020

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The YWAM KOHA will be leaving Tauranga harbour tomorrow afternoon for a two-week check-over in Lyttleton, before then heading on a port tour of New Zealand.

After 14 months of preparation shes ready to sail down to Lyttleton for dry dock, says YWAM Ships Aotearoa Managing Director Marty Emmett.

This legally mandated survey work will include a complete inspection of the hull and mechanical aspects of the vessel.

Were excited to go through the survey and finish preparations for the ship to serve as a medical vessel. This is the final thing. We get through this and then were ready to go which will be awesome.

The goal all along has been for the ship to take much-needed medical supplies and personnel into the Pacific Islands.

It will be in dry dock for 14 days from March 1-14 and then were going to go sail around New Zealand doing port tours in Nelson, Whanganui and Wellington. The ship will be back here in Tauranga at the end of May, says Marty.

The crew of YWAM KOHA have been running on-board tours while berthed at Tauranga, and will open the ship to tours over the next three months in Nelson, Wellington and Whanganui.

One of the reasons for the promotional tour of NZ ports is to connect with YWAM KOHAs NZ supporters, and to find new supporters. The next three months is going to require about $300,000 and so far theyve raised $50,000.

YWAM  which stands for Youth With A Mission - has called the promotional campaign The Final Push. Marty says they want to invite and ask people to lean in and push with us with raising funds to complete the preparation work that the ship still needs before it can head into the Pacific Islands to fulfil its mission.

The tour will be an opportunity for people to visit the ship, much like the tours we conducted here in Tauranga. We have strong supporters in Wanganui and Nelson, and were keen for emerging support in Wellington.

The strong and versatile New Zealand-based vessel is uniquely designed to carry both people and cargo to remote island communities. Custom built shipping containers, on the ships deck, can serve as dental, medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, or classroom facilities. Koha is a Maori word for 'gift'. The ship was given as a gift to Youth With A Mission.

After the tour of New Zealand ports, we are working towards a possible maiden deployment into the Pacific.

Over the last 14 months its been all hands on deck with the crew and many local Tauranga volunteers continuing to plan, scrap rust, paint, weld and clean.

Weve installed a new water maker and a new sewage treatment plant. The ship has been rewired with a new wiring system. And this is on top of our normal maintenance work and painting, says Marty.

We are motivated by the belief that every person especially throughout the Pacific should have access to the basic necessities of life. It is unto this end we are motivated to empower the isolated islands of the Pacific, says Marty. We hope people will partner with us in the Final Push.

Before heading off out of the Tauranga harbour entrance on Monday the YWAM KOHA will stop at Mount Maunganui to load on a second dental surgery thats been stored there for many months. The ship will also fuel up before leaving around 4pm.

YWAM Ships Aotearoa Managing Director Marty Emmett in the dental surgery, made from a converted container. Photo: John Borren.

Tauranga is the home port for the YWAM KOHA and Marty and the crew invite anyone who wants to wave them off to walk around to the small beach on the western side of Mauao at the harbour entrance as they sail past, sometime between 4pm and 4.30pm on Monday, February 22.

Ports of call:

March Lyttleton/Christchurch

March  April Nelson

April Whanganui

April  May Wellington

May-June Tauranga

July  November Potential Deployment
POTTSVILLE  Jeffrey M. Dargis skipped his trial on drug charges, but he will not be able to skip spending at least a decade behind state prison bars after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him Tuesday.

Dargis, 48, of Ringtown, must serve 10 to 20 years in a state correctional institution, President Judge William E. Baldwin ruled. The sentence consists of consecutive terms of five to 10 years.

Baldwin also sentenced Dargis to pay costs and $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

In a one-day trial over which Baldwin presided, a jury found Dargis guilty on July 22, 2020, of one count each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, delivery of a misbranded substance and possession with intent to deliver a misbranded substance.

The same jury found him not guilty of four counts of criminal use of a communication facility and two additional counts each of delivery of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Shenandoah police had charged him with delivering drugs on Jan. 8, 2019, and delivering a fake drug on Jan. 31, 2019. Both incidents occurred in the borough.

Baldwin issued a bench warrant for Dargis the day after the trial.

Shortly after the trial, the district attorneys office listed him as the fugitive of the week and asked the publics help in locating him.

Dargis is an inmate at the Schuylkill County Prison, and Baldwin conducted Tuesdays hearing by videoconference.
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Ladakh-based engineer & the man behind the character of Phunsukh Wangdu in the Bollywood blockbuster 3 Idiots Sonam Wangchuk has now built a solar-powered military tent for the Indian Army at the Galwan Valley.

This tent has the potential to accommodate 10 jawans and is fully portable with the weight of the tent is said to be less than 30 kilos. Wangchuk also revealed that the tent could sustain even under sub-zero temperatures such as minus 14 degrees Celsius while pointing out that it was carbon neutral, replacing kerosene and tackling pollution.

SOLAR HEATED MILITARY TENT for Indian Army at Galwan Valley +15 C at 10 pm now. Min outside last night was -14 C, Replaces tons of kerosene, pollution and climate change. For 10 jawans, fully portable all parts weigh less than 30 Kgs, he tweeted.

Wangchuk had previously made a solar-heated mud hut project.

In the aftermath of the tussle between India and China, the Ladakh-based educational reformer had appealed and asked Indians to boycott all Chinese companies.

In a tweet, he asked people to boycott all Chinese products to stop Beijings bullying in Ladakh and liberate 1.4 billion bonded labourers in the country.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 05:12:47|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian and Spanish naval forces held joint military drills in the Red Sea, Egypt's armed forces said in a statement on Saturday.

The joint exercise is the second in recent days, after the two navies held similar drills on Feb. 14 also in the Red Sea.

The training involved various activities, including carrying out sailing formations, surveillance of suspected ships, night transportation, helicopter landing on helidecks of marine units and more, according to the statement.

The Egyptian military highlighted the importance of the joint drills "in consolidating Egyptian-Spanish bilateral relations and enhancing the horizons of military cooperation between the two countries, which contributes effectively to maintaining maritime security and stability in the region." Enditem
Margaret Qualley has broken her silence about the abuse allegations brought against her recent ex Shia LaBeouf.

The Emmy nominee took to Instagram Saturday to offer her gratitude to FKA Twigs, amid her spousal abuse lawsuit against their mutual ex.

She posted an image of the Magdalene artist's recent March cover of Elle, in which she opens up about the allegedly abusive relationship, simply captioning the post: 'Thank you.'

Breaking her silence: Margaret Qualley has broken her silence about the abuse allegations brought against her recent ex Shia LaBeouf (pictured in February, 2020)

Thank you: The Emmy nominee took to Instagram Saturday to offer her gratitude to FKA Twigs, amid her spousal abuse lawsuit against their mutual ex, writing: 'Thank you'

The 26-year-old was first romantically linked to LaBeouf, 34, in December, around the time FKA (stage name of Tahliah Debrett Barnett), 33, first made the allegations.

She and the former Disney Channel star met when they starred together in the NSFW music video for Love Me Like You Hate Me by Rainsford, also known as Margaret's big sister Rainey Qualley, 30.

They subsequently called it quits weeks later in early January, when a source told People: 'They're just in different places in their lives.'

Another insider said Qualley was aware of the 'backlash' she received, after she continued dating LaBeouf, amid the accusations of sexual and physical assault.

Controversial relationship: The 26-year-old was first romantically linked to LaBeouf, 34, in December, around the time FKA (stage name of Tahliah Debrett Barnett), 33, first made the allegations (pictured in January, 2020)

Onscreen romance: She and the former Disney Channel star met when they starred together in the NSFW music video for Love Me Like You Hate Me by Rainsford, also known as Margaret's big sister Rainey Qualley, 30

Calling it quits: They subsequently called it quits weeks later in early January, when a source told People: 'They're just in different places in their lives.' Another insider said Qualley was aware of the 'backlash' she received, after she continued dating LaBeouf, amid the accusations of sexual and physical assault (L: LaBeouf pictured in January, 2019, R: Qualley pictured in March, 2020)

Mama bear: According to Us Weekly, her Golden Globe-winning mother Andie MacDowell, 62, was 'keeping an extremely close watch on the situation,' as a source said: 'If Shia so much as puts a foot out of line, she'll come down on him like a ton of bricks' (pictured in September, 2019)

According to Us Weekly, her Golden Globe-winning mother Andie MacDowell, 62, was 'keeping an extremely close watch on the situation,' as a source said: 'If Shia so much as puts a foot out of line, she'll come down on him like a ton of bricks.'

It comes after LaBeouf denied 'each and every allegation' in FKA's lawsuit, issuing a statement to The New York Times, before seeking long-term inpatient treatment.

He continued: 'I'm not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel. I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations.

'I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I have a history of hurting the people closest to me. I'm ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt. There is nothing else I can really say.'

Denied: It comes after LaBeouf denied 'each and every allegation' in FKA's lawsuit, issuing a statement to The New York Times, before seeking long-term inpatient treatment (pictured in September, 2018)

Abusive behavior: He continued: 'I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I have a history of hurting the people closest to me. I'm ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt. There is nothing else I can really say' (pictured in February, 2020)

Gaslit: FKA recently responded to his apology on CBS This Morning: 'It reminds me of some of the gaslighting I experienced when I was with him. This taking some of the blame, but not all of it, and then denying it'

FKA recently responded to his apology on CBS This Morning: 'It reminds me of some of the gaslighting I experienced when I was with him. This taking some of the blame, but not all of it, and then denying it.'

She previously told Elle that she's lucky to be alive: 'I honestly wish I could say that I found some strength and I saw this light. I wish I could say, "[It is] a testament to my strong character," or "It's the way my mother raised me." It's none of that. It's pure luck that I'm not in that situation anymore.'

The British artist first came forward in December, opening up to The New York Times, as her lawsuit was filed, accusing LaBeouf of sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress.

FKA claimed that he physically, emotionally and mentally abused her during their brief relationship, which lasted from 2018 to 2019, also alleging that he knowingly gave her a sexually transmitted disease.
The coronavirus continues to pose a moderate risk to San Antonio and Bexar County as local officials reported 107 new cases and seven more deaths Saturday.

It marked the first time since last weekend that local officials have released such numbers. The winter storm that shut down much of Texas slowed coronavirus testing and the Metropolitan Health Districts data collection.

Although Saturdays one-day case count may appear low, a total of 2,217 new COVID-19 cases were reported to Metro Health during the past seven days, city officials said.

On ExpressNews.com: COVID-19 by the numbers in San Antonio and across Texas

Hospitalization numbers related to the pandemic continue to improve. On Saturday, 615 patients who tested positive for the virus were being cared for in San Antonio hospitals  a significant decline from 969 two weeks ago. The total included 62 COVID patients admitted in the preceding 24 hours.

Among those hospitalized Saturday, 232 were in intensive care while 141 were on ventilators to help them breathe.

Both numbers reflect improvement. Two weeks ago, 373 coronavirus patients were being treated in ICUs and 193 were on ventilators.

More Information See More Collapse

On ExpressNews.com: The latest on vaccine availability in San Antonio

The citys seven-day rolling average of new cases has dropped to 639. A week ago, the average was 755 new cases per day, and at the beginning of February, it was over 1,500.

Our COVID case numbers appear to be heading in the right direction, but last weeks emergency weather disrupted the COVID testing process, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement Saturday. We must maintain discipline and reduce the spread of COVID by wearing masks, keeping our distance from nonhousehold members and washing our hands frequently.

On ExpressNews.com: A timeline of COVID-19 in San Antonio

City officials reported that 16.1 percent of all patients in San Antonio hospitals have tested positive for COVID-19, a slight decline from the 17.2 percent reported Friday.

According to state data, the positivity rate in San Antonio hospitals  the percentage of patients admitted for the coronavirus, relative to total hospital capacity  has declined to 12.9 percent. The figure has stayed below 15 percent for more than a week, which has allowed certain businesses, including restaurants and retail establishments, to raise their occupancy rates from 50 percent to 75 percent.

The seven new deaths reported Saturday occurred within the past two weeks. They comprised a Hispanic man and a Hispanic woman in their 50s; a white man in his 50s; a Hispanic man in his 60s; a Hispanic woman and a man of unknown ethnicity, both in their 70s; and an Asian woman in her 80s.

San Antonio continues to face an emergency shortage in its blood supply, Nirenberg reminded the public Saturday. He urged people to donate if they can. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting SouthTexasBlood.org or by calling University Health, the countys public hospital system.

We desperately need donations of blood, the mayor said. The supply is critically low of all types, especially Type O. And we need that for everyday purposes, including trauma care and surgeries and pregnancies.

Since the pandemic began almost a year ago, 189,963 Bexar County residents have tested positive for the coronavirus; 2,404 of them have died. An additional 309 deaths reported by the state health department are being investigated by Metro Health to confirm whether they were COVID-related.

Across Texas, nearly 5,000 newly confirmed cases were reported Saturday, along with 227 deaths.

In all, nearly 2.25 million Texans have tested positive for the virus and 41,213 have died, according to state data.

The state has an estimated 211,343 active cases of the virus.

pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: Peggy_OHare
Five more bodies have been recovered from the debris of the dam at Tapovan here following the glacial burst in Chamoli, Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Kumar informed on Sunday.

A total of 67 bodies have been recovered so far from the debris of dam Tapovan.

personnel rappelled his way down the mountain to install a gauge in the Dhauliganga river in Chamoli.

"Water level of the river is likely to rise. We are installing a gauge to measure its depth and water level," said Aditya P Singh, Deputy Commandant,

After a detailed survey of the lake formed in the upper reaches of Chamoli, ITBP and DRDO teams returned to Joshimath.

Meanwhile, the State Department Response Force (SDRF) had said on Thursday that 12 of its teams are engaged in the rescue operation for missing people from Reni village to Srinagar and the communication team is also working simultaneously for better communication in the area.

SDRF said search and rescue operations will continue for a long time due to a large amount of debris and mud stocked inside the tunnel. A water sensor warning system has been installed in the Reni village to warn for emergencies.

A glacier burst in the Tapovan-Reni area of Chamoli District of Uttarakhand on February 7 led to massive flooding in the Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers which damaged houses and the nearby Rishiganga power project.

(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.)
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Its back to school time in Santa Fe, sort of.

Come Monday, Santa Fe Public Schools will be re-opening in-person classes in a hybrid model. Students will be at school two days a week; learning will remain in COVID-19-era online remote mode for the other three days.

Its a voluntary program  both students and teachers can decide whether to return to in-person learning or stay at home and continue with online classes only.

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Under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams late-January announcement that schools can re-open under the hybrid model, no more than 50% of a school population can return at the same time. State Public Education Department reentry guidelines mandate COVID safety practices, such as masks and social distancing, testing and cleaning. Students can be kept within specific cohorts  for example, one cohort can be at school on Monday and Tuesday, and another can attend on Thursday and Friday.

Its going to be a small reopening at SFPS. Superintendent Veronica Garcia said late last week that 1,774 students, out of a total district student population of about 12,500, will be back at school.

There is no waiting list for in-person classes at the high-school level. Garcia said 465 students are coming back at Capital High, along with 28 staff members, and 295 students will return at Santa Fe High, with 55 staffers. All told, 290 district school staff members volunteered to return, some of whom will be helping students in cyber cafes where, among other things, they can continue their online classes with teachers whove chosen to stay home for now.

About 1,990 students are on waiting lists at the lower grade-level schools. Only one staff member each is coming back at two elementary schools  Tesuque (with four returning students) and Salazar (with 15 students). Other elementary schools will have just two or three staffers on site, but Atalaya Elementary will have 26 for 145 returning students.

Garcia said she was shocked more students arent returning or trying to get back. She said some families want to wait for vaccinations, or they have children who have connected with teachers who will remain in remote learning, or their children couldnt be in the same cohort as friends.

The situation is fluid, Garcia notes. All teachers, except those with medical issues, will be expected back once theyve had a chance to get vaccinations.

None of this is perfect. The world needs to have more kids getting back into the classroom. Students are falling behind, failure rates are way up and theres growing concern about mental health impacts on kids who cant get back to school.

Parents continue to have to somehow balance jobs and care-giving when their children cant go to school, and many in retail and service industries cant work remotely.

Theres mounting scientific evidence, based on studies around the country and abroad, that in-school populations dont increase community spread from COVID, particularly when masking, distancing and limiting class sizes are imposed.

Based on the data available, in-person learning in schools has not been associated with substantial community transmission, recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

But the CDC guidance also states that schools should fully reopen, for all five weekdays, only in counties with low or moderate levels of transmission  fewer than 50 new cases per 100,000 residents over seven days. Santa Fe Countys infection numbers are dropping dramatically. The county, with a population of about 150,000, had 74 cases over seven days through Wednesday, which appears to meet the CDCs per-capita standard for a full in-person school week.

Many teachers, with support from their unions, have balked at returning to the classroom before they have been vaccinated. Thats understandable considering the huge death toll from the pandemic and the prospect of spending hours inside with students.

And, so far, New Mexico has grouped teachers below others when it comes to vaccine priority.

But the science  always follow the science, right?  is trending toward the idea that schools can be safe, or at least as safe as the community at large, even without the vaccinations.

Still, why not vaccinate teachers? Along with other essential workers, such as grocery store employees, they are stuck behind people 75 and older, and those with serious medical conditions in New Mexicos vaccination waiting line.

New Mexico has roughly 22,000 public school teachers and some already are eligible for vaccinations due to age or medical conditions. If the state made, say, 18,000 vaccinations available for teachers in the near term, that would amount to much less than 5% of all the shots administered in New Mexico as of last week.

And these would be value-added vaccinations. More teachers would be willing to return to the classroom, benefiting students facing diminished educational opportunities and socialization during the pandemic. Parents of those students, including other essential workers who cant work from home and have had to somehow cover for child care and helping their kids with remote learning, would get a break and feel better about sending children back to school.

Politically, moving teachers up in the vaccination line may be seen as caving to teachers unions. But the potential gains outweigh that sore spot.

Santa Fe Public Schools seems to have come up with a good plan for opening in the hybrid model allowed by the governor. If the COVID trends continue to improve, it may soon be time for state government, teachers, parents and local school districts, such as SFPS, to make the big leap toward getting students back in the classroom for a full school week.

But like just about everything in America these days, that depends on the coronavirus and trying to get people with different points of view to come together. Sometimes, its difficult to tell which problem is the more intractable.
Since President Joe Biden took office, Irans regional proxies have been busy. This month alone, Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed credit for a drone attack against Saudi Arabias Abha airport; one of the most prominent critics of Hezbollah, the journalist Lokman Slim, was found murdered in his car in Lebanon; and in Iraqi Kurdistan, a front group for one of the countrys most deadly Shiite militias claimed credit for a series of rocket attacks in and around Erbil.

It all feels like a chilling replay of U.S. foreign policy under former President Barack Obama. While U.S. diplomats were negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, the regimes proxies went on a rampage. After those talks ended, Iranian General Qassem Soleimani defied U.N. travel restrictions and went to Moscow to negotiate his own deal with Russia to protect and defend Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Obama denounced that escalation and sent his secretary of state to plead for restraint and cease-fires, but the effort had no effect.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register.

The question for Biden is whether he wants to repeat the mistakes of his former boss as he seeks to revive the nuclear agreement his predecessor abandoned in 2018. So far, the signs are not good that Biden has learned any lessons from the Obama years.
New Delhi:

India is gearing up to celebrate its Independence day on 15 August but countrys tallest tricolor which was hoisted with pride at a height of 360 feet near the Indo-Pakistan border in Attari is not swaying for last three months.

According to a report published in the Hindustan Times, local authorities had taken down the national flag in April this year after it got torn due to high-velocity winds.

Amritsar deputy commissioner (DC) Kamaldeep Singh Sangha has also written to local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu about the embarrassment it brings to take down the national flag.

There are only 15 days left for the Independence Day but authorities still could not find the solution of flag problem.

Suggested Read: Chinese troops intruded into Indian space on July 26 in Chamoli

However, Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla has claimed that the flag will be hoisted on 15 August and if there is any hitch it will be pulled down again.

The flag would be hoisted, even if for a day. If there is any hitch, it can be pulled down again, HT quoted Aujla as saying.

I would speak to local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu and I am sure we all will soon find a solution. I would be taking up the matter with the Centre too and suggest reducing the height of the flag, he said.

Apart from the Tricolor at the border, a 170-feet high flag at Ranjit Avenue area in Amritsar was also pulled down after it too got torn 13 times.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.

He said that the aim of policy formulation with respect to agriculture and allied sectors should be to reduce risks and difficulties faced by farmers. (Photo: DC)

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has sought quick approval of revised cost estimates of Polavaram national project, and facilitating power utilities to swap high-cost debt with low-cost long term debt and to provide access to low-cost finance to the state government for developing social infrastructure.

The Chief Minister, interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Niti Ayog's Governing Council meeting, which was held virtually on Saturday, sought Centres cooperation.

He said that the aim of policy formulation with respect to agriculture and allied sectors should be to reduce risks and difficulties faced by farmers. He drew attention to five key policy interventions to provide immense support to agriculture and allied sectors.

He said, Minimize costs associated with crop production, ensure availability of quality certified seeds, quality certified fertilisers and quality certified pesticides, ensure availability of post-harvest technologies and facilities such as storage, grading, processing etc. thereby enhancing quality and marketability of agricultural produce and given the vulnerability of the sector to vagaries of nature, ensure that the farmer is provided timely compensation for the loss suffered by him.

He added, We have established 10,731 Rythu Bharosa Kendralu, one at every village, to provide a comprehensive solution to all agricultural needs that range from providing quality certified key farm inputs to enabling the sale of produce.

He said multipurpose facility centres are being created in coterminous with RBKs to provide facilities like dry storage and drying platforms, godowns, collection centres, cold rooms, primary processing and assaying equipment, bulk milk cooling units, automatic milk collection units and food processing units, which the farming community needs to enhance income not only from agriculture but also from allied activities as well.

Specific to my state, to provide sustainable irrigation, I seek your support for quick approval of revised cost estimates and the timely completion of Polavaram irrigation project declared as a national project. The project is regarded as my states lifeline and the completion of the same would contribute significantly to an increase in irrigated area.

Jagan Mohan Reddy urged the Centre to facilitate power utilities to swap high-cost debt with low-cost long term debt as this was the need of the hour for the sectors sustainability and survival. He stated that for tertiary care, they were setting up 16 new medical colleges in different parts of the state and five multi-specialty hospitals in scheduled tribal areas under which three colleges have already been accorded sanction by GOI for part-funding. He requested funding for the remaining 13 medical colleges.

The Chief Minister said, I believe that the services will be further improved with access to internet at the village level. In line with the vision of Bharat Net project, we seek to provide internet to every citizen and the public institution at the village level. We are also establishing digital public libraries in the villages, bringing the concept of work from home closer to the people by providing them uninterrupted access to quality internet in these libraries at every village.
A woman on S. Moore Road told police she heard the sound of someone pulling on her front door and then on her back door. Soon after, she heard the sound of a vehicle leaving the area. She never saw anyone and also doesn't know who it could have been.



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A woman on Highway 58 called police because her vehicle had been stolen. She said she had started her car around 6:30 a.m. so that it could warm up and then went inside to get her granddaughter, leaving the vehicle running with the keys in the vehicle.

She said when she came back out her vehicle was gone. There was no suspect information and nothing to process at the scene. The vehicle was entered into NCIC.* * *Police responded to a residence on E. 28th Street where a woman told police that someone had broken into her vehicle. She said she believes the only thing stolen from inside of the vehicle was approximately $7 in change. She said it appeared they attempted to gain entry into the locked glove box by damaging the handle, however they were unable to gain entry. She said the neighboring duplex has a ring doorbell camera and she would ask the neighbor to watch the video for possible suspect information. She believes she left the doors to the vehicle unlocked. Police did not observe any signs of forced entry at the doors of the vehicle. The woman believes the theft occurred between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m. in the morning.* * *Police were called to a disturbance at a residence on Sharp Street. A man reported he got into a verbal argument with his grandfather. The man agreed to leave the residence for the day.* * *A man at Grace Bible Church, 3827 Hixson Pike, called police regarding damage to the church sign. He said a vehicle had possibly run through the sign early that morning. There was no suspect information at the scene.* * *A woman on Hickory Valley Road called police and said that she has had a male friend for the past few days and he is now refusing to leave. Police transported the man to his vehicle by request located on Shallowford Road.* * *Police were called to the Post Office, N. Market Street, where a homeless white female was found sleeping. The woman said she came in to warm up. She was checked for warrants and found none.* * *An employee of Buzz Salon, 3211 Cummings Hwy., called police and said that a homeless person had been staying in the back of their building and using their outdoor outlet. She said the homeless person had her clothes all laid out to dry. Officers observed all the clothes. Police gathered the clothes and placed them in a cart, placed the cart off the property and put a note on thebelongings instructing her not to go back on the property. Police told the employee they would keep an eye out on the business and make sure the woman was not hanging out around back.* * *A man on Shallowford Road told police his car, a white sedan, had been stolen while he was in his church doing work. The man said when he got out of his car he grabbed his key to the church and was unsure if his keys landed on the ground as he got out or if the keys were lying on the seat. He said his wife's purse was in the car and around $4,000 in cash was in the vehicle as well. Police searched the area around where the vehicle was taken and checked the areas around the mall and shopping centers at Hamilton Place, but were unable to locate the vehicle. Police entered the vehicle into NCIC. Five days later, police observed the white sedan in the area of Gilbert Street/N. Chamberlain Avenue. After running the registration and verifying it was the vehicle that was stolen, police initiated emergency equipment near the intersection of N. Chamberlain Avenue/Glass Street. The vehicle began to take off at a high rate of speed northbound on N. Chamberlain Avenue. Police turned off their emergency equipment after the vehicle was clearly not going to stop. The vehicle was last seen going eastbound on Stuart Street towards Campbell Street.* * *A woman called police for help at the Super 8, 7024 McCutcheon Road. She said she needed to get some belongings from room 221. Police made contact with the man who was staying in room 221 and he let the woman in to get her items. The two of them went about the process peacefully.* * *Police responded to a well-being check at Cheddars Scratch Kitchen, 2014 Gunbarrel Road, where a man who was at dinner had inhaled his drink, causing difficulty breathing. When police arrived the man had already recovered. He denied EMS.* * *A homeless woman at the Exxon, 2304 Shallowford Village Dr., called police and requested transport to a shelter due to the temperature. Police verified shelter availability and then transported the woman to the Community Kitchen, 727 E 11th St., without incident.* * *An employee called police regarding a vandalism at Mapco, 6200 Lee Hwy., and said that two young black males attempted to buy tobacco. One of the men displayed an ID that was on his phone, however the employee said she could not accept it. This made the man upset and he threatened the employee. He then grabbed a nearby 18-case of Michelob Ultra (worth $21.49) and tossed it across the room. The case of beer crashed onto the floor, causing it to burst. Both men were seen entering a small silver car and traveling west on Lee Highway. The employee was given a complaint card for their records.* * *A man called police and said he left his vehicle parked on the side of the road just south of the intersection of W. 7th Street and Chestnut Street around 10 p.m. He said approximately 40 minutes later he returned to his vehicle and observed his back passenger side window broken in. Police observed the man's broken window and glass inside the vehicle. The man said a Gucci suitcase, Dior duffle bag and an Apple laptop had been stolen. He said he did not observe the offense take place and does not have any suspect information. Police issued him a case number.

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Police pulled over a vehicle on W 37th St./Charger Dr. Police initiated a traffic stop on a black Honda Accord traveling west on 37th Street. Police radar indicated the vehicle's speed at 55 mph. During the course of interaction with the driver, police asked if he had anything in the vehicle and the driver replied, "I wouldn't have stopped if I did."
After enduring a wretched week of Arctic storms, hunger and cold, several Texans were handed another pain point  massive electricity bills. Houston resident David Astrein, 36, a human resources director at a manufacturing company, said hes been charged $2,738.66 so far this month versus $129.85 in January for a three-bedroom home with a detached garage. He and his wife stopped using their dishwasher, washer and dryer, and turned on as few lights as possible at night. They kept the heat on for their 5-month old son. Astrein is one of a swath of consumers facing sky-high payments in the aftermath of the storm  many took to social media to show electricity bills ranging as high as $8,000. According to their screen shots, most are customers of Griddy Energy, a power supplier with a unique business model. The Macquarie Energy-backed company charges electricity based on real-time prices in wholesale power markets, therefore exposing consumers to the full swings. Griddy saw the problem developing and even urged its retail customers last weekend to switch to another provider.

By Sunday, 20 per cent managed to do so. But not Astrein. We were stuck with Griddy and those astronomical prices, he said by phone. The failure in Texas as a whole to plan for this adequately is now a financial emergency for all of these customers on a program like Griddy. For Griddy, that business model meant it got only a very small cut of Astreins bill. I want to highlight that on the $2,738.66 total bill, Griddy only made $6.48, Chief Executive Officer Michael Fallquist said in a text message. We only make $9.99 per month, all other charges are a pass through. But for some Griddy watchers, the furor comes as scant surprise after the scorching summer of 2019 also resulted in eye-watering bills. The phenomenon is unique to Texas, where the retail power industry is entirely deregulated. State Probe Texas Governor Greg Abbott convened an emergency meeting for Saturday to address the latest spike. He said hes working with members of the legislature to develop solutions to ensure Texans are not on the hook for unreasonable spikes in their energy bills, according to a statement. State Attorney General Ken Paxton has already opened a probe into the power failures and issued civil investigative demands to companies including Griddy. In a February 18 blog post, Griddy said the prices were sky high because the Public Utility Commission of Texas forced wholesale prices to $9 a kilowatt-hour, about 300 times more than normal. We know you are angry and so are we, the blog said. We intend to fight this for, and alongside, our customers for equity and accountability. Griddy said Friday it was seeking relief from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or Ercot, and the PUCT for customers who were exposed to the high prices. As power is restored in Texas, new websites have sprung up to help organize potential class-action lawsuits. At least four of the new domains signal the target may be Ercot, which says it operates about 75 per cent of the states electricity. Astrein plans to pay the bill out of his own funds and said Griddy hasnt reached out to him with any relief or remedy plan. Griddy said on its website that starting next month, it will have price protection aimed at removing the risk from any future price events.
They are both Oscar-nominated actors enjoying a team-up for one of the next entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Hailee Steinfeld was seen alongside costar Jeremy Renner on the Atlanta, Georgia set of their upcoming Disney+ series Hawkeye on Saturday.

The Bumblebee star, 24, was laughing while holding the featured weapon in the show, an archers bow.

Super smile: Hailee Steinfeld was seen alongside costar Jeremy Renner on the Atlanta, Georgia set of their upcoming Disney+ series Hawkeye on Saturday

She stood near a car as the shoot that day looked to involve an automobile chase sequence.

The car being used was tricked out with a camera rig, lots of wiring, lights and extra wheels to facilitate shooting.

Hailee wore a purple and maroon zip top, which was part of the costume for her character Kate Bishop.

At one point: Jeremy was seen performing stretches on the ground in front of the car being used for the shoot

Hero with a mission: Hailee wore a purple and maroon zip top, which was part of the costume for her character Kate Bishop

She had on a utility belt and gloves as well.

On the bottom, Steinfeld wore formfitting black trousers along with Doc Marten-style hightop combat boots.

She had a holster on her thigh, as well a black harness across her chest.

Geared up: She also had a holster on her thigh, as well a black harness across her chest

The True Grit actress had her dark brown hair in a high ponytail, along with tendrils parted at the side and tucked behind her ears.

At one point, Hailee was seen seated on the passenger side door of the car, perched alongside the cars roof for a shot in which she performed her own stunts.

Renner, 50, looked to be seated in the car at one point.

Ready for action: Hailee was seen seated on the passenger side door of the car, perched alongside the cars roof for a shot in which she performed her own stunts

Being advised: The True Grit actress had her dark brown hair in a high ponytail, along with tendrils parted at the side and tucked behind her ears

The actress was being advised by other professionals from the set, most probably a stunt coordinator.

The starring pair were filming a chase scene with three villains in pursuit, all dressed in red tracksuits.

Hurt Locker star Renner was outfitted in black denim, along with tan footwear.

Actor and superhero: Hurt Locker star Renner was outfitted in black denim, along with tan footwear

Villains: The starring pair were filming a chase scene with three villains in pursuit, all dressed in red tracksuits

At one point, he was seen performing stretches on the ground in front of the car being used for the shoot.

Hailee was also seen brandishing her bow and arrow while wearing a gray coat, alongside her stand-in who was dressed in an identical costume.

Hawkeye will recount the story of how Jeremys Avenger Clint Barton passes the mantle of the crackshot archer superhero Hawkeye to Hailees Kate.

Armed and dangerous: Hailee was also seen brandishing her bow and arrow while wearing a gray coat, alongside her stand-in who was dressed in an identical costume

The series will serve as another installment in the MCU since it has begun incorporating the Disney+ streaming platform.

It will join other limited series like WandaVision, currently airing, along with Falcon And The Winter Soldier, due to premier next month.

Hailee is also star of another popular series, Dickinson, currently airing its second season.

Jeremy, meanwhile, is next set to appear in another comic book movie  the reboot of the Image Comics character Spawn starring Jamie Foxx.
Fonterras high-nutrition Mineral Mix packs improve smallholder dairy farm productivity View(s):

Fonterra Brands Lanka, in a move to help its smallholder dairy farmers improve dairy cattle health and increase milk yield, has enabled sustained market access to high-nutrition minerals mix packs.

In a media release, Managing Director of Fonterra Brands Lanka and Indian Subcontinent, Ms. Vidya Sivaraja said: We are pleased to make these locally-produced, high nutrition Minerals Mix packs accessible for the first time to our farmer base spanning our North Western, Western and Central Province dairy communities. This solution is in line with national imperatives called out by the Presidential Task Force for Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication.

Access to the right quality cattle feed remains a critical challenge felt by dairy farmers. Mineral supplementation plays a significant role in livestock development programmes as it improves general health and growth rate, increases the efficiency of feed utilization on-farm and improves immune response, which gives cows more resistance against infectious diseases.

Fonterra Brands Lankas smallholder dairy farmer network supplies milk for its Anchor and Anchor Newdale brands, including set yoghurt, stirred yoghurt, drinking yoghurt, fresh milk, UHT milk and flavoured milk, manufactured at its local dairy processing facility in Biyagama.
OAKRIDGE, Ore. --- The city of Oakridge held its first mass vaccination clinic at the Oakridge Fire Department on Saturday. Around 160 first doses were administered to eligible seniors 75 years and older.

This event was in partnership with Orchid Health, fire department volunteers and local pharmacies.

Oakridge residents who received their shots said they have been waiting a long time for this moment.

"I kept thinking when is it going to be my turn?" Oakridge resident Barbara Pederson said. "I've just been waiting and waiting for this."

Oakridge Mayor Kathy Holston said they are ahead of schedule. She said everyone in phase 1A including educators have been offered their first dose of the vaccine.

"Rural communities can take care of ourselves, as long as we have the resources," Holston said.

The city of Oakridge plans on holding mass vaccination clinics at the fire department every two weeks. However, officials said this depends on the allocation given to them from Lane County Public Health.

KEZI reached out to Lane County Public Health about vaccination clinics on Saturday. But due to under staffing, the clinics were not open for the media to attend. However, they said 67,000 booster shot appointments originally scheduled for Saturday through Tuesday, were postponed for the following week. This is due to a delay in shipment from the winter storm.

It is important to note that first dose clinics were not postponed, only booster ones.

Thousands of eligible seniors and hundreds of remaining educators were booked for first doses this weekend in Lane County.
(Natural News) One of the objectives of using information warfare in counterintelligence is to sow distrust and confusion among the target population.

Americans have been the targets of an information warfare campaign for the past five years, and its ongoing  but its not all coming from a foreign government. No, much of it is, as they say, domestically produced.

Our major media outlets for years told us that former President Donald Trump engaged in collusion with Russia to steal the 2016 election from Hillary Clinton. Several investigations including one set up by the deep state  Robert Muellers probe  found zero evidence of that lie (because it was always a fabrication).

But that didnt matter; our own major media (CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times, etc.) echoed the lie for years on end, allowing themselves to be used as information warfare conduits all with the intention of destroying a president who was legitimately and duly elected by We the People.

There are many additional examples  leaks here and there of what Trump supposedly said or did behind the scenes, many of which also turned out to be false, nevertheless dutifully reported by the establishment press.

But now were onto the next truly big lie: That Trump incited the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol Building (the Senate acquitted him of that false accusation on Saturday) with his speech, though he didnt  an allegation that has been and will continue to be repeated ad nauseam for months until the Democratic Party successfully demonizes and dehumanizes the former presidents supporters into dangerous silence.

Because authoritarians cannot brook discontent, disagreement, or questioning of their methods and policies.

Among the many elements of this new big lie is that a now-defunct social media platform, Parler  the only one that got even close to being sorta, kinda big enough to challenge the others  was used to plan the Capitol riot.

That, too, is a complete fabrication being related by the disinformation campaigners.

The biggest culprit is literally the biggest culprit: Facebook. (Related: Censoring the Biden story: How social media becomes state media.)

Legal Insurrection reports:

The coordinated Big Tech deplatforming of Parler is looking more and more suspect. Last month, I reviewed every arrest report the DOJ had made available at that time, and the overwhelming number of social media posts cited in these reports were those posted on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. There was barely any mention of Parler.

Georgetown Universitys Program on Extremism collated not just those arrest reports made available via the DOJ press releases but the more than 200 arrest reports otherwise available.

According to this assessment of DOJ arrest reports related to the events at the Capitol on January 6th, Facebook is the overwhelming winner in the violence-spreading, hate speech-permitting social media landscape. YouTube and Facebook-owned Instagram were close seconds and thirds.

Mind you, Parler was deplatformed by Amazon Web Services, Google Play, and the Apple Store over claims that it was primarily used to plan the Capitol attack; again, that is a blatant, bald-faced lie.

And a purposeful one at that.

New  An analysis of 226 DOJ charging documents shows Facebook was far and away the most used social media platform used by those charged in the January 6 siege of Capitol Hill.https://t.co/Ut6k7Xu29h?  Thomas Brewster (@iblametom) February 7, 2021

The fact is, the tyrants cant control a population that has access to the truth or, at a minimum, an alternate form of the official truth.

We are in a war; not a kinetic conflict (yet), but a figurative one. The American power elite were frightened, legitimately, by the rise of Donald Trump because they saw him come from out of nowhere and build one of the biggest, strongest, most dedicated political movements in the history of our country  a movement that was specific in its objective to take down the established political order.

Thats what all the deplatforming of conservative thought leaders is about. Its what the information warfare is about. It was what impeaching Trump for an unprecedented second time was about.

We are in a war for the soul and the survival of America. Patriots cannot shy away from it. And for the record, we are the patriots; not the established political order.

See more reporting like this at Corruption.news.

Sources include:

LegalInsurrection.com

Newsmax.com

NaturalNews.com
G7- the group of seven, founded in the 1970s was meant to draw the most powerful democracies in the world together. The G7 which consists of Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom is going to have its 47th annual summit of 2021, which will be joined by the largest democracy in the world- India. The recent invite for the G7 summit to India by the United Kingdom is an acknowledgment of the fact that the world expects India to bounce back from the adversaries and has faith in the countrys potential to lead the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently been invited to the annual G7 summit as a guest by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his British counterpart. The 47th G7-summit is going to be held in the UK in summer 2021. Dominic Raab, Britains foreign secretary who visited India in December 2020 to finalize the details of PM Boris Johnsons official visit to New Delhi as a chief guest for republic day, had pronounced that an invitation to PM Narendra Modi has been sent by the British Prime Minister for the G7 summit which will be hosted by the UK in Cornwall.

The relationship between India and UK has constantly been growing amicably. The UK believes that the Indo-Pacific region will be integral to the 21st century and India, the worlds largest democracy which has become an engine of global economic growth shall further be central to the Indo-Pacific.

England is hosting the G7 summit of the seven significant and industrialized nations of the world namely, the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Japan, France, and Italy. Attending the summit will further allow India to push its respective concerns and articulate its post-pandemic ideas and to articulate and discuss the same on a global platform with the leading nations. it will also be an add-on to Modis stature as a significant world leader.
People walk on a crossing near the railway station in Burlingame, California, the United States, Feb. 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

The drop of cases, hospitalizations and deaths are encouraging, said health expert Stanley Perlman, warning that "it is too early to know if this is a turning point because new, more contagious variants are circulating in the United States."

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Key indicators of COVID-19 transmission in the United States continue to fall, but health experts warn the public not to let down guard as the country sees uptick in coronavirus variants infections.

Weekly new cases have fallen from 1.7 million at the national peak in early January to fewer than 600,000 this week, and cases have declined in every state, according to The COVID Tracking project.

Cases have been falling sharply for five weeks, hospitalizations for four, and deaths for two, according to the tracking project.

The current 7-day average increase of cases is 77,385, a 68.9 percent decline from the highest 7-day average of 249,048 on Jan. 11, data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show.

The numbers of new hospital admissions of patients with confirmed COVID-19 decreased from the national peak of 18,006 on Jan. 5 to 6,841 admissions on Feb. 16, a 62 percent decrease, according to the CDC.

The average number of daily admissions fell by 21.8 percent compared to the previous week.

The 7-day average number of new COVID-19 deaths also decreased by 9 percent to 2,708 per day compared to the previous 7-day period, CDC data show.

A citizen rides a bicycle near the railway station in Burlingame, California, the United States, Feb. 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

The drop of cases, hospitalizations and deaths are encouraging, said Stanley Perlman, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa.

"It may mean that we are over the holiday bump," he told Xinhua in an interview on Saturday.

"It is too early to know if this is a turning point because new, more contagious variants are circulating in the United States," Perlman noted.

A total of 1,549 infection cases of coronavirus variants had been reported in the United States as of Thursday, according to the CDC.

The vast majority of these cases, 1,523, were caused by the variant known as B.1.1.7, which was originally detected in Britain.

There were 21 cases of a new strain initially discovered in South Africa, called B.1.351, and five cases of the P.1 strain first discovered in Brazil.

Modeling data suggest that B.1.1.7 could become the predominant variant in the United States in March.

"We hope that the vaccine rollout will outweigh the variants spread," Perlman told Xinhua.
(Newser)  Russia has reported the first instances of a strain of bird flu jumping from poultry to humans to the World Health Organization. The outbreak happened at a plant in southern Russia, officials said. "All seven people... are now feeling well," said Anna Popova, chief of the nation's consumer health watchdog. Humans have been infected with other strains of bird flu, but not this one: H5N8. Popuva said that there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission, the BBC reports, and that steps had been taken to prevent further infections. The cases were reported "several days ago, just as we became absolutely certain of our results," Popuva said Saturday. The workers were asymptomatic, WHO officials said. The Vector Institute in Siberia plans to start work on developing human tests for the strain, as well as an H5N8 vaccine.

story continues below

The institute had isolated the strain's genetic material from infected workers, Popuva said. "The discovery of these mutations when the virus has not still acquired an ability to transmit from human to human gives us all, the entire world, time to prepare for possible mutations," she said. Most H5N8 cases are spread by migrating wild birds; producers often try to prevent contact between wildlife and poultry. In the past few months, H5N8 outbreaks also have been reported in Europe, China, the Middle East, and North Africa, per Reuters, but they've been limited to poultry. An H5N8 outbreak hit poultry farms in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK in 2014, per CNN. Plants dealing with avian flu often kill their poultry to prevent the virus from spreading and to avoid facing import restrictions in other countries. (Read more bird flu stories.)
But both agencies are nearly unaccountable and toothless compared to regulators in other regions, where many utilities have stronger consumer protections and submit an annual planning report to ensure adequate electricity supply. Texas energy companies are given wide latitude in their planning for catastrophic events.

Into a snowstorm with no reserves

One example of how Texas has gone it alone is its refusal to enforce a reserve margin of extra power available above expected demand, unlike all other power systems around North America. With no mandate, there is little incentive to invest in precautions for events, such as a Southern snowstorm, that are rare. Any company that took such precautions would put itself at a competitive disadvantage.

A surplus supply of natural gas, the dominant power fuel in Texas, near power plants might have helped avoid the cascade of failures in which power went off, forcing natural gas production and transmission offline, which in turn led to further power shortages.

In the aftermath of the dayslong outages, ERCOT has been criticized by both Democratic and Republican residents, lawmakers and business executives, a rare display of unity in a fiercely partisan and Republican-dominated state. Mr. Abbott said he supported calls for the agencys leadership to resign and made ERCOT reform a priority for the Legislature. The reckoning has been swift  this week, lawmakers will hold hearings in Austin to investigate the agencys handling of the storm and the rolling outages.

For ERCOT operators, the storms arrival was swift and fierce, but they had anticipated it and knew it would strain their system. They asked power customers across the state to conserve, warning that outages were likely.

But late on Sunday, Feb. 14, it rapidly became clear that the storm was far worse than they had expected: Sleet and snow fell, and temperatures plunged. In the councils command center outside Austin, a room dominated by screens flashing with maps, graphics and data tracking the flow of electricity to 26 million people in Texas, workers quickly found themselves fending off a crisis. As weather worsened into Monday morning, residents cranked up their heaters and demand surged.

Power plants began falling offline in rapid succession as they were overcome by the frigid weather or ran out of fuel to burn. Within hours, 40 percent of the power supply had been lost.

First Prize Winner in National Composers Competition Is the Peoples Choice

An interview with composer and pianist Arsentiy Kharitonov

I have observed over the years that when institutions like the New York Philharmonic present a world premiere, the work is placed somewhere in the middle of a concert, for the good reason that when it is programmed last, the audience usually bolts for the door.

New classical music is not popular in the concert halls. It is, as a rule, incomprehensible and prompts a long, equally incomprehensible explanation in the program notes. One has come to suspect that the composer is not speaking from the heart, not telling the truth, but trying to create a sensation, to shock us, to impress us with his brilliance and originality. The old truism comes to mind that people say many stupid things when their sole motivation is to say something original.

It is refreshing to hear, therefore, that for the annual Modern Tonal Academic Music Fest Competition, held by Russian organization (STAM), the final judge is the audience rather than a panel of scholars and experts with their attendant prejudices and political agendas.

STAM is an institution devoted to supporting and encouraging serious contemporary music and musicians by presenting lectures and concerts throughout the various republics of Russia, and by hosting an annual competition for composers.

The Winner

Arsentiy Kharitonov, a citizen of both the United States and the Russian Federation, is the recent winner of the competitions first prize. The young composer is already an established pianist with a distinguished international career, and his music is rooted in tradition, rich in melodic content, and harmonically adventuresome. It is honest, it has much to say, it has a voice of its own, and needs no explanatory notes in the program.

Kharitonovs compositions have not gone unnoticed in the United States. Derek Bermel, artistic director of the American Composers Orchestra (ACO), wrote: I especially admired the harmonic chops, which is rare these days among American composers. You can hear the sparkle and edge of Shostakovich and Prokofiev, but its heart seems to be in the lyricism of Rachmaninoff. It was a real pleasure to hear this dynamic work.

Bermels institution, the ACO, in many ways a sister society to STAM, is dedicated to the performance and promotion of orchestral music by American composers throughout the United States. It hosts an annual competition as well, and the laureate concert is held in New Yorks fabled Carnegie Hall.

Pianist Arsentiy Kharitonov performs at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, New York, on May 20, 2016. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Inside the Creative Mind of Arsentiy Kharitonov

One wonders, of course, about the mind of a composer: Where does his music come from? What comes first? Rhythm? Melody? Mood?

Kharitonov told me in a telephone conversation: What comes first is a necessity. A desire to create. In my particular case, the way I get musical ideas is by sheer chance, by improvising at the piano, finding, and writing things down. Most often it results in nothing. Though, in my hierarchy of musical elements, first comes the melody. I consider music to be faceless if there is no melody. Thus, like an entomologist who collects butterflies, I collect melodies that come to my mind.

Such a remarkable answer produced more questions. I asked him about Mozarts manner of composing as opposed to Beethovens. Mozart simply heard an entire work in his mind and, when it was complete, wrote it down; Beethoven worked sometimes for years on a symphony, and on other pieces simultaneously. What about Arsentiy Kharitonov?

I dont start working on any particular piece until I figure out the outline. Yet, Im not comparing myself to Mozart. Because I am very doubtful by nature, I nurture the approximate outline in my head as much as possible before I grab a pencil. And then comes the torturous, obsessive process of endless rewriting, scratching, erasing, he said.

Music Is About Something

Beethoven once asked a friend what came to his mind when hearing a passage in a particular string quartet. The friend replied, It pictured for me the parting of two lovers. Beethoven responded, Good! I thought of the burial scene from Romeo and Juliet! This seems to mean that music is about something.

I asked Kharitonov what his winning composition was about. He answered: Unlike Beethoven who was the mouthpiece of this universe and whose music is the objective truth, I am yet another example of subjective reality: my thoughts and my shadows. And the music that I write is the result of my unconscious and my past. I try not to fantasize and show off my intelligence in the music that I compose; I dont want it to sound pretentious. Rather, I trust my impulses. And as I look back, all I see is a musical self-portrait, whether I like it or not. At least, I am being honest.

Until the first decades of the 20th century, classical tradition was organic in its growth. One sees the development of Mozart from Bach, of Beethoven from Haydn, and so on. What does the young composer think caused the sudden explosion of revolutionary rather than evolutionary thought beginning with Arnold Schonbergs rejection of our musical vocabulary in his atonal music, or the wrong note school of Elliott Carter and Carl Ruggles, or the coffeepot and airplane motor music of John Cage and George Antheil, or the hypnotic minimalism of Philip Glass and Stephen Reich?

There was always a relay of traditions from composer to composer, Kharitonov said. Buxtehude-Bach-Mozart-Beethoven-Schumann-Tchaikovsky-Rachmaninoff-Prokofiev, etc., to name at least one definite line. It seems to me that the end of the 19th, beginning of 20th centuries is the peak of musical evolutionthe so-called Late Romanticism/Symbolism.

And then comes something that is rather usual to humankindthe necessity for change. This necessity was always there; otherwise, composers would still be working in the traditions of 12th-century Ars Antiqua, and all the periods and styles such as Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism, and Romanticism would not exist.

The only difference is that with all those earlier epochs, music style was developing, flourishing, adopting new laws, and getting more sophisticated for the sake of beauty and expression. Then we have the peak. When nothing could be added but change is still necessary, the artists started to simplify forms and refuse the accumulated artistic traditions. It is very noticeable in visual arts with reductions (refusals) of the law of composition, the law of perspective, etc. Malevich and his Black Square comes to mind as a manifest to canceling everything that was before and yet giving nothing as a replacement.

Similar things started to happen in music, he said.

Composers started to strip their music of harmonies, melody, form, etc. Now, composers seem mostly interested in simply exploring timbre. The necessity of change was fueled by an ambition to be different. All those composers you named, they have different values than Monteverdi, Schubert, or Chopin.

Though, I want to clarify that I dont ignore the music of the 20th and 21st century, and I am for change as well, as it is a paradigm of human development. And I do not consider myself a retrograde either, yet I am sure all these composers youve mentioned would label me as one.

In my defense, as a pianist I can state that todays audience relates to the music by Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms way better than to any music of so-called contemporary composers. Perhaps they arent contemporary then!

Finally, I asked about the responsibility of the creator to his society. Does music have a moral element? A moral responsibility? His reply: I do not think that composers set their music as a moral compass intentionally. It becomes one if the composer reflects profoundly upon the world he lives in.

The Winning Composition

A discerning audience, not a group of experts, awarded first prize to Arsentiy Kharitonov for his Four Vignettes Op. 49 for Four Violins. The audience deemed the composition good. And what does that mean? Author Virginia Woolf, who criticized the loss of culture in the 20th century, pronounced a particular work good because it expanded the mind, and purified the heart.

Of course, structural virtuosity is important, and Kharitonov certainly has that, but most important is the effect on the mind and heart of the listener. This suite of four musical sketches does indeed expand the mind and purify the heart. It is imaginative and truthful.

Characteristically Slavic in temperament and style, the transition from the ways of his great predecessors is clear and, one may add, hopeful. The sharp edges of Shostakovich and Prokofiev are somewhat smoothed, their anxious tone becomes quieted, irony disappears, driving rhythms are less desperate, and glacial aloofness is warmed into something eminently human and approachable.

The more remote 19th-century past is very much alive in this composition as well. The lyrical third movement, its grace and beauty, proves that there are still beautiful melodies to be drawn from our major and minor scales, that there are still apples to be picked from the tree. How remarkable, wonderful, and hopeful it is to find such a musical achievement, so orderly, so vigorous, so friendly, born into our not-so-orderly, not-so-friendly world. Arsentiy Kharitonov has won a prize, and our tradition has scored a victory.

Raymond Beegle has performed as a collaborative pianist in the major concert halls of the United States, Europe, and South America; has written for The Opera Quarterly, Classical Voice, Fanfare Magazine, Classic Record Collector (UK), and the New York Observer. Beegle has served on the faculty of The State University of New YorkStony Brook, The Music Academy of the West, and The American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. He has taught in the chamber music division of The Manhattan School of Music for the past 28 years.
Giant City firms are set to launch a major lobbying offensive to boost Britains financial sector, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Groups representing insurers, banks and asset managers will urge the Government to cut red tape and offer low taxes. They also want it to be easier for finance professionals from abroad to work in the UK.

Bank lobby group UK Finance is expected to present Whitehall with its proposals within two months.

Groups representing insurers, banks and asset managers will urge the Government to cut red tape, offer low taxes, and make it easier for foreign finance professionals to work in the UK

The plan is being drawn up with input from other bodies including the Association of British Insurers and the Investment Association.

Industry experts suggested the cap on bankers bonuses could be ditched to make the Square Mile more attractive to top talent.

The City offensive comes amid fears that Britain could lose its crown as the global financial centre after leaving the EU.

A trade deal was struck, but no agreement was forged for services  representing 80 per cent of the economy. This makes it tough for UK financial firms to do business in the EU and vice versa.

Vast chunks of derivatives trading has moved from London to New York since the start of the year. Earlier this month, Amsterdam overtook London as Europes biggest share trading centre.

Britain hopes to strike an agreement with the EU by next month to arrange future meetings to thrash out a financial services deal.

Finance firms want to accelerate efforts to attract talent and investment to the City. A source said the lobby groups will urge the Government to allow for more flexible regulation.
Photo: The Canadian Press Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Canada Cong Peiwu participates in a roundtable interview with journalists at the Embassy of China in Ottawa, on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

China's envoy to Canada is telling Canadian parliamentarians to butt out of his country's internal affairs through their pending vote on declaring a genocide against ethnic Muslim Uighurs in its Xinjiang province.

Cong Peiwu, the Chinese ambassador to Canada, reiterated his government's view that there is no mistreatment of Uighurs, labelling accusations from the United Nations and others that millions of people in detention camps are being subjected to forced labour and sterilization as unfounded China bashing.

The Conservatives tabled a motion in Parliament this past week calling on Canada to formally declare crimes against Uighur Muslims in China a genocide. That motion may come to a non-binding vote as early as Monday.

"We firmly oppose that because it runs counter to the facts. And it's like, you know, interfering in our domestic affairs," Cong told The Canadian Press in an interview Saturday. "There's nothing like genocide happening in Xinjiang at all."

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa proactively offered the interview on Saturday ahead of the scheduled vote.

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole has said the motion and subsequent vote is needed to send a "clear and unequivocal signal that we will stand up for human rights and the dignity of human rights, even if it means sacrificing some economic opportunity."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stopped short of agreeing with American officials, human rights advocates and legal scholars that the violations amount to a genocide, saying the term is a loaded one that has to be used carefully.

"There is no question there have been tremendous human rights abuses coming out of Xinjiang," Trudeau said earlier this week, adding that use of the word must be "properly justified and demonstrated so as not to weaken the application of 'genocide' in situations in the past."

Cong dismissed the widespread allegations against China over the treatment of Uighurs and reiterated his government's view that it has acted to stamp out terrorist activity in the province .

He said the region's population grew by 25 per cent between 2010 and 2018, a figure he said undercuts accusations of forced sterilization and genocide. He said Uighurs are receiving vocational and language training so they can prosper in Chinese society.

He also disputed allegations of religious persecution, saying Uighurs are free to worship in mosques.

"I think we respect your values. But I think our core values should be: respect facts. And to stop spreading disinformation or even rumors," said Cong.

Britain's Foreign Office minister of state, James Cleverly, told a UN Security Council meeting last month that China's "severe and disproportionate measures" against the Uighurs are an example of counter-terrorism measures being used "to justify egregious human rights violations and oppression."

Cleverly said China has detained 1.8 million people in Xinjiang without trial and is not living up to its obligations under international human rights law or its Security Council requirement that counter-terrorism measures comply with those obligations.

Bob Rae, Canada's ambassador to the United Nations, called on the UN in November to investigate whether China's persecution of the Uighurs constitutes genocide.

A Canadian parliamentary subcommittee concluded in an October report that China's treatment of Uighurs is a genocide, a finding China rejected as baseless.

Trudeau and his fellow G7 leaders discussed the accusations against China over the treatment of its Uighur minority during their virtual summit on Friday.

Trudeau said they had "taken careful note of conclusions drawn by experts around the world, including findings of crimes against humanity and genocide."

Cong also denounced Canada's leadership of a 58-country international declaration against arbitrary detention amid the 800-plus days that Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor have been in prison in China.

Canadian officials took pains not to name China as the target of the declaration, saying it was trying to start a global movement against a coercive practice that several countries are now using that must be stopped through an attempt to internationally shame its practitioners.

Cong says if Canada really wants to live up to the spirit of that declaration, it should release Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, who the RCMP arrested on an American extradition warrant. He contends her prosecution is unlawful and her continued detention is also arbitrary.

Canada and its allies say Kovrig and Spavor are being detained in retaliation for Meng's arrest and that national security charges levelled by China against them are bogus.

"We must point out that Mme. Meng Wanzhou has been arbitrarily detained for over two years, despite the fact that she hasn't violated any Canadian law. This is the most accurate illustration of arbitrary arrest or detention of foreign nationals," said Cong.

"So, the declaration looks rather like Canada's confession in the Meng Wanzhou case."
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-20 21:10:32|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi (L) and To Lam (C), a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnam's minister of public security, co-host the seventh China-Vietnam public security ministerial meeting on cooperation against crime in Hanoi, Vietnam, Feb. 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Jiang Shengxiong)

HANOI, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The ministers of public security of China and Vietnam have agreed to enhance cooperation on busting crimes.

The two sides made the pledge at the seventh China-Vietnam public security ministerial meeting on cooperation against crime held in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Friday.

Speaking highly of the achievements the public security departments of the two countries have made since the last meeting, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi said at the meeting that the two departments have upheld political guidance, unity, mutual assistance and communication, ensuring the right direction of the China-Vietnam cooperation in law enforcement.

Under new circumstances, the two sides need to consolidate their traditional friendship, deepen pragmatic cooperation and safeguard common security more than ever, said Zhao.

He called on the two sides to prioritize ensuring their political security, map out their law enforcement cooperation strategically, and deepen cooperation in areas such as busting cross-border gambling, striking telecom fraud, and anti-terrorism.

Zhao hopes that the two sides can further contribute to the consistent and healthy development of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, as well as to the security and stability of both countries and the region.

For his part, To Lam, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnam's minister of public security, said at the meeting that the cooperation in law enforcement between China and Vietnam has played an important role in protecting the two countries' political security and social stability, which is in line with the long-term and fundamental interests of the peoples.

After the meeting, the two sides signed documents on the cooperation in areas including immigration and busting cybercrime and telecom fraud.

Later on Friday, Zhao met with Vietnam's Minister of National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich, saying that China is willing to work with Vietnam to deepen pragmatic cooperation in the management of the border and entries and exits so as to make the China-Vietnam border a "peaceful, harmonious, orderly and prosperous" model in border management.

Noting that the China-Vietnam cooperation in law enforcement security and national defense is an important pillar of the relationship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Communist Party of China and the two countries, Lich said Vietnam is willing to enhance the cooperation in border management and combat cross-border crimes with China to consolidate the solidarity and friendship between the two countries. Enditem
Burma Millions Expected to Join General Strike in Myanmar on Monday to Oppose Regime

Thousands of Mandalay residents stage a sit-in protest against the military regime on Sunday, following a deadly police crackdown a day earlier. / The Irrawaddy

YANGONA nationwide general strike against Myanmars military regime has been called for Monday with the aim of accelerating the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) against the repressive military regime, which overthrew the elected civilian government three weeks ago.

Its likely that millions of people from all walks of life will pour out onto the streets across the country, as the regimes recent deadly crackdowns against ongoing protests have outraged many people.

If it happens, Mondays general strike will go down in the countrys modern history as the second nationwide popular uprising, after the one on Aug. 8, 1988 (Four Eights), when millions of people took to the streets to defy the then Socialist regime.

The planned strike is now popularly known as the Five Twos revolution, as it will be staged on 22.2.2021. On that day, nearly every business in the country will halt operations as people join the strike. Activists and celebrities are calling on every citizen to join in.

Many shop owners and market vendors have been informing their customers since Saturday morning that they will close on Monday to join the strike.

Myanmars largest retailer, City Mart Holding, as well as Thai wholesale center Makro in Yangon and several other popular local private businesses also announced on Sunday that their businesses will be closed on Monday.

The Southeast Asian country has already seen hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets over the past two weeks to oppose the regime.

The military regime has stepped up its crackdowns on street demonstrations, beating and opening fire directly on peaceful protesters in several cities. On Saturday, at least two civilians, including a young man, were shot dead in Mandalay when riot police opened fire with live and rubber bullets on residents protecting striking government shipyard workers who had joined the CDM.

Arrests of protest leaders and civil servants who refuse to work under the military regime have also intensified this week

With the numbers of deaths and detentions at the hands of the military continuing to rise, several netizens posted on social media that the more you oppress, the more we rise.

Despite the threat of being shot, or getting arrested, thousands of Mandalay residents staged sit-in protests, and protesters across the country continued their marches and rallies on Sunday, showing their determination to take down the regime.

A General Strike Committee involving 25 organizations from different fields including political parties, labor unions, student unions, farmers unions, religious groups, womens groups, monks, doctors, lawyers and writers groups was also formed on Saturday to work for the end of military dictatorship, the abolition of the 2008 Constitution and the establishment of a federal democratic union.

The committee will form local strike committees and arrange the collective peoples struggle against the military dictatorship across the country, said committee member U Aung Moe Zaw, who is also chairman of the Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS).

We cant collapse. If we drew back at this point, the military regime would intensify its crackdown. Therefore, I think it is important to unite between organizations and intensify the strike.

It was easy to root for Phil Mickelson at the PGA Championship last weekend. The little boy who learned to play golf left-handed by standing opposite his right-handed dad and mirroring dads swing has long been a crowd favorite. He is not only immensely gifted; he is imaginative and willing 
Dozens of San Francisco educators and supporters gathered in Civic Center Plaza Saturday evening after five straight days of union negotiations over returning to classrooms.

Masked, shivering and toting signs and candles, teachers who joined the vigil expressed support for their union leaders, who have been bargaining over how to safely reopen schools after nearly a year of distance learning.

Susan Solomon, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, said teachers want sufficient amounts of personal protective equipment, a safety walk-through by the Department of Public Health, and having vaccines be both available and accessible. It wasnt enough to just have assurances that vaccines were on their way, she said.

Knowing that they're coming and actually having them are, unfortunately, two different things, she said.

San Francisco teachers can make appointments for vaccines in the city starting on Feb. 24.

The union and school district officials are trying to reach agreement on the number of hours and days students can return to classrooms.

Solomon said the union wants four days a week in person, although it was unclear how many days and hours students would attend. The district has offered a range of schedules depending on demand for in person learning at each school given social distancing requirements. They include full-time, five days a week where possible and a hybrid schedule with in-person learning two full days a week and virtual learning three days. Those wanting to remain in distance- learning only would have that option.

Alex Schmaus, a special education instructional aide at a middle school, said he came to support the union and its bargaining with the district.

"I think it's important that we have a plan for when we do return to the schools, that it's safe for everybody," he said.

Schmaus, who has been doing the distance learning, said he and most educators are eager to return to the classrooms.

"There are some students that thrive in the distance learning environment, but it's not the majority," he said. "It takes a lot of joy out of school."

Susie Siegel, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Dr. William Cobb Elementary School, said she also showed up in support of the union.

"We need to be a community and make sure that safety precautions are truly in place," she said. "And I feel grateful that we have people working hard at that."

Siegel said it's "paramount" that teachers be provided vaccines before their return.

"There's already going to be such a fear factor going on  teachers are going to be under a lot of duress, making sure that their students are safe and families feel safe," she said. "And (vaccines are) the one thing that can be done very quickly."

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com

Editors note: The estimate for the number of attendees at the rally has been revised. The districts proposal for a return to in-person learning has been updated to reflect the most current information.
After months of neglect from traders, oil became a hot commodity again this month as Brent surged over $65 a barrel and WTI topped $60 for the first time in a year. The rally cast a shadow over OPEC+s resolve to keep cutting as much production as they are cutting now. Oil had been recovering steadily even before the United States lost some 40 percent of its oil production because of the Arctic cold wave that swept across the country. The Texas deep freeze certainly helped it, but its effect is already dwindling as traders take profits: Brent was down to less than $63 at the time of writing, and WTI had slipped below $60 a barrel. Yet a substantial upside potential remains that could increase internal tensions between OPEC+ members.

For one thing, U.S. demand for oil is recovering. The recovery, Bloomberg reports, started with the vaccination drive that began in December, and since then, refiners have been ramping up fuel production. The last couple of weeks have seen gasoline stocks rise but so has production.

While demand in the worlds top consumer of oil recovers, production is stalling. According to the EIA, U.S. output will remain below 12 million bpd next year as well. This imbalance will turn the United States into a net exporter this year and next, EIA said in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook. But more importantly for OPEC+, this would push oil prices higher still, tempting barely compliant members to become even less compliant.

There is already discord within the extended oil cartel. The last time OPEC+ made a decision on production, it had to make a compromise decision to take into account the interests of thoselike Russiathat insisted on some rollback of the deepest production cuts. And now, Saudi Arabia has said it would suspend its voluntary unilateral additional cuts that amounted to 1 million bpd and that Riyadh effected in its whatever-it-takes quest for higher prices.

Related: Oil Rig Count Ends Twelve Week Streak Of Gains As Oil Prices Slip





Thats the clearest signal yet that OPECs de facto leader and biggest producer is becoming more optimistic about prices. Per the Wall Street Journal report that broke the news, however, the decision may yet be reversed if the price situation changes. Ironically, the very news that Saudi Arabia will add another million barrels daily to global supply is likely to have a negative effect on prices once the Texas deep freeze frenzy fizzles out.

But while Saudi Arabia continues to be ready to do whatever it takes, Russia sees the oil market as already rebalanced. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said as much last week as quoted by Russian media.

Weve seen low volatility in the past few months. This means the market is balanced and the prices we are seeing today are in line with the market situation, Novak told TV channel Rossiya 1. Novak added that while last spring oil demand was 20-25 percent lower than its normal level at this time of year, by the end of 2020, the decline had shrunk to 8-9 percent. And Russia remains one of the barely compliant nations in the OPEC+ agreement. In fact, like Iraq, Russia has been producing over its quota.

Speaking of Iraq, the country reported an increase in oil exports for the first two weeks of February despite its attempt to reduce production of crude oil further to compensate for its overproduction last year. For the full month, according to Bloomberg, Iraq may exceed its self-imposed cap of 3.6 million bpd and even its OPEC+ cap of 3.85 million bpd.

And then there is Iran, which is already boosting production as it is exempt from the OPEC+ cuts and has big plans for its return on the international oil stage after U.S. sanctions are lifted. This has yet to happen, after Washington tied the removal of sanctions on Irans suspension of uranium enrichment activities.

Related Video: Beyond EVs and AI: Our Favorite Crazy Car Inventions

In what could be seen as a gesture of goodwill, the U.S. earlier this month said it had rescinded a declaration by the Trump administration that all UN sanctions against Iran had snapped back. The declaration was void because it used provisions from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that the U.S. had left before making the declaration. In any case, Iran has reasons for optimism that it will be sanction-free soon and ready to pump more.

The discord between production cut hawks and production growth doves within OPEC+ will only deepen with the latest bullish news on oil. It already led Saudi Arabias oil minister to warn against complacency.

I must warn once again against complacency, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said earlier this week as quoted by Bloomberg. The uncertainty is very high and we have to be extremely cautious. The scars from the events last year should teach us caution.

Uncertainty indeed remains high, and then there is the threat of U.S. producers giving in to the temptation of WTI at over $60. For now, they have been resisting it, in all fairness, perhaps displaying the same caution bin Salman talked about this week. But at some point, the temptation may become irresistible, and what for OPEC is a nightmare scenario may happen again: U.S. producers ramping up output thanks to OPEC+ efforts to keep prices high enough to make it economical.

For now, there is no sign that OPEC+ will depart from its current policy of sticking with 7.2 million bpd in cuts until April. But, again, as Saudi Arabias top oilman said, Those who are trying to predict the next move of OPEC+, to those I say, dont try to predict the unpredictable.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Since 1980 Americans have heard that the Earth was warming rapidly, that the South would not have winters anymore and we would see the end of snow.

We were told it is the scientific consensus and the science was settled. So why the heck would politicians prepare for something when they were told by "experts" that it would never happen?

(source)

Clearly the UN, Al Gore, John Kerry, Bill Gates and all the others that push this garbage on the public, without scientific data to support it, are to blame, not the Texas politicians.

John Kerry, who flies on private jets, is out there saying there are only 9 years left to solve the problem. If we had honest reporters, instead of people pushing an agenda, they would tell him that the UN said in 1989 that we only had ten years left to solve the problem. As far as I can tell we are still having snow, the temperature is nearly the same, the coastal cities are still here, the icecaps are still here, and Manhattan and Miami are still not flooded.

Fifty years of made-up dire predictions that have been wrong and yet we are told the science is settled?

Let's Review 50 Years Of Dire Climate Forecasts And What Actually Happened 1967 Salt Lake Tribune: Dire Famine Forecast by 1975, Already Too Late 1969 NYT: "Unless we are extremely lucky, everyone will disappear in a cloud of blue steam in 20 years. The situation will get worse unless we change our behavior." 1970 Boston Globe: Scientist Predicts New Ice Age by 21st Century said James P. Lodge, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. 1971 Washington Post: Disastrous New Ice Age Coming says S.I. Rasool at NASA. 1972 Brown University Letter to President Nixon: Warning on Global Cooling 1974 The Guardian: Space Satellites Show Ice Age Coming Fast 1974 Time Magazine: Another Ice Age "Telling signs everywhere. Since the 1940s mean global temperatures have dropped 2.7 degrees F." 1974 "Ozone Depletion a Great Peril to Life" University of Michigan Scientist 1976 NYT The Cooling: University of Wisconsin climatologist Stephen Schneider laments about the "deaf ear his warnings received." 1988 Agence France Press: Maldives will be Completely Under Water in 30 Years. 1989 Associated Press: UN Official Says Rising Seas to 'Obliterate Nations' by 2000. 1989 Salon: New York Citys West Side Highway underwater by 2019 said Jim Hansen the scientist who lectured Congress in 1988 about the greenhouse effect. 2000 The Independent: "Snowfalls are a thing of the past. Our children will not know what snow is," says senior climate researcher. 2004 The Guardian: The Pentagon Tells Bush Climate Change Will Destroy Us. "Britain will be Siberian in less than 20 years," the Pentagon told Bush. 2008 Associated Press: NASA Scientist says "We're Toast. In 5-10 years the Arctic will be Ice Free" 2008 Al Gore: Al Gore warns of ice-free Arctic by 2013. 2009 The Independent: Prince Charles says Just 96 Months to Save the World. "The price of capitalism is too high." 2009 The Independent: Gordon Brown says "We have fewer than 50 days to save our planet from catastrophe." 2013 The Guardian: The Arctic will be Ice Free in Two Years. "The release of a 50 gigaton of methane pulse" will destabilize the planet. 2013 The Guardian: US Navy Predicts Ice Free Arctic by 2016. "The US Navy's department of Oceanography uses complex modeling to makes its forecast more accurate than others. 2014 John Kerry: "We have 500 days to Avoid Climate Chaos" discussed Sec of State John Kerry and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabious at a joint meeting.

The above items are thanks to 50 Years of Failed Eco-pocalyptic Predictions.

The article has actual news clips and links to every one of the above stories.

We have decades of destruction of the U.S economy based on inaccurate, manipulated computer models and yet not one question from reporters asking Kerry, Biden, Yellen or any cabinet member for scientific data from the last 140 years to support the radical leftist agenda to destroy America.

China, Russia and Iran are cheering loudly as the media and democrats intentionally weaken America and harm the poor.

So when will reporters do their job instead of repeating what they are told?
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Imperial Valley News Center

California Hospice Administrator Sentenced for Role in Hospice Fraud Scheme

Los Angeles, California - The administrator of a Southern California hospice was sentenced Thursday to 30 months in prison for his role in a multimillion dollar hospice fraud scheme.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Kristi K. Johnson of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Timothy B. DeFrancesca of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector Generals (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

Antonio Olivera, 80, of Norwalk, was also ordered to pay $2,193,914 in restitution. Olivera pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud in November 2020. Three co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

As part of his guilty plea, Olivera admitted that from 2011 to 2018, while acting as administrator for Mhiramarc Management LLC (Mhiramarc), a hospice located in Downey, California, Olivera and others paid illegal kickbacks to patient recruiters for the referral of hospice beneficiaries to Mhiramarc. Further, when clinical staff at Mhiramarc determined beneficiary referrals did not qualify to receive hospice services, Olivera overruled those determinations and nonetheless caused the beneficiaries to be put on hospice service.

Olivera and co-conspirators caused Mhiramarc to submit approximately $28 million in claims to Medicare, which resulted in the company being paid over $17 million. Olivera was personally responsible for $4,769,982 in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, resulting in Medicare paying Mhiramarc $2,984,914 for medically unnecessary hospice services for beneficiaries, many of whom had been recruited through illegal kickbacks.

This case was investigated by the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office and HHS-OIGs Los Angeles Regional Office. Trial Attorneys Justin Givens and Claire Yan of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Health Care Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for nearly $19 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Tech platforms such as Facebook, Google and Twitter could issue regular warnings to users about the trustworthiness of news articles and advertisements under a newly formed code designed to reduce the spread of misinformation and harmful content on the internet.

Political advertisements that misrepresent or deceive the public could also be prohibited and tools to help users know if theyve been targeted by a political party are also expected to be introduced by the platforms in order to meet a series of commitments laid out in a voluntary misinformation and disinformation code of practice.

Google and Facebook are among the signatories of a new code of practice. Credit:Getty

Such a move could reduce the prominence of false information in the lead up to a possible federal election this year and avoid the spread of claims such as the 2019 Labor death tax. It would add to efforts by the tech platforms to manage misleading claims during the 2020 US election.

People misleading others, or people being misinformed, are not new problems  but the digital era means that false information can spread faster and wider than before, DIGI Managing Director Sunita Bose said. Companies are committing to robust safeguards against harmful misinformation and disinformation that also protect privacy, freedom of expression and political communication.
The NSW government says a key plank of its COVID-19 economic response is being delayed because the City of Sydney is dragging its heels in approving critical social housing developments.

Housing Minister Melinda Pavey said the council was putting politics before people at a time when the economy desperately needed an injection from construction.

NSW Housing Minister Melinda Pavey has a launched a blistering attack on the City of Sydney over delays to social housing. Credit:Janie Barrett

However, the City of Sydney says it was meeting its obligations in excellent time.

Its resulted in a bitter dispute over approval times, as the government accuses the council of delays, which Ms Pavey says will increase the cost of projects and deny vulnerable people homes.
Russia is expediting the development of its Avangard hypersonic intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) which could pose a significant threat to the US. President Putin sees the development of the missile systems as an immediate priority, The EurAsian Times reported.

First mentioned by Putin in March of 2018, the Avangard HGV can be carried as MIRV (multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle) payloads by the UR-100UTTKh, R-36M2 and RS-28 Sarmat heavy ICBMs.

According to a BBC report, the first regiment of Avangard hypersonic missiles was put into service in December 2019. Considered one of Russias most advanced weapons, the Avangard can deliver both nuclear as well as conventional payloads.
India and China positively appraised the smooth completion of disengagement of frontline troops in the Pangong Lake area during the tenth round of Corps commander level talks between both countries, the government said on Sunday.

"Both sides noted that disengagement of frontline troops in the Pangong Lake area was a significant step forward that provided a good basis for resolution of other remaining issues along the LAC in Western Sector," the government said in a release.

On February 20, India and China held 10th round of corps commander level talks for 16 hours on the Chinese side of the Moldo/Chushul border meeting point.

The discussion was focused on further disengagement at three friction points in Eastern Ladakh, including Gogra heights, Hot Springs and Depsang plains.

Both sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on other issues along the LAC in the Western Sector during the meeting.

The two sides agreed to follow the important consensus of their state leaders, continue their communication and dialogue, stabilise and control the situation on the ground, push for a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues in a steady and orderly manner, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the country will not allow any "unilateral action" on its border and will pay any cost to thwart such attempts.

He slammed the Congress party for 'doubting' Indian soldiers' bravery and asserted that the disengagement process by India and China in eastern is 'complete' after nine rounds of diplomatic and military level talks
Medical deliveries by drone are ready for take-off in Australia, with startup Swoop Aero expecting to start bringing medicines to regional patients in May.

Swoop Aero has signed a deal with chemist chain TerryWhite Chemmart, and the first deliveries will be out of a pharmacy in Goondiwindi in the south of Queensland. Drones will be used to deliver medicines to customers within a 130 kilometres range of the town, sparing them trips of up to three hours to visit the pharmacy.

Swoop Aeros drone ready for flight from Lucy Walkers pharmacy in Goondiwindi.

The drones contain a secure chilled container, where pharmacists put in the medicines. They will be flown by a pilot based in Melbourne to deliver the medicines to customers who use a QR code to open the drone on arrival.

The pilot can fly up to five drones at a time. Swoop Aero has been working with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for over a year to finalise approvals for the flights.
As Paul noted earlier, new coronavirus cases are plummeting in the U.S. This chart from the CDC shows the trend graphically:

Could cases spike again? The only real limit on the spread of covid is herd immunity (or, in the more politically correct formula, population immunity). When a majority (maybe a large majority) of the population has acquired immunity either by contracting the disease or by being vaccinated, the virus will die down and eventually die out. How close are we to that point?

In the Wall Street Journal, Dr. Marty Makary of Johns Hopkins argues that Well Have Herd Immunity by April.

Why is the number of cases plummeting much faster than experts predicted? In large part because natural immunity from prior infection is far more common than can be measured by testing. Testing has been capturing only from 10% to 25% of infections, depending on when during the pandemic someone got the virus. Applying a time-weighted case capture average of 1 in 6.5 to the cumulative 28 million confirmed cases would mean about 55% of Americans have natural immunity. Now add people getting vaccinated. As of this week, 15% of Americans have received the vaccine, and the figure is rising fast. Former Food and Drug Commissioner Scott Gottlieb estimates 250 million doses will have been delivered to some 150 million people by the end of March. There is reason to think the country is racing toward an extremely low level of infection. As more people have been infected, most of whom have mild or no symptoms, there are fewer Americans left to be infected. At the current trajectory, I expect Covid will be mostly gone by April, allowing Americans to resume normal life.

Dr. Makary argues that other data suggest that as many as two-thirds of Americans have already had the coronavirus, and the consistent and rapid decline in daily cases since Jan. 8 can be explained only by natural immunity.

If the coronavirus is indeed disappearing by April, it will be interesting to see the reaction of the authorities. One would think that good news about the epidemic will be welcome, and things will rapidly return to normal. But that may not be what happens. The proto-fascistsyou know the governors I meanhave gloried in their ability to use emergency powers to bully their fellow citizens. I suspect they will not give up those powers willingly. And the sheeplike behavior of other institutions, colleges and universities for instance, suggests that they too have enjoyed the opportunity to impose conformity. So we may have to fight for our freedom to live normal lives.
Video footage showing Former Imo state Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha arrested this evening for reopening the Royal Palm Estate sealed by...

Video footage showing Former Imo state Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha arrested this evening for reopening the Royal Palm Estate sealed by the State Government pic.twitter.com/aJVW6Ozosp  Naija (@Naija_PR) February 21, 2021





Some operatives of the Imo state police, Owerri, have arrested, a former governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha.

Also arrested were Ijeoma Igboanusi and Lasbrey Okafor-Anyanwu.

Igboanusi was the deputy chief of staff (Domestics) while Okafor-Anyanwu was the Commissioner for Transportation in Okorochas government.

Okorocha was arrested on Sunday after unsealing Spring Palm Estate linked to his wife, Nkechi.

The ex-governor who now represents Imo West at the Senate had gone to the estate with his supporters, policemen, soldiers and personnel of National Security and Civil Defense Corps and ordered the unsealing of the estate.

Government officials had mobilised to the estate, leading to a free-for-all as many were reportedly injured while some cars were damaged.





A police source who confided in our correspondent said that the former governor had been arrested.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, who confirmed Okorochas arrest said he will be arraigned tomorrow (Monday).




The Young Offenders piqued Neven Sumraks interest in Cork and he tells Roisin Burke that since moving here he has been bowled over by the kindness he has encountered.

The scenery, sarcasm, and wit of The Young Offenders movie, released in 2016, were the inspiration for Croatian student and hotel night manager Neven Sumrak to make the move to Cork.

The 30-year-old, who is currently working at the Cork International Hotel and studying web development and coding with the Dublin Code Institute, said he saw the movie when it first came out. The story of two teenage boys from Cork who steal bicycles and ride off on a quest to find a missing bale of cocaine worth 7m, inspired him to research Cork as a place to live.

I saw The Young Offenders when it first came out, and at that time more and more people had started to come to Cork from Croatia, he said. I researched and Cork seemed like a place to go.

The scenery was great and I really like the English Market, it is very different. There are plenty of things to do in and around Cork, people are nice, theres good work-life balance, and the airport is close by.

Neven watched a lot of documentaries about Ireland and its history and he found it fascinating. Since moving to Cork two and a half years ago, he has not been disappointed.

'What stands out for me is Cork's energy'

There are many things I like about Cork, but what stands out for me is Corks energy, especially on the weekends. Peoples friendliness and the overall buzz and energy of the city when you go out on weekends is amazing.

Neven said there is a toughness and niceness to people in Cork that really resonates with him.

Although famously rebellious, people here are very nice, he said. Its very noticeable when you come from somewhere else.

When I first came to Cork, while setting up my documents, job, accommodation, I was very surprised by the kindness of all the people. I wouldnt be where I am now without some amazing people.

Working as the night manager at the Cork International Hotel for over a year, Neven said he enjoys his job and has a lot of time for his colleagues.

I like the people and the staff. We are like one big family, everyone is very nice and there is a special atmosphere. Everyone is in a good mood even in hard times.

Neven said the nature of the business had changed a lot over the past 12 months, migrating from holiday-makers and business people to essential workers and people quarantining after travel.

Business is a huge problem, hospitality is struggling, but there are positives. You have more time to do jobs that would otherwise go ignored. Everything is looked after and sorted.

While working in the Cork International Hotel, Neven is also studying part-time.

Ive always liked coding. I studied Computer Science back in Croatia, but I dropped out after a year. I could never afford to go to a proper school, but I am tech savvy. Coding can be hard, but if you understand the concept it is not that difficult and I have a good understanding of it.

The student said he would like to work in web development part-time when he graduates.

I like my job and I like coding, but I dont think I could work in a cubicle full-time. I would like to work on my own projects in a freelance capacity.

On the course Neven is learning to develop front-end web design along with back-end programming, giving him a versatile and useful skill set in time.

Neven, who has been with his Brazilian partner Rebeca for the past year and a half, is also learning to speak Portuguese through the app Duo-lingo.

I am quite good at languages. I have conversational Portuguese now. I can chat away with Rebecas family, but I couldnt really discuss deep issues like politics and things like that.

I understand a lot and it is useful to have, but I am not fluent.

Neven also has his best friend Josip who lives in the apartment below him in the St Lukes area.

I came over to Cork first and then he heard how I was getting on and how great everything was and he came over too.

Work-life balance

Neven thinks Cork has the best work-life balance in Europe and in pre-pandemic times had a lot happening.

There is a special energy in Cork, I cant really describe it. I suppose it is the craic. You have ladies in their 50s out for drinks beside young people and everyone knows each other. It is very relaxed.

One of Nevens favourite things to do in Cork is to go bowling with Rebeca.

One of our first dates was bowling and I really enjoyed it. Rebeca is very good, she always beats me but I just like bowling and having a few drinks and some food. It is a nice night out.

Comparing Cork to Croatia, Neven said while his home country is very beautiful and one of the top tourist attractions in the world, he said it is very corrupt behind the scenes and that is why so many people are leaving.

Croatia is plagued by corruption in all industry and every aspect. People dont want to wait for the country to mature.

Neven has his parents and sister back home and is in regular contact with them. While he does miss his family, he said he does not miss Croatia.

I try to visit twice a year, but it is how it is at the moment and I have to accept that.

KYODO NEWS - Feb 21, 2021 - 22:49 | All, World, Japan

Twelve major Japanese companies have established a policy of ceasing business deals with Chinese companies found to benefit from the forced labor of the Muslim Uyghur minority in China's far-western Xinjiang region, a Kyodo News investigation showed Sunday.

Pressure has been mounting on Japanese firms to take action over such human rights abuses in the supply chain after the United States and Britain imposed import restrictions on cotton and other products originating from the autonomous region.

The Japanese government, which has been criticized for being slow to impose similar sanctions, has been passive in addressing the issue due to fears of provoking China.

In a report last year, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute identified over 80 global companies "directly or indirectly benefiting from the use of Uyghur workers outside Xinjiang through abusive labor transfer programs." Kyodo News recently asked 14 Japanese companies mentioned by the think tank how they plan to respond.

With the exception of Panasonic Corp., which declined to comment, all companies either denied directly doing business with companies suspected of benefiting from forced labor or said they could not verify the claims against their suppliers.

In terms of future policy, 12 companies responded that they would cease or consider ceasing business with business partners found to be using forced labor.

Toshiba Corp., which has a license contract with a firm suspected of using forced labor, said it could not confirm the claims but has decided to terminate business with them by the end of the year.

The 12 also include Fast Retailing Co., operator of the Uniqlo casual clothing brand, Sony Corp. and Hitachi Ltd.

As many foreign companies rely on self-reporting of the human rights situation by the firms themselves, they are faced with the challenge of grasping the situation beyond direct business partners.

Ryohin Keikaku Co., the Muji-brand goods store chain operator, was among three Japanese companies found to have dealings with Chinese firms, or parent companies of those firms, currently under embargo by the U.S. government.

"All our cotton and yarn has been internationally certified organic by a third party," it said.

The retailer had been selling various products with "Xinjiang cotton" as part of the product's name on its official website, but they were removed following the Kyodo News investigation.
New Jersey is about a year into Gov. Phil Murphys Energy Master Plan that commits to 100% clean energy statewide by 2050.

A new proposal in the Phillipsburg area aims to help reach the state goal of accelerating renewable energy development.

Phoebus Fund LLC, based in Williamstown, Gloucester County, proposes installing a 22-megawatt solar power array on farmland along the 1700 block of Belvidere Road in Lopatcong Township.

The proposal is unique in that the panels are installed 15 to 17 feet above the ground, allowing the majority of the land to continue to be farmed, according to Andrew Kennedy, a partner at Phoebus Fund. Its a concept known as agrivoltaics, and has been used in Italy, Germany, Japan and Arizona, he said.

We can grow just about anything underneath of these panels, Kennedy said. In addition, our equipment acts as the basis for irrigation and other types of farm equipment, allowing the farm to not only continue in operations but actually improve over time.

Kennedy described the proposal in a presentation Tuesday to Phillipsburg Town Council. Phoebus Fund is looking for the town to enter into a power-purchase agreement for electricity from the array, through a unique legal structure in New Jersey called remote net metering that is available to public entities.

What it allows us to do is sell the power to a public entity through the net metering program from sites that are not located on currently owned public entity property, Kennedy said.

Benefits to the town include securing a clean energy source at projected savings of close to 40% compared to current municipal electricity costs, Kennedy said. That works out to about $200,000 to $230,000 in annual savings, he said.

The propertys farmer, in turn, gets a diversified income source through agreeing to host the panels. The only land thats lost to farming is in a series of maintenance strips alongside the panels.

Phoebus Fund is working on 62 megawatts of solar power generation across JCP&Ls territory, representing an investment of about $110 million. All told, the company projects creating about 2,100 prevailing-wage construction jobs in Warren County alone, in addition to ongoing jobs for management and maintenance of the sites, Kennedy said.

Town council took no action on the proposal, but got some questions answered including about the longevity of the panels. Theyre warrantied to maintain at least 90% of their potential production for 25 years, and are 98% recyclable, Kennedy said in response to a question from Councilwoman Danielle DeGerolamo.

Rob Bengivenga Jr., Phillipsburgs business administrator, told lehighvalleylive.com theres no timeline to commit to the proposal and that the town is doing its due-diligence investigation into the idea.

We want to make sure that Phillipsburg has no risk and only has a benefit, he said.

Kennedy also pitched the idea to Lopatcong Township Council. No decision has been made there either, said Mayor James Mengucci.

Quite frankly I found it interesting myself, Mengucci said. Its definitely something new.

According to Kennedy, New Jersey will need to install about 1,000 megawatts of solar power annually for the next 15 years, then 400 megawatts a year after that, to meet the governors goal. Last year, the state saw about 200 megawatts of solar power installed, Kennedy said.

In conjunction with public entities, we look forward to actively working towards meeting New Jerseys clean energy objectives while simultaneously supporting the New Jersey economy, creating local jobs and keeping the financial benefit of solar power savings at home, he said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
MASON CITY, Iowa  Sex crimes are sending a Lake Mills man to prison.

Benjamin Roy Monson, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts of 3rd degree sexual abuse. Authorities say he had sex with an unconscious female and forced a female to perform a sex act against her will. These crimes happened in October and November of 2018 in Mason City.

Monson has been given consecutive 10 year sentences for each crime, for a maximum of 20 years behind bars. He was also sign up with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry.
A crisis management firm looks to have forced Eton's controversial head 'Trendy Hendy' into wearing a tie and dumping ultra-liberal books from his shelves.

The exclusive school has been forced into the limelight recently, following the sacking of English teacher Will Knowland in November over a YouTube lecture criticising feminist thinking and the conviction of ex-teacher Matthew Mowbray for sexually assaulting three boys.

Today the Mail On Sunday has revealed how 42,500-a-year Eton has drafted in City PR firm Brunswick to help the school, and headmaster Simon Henderson, rebuild their image.

The Mail On Sunday's Charlotte Griffiths writes today: 'My sources say Brunswick is on board to help Henderson quash the rumours, bring unity to the school and calm down those who accuse him of eradicating traditions in favour of a woke makeover.

Simon Henderson looks to have ditched his ultra-liberal books and donned a tie since PR gurus Brunswick were called in to help rebuild Eton's image

'It looks to me like Brunswick has also advised him to start wearing a tie and remove a set of PC books from his bookshelf.

'Trendy Hendy has been making Zoom calls which display Isabella Tree's Wilding book  about creating new habitats for wildlife; hipster bible Girl Up; and Everyday Sexism, a patriarchy-smashing essay collection.

'In his most recent video, on February 11, they had been replaced with leather-bound reference tomes.'

'Trendy Hendy' has been making Zoom calls which display Isabella Tree's Wilding book  about creating new habitats for wildlife; hipster bible Girl Up; and Everyday Sexism, a patriarchy-smashing essay collection

Brunswick strategists are moving in after two major scandals.

There is also said to be an atmosphere of disunity after the head was branded 'Trendy Hendy' for bringing woke values to the school and sacked several members of the old guard after he was hired in 2015.

A source said: 'Brunswick's appointment has been made in relation to the particular situation Eton is currently in.'

Another source close to the school said that the majority of remaining teachers support Henderson, but admitted several remain who don't.

Ms Griffiths adds in today's Mail On Sunday: 'The PR firm will have kept an eye on Dr Brendan Cooper who I can reveal has just resigned as head of English after seven years.

'He penned a carefully written note, which had the whiff of Brunswick speak about it  though he did not personally take advice from the firm  to say he was stepping down 'after a great deal of reflection'.

Brunswick Group  famous for high-profile crisis management and eye-watering prices  has been appointed to help headmaster Simon Henderson. Pictured: Eton College

'Dr Cooper was keen to stress the turbulent year was unrelated to his decision, and he is a firm supporter of Henderson.

'But many teachers have railed against the head's progressive shake-up of the institution and have spread rumours he is going to resign  although he insists he is not.

'In January Henderson sent bottles of 9 prosecco to staff, with a thank-you note offering 'best wishes' for the new term.

'My source says of Brunswick's advice: "It's pretty obvious stuff: suck up to the teachers and calm down on the wokery. I do hope they aren't charging too much for the service."'
State border closures and interstate quarantine regimes could be things of the past within weeks as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout begins to protect the countrys most vulnerable.

As aged care resident Jane Malysiak, 84, became the first person in Australia to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, the Prime Minister  who also got his COVID-19 shot at Castle Hill on Sunday  expressed hope that the rollout would help remove the need for repeated state border closures in response to outbreaks.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Jane Malysiak, the first person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Australia. Credit:Edwina Pickles

Queenslands Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the rollout of the vaccine would massively change the way that state managed lockdowns and border closures.

Dr Young said once all people within phase 1a had received vaccines, which is expected to take four to six weeks in Queensland, the need for border closures would be dramatically reduced.
A research team from Japan has recently developed a novel electrode material for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) by combining lithium sulfate and lithium ruthenate, which results in improved performance. An open-access paper on their work is published in Science Advances.

An all-solid-state lithium battery using inorganic solid electrolytes requires safety assurance and improved energy density, both of which are issues in large-scale applications of lithium-ion batteries. Utilization of high-capacity lithium-excess electrode materials is effective for the further increase in energy density. However, they have never been applied to all-solid-state batteries. Operational difficulty of all-solid-state batteries using them generally lies in the construction of the electrode-electrolyte interface. By the amorphization of Li 2 RuO 3 as a lithium-excess model material with Li 2 SO 4 , here, we have first demonstrated a reversible oxygen redox reaction in all-solid-state batteries. Amorphous nature of the Li 2 RuO 3 -Li 2 SO 4 matrix enables inclusion of active material with high conductivity and ductility for achieving favorable interfaces with charge transfer capabilities, leading to the stable operation of all-solid-state batteries. Nagao et al.





The combination of lithium sulfate and lithium ruthenate results in improved performance. Credit: Atsushi Sakuda, Osaka Prefecture University

The invention of commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in the 1990s marked a turning point in the technological revolution. These lightweight, rechargeable batteries power most of the electronic devices we use today, from pacemakers to electric vehicles. However, with their ever-increasing popularity emerged two major problems. The first has to do with safety: if not manufactured with the highest standards, LIBs can malfunction. Secondly, because lithium is typically found in low concentrations in the Earths crust, our addiction to modern technologies isslowly but surelydepleting current reserves of the metal.

Scientists are thus looking at various alternatives to make batteries safer and more sustainable in the long run. At the Osaka Prefecture University, Associate Professor Atsushi Sakuda, Dr. Kenji Nagao, and their colleagues at the Department of Applied Chemistry have been studying all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs).

The main difference between ASSBs and conventional LIBs is that the former uses a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one. The liquid electrolyte in LIBs is highly flammable and also tends to have a lower conductivity; it also prone to leakage and is thus all the more dangerous. Swapping this with a more stable solid electrolyte could solve the batterys safety and performance issues. The non-flammable nature of solid electrolytes makes ASSBs extremely safe. It is also possible to miniaturize these cells, as they do not require separators or cooling systems.

However, one obstacle remains: it is difficult to achieve effective contact between the electrolyte and the electrode active material, and this decreases the energy density and the batterys performance.

Finding novel, efficient electrode materials is therefore key for manufacturing ASSBs with high energy density. Dr. Sakuda

To solve the problem mentioned above, the researchers looked at the electrodes composition. The active material in the electrode is what allows the battery to function: by losing or gaining electrons through redox (reductionoxidation) reactions, the material enables charge transfers between the electrode and the electrolyte. The more redox reactions occur, the more charge is stored in the battery, and the more energy density it has.

Based on this knowledge, the researchers developed a positive electrode material by combining two lithium compounds: lithium sulfate (Li 2 SO 4 ) and lithium ruthenate (Li 2 RuO 3 ). The resulting matrix provided more space for ions to flow through, enabling a faster transfer of charge. The addition of Li 2 SO 4 also made the overall structure more ductile and amorphous, which enables a reversible redox reaction and allows for the matrix to be further compressed to increase electronic and ionic conductivity andthusstability.

With a reversible capacity of 270 mAh/g, these new cells outperform most previous ASSBs. The researchers want to go further still by swapping out the expensive ruthenium (Ru) element in the electrode with another, cheaper metal with similar properties. That being said, they believe that their method provides a solid basis for the manufacture of next-generation batteries.

The researchers hope to be able to demonstrate the operational safety of ASSBs in electric vehicles. In doing so, they expect that ASSBs will become the prime candidate for next-generation batteries.

Resources
There are many variants of the coronavirus circulating around the world, but health experts are primarily concerned with the emergence of three variants first detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil. They seem to spread more easily and research is underway to see if they cause more serious disease.

As a virus infects people, it can mutate as it makes copies of itself. Some mutations can be harmful to a virus, causing it to die out. Others can offer an advantage and help it spread.

Not every mutation is created equal, said Mary Petrone, who studies infectious diseases at Yale University. The virus is going to get lucky now and again.

Monitoring variants is important because of the possibility that they could make vaccines and treatments less effective, or change the way they infect people.

A mutation early in the pandemic fueled the spread of the virus around the world, but there had been no notable changes since  until recently, said Ohio State University biologist Daniel Jones.

One of the three main variants experts are watching was discovered in the United Kingdom late last year and has been detected in dozens of countries since. Health officials initially said it didnt seem to cause worse disease, but some newer information suggests it might  that remains unknown at the moment. It does appear to spread more easily, which could lead to more hospitalizations and deaths.

The variant might become dominant in the U.S. by March, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Other variants first detected in South Africa and in Brazil also appear more contagious, experts say.

Data so far suggests current vaccines should still protect against these variants, though theres some concern their effectiveness may be slightly diminished. There is some evidence that some antibody treatments may be less effective against certain variants.

There are ways to adjust vaccines and treatments to maintain their effectiveness, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert.

The emergence of variants is linked to ongoing surges since infections give viruses the chance to mutate and spread. Its another reason experts stress the importance of mask wearing and social distancing.

The fewer humans carrying the virus, the fewer opportunities it has to mutate, Jones said.

Here is what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about the three most concerning variants:
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani tested negative for COVID-19 via the latest RT-PCR test on Sunday (February 21), according to news agency ANI.

The Chief Minister had tested positive for the novel coronavirus on February 15, a day after he fainted on the stage during a rally in the state. As per the hospital reports, Rupani exhibited mild symptoms of the virus and his condition is now stable.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani tests negative for COVID-19. He was diagnosed with the disease on February 15. (file photo) pic.twitter.com/PCrBktP0PX  ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2021

Later in the week, Rupani had fainted on the stage while addressing a rally in Vadodara, Gujarat for the upcoming civic polls in the state. The CM was immediately flown to Ahmedabad and was undergoing treatment at U N Mehta Heart Hospital there.

He was tested for the coronavirus on Sunday (February 14) and his test results came out positive the next day.

The health ministry's bulletin on Monday stated that, "His symptoms are mild and his condition is stable." The concerned doctors at the hospital also added that the CM fainted during the rally due to "tiredness and physical weakness".

Deputy CM of Gujarat, Nitin Patel had earlier revealed that Rupani had mild fever for a couple of days and was taking medicine for the same. He also added that the CM does not have any co-morbid condition like diabetes or blood pressure.

The CM will undergo regular medical checkup and will be given treatment as per the requirement. He will be discharged as per the decision of doctors, Patel said.

Additionally, Deputy CM also informed that BJP's MP from Kutch Vinod Chavda and state party general secretary Bhikhu Dalsania had also tested positive for COVID-19 a few days back. Both of them are also undergoing treatment at the U N Mehta Heart Hospital.

Meanwhile, elections to six municipal corporations in Gujarat, including Vadodara are currently being held. Along with that, those for various other municipalities, districts and taluka panchayats will be held on February 28.

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Kathmandu, February 21

The chairman of the recently split Nepal Communist Party has appealed to India for extending support to his faction for its struggle for democracy in the country.

Dahals statement shows his side is not confident of independently winning over Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in the current political fight in the country in the wake of Olis decision to dissolve the House of Representatives.

In an interview with Onlinekhabar on Saturday, the former prime minister also said he was not willing to become the next prime minister if the Supreme Court revokes the dissolution of the House and reinstates it.

Here are five key points of his opinions:

1. India needs to support democracy

File: Narendra Modi

I appeal for the sympathy of India and other democratic countries that had sympathies for Nepals journey in the peace process and introduction of federal democratic republicanism. This change is the result of Nepali peoples protests, but our neighbours and friends had also extended their support and sympathy. It is not a secret. Today, the public is on the streets again, and the democratic countries that played a positive role yesterday need to extend their sympathy This call is not for interference but for the protection of democracy and constitutionalism in Nepal.

2. Indias donation of vaccines is not Olis endorsement

Nepal welcomes the first lot of Covid-19 vaccines imported as Indian grant assistance, in Kathmandu, on Thursday, January 21, 2021. Photo: Chandra Bahadur Ale

India gave thousands of doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Nepal showing its sensitivity to Nepali peoples problem. I would like to thank the Indian people, government and Prime Minister Modi for thatBut, it is not assistance to the Oli government. Oli and his government might interpret this way, but the Indian government extended the support to Nepali people.

3. We are not pro-India

Top leaders of the Dahal-Nepal faction of Nepal Communist Party during a street protest in Kathmandu in January-February 2021.

We are neither pro-India nor pro-China, neither pro-America. We are pro-Nepal. Nepals interests are on top. But, it is our responsibility to make good relations with India, China, and all international powers. This is progressive nationalism But, Olis nationalism is a part of feudalistic nationalism.

4. Supreme Court, Election Commission will favour us

File image: Supreme Court of Nepal

We have heard the lawyers arguments [about the dissolution of the House] in the courtIt has already been clear that the court cannot move forward as Oli thinks. Also, the Election Commission cannot support him [regarding the legitimacy dispute of the NCP] As per the constitution and the act, whoever commands the majority gets the legitimacy and the election symbol. I dont think there is any if and but.

5. I dont want to become the next PM

File: The then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal addresses the nation and announces his resignation, on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.

Instead of us, I wish there should be from among opposition parties because we were in the power until recently If that happens, it gives a good impression to the people and there will be stability in the country. It can also make good relations with international powersAfter the House reinstatement, it is almost clear that we will have a coalition with Nepali Congress and Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal.
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Market Synopsis:

Two-piece hard capsules ensure effective and efficient personalization and precision to patients. It is likely to gain traction in the foreseeable future owing to the developments in the healthcare services. As per the analysis offered by Market Research Future (MRFR), the global two-piece empty hard capsule market is set to register a CAGR of 7.32% during the projection period 2018 to 2023.

These capsules have gained popularity due to its key advantage of accurate dose management. In addition, it is also popularamongpatients who find it difficult to take tablets. Thus, the pharmaceuticals companies are shifting towards it which is projected to support the growth of the two-piece empty hard capsule market over the next couple of years.

Get a Free Sample @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/6284

Healthcare sector is observing an upswing which has intensified the demand for medical facilities across the world. It is anticipated to have a positive impact on the growth pattern of the two-piece empty hard capsule market in the years to come. In addition, the changes in food pattern in conjunction with the adoption of a sedentary lifestyle has been prognosticated to boost the market growth across the assessment period.

Capsule suppliers are focusing on increasing its production capacity which is poised to favor the proliferation of the two-piece empty hard capsule market in the foreseeable future. On the contrary, the stringent regulations pose a challenge to market expansion pace in the forthcoming years.

Competitive Dashboard:

Suheung Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Capsugel (U.S.), ACG Worldwide (India), Hunan ER-KANG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (China), CapsCanada Corporation (Canada), Shanxi Guangsheng Medicinal Capsule Co., Ltd. (China), andQualicaps, Inc. (U.S.).

Market Segmentation:

The report covers a segmental analysis of the Two-Piece Empty Hard Capsule Market Report based on raw material and end-user. By raw material, the global market has been segmented into gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), starch, and pullulan.The gelatin segment has gained the maximum popularity owing to its low cost coupled with protein content. At present, it accounts for the largest market share of 45.5% and is presumed to hold its position through the forecast period. In addition, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is projected to gain popularity in the forthcoming years and exhibit a relatively higher CAGR over the assessment period.

The two-piece empty hard capsule market, by end-user, has been segmented into pharmaceuticals, health & nutrition and others.Among these, the pharmaceuticals segment is currently leading the growth of the market and accounts for 48.90% share of the market. It is forecasted to maintain its position in the upcoming years.

Regional Analysis:

The geographical assessment of the global two-piece empty hard capsule market covers Americas, Asia, Europe, and the RestoftheWorld (RoW). The market is dominated by North America owing to the availability of advanced healthcare facilities in conjunction with the presence of major pharmaceutical companies. Also, the region is technologically advanced which is anticipated to reflect on the growth trajectory of the two-piece empty hard capsule market in the region.

Access Full Report Details @https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/two-piece-empty-hard-capsule-market-6284

Europe houses a considerable proportion of pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical companies which is projected to favor the growth of the regional two-piece empty hard capsule market. Increasing healthcare expenditure in the region is also forecasted to lead the expansion of the market.

Asia Pacific is prognosticated to scale the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The consolidation of fast-developing nations in the region is poised to aid the growth of the two-piece empty hard capsule market.

Industry News:

In February 2019, researchers at M.I.T., Harvard have collaborated with a multinational pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk A/S (Denmark),announced the launch of Soma,a tiny robotic capsule that injects when it lands in the stomach.

India: Hindu nationalists injure Christians in pre-planned attack on church construction site

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Christians in Indias Jharkhand state were hospitalized after suffering injuries following an attack by radical Hindi nationalists who accused them of constructing an unauthorized church and converting people to Christianity.

Persecution watching International Christian Concern reports that on Feb. 11, a mob of 30 Hindu nationalists, led by a man named Shankar, raided the construction site of a new church building and attacked the Christians.

Many Christians were quickly injured in the attack, including Pastor Ramnath Ram, Pravesh Ram, Sunil Ram, Shiv Shankar Kumar, Shambhu Kumar, Ayan Kumar, Anita Devi, and Ruby Devi.

The mob was shouting that the Christians were converting people to Christianity, an eyewitness told International Christian Concern. They said they would not let the Christians continue to live in this place.

Pastor Ramnath Ram, Pravesh Ram, and Jai Murty Kunwar were all hospitalized due to the severity of their injuries, while local police filed FIR No. 20/21 against the 12 Christians who were attacked by the mob. Three Christians, including Sunil Kumar, Sambu Kumar, and Aryan, were arrested immediately and sent to jail.

This seems to be a pre-planned incident, a local Christian, who requested anonymity, told ICC. The radical nationalists somehow wanted the church to be shut down in this village. That is why they targeted the pastor and the construction of the church building.

Jharkhand is one of the nine states in India to have enacted an anti-conversion law, which has legitimized discrimination against religious minorities and enabled Hindu nationalism. Under these laws, Hindu nationalist groups are able to make false charges against Christians and launch attacks on them with legal immunity.

Similar anti-conversion laws have also been enacted in the states of Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Most recently, the northern state of Uttar Pradesh approved an anti-conversion law that experts warned would incite more religiously motivated violence as attacks on Christians and other religious minorities continue to escalate.

A recent report from Human Rights Watch warned that prejudices embedded in the government of the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party have increasingly infiltrated independent institutions, such as the police and the courts, empowering nationalist groups to threaten, harass, and attack religious minorities with impunity.

Todd Nettleton, host of Voice of the Martyrs Radio, told The Christian Post that persecution is increasing in India due to the strict anti-conversion laws and the influence of Modi and the BJP.

These anti-conversion laws are designed to protect Hinduism and to keep people from leaving Hinduism and following a different faith, he said. India is a country that is run now by a Hindu nationalist government. They believe that India is a country Indians should be 100% Hindu. If you are not Hindu, you really don't belong in India, and you should either convert to Hinduism or you should find someplace else to live.

Nettleton, who has traveled to more than 20 restricted countries and interviewed hundreds of believers whove faced persecution for their Christian witness, told CP that prayer is the first thing persecuted Christians ask for.

The convicting thing is, their prayer is not that they wont suffer any more or that their countries will be free and the church will be allowed to operate, he said. Rather, theyre asking us to pray that they will remain faithful to Christ in spite of the persecution and hardship.

Nettleton added that persecution is increasing because the church is growing, adding: As we look to the future, I think we will see more persecution, but we will also see the church grow because Christ promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church.
JERUSALEM  When a young Israeli woman was released from detention in Syria this week, after having been arrested for crossing illegally into Syria, the official story was that she had been the beneficiary of a straightforward prisoner swap. In return for her freedom, the Israeli government announced, she had been exchanged for two Syrian shepherds captured by the Israelis.

But if this deal between two enemy states, which have never shared diplomatic relations, sounded too swift and easy, it was. In secret, Israel had in fact also agreed to a far more contentious ransom: the financing of an undisclosed number of coronavirus vaccines for Syria, according to an official familiar with the content of the negotiations.

Under the deal, Israel will pay Russia, which mediated it, to send Russian-made Sputnik V vaccines to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, the official said. Israel has given at least one vaccine shot to nearly half its population of 9.2 million, while Syria  now entering its 11th year of civil war  has yet to begin its vaccine rollout.

The Israeli government declined to comment on the vaccine aspect of the deal, while a Syrian state-controlled news outlet, the Syrian Arab News Agency, denied that vaccines were part of the arrangement. Asked about the vaccines in a television interview on Saturday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel evaded the question, saying only that no Israeli vaccines were being sent to Syria.


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More than 2,000 arrivals from Brazil were among 5,500-plus passengers who entered the State from countries deemed high-risk during a 28-day period in January and February, the Sunday Independent can reveal.

The Government is to introduce mandatory hotel quarantine for arrivals from 20 'category two' high-risk countries - including Brazil, South Africa and the UAE - in the coming weeks.

Confidential figures provided to Cabinet last week show that over a four-week period so far this year a total of 5,564 people arrived from these countries, including 2,194 from the UAE, 2,004 from Brazil, 499 from South Africa and 867 from the other 17 countries on the high-risk list. At present arrivals from these countries are required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days, but legislation to be passed in the coming weeks will set up mandatory hotel quarantine for all arrivals, including Irish citizens, from these 20 countries.

The new figures have emerged as public health officials confirmed the first three cases of the more transmissible P1 variant in Ireland, all of which were associated with recent travel from Brazil. There have also been three cases of the so-called South African variant identified last week in addition to the 11 previously discovered in Ireland, director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory Dr Cillian de Gascun said yesterday. He said all of these were linked to travel from South Africa. There are concerns among public health officials that these more contagious variants could also impact on the effectiveness of vaccines. Dr de Gascun told RTE the P1 variant is "likely more transmissible" and could have an impact on vaccine effectiveness. He said there was not "at this stage" evidence of "on-island transmission" of either of these variants. Meanwhile, the three Coalition party leaders and senior ministers were told on Thursday that 500,000 people will be fully vaccinated by the end of April, with up to 2.2 million receiving their first and second doses by the end of July. Professor Brian MacCraith, chair of the vaccine task force, gave the Cabinet Covid sub-committee new indicative timelines which show that as many as 3.5m first doses will be administered by the end of July provided there is no disruption to anticipated supplies of vaccines. Ministers now expect that 250,000 people will be given vaccine doses every week, beginning in April. This means Health Minister Stephen Donnelly's target of having every adult in the country being offered a vaccine by the end of September will be met, provided there are no supply issues or the impact of new variants disrupting distribution. More detail on the vaccination timeline, including a possible target timeline for when each cohort can expect to receive their first and second dose, will be outlined by the Government this week as part of a revised Living with Covid plan. Mr Donnelly is also expected to outline plans to increase vaccine prioritisation for those with underlying health conditions. The revised document will also set out plans for a slow and cautious reopening of the country, but with no firm dates as the Government remains concerned about the impact of new variants on both the disease and the vaccination programme. A senior Government source said "volatility will remain", given the new mutations of the virus.
(Natural News) Former President Donald Trumps defense team made a brief but aggressive defense presentation in his impeachment trial Friday, Feb. 12. It only took the defense less than three hours to complete its presentation while the House impeachment managers took up two days to conclude theirs.

Trumps defense said the former presidents rally speech before the Capitol riot was protected by the First Amendment. The defense also called the proceedings a sham fueled by Democrats political hatred for the ex-president.

Three different defense lawyers spoke and went after elected Democrats who have used the word fight in their own speeches.

Trumps lawyer Michael van der Veen came out swinging, calling the impeachment an appalling abuse. He called the impeachment a shameful effort to smear, censor, and cancel Trump as well as his supporters.

Van der Veen, a Philadelphia personal injury attorney, also called the impeachment a witch hunt and an unjust and blatantly unconstitutional act of political vengeance.

He claimed that Trump was only asking his supporters to pursue legal political ends and called the idea that the former president wanted to stir violence a preposterous and monstrous lie.

The reality is Mr. Trump was not in any way shape or form instructing these people to fight using physical violence, he said. What he was instructing them to do was challenge their opponents in primary elections, to push for sweeping electoral reforms, to hold big tech responsible  all customary and legal ways to petition your government for redress of grievances.

Van der Veen said Trumps call to fight in his infamous speech on Jan. 6 was not in any way an incitement to violence or insurrection. Its just a use of ordinary political rhetoric, he said.

Trumps team gives House impeachment managers dose of own medicine

On Thursday, Feb. 11, the House impeachment managers made the case that the mob of Trump supporters who ransacked the Capitol believed they did so at his direction. They documented how rioters echoed the exact words of Trump while they stormed the building, and how, once inside, many of them said they were acting at his behest.

It was the defense teams turn to present video clips the following day. One video clip showed Democrats objecting to certain electoral votes back in 2016. It also showed Madonna and actor Johnny Depp using militant language.

The first person van der Veen mentioned was House lead manager Rep. Jamie Raskin, who was seen in the video claiming Floridas voters were not lawfully certified.

The video stitched together remarks by a number of Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer calling to reap the whirlwind. It was backed by a soundtrack with beating drums.

Another video clip showed Democrat after Democrat calling to fight  with notable appearances by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and the House impeachment managers.

The other House impeachment managers aside from Raskin were Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas, Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado, Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, Rep. Stacey Plaskett of U.S. Virgin Islands, Rep. Joe Neguse of Colorado, Rep. Ted Lieu of California and Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania.

Thats okay. You didnt do anything wrong, Trumps lawyer David Schoen said. Its a word people use, but please stop the hypocrisy.

Schoen defended Trumps remarks to the rally near the White House that preceded the riot.

One of the House managers made much of the presidents supposedly ominous words, you have to get your people to fight, but you knew what the president really meant. He meant that the crowd should demand action from members of Congress and support primary challenges to those who dont do what he considered right, he said.

Support primary challenges, not violent action. I know what he meant because I watched the full video. And so did the impeachment managers. But they manipulated his words.

Defense claims Trump hates violent protests

Trumps lawyer Bruce Castor played another video  this one with Trump calling for law and order.

We know the president did not incite the riots because of his plain words that day, said Castor. We know that the president would never have wanted such a riot to occur because his longstanding hatred for violent protests and his love for law and order is on display, worn on his sleeve, every single day that he served in the White House. (Related: BREAKING: Investigators release huge bombshell that could change the entire narrative about January 6th.)

Castor said Trump had disdain for political violence, contradicting the House impeachment managers who played clips of Trump going back to campaign rallies discussing violence toward protesters.

House managers manipulated President Trumps words, Castor said, blasting them for saying Trump urged the crowd on to the Capitol to fight.

Castor pointed out that Trump tweeted at 2:38 p.m. of Jan. 6 urging people to stay peaceful. He said that tweet went out by the time word reached the president that there was a problem down there.

The Capitol was breached at 2:11 p.m.

After wrapping up his own arguments, Castor finished up with with a partisan blast at the Democratic majority.

The majority party promised to unify and deliver more COVID relief. But instead, they did this. We will not take most of our time today, us of the defense, in the hopes that you will take back these hours and use them to get delivery of COVID relief to the American people, Castor said.

The question-and-answer period grew contentious as van der Veen used his time to repeatedly attack Democrats and spar with House impeachment managers.

Van der Veen sneered about a newly-created Raskin doctrine in an apparent dig at Raskin and accused Castro of twisting Trumps words when he said Trump called on supporters to fight to the death on Jan. 6th.

Im not from here, Im not like you guys, he told the senators. He said he was being very polite and giving Castro an opportunity to correct the record.

Instead what he did is he came up and illustrated the problem with the presentation of the House case. Its been smoke and mirrors and worse, its been dishonest. He came up and he tried to cover when he got caught, he claimed.

Castro came back later to say he was quoting from a Trump tweet where the former president had said Democrats would fight to the death if they had an election stolen. Van der Veen blasted him again, saying the comment was out of context.

Follow Trump.news for more news and information related to former President Donald Trump.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NBCNews.com
Two Taiwanese navy soldiers raise the national flag on the first indigenous mine-laying speedboat during an official ceremony at a shipyard in Suao, in Yilan County, Taiwan on Dec. 15, 2020. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images)

Four Retired Taiwan Intelligence Officers Face Charges Over Spying for China

TAIPEI, TaiwanFour retired Taiwanese intelligence officials were indicted on Feb. 20 for allegedly spying for China, according to local prosecutors.

The four worked for the Military Intelligence Bureau, an agency under Taiwans Ministry of National Defense. According to local media, they were accused of violating the islands National Security Act and the National Intelligence Service Law for passing on confidential intelligence to Chinese agents and developing a spy network since 2013.

The four once held high-ranking military positions in the bureau. Yueh Chih-chung was a former major general while the other three were former colonels: Chang Chao-jan, Chou Tien-tzu, and Wang Ta-wang.

In exchange for information about Taiwan, Chinese intelligence officials offered Chang, Chou, and Yueh cash, free trips to China, and business opportunities in China, prosecutors alleged.

China claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and seeks to unite the self-ruled island with the mainland, through peaceful or military means. For years, Beijing has tried to undermine the islands national security by targeting Taiwanese nationals to gather intelligence.

For example, three former aides to local lawmakers in Taiwan were arrested in June last year on espionage charges, allegedly spying for China. They were charged two months later.

In March 2019, two retired Taiwanese lieutenant colonels were sentenced to a six-month prison term after being found guilty of attempting to collect Taiwans military secrets for Beijing.

The latest criminal case started back in 1999 when Chang traveled to China to rescue a retired Taiwanese colonel from the military bureau who had been arrested by Chinese authorities. During that trip, Chang was successfully recruited by a Chinese agent surnamed Wei to become a spy for China. Wei was an official at the national security bureau of southern Chinas Guangdong Province.

Chang was asked to recruit other retired officials from the Taiwan bureau.

In 2012, Chou became a Chinese spy after becoming involved in a real estate-related legal dispute in southern Chinas Hainan Province. On one occasion, Chou assisted Chinese intelligence officials in identifying other Taiwanese intelligence officials.

That same year, Yueh became a spy after Wei made assurances to him that he could safely visit his relatives in China. Yueh, who was in charge of collecting China-related intelligence at the Taiwan bureau, became worried that he could be detained by Chinese authorities for his work.

Yueh was once paid HK$6,000 (about $774) for agreeing to provide classified information on the Taiwan bureau, including its operations and structure, according to the local daily Taipei Times. Wei also paid for Yuehs travel expenses and accommodation costs when he visited Chinese cities in 2016 for leisure activities and meeting with Chinese officials.

Wang leaked to China the career and background information of his training classmates at the Taiwan bureau. Wang became a spy following a meeting with intelligence officials in China, which was arranged by Chang.

But not all recruitments were successful. Chang and Chou failed to recruit a retired colonel from the bureau in 2013; Chang, Chou, and Yueh failed to recruit another retired colonel from the bureau in 2017.

Chang was released after posting bail of $300,000 New Taiwan Dollars (about $10,740) on Saturday evening, according to Taiwans government-run Central News Agency. He is banned from leaving Taiwan. Chang had been detained since October last year.

Yueh and Chou were also released in October after posting bail. Wangs status is unclear.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency said it has recovered seven bodies from the crash site of the Beechcraft KingAir...

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency said it has recovered seven bodies from the crash site of the Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft some minutes after the incident occurred near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The FERMA Director-General, Alhaji Abass Idriss, said the remains of the aircraft passengers had been deposited at the Nigeria Air Force morgue.

The jet en route Minna in Niger State crashed close to the runway of the Abuja airport after reporting engine failure.

Speaking on the phone on Sunday, Idriss denied reports that some persons were killed on the ground by the aircraft, noting that only the seven passengers on the plane died.

He said, We recovered seven bodies from the crash site and the remains have been taken to the NAF morgue. The NAF has the manifest and they know all those on board. The plane did not crash into any building or individuals on the ground, so all the people on board have been accounted for.

The Nigeria Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal I. Amao, has ordered an immediate probe of the accident.





Daramola said, This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all seven personnel on board died in the crash.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal IO Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.
Nepal received one million Covid-19 vaccines purchased from India, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII). The Covishield doses arrived at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Sunday.

The vaccines will be stored at the cold storage unit in Teku, The Himalayan Times reported.

This lot of vaccines would be used to inoculate people above 60 years of age, which is 8.73% of Nepal's population, in the vaccination drive that will begin on March 7.

According to the Nepali Ministry of Health and Population, there are 2,652,258 elderly people above 60 years in the country.

The Government of Nepal on 15 January approved the use of Covishield for emergency use. The country has completed the first phase of Covid-19 vaccination drive with 1,84,857 beneficiaries getting inoculated, the local media reported on 7 February. Frontline workers, including health and sanitation workers, were given priority in inoculations.

Following this, Nepal has begun the second phase of inoculations on 9 February. Dr Shyamraj Uprety, Nepal's Coordinator of the COVID-19 Vaccination Advisory Committee shared that the Covishield vaccine provided by the Indian government under the grant assistance will be administered to as many as 300,000 frontline journalists, diplomats, and government employees in the second phase, a media agency reported.

Earlier in January, India sent 1 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to Nepal after Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali flew to India to formally request the vaccine. This gift was likely to help repair strained ties between the two neighbours.

Relations between India and Nepal have been strained by a territorial dispute which led to an exchange of strong-worded statements by the two sides.

India, the world's largest vaccine producer, began supplying coronavirus vaccine to its neighbours as it attempts to strike a balance between maintaining enough doses to inoculate its own people and helping developing countries without the capacity to produce their own vaccine.

Indias foreign ministry said it sent 150,000 doses to Bhutan and 100,000 doses to the Maldives in January, and would send more to Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Seychelles.

So far, the country has provided supplies of Covid-19 vaccines to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles under grant assistance.

Sri Lanka will purchase 10 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India, officials have said. In January, under India's neighbourhood first policy, Sri Lanka received 500,000 doses of free vaccines.

Nepal has so far reported 2,73,431 COVID-19 cases and 2,061 fatalities

With inputs from agencies.

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Met Eireann has issued a second weather warning for Cork.

A yellow wind warning is due to come into effect in Cork, and a number of other counties, tomorrow night.

Met Eireann says southerly winds will reach mean wind speeds of 50 to 65km/h, with gusts of 90 to 110km/h, possibly higher on exposed coasts.

Where winds are onshore there is a risk of coastal flooding, it said.

The warning will come into effect at 9pm and will remain in place until 6am on Tuesday morning.

Earlier, Met Eireann issued a rainfall warning for Cork, which will come into effect at midnight tomorrow night.

The status yellow rainfall will remain in place for 24 hours for 15 counties including Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, and all the counties in Munster and Connacht.

The national weather forecaster has said heavy rain is due to commence on Monday night and Tuesday coupled with strong southerly winds.

Met Eireann has warned that this heavy rain may cause some river and localised surface flooding possible.

Rainfalls of 30 to 50mm are expected to fall, with higher volumes likely in mountainous regions.
Vials of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine have started arriving at local immunisation hubs and from Sunday the first jabs were administered on Australian soil.

Aged-care resident Jane Malysiak, 84, became the first person to receive the Pfizer vaccine in Australia on Sunday morning.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also received his first dose of the two-shot course, along with Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly.

At this stage, the people at the front of the queue are primarily those who need the vaccine most, particularly elderly people at a high risk of complications if they contract the virus or essential workers such as health professionals or hotel quarantine staff who are most likely to come into contact with COVID-19.
A scanning electron micrograph of Ebola virus budding from a cell (African green monkey kidney epithelial cell line). Credit: NIAID

The delivery to Guinea of vaccines against the Ebola virus has been delayed because of fog disrupting flights to the capital Conakry, a health official said Sunday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) had announced that more than 11,000 doses of the Merck vaccine against the deadly disease were to arrive in Conakry on Sunday.

The plane left Geneva early Sunday but flew on to the Senegalese capital Dakar, according to the head of Guinea's health agency ANSS, Sakoba Keita, who said it would attempt to land in Conakry on Monday, conditions permitting.

The Guinean capital has been cloaked in fog for the past three days because of a strong Harmattan wind carrying dust from the Sahara Desert, and a Guinean official told AFP that all flights in and out of Conakry were cancelled "until further notice".

Health authorities said the batch was destined for Nzerekore, the capital of Guinea's southeastern forest region neighbouring Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ivory Coast where five people have died of Ebola.

The outbreak, announced last weekend, was the first in West Africa since a 2013-16 epidemic that left more than 11,300 dead mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Keita said the jabs programme would likely be launched in Gouecke, near Nzerekore, as well as in Conakry on Tuesday.

In addition to the vaccines expected from the WHO, more than 8,500 doses will be delivered from the United States, bringing the total to around 20,000, the WHO said in a statement.

"We expect to have more than 100 national & international experts on the ground by the end of the month. 30 vaccination experts have already been mobilized locally are ready to deploy as soon as the Ebola vaccines arrive in the country," the WHO Africa Region's Tshidi Moeti said on Twitter last Thursday.

Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding. It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk.

A new outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed four lives, officials there said Sunday, warning that people are resisting measures to contain the highly contagious disease.

The United States last week said it would work with the affected governments and the WHO over the outbreaks.

"The world cannot afford to turn the other way. We must do everything in our power to respond quickly, effectively," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement.

Explore further WHO says more than 11,000 Ebola vaccines will go to Guinea

 2021 AFP

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New Delhi, Feb 21 : The Congress is trying hard to win elections in Assam and Kerala where it is directly pitched against its opponents with senior party leader Rahul Gandhi initiating campaign in all the poll-bound states barring West Bengal.

After being decimated in the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, the Congress is losing its numbers in the Upper House, especially following the demise of senior party leader Ahmed Patel.

While the BJP is winning state after state, the Congress has been reduced to just four states and it is in alliance in two states. However, the Congress has not been able to win the big states.

Party insiders say that Congress has to focus on winning state polls to keep itself relevant in the Upper House. The situation is worse in the Lok Sabha where the Congress lacks representation from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Delhi.

The combined strength of the Congress has fallen below 100, and the gap between the BJP and the Congress in the Rajya Sabha is also at its widest ever. The BJP has 92 members in the Upper House and is set to gain two more from the bypolls in Gujarat, while the Congress has only 36 members in the Upper House.

The five states going to the polls this year could change the dynamics if the party puts up a good show there, as Tamil Nadu has 18 seats, followed by West Bengal (16), Kerala (9), Assam (7) and Puduchery (1).

If the Congress wins the elections in Assam and Kerala, it could enhance its numbers in the Upper House, but it will still be short of the BJP's tally.

The BJP has been able to drive its legislations in both the Houses of the Parliament owing to its numerical majority, while the opposition has been alleging that the ruling did not follow the procedures, especially while passing the farm laws.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has been appointed the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha by M. Venkiah Naidu, chairman of the House, after the post fell vacant following the retirement of Ghulam Nabi Azad on February 16.

The Congress leaders are saying that before the 2004 general elections, the Congress ruled 14 states but the number has reduced to just four now. If the party wants to survive, it has to focus on regional leaders and on winning state elections.

The party has lost the crucial states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to regional players, while it has failed to dislodge the government in Odisha. In northeast too, it has lost all the states where it once held fort.

The Congress dissenters are also emphasising on the need to nurture state leaders and have demanded elections from block to the CWC level to galvanise the organisation.

New Delhi: India's daily COVID-19 cases witnessed a spike for the fourth consecutive day with the country recording 14,264 new cases while nearly 90 people succumbed to the infection, according to Union Health Ministry data update on Sunday (February 21, 2021).

In the past few days, there has been an uptick of coronavirus cases mostly from five states of Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. These states are experiencing an upsurge in daily cases, the Centre said on Saturday (February 20) adding that the rise in infections comes after cases had begun to dip during November and December.

On Saturday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) sealed over 1305 buildings in Mumbai, after 2749 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the city. "A total of 1305 buildings were sealed in Mumbai after 2749 COVID-19 cases were reported. 71,838 households reside in these sealed buildings," BMC said in a statement.

Earlier, Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar had warned that the state government could think of imposing a "second lockdown" in the city to curb the spread of coronavirus.

"Covid-19 cases are rising fast in Mumbai and it has become a matter of concern for the civic body and the state government. An increase in the number of suburban services and resumption of all other activities could be a reason for the surge in cases," the Mumbai mayor had stated.

Centre laid the importance of adherence of COVID-19 appropriate behavior to break the chain of transmission of the virus.
An ornamental police force View(s):

By Namini Wijedasa



Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara will meet senior women police officers this week to discuss longstanding impediments to their promotions within the Police Department.

The meeting has been scheduled in the face of a Fundamental Rights petition filed by 33 Senior Superintendents of Police against the September 2020 promotion of Bimshani Jasin Arachchi as Deputy Inspector General (DIG), the first woman to hold such a position in Sri Lanka.

Calling it an illegal, unlawful and arbitrary promotion, the petitioners say there is no cadre position within the Sri Lanka Police for Women DIGs (WDIG). They aver that Ms Jasin Arachchis promotion (while made in an acting capacity) is ex-facie violative and ultra-vires of their own approved scheme of recruitment.

This case was filed on technical grounds, said Minister Weerasekara, a former naval officer and Director-General of the Civil Defence Force. While promotions in the Police Department were separated by gender, it was not so in the tri-forces, he also observed, saying women must have a fair chance to rise within the ranks.

In 2016, several Women Assistant Superintendents of Police (WASP) petitioned the Supreme Court seeking an increase in cadre positions to females from rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) and above.

The petitioners are all from the 1997 batch of Sub-Inspectors (SIs) to which Ms Jasin Arachchi also belongs. Their case SC 91/2016, which will be taken for argument in the Supreme Court on June 23 this year, points to unfair and inexplicable discrimination against female police officers despite them performing duties similar to their male counterparts and counting the same number of years in service.

Retired Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jayantha Wickremeratne was second-in-command in 2007 when the NPC directed the Police Department to recruit ten female ASPs to supervise the rising number of policewomen at lower rank. Three were taken directly, three through an exam and three based on their number of years in service. It was the first time since Premila Divakara, the first female woman SSP retired, that the Department had installed women in such high position.

What we see today is a totally unwanted situation, Mr Wickramaratne reflected. The women ASPs have now graduated to SSP and there must be another step to climb to. The NPC should have decided on the matter. When you enlist somebody, he said, you have to think of their future and it must be done before taking people.

In 2019, the National Police Commission (NPC) did prevail upon the Police Department to grant nine SSP positions to women (including the petitioners in the 2016 case). But they too got leftover male cadre positions after all the qualified men were promoted.

The police scheme of recruitment continues to have just 16 chairs for female ASPs, four for SPs, one for female SSP and nothing above that. By contrast, there are 162 vacancies for male SPs, 169 for SSPs, 46 for DIGs and 12 for SDIGs.

In December 2019, after a strong but silent campaign by senior policewomen, the NPC again decreed that the Police Department create four cadre positions for WDIGs. The same month, the IGP sent a proposal along with justification to the Management Services Department of the Ministry of Finance for required authorisation.

The Department returned it to the then Ministry of Law and Order for further justification. It has sat at the Ministry (now Public Security) since then, reportedly pending further recommendation from the IGP. When the nine women now serving as SSPs apply to the Board for DIG promotions in 2025, there will be a question of where to put them.

This whole mess is because the Police Department has refused to implement a 2006 Cabinet decision taken when Mahinda Rajapaksa was President to allocate 15 percent of vacancies in every rank to women, said another internal source who did not wish to be named. At present, around 15 percent of the police force is women and this will ensure that they have some career progression.

Even within the prevailing imperfect system, none of the existing women SSPs have been given a division to head. And no female Chief Inspector or Inspector has been made Officer-in-Charge of a police station.

A rocky road Bimshani Jasin Arachchi joined the police force in 1997 as a Sub-Inspector of Police (SI). Three years later, she applied to be absorbed directly to a single vacant slot that fell vacant for a female Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). Ms Jasin Arachchi passed her interviews and sat the exam but was rejected because she was some inches too short. She challenged the decision in the Supreme Court which ruled in her favour and, in 2016, was finally promoted to ASP. Then, on an appeal to the National Police Commission (NPC), Ms Jasin Arachchis ASP appointment was backdated to December 31, 2007. Thats where the problem began. In the Police Department, even 24 hours makes a difference where promotions are concerned. While fighting her long court case, Ms Jasin Arachchi had remained an SI till she was promoted, along with others in her grade, to Inspector of Police (IP) in 2006. In the meantime, ten other women from her batch gained the requisite experience and rose through the ranks to ASP. By virtue of the NPC backdating Ms Jasin Arachchis ASP promotion, women and men of her same seniority suddenly became junior to her. But it was the women that were most disadvantaged by this. As pointed out by the 33 male SSPs who are now challenging her promotion to DIG, this ad-hoc and arbitrary antedating did not directly or indirectly impact them (at the time) as Ms Jasin Arachchi was being promoted to ASP within the womens cadre. That wasnt all. On other appeals to the NPC, the Police Department also granted Ms Jasin Arachchi promotion to SP and SSP. Between 2016 and 2019within a space of three yearsshe rose from IP to ASP to SP to SSP and then, in September last year, to DIG. But the Department did not create a female DIG cadre position to accommodate Ms Jasin Arachchi. She was given a male cadre slot that had fallen vacant. She still holds an acting position. She cannot take over as full DIG as she did not complete the required seven years in a previous rank. This and other departures from procedure by the NPC and Police Department have now left her appointment open to dispute. As the Sunday Times reported in November last year, a legal challenge was in the works. Clear and present discrimination The Fundamental Rights case filed in 2016 by several then women ASPs (now SSPs) makes strong points against gender discrimination in the police force. It points out that the scheme of promotion is flawed inasmuch as it structurally and/or effectively discriminates (against) women officers without any justification whatsoever, particularly in relation to SP Grade II and above. Women officers who have excelled in the performance of duties and competently discharged functions at the same level as male officers cannot be curtailed in violation of their legitimate expectations guaranteed under the Constitution of Sri Lanka, it states. The petitioners must have equal opportunity to promotion if they had the required qualifications and service experience. They have been discriminated on the basis of gender. They also stated that at the time of recruitment there was no intimation to them that there is a differential treatment at the Police Department on gender basis. Among other reliefs, they ask the Supreme Court to declare that women officers are entitled to the same promotions as male officers in the same cadre, without any discrimination. The respondents are the Members and Secretary of the National Police Commission, IGP, SSP-Director Personnel, Secretary to the then Ministry of Law and Order and the Attorney General.

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Iraqi forces search the area in Tarmiyah, 35 kilometres (20 miles) north of Baghdad, on Feb. 20, 2021. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images)

Rockets Hit Iraqi Base Hosting US Contractors, One Iraqi Injured, Security Officials Say

TIKRIT, IraqSeveral rockets hit the Iraqi military air base of Balad north of Baghdad on Saturday, injuring one Iraqi contractor, Iraqi security officials said on Saturday.

No group immediately claimed the attack. It was the second salvo of rockets to hit a base hosting U.S. forces or contractors in less than a week.

The Iraqi military said four rockets hit the base. Iraqi security officials initially said three rockets had hit and told Reuters the contractor had suffered non-lethal injuries.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media.

Armed groups that are backed by Iran have claimed similar incidents in the past, including an attack last week on the Erbil International Airport compound. The attack killed a civilian contractor working with U.S. forces at a coalition military base.

Iran-aligned paramilitary groups demand that all foreign troops, including U.S. forces who number around 2,500 in Iraq, leave the country after battling ISIS extremism together.

A U.S.-led coalition, whose mission is to fight ISIS extremists, is still stationed in Iraq, as well as a NATO-led mission that trains Iraqi security forces.
Feb. 20Leaders of Black communities and organizations in New Mexico are asking for public apologies and stronger condemnation of recent remarks and actions by Republican lawmakers that they say represent systemic racism in the Roundhouse.

Earlier this month, Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca, R-Belen, questioned Cabinet nominee Sonya Smith's ability to represent New Mexicans while leading the Department of Veteran Services as a Black woman in a state with many Hispanics.

Also earlier this month, Rep. Stefani Lord, R-Sandia Park, called the police during a committee hearing because she was upset with Alexandria Taylor, deputy director of the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs.

"When you call the sheriff during a committee hearing because you don't like the all-too real narrative of misconduct among law enforcement officers, you're not making a stand with law enforcement," New Mexico Black Leadership Council member Mason Graham said at a news conference organized by the nonprofit Saturday morning.

"You're weaponizing them against us because you understand the dangerous dynamic between the police and African Americans," Graham continued. "When you question the experience of a Black woman appointed to her position by the governor, you are upholding your belief that Black women do not deserve to be in positions of power."

In a statement, a coalition of "a group of 60 individuals representing organizations from within the Black community" called for Baca and Lord to be removed from their committee assignments.

"Without a swift, direct, and official public denouncement of any and every racially-targeted action or speech from New Mexico's Legislative leadership, the state's leadership will instead signal tolerance and even support of these white supremacist attitudes and actions," the statement reads.
BEIRUT - The Lebanese judge leading the investigation into the August explosion that tore through Beirut had set his sights on the caretaker prime minister and three former ministers, charging them with negligence for ignoring the highly combustible material stored for six years on the waterfront.

But when two of the former ministers filed a complaint, alleging Judge Fadi Sawan had demonstrated a lack of neutrality by charging prominent figures to appease the public, he was dropped last week from the case. The Lebanese court that dismissed Sawan further questioned whether he could be impartial because his own home had been damaged in the blast - like those of hundreds of thousands of other Beirutis.

More than six months after the explosion, which killed more than 200 people, injured more than 7,500 others and devastated large portions of the capital, the official investigation is struggling to break through Lebanon's culture of corruption and political influence to hold anyone of consequence accountable.

Sawan had already brought charges against 33 people, placing 25 of them in detention, but most were low-level customs, port and security officials.

When he summoned caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab and two former ministers for questioning as defendants, they refused, claiming immunity from prosecution as public officials.

Throughout his investigation, Sawan had focused on a question that has gripped much of Lebanon since August: Who was responsible for allowing 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate to be stored haphazardly in a warehouse, alongside fireworks and paint thinners, on the edge of a crowded city?

"I believe there was purposeful negligence," Diab said in an interview earlier this month at the Grand Serail, the prime minister's offices. Most of their windows were still covered with tarps, the glass yet to be replaced after it was shattered in the blast. "A blind eye has been turned for seven years," he added. Diab resigned after the blast but holds the role of caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed.

Although Diab has refused to be interrogated as a defendant, Sawan had succeeded in questioning him previously as a witness, and the focus had been on when he had first learned about the storage of the ammonium nitrate in Beirut. Diab, during the interview with The Washington Post, laid out the timeline he had provided under questioning, saying he initially heard about the material on June 3 of last year and brought the matter to the attention of the appropriate ministers. Diab said he had not realized how dangerous the material was.

Government documents reviewed by The Washington Post show that officials were well aware of the dangers posed by the large chemical stockpile long before last year. The documents reveal that responsibility for the ammonium nitrate was for years passed among different public and private entities, including the Public Works and Transportation Ministry, the judiciary, the army and even a private explosives company.

At least since 2015, a chemical expert made officials aware of the hazard of storing the chemicals at the port, and officials were advised to move the material out of the port.

A report by Lebanon's national security agency, which was sent to Diab two weeks before the explosion after he requested an assessment of the shipment, cited the expert at Lebanese University who had examined the material and warned, "if ignited, (it) would cause a massive explosion, one of whose results would cause the semi-destruction of Beirut's port."

Sawan's investigation had largely set aside questions surrounding how the ammonium nitrate arrived at the port and what caused the material to explode, according to Diab and lawyers who spoke to Human Rights Watch. The ownership of the ammonium nitrate remains unclear, as does how it ended up on a ship in Beirut's port in 2013. Local media have been probing a series of shell companies allegedly involved with the shipment.

While officials across sectarian and political lines have been calling for accountability, many of them rallied against Sawan once he charged the four senior officials in December. A week later, two of the former ministers he charged, Ali Hassan Khalil and Ghazi Zeaiter, filed a motion to the Court of Cassation to replace Sawan, and his investigation was paused. Khalil and Zeaiter have not addressed the merits of the charges against them, arguing instead that they are immune from prosecution.

The 26-page decision dismissing Sawan on Thursday said there was "legitimate suspicion" regarding his neutrality and impartiality, in part because the judge said he would not recognize the legal immunity claimed by the ministers. The question of how far legal immunity extends for public officials is hotly contested in Lebanon.

The decision also alleged that he covered up the failings of other judges, including at least one who had allegedly known about the dangers posed by the ammonium nitrate but did not act, and that Sawan could not maintain impartiality because his house was damaged in the blast.

Sawan has not made any public statements since being dismissed and did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this article.

On Friday, a new judge, Tarek Bitar, was appointed by the Minister of Justice to replace Sawan. Bitar will now have to restart the investigation.

"In a country dealing with decades of legal impunity and after months of pushing for the investigation to target high-level politicians, this is a major setback," said Ghida Frangieh, head of litigation at the Legal Agenda advocacy group.

Sawan's investigation was not without issues, said Aya Majzoub, a Lebanon researcher for Human Rights Watch. She said, for instance, that his use of pretrial detention of dozens of suspects without presenting specific charges or evidence against them violated their due process rights.

But Sawan's removal is a sign of the "red line" courts have drawn around politicians, Majzoub said. "What this policy of immunity has done is make the political class completely, completely unaccountable, perpetuating the culture of impunity," she said.

Immediately after the Aug. 4 explosion, tens of thousands of protesters angrily filled the rubble-and-glass-littered streets, demanding accountability. The protests pushed Diab to resign on Aug. 10. Three days later, Sawan was named as the judicial investigator.

Hours after Sawan's removal was announced on Thursday, families of the victims gathered in front of the Ministry of Justice.

"The Lebanese state doesn't do anything," said Mona Jawish, whose daughter Rawan was killed when the blast tore through the popular bar where she worked as a waitress. "They don't care about us. They don't care about the martyrs. We are just here crying but (the politicians) only care about themselves."

The protesters held photos of family members lost in the blast, a sea of printed faces gathered around a burning tire. Several held out a banner that somberly demanded: "We want the results of the investigation with transparency before our patience runs out."

- - -

The Washington Post's Suzan Haidamous in Washington contributed to this report.

Britain has started to drive down cases of the more infectious South African variant of coronavirus and will only emerge from lockdown in stages to make sure that does not change, the country's health secretary said on Sunday.

A day before Prime Minister Boris Johnson sets out his plan to ease restrictions in England, Hancock said there was also early data showing that the faster-than-expected vaccine rollout was reducing transmissions and easing pressure on hospitals.

Britain has the world's fifth-worst official COVID-19 death toll, with 120,365 fatalities, but an early drive to secure mass vaccine supplies means one in three adults has now had a first shot and daily death rates have started to fall.

Hancock said in total the United Kingdom had recorded around 300 cases of the more infectious South African variant of the disease that causes COVID-19.

"But most of those are now historic cases and from over a month ago," he told the BBC's Andrew Marr show. "The latest data shows that there's around a dozen new ones, so a much, much smaller number."

England has also introduced hotel quarantines to prevent variants from travelling from abroad.

So far, Britain has given a first dose of a vaccine to 17.2 million people, over a quarter of its 67 million population and behind only Israel and the United Arab Emirates in vaccines per head of population.

The government said on Sunday that all adults in Britain would be offered a first shot by the end of July, with a target to give a first dose to all over-50s by April 15.

t despite the improving picture, Hancock and leading epidemiologist John Edmunds said the restrictions must be eased gently and in stages, to see what impact the increased movement of people has on the virus.

Hancock suggested each easing could require a couple of weeks to detect the impact, before another part of the economy can reopen. Schools are expected to return first in early March.

Edmunds said it was difficult to say how widespread the South African variant was but that, like the rest of the pandemic, it was being held in place by the lockdown.

"The risk comes when we release the lockdown," he said, adding that allowing the virus to circulate in younger healthier people could lead to further mutations that undermine the vaccine programme.

Johnson will set out his thinking on the easing of lockdown on Monday. Despite pressure from a section of lawmakers in his party who have been shocked by the 10% contraction of the economy in 2020, the prime minister is expected to be wary.

"There should be no doubt - the route out of lockdown will be cautious and phased, as we all continue to protect ourselves and those around us," Johnson said in a statement.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21)  The countrys COVID-19 tally rose past 561,000 on Sunday after the Department of Health announced 1,888 new patients.

The case count now stands at 561,169, of which 26,238 or 4.7% are active cases, the latest report showed. This update does not yet include data from two testing laboratories which failed to submit on time.

The DOH said 9,737 patients were also cleared of the infection, raising the number of recoveries to 522,843.

Meanwhile, the death toll climbed to 12,088 with 20 more fatalities, including 12 which were previously tagged as recoveries.

The department added that it removed seven duplicate entries from the total case count, including two recoveries, after final validation.

Of the overall case tally, the DOH said 62 are confirmed cases of the new and more transmissible B.1.1.7 variant which was first detected in the United Kingdom. This came after the department also reported on Sunday 18 more cases of the said variant. Thirteen of these additions were detected among returning overseas Filipino workers, three were from the Cordillera Administrative Region, and two are still being verified.

Among Filipinos abroad, the Department of Foreign Affairs said 10 more fell ill with COVID-19, while two more succumbed to the disease. These brought the total number of infected to 14,801 and fatalities to 1,014. Recoveries remained at 9,301.

Globally, over 111 million people have caught the virus, of whom more than 2.4 million died and some 62.6 million have recovered, based on data from the Johns Hopkins University.

Thankfully, messages such as girls must not drop out of school" or "Girls should not be forced into marriage because of pregnancy, or be abused, are gradually catching up with communities in the Upper East Region (UER).



These life-saving achievements are being recorded in various communities across the UER region, thanks to keen interventions from Men and Boys Clubs, and Parent Advocacy Movements (PAM) which have become torch bearers within their communities on issues regarding Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) against girls.



In the Yikurugu community in the Bawku West District, for instance, two adolescent school girls who got pregnant and dropped-out of school, neglected and stigmatized, are now back in school, due to the swift intervention of members of the Men and Boys Boys Clubs.



In their world, pregnancy means no opportunity to continue with schooling, because the next thing will be marriage, but the Club members were able to counsel both parties not to give up, explaining to them that with parental support, the girls can still go far and achieved their life goals.



Similarly, in Kassina Nankana West, a girl who got pregnant and was being thrown out of her home by her parents last year, has been saved through interventions by the Parent Advocacy Movement (PAM) of the community, and is also now back in school.



Madam Sarah, a member of the PAM in Kassina Nankana West, told the Ghana News Agency that the Movement has been very instrumental in reaching out to parents, traditional leaders, including queen mothers, churches, and other organized groups with information on the benefits of ensuring the total health, wellbeing and education of girls in particular.



It was through such an intervention that the Movement was able to encourage and educate the parents of a teenage girl who got pregnant, to take care of the baby for her to continue her education, which they have done and the girl is back in school, she said.



Mr James Twene, the Acting Upper East Regional Director, Department of Gender, said the formation of Men & Boys Cubs, and PAMs, has been a great saver for most females in communities in the Bawku West, Nabdam, Bongo, Talensi, Kassena Nankana West and Builsa-South districts, which have high incidence of teenage pregnancy, child marriage and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).



Mr Twene said his outfit in the latter part of 2020, had information that a school girl in Bongo was being abducted, and swiftly some members of the Men and Boys Club mobilised and rescued her.



He said there have been numerous testimonies since the introduction of these interventions regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) including Family Planning (FP), where even now some men accompany their wives to the clinics for the services.



Some beneficiaries of SHR services also testify about their previous lack of understanding about FP as efforts to prevent their wives from giving birth, contrary to its numerous benefits such as ensuring child spacing, education on good nutrition for both pregnant and lactating mothers and their children, he said.



He said young females who are also sexually active are now freely visiting health centres in their communities to access SRH services, leading to a gradual reduction in the incidence of teenage pregnancy in these communities.



According to Mr Twene, the total membership of these Clubs currently stands at 720 men and boys, out of which over 500 have been trained in teenage pregnancy, child marriage, SGBV prevention, reproductive health issues, and parent-child communication among others.



The specific objective of forming these Clubs, he said, is to introduce men and boys to the bare facts on issues such as teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and SGBV, discuss the effects and impacts of these issues on individuals, families and communities, and develop and prioritize a list of discussion topics as well as draw up meeting plans towards addressing them.



Some of the key reasons for engaging men and boys, include the fact that they are often in leadership positions, are decision makers and power holders in most communities and families and therefore have a greater ability to shape societal norms and ideas about gender, he said.



Mr Twene further explains that engaging men and boys therefore can lead to sustainable change since gender norms and unequal power relationships, particularly those between men and women "underlie SGBV, and by leaving out this critical group, we will only be addressing half of the equation."



It is important to note that violence affects both men and women, because just as with women, SGBV directly affects men who have experienced violence.



There is also an indirect effect of SGBV, such that in communities where the act is prevalent, women may develop fear or suspicion of all men due to the actions of a few, and in addition, behaviour and attitudes that foster violence can keep men from having close and meaningful relationships with each other.



Men who are engaged in addressing SGBV and choose not to engage in violence have better relationships with spouses, children, and friends and better health and a greater sense of happiness.



In the past, reproductive health and violence prevention programmes engaged men using a deficit model, which viewed men and boys as perpetrators, and as problems to be addressed, however now, male-engagement practitioners look at men and boys more holistically, adopting an asset-based model.



This recognises the fact that men and boys can be partners in SGBV prevention, because they also have their own perculiar needs.



Again research has found out that the asset-based model which is being used, is more effective and that engaging men and boys as part of the solution instead of approaching them as perpetrators all the time, and acknowledging that in a way, focusing on mens positive role in protecting and providing for their spouses and daughters, is the best way to go.



Mr Alfred Akpamah Kurug, a 32-year old man, and a leader of one of the Men and Boys Club at Pitanga in the Nabdam District, testifies that the knowledge I gained at the UNFPA sponsored trainings, have given me an unknown confidence to speak in public places such as the chief's palace, churches and schools.



Research has also shown that good parent-child communication around sexuality has many positive effects for teenagers, and leads to better contraception use and lower sexual risk behaviours, however many parents lack this skill due to lack of information, or find it difficult to talk about this intimate subject with their children, particularly the girls.



Madam Faustina Yenzie, a 58 years old member of a Parent Advocacy Movement at Nangodi, narrated how trainings she has received on Parent-Child Communication have improved her relationship with her children, bringing greater peace and mutual respect to her home.



PAM members in my community have taken it upon ourselves to visit existing Women groups such as Women in Agricultural Development (WIAD), Women and Orphan Movement (WOM), Churches and families, to share our knowledge and skills on child protection, parent-child communication and adolescent reproductive health from the trainings, she said.



According to her, individual members of the Movement continue to intervene in settling issues between parents and their wards, while others also engage in mentoring some of the adolescent girls in the community, citing one of such mentees as Leticia Tenga, a 23-year-old young adult, whose sour relationship with her mother was repaired through counselling by PAM members.



Bernice Atompoya, 37- years old, from Tilli community says, My daughter refuses to open up or share with me, but all the time discusses her personal issues with my husband. After I received training on Parent-Child Communication, I applied the skills to create a good relationship with my daughter.



Bernice says she has also shared the training with other women in Kukori community where teenage pregnancy and child marriage is high, and hope to make great impact and rescue as many girls as possible from their "devastating predicaments".



Engaging men and boys is an international commitment, and in line with a human rights approach, which is reflected in the conclusions on the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls, as agreed and adopted by the Commission on the Status of Women at its 57th session in 2013.



The Commission recognises the important role of the community, in particular men and boys, in the efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls..



The commitments highlight, for example, the need to design and implement national policies that aim at transforming those social norms that condone violence against women and girls, and work to counteract attitudes and perceptions, that women and girls are subordinate to men and boys or as having stereotyped roles that perpetuate practices involving violence or coercion.



It is for this reason that the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), at its 48th session in 2004, adopted agreed conclusions calling on governments, entities of the United Nations system and other stakeholders to, among other things, encourage the active involvement of men and boys in eliminating gender stereotypes, implement programmes to enable men to adopt safe and responsible sexual practices, support men and boys to prevent gender-based violence, and implement programmes in schools to accelerate gender equality.



The Beijing Platform for Action (1995) also affirms that, womens concerns can only be addressed in partnership with men.



Since then, various global commitments have been made at diverse fora including the inclusive International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD 25) held in Nairobi Kenya in November 2019, where Ghana also reaffirmed her commitment towards upholding the reproductive health rights of women while empowering young people, especially girls to achieve their full potential.



The overall objective of all these commitments is to accelerate efforts towards achieving the voluntary global commitments to Zero unmet need for family planning, Zero preventable maternal deaths, and Zero gender-based violence and harmful practices against women, girls and the youth to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.



Research again has shown that adolescent girls account for about 21.7 per cent of the female population and about half of the 5.5 million adolescents, constituting about half of the adolescent population in Ghana.



There is therefore the need to scale up the fight on teenage pregnancy, attrition from school, exposure to violence, child marriage, unmet need for family planning, and expand investment in support systems and services across sectors, including the decentralisation levels, to sustain the gains and increase access to sexual and reproductive, education, health and rights for all adolescents.





Source: GNA









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Children look at at COVID-19 related sign at Clovelly playground in Sydney, Australia on May 17, 2020. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Mental Health of Australian Children Mental Takes Hit in Pandemic

There has been a massive increase in Australian children under 12 seeking help from a childrens mental health app and experts say the full impact of the coronavirus epidemic wont be understood for some time.

Smiling Mind, a mental health service for students, has recorded a spike in people accessing its free mobile phone app during COVID-19.

The app, used by more than six million people, has seen a 350 per cent increase from children under 12 and 150 per cent from parents.

I dont think weve fully seen the impact of the pandemic on mental health generally, and particularly children, yet, Addie Wootten, CEO of the not-for-profit and clinical psychologist of 14 years, told AAP.

What were particularly concerned about is the traumatic impact of the uncertainty and changes we saw as a result of the pandemic last year.

Kids are particularly susceptible to trauma because they havent formed their strong coping mechanism or sense of identity, like adults have.

There is a risk well face a higher rate of mental health challenges in coming years.

The Kids Helpline website saw an increase in teenagers viewing information about sexting (up 55 per cent) and cyberbullying (up 39 per cent) during the pandemic.

Page views for the topic all about respect also reached their highest levels since the websites creation, with a 60 per cent spike from kids aged 13 to 18 that coincided with COVID-19 lockdowns.

Wootten says it is crucial kids are supported at an early age and taught how they can look after their mental health.

We know that mental health challenges are much easier to treat if we get in early, she said.

From a positive point of view, there has been a big change in awareness and interest in understanding the mental health of children.

One in seven primary school children has a mental illness, she said.

Smiling Mind will this year roll out its program to 600 additional regional and rural schools on the back of $2.5 million in federal funding.

A survey undertaken in December by after school care provider Camp Australia found eight in ten parents reported their kids felt disconnected from friends and family due to the pandemic.

There was a big drop in wellbeing from a loss of connection with friendship groups and family and decreased participation in physical activities, Camp Australia chief operating officer Brett Comer said.

Children have shown incredible resilience throughout last year, as the research also showed, however screen time habits will be hard to break.

The challenge this year will be supporting children transition into the new COVID-normal world.

Wootten says there are practical measures parents can take, including forming a routine for their kids.

The federal government will this year publish a National Childrens Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

We certainly need to more investment in mental health and at the preventative end of the spectrum so that were reduce the burden on the health care sector, Wootten said.

By Ethan James
Paris, France (PANA) - The UN educational and cultural agency, UNESCO, has encouraged people everywhere to celebrate the worlds diversity by supporting multilingualism at school and in everyday life: the theme for International Mother Language Day, observed on Sunday
They are camped at the 16th Infantry Training Brigade headquarters, and about 4,500 officers and men are expected to pass through the camp in the next few weeks before joining B.C.O.F.

They do not know whether they will find it necessary to use chopsticks, but there is nothing like a little experimenting with a couple of pencils. February 20, 1946 Credit:Gordon Short

About 1,250 officers and men are now in training near Bathurst before joining the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan.

First published in The Sydney Morning Herald on February 23, 1946

Most of them are young men aged 18 to 21, who had not completed their full army training when the war ended.

They will be issued with a normal infantrymans kit... Credit:Gordon Short

Lieut.-Colonel C.C. Dunbar, who is in charge of training, describes the men as extremely keen, vigorous young Australians who will be the show case for Australia to the rest of the world. They are all volunteer recruits, who come well up to the standards of the first men who enlisted in the A.I.F. in 1939 and 1940.

About 1,250 officers and men are now in training... Credit:Gordon Short

The men now in camp are being equipped, receiving final medical treatment, and posted to units.
A team of 5 doctors and 9 nurses accompanied by two representatives of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) will travel to Bratislava for a 21-day mission to help the Slovakian medical authorities fight the Covid-19 pandemic, the government said in a release on Sunday.

"Romania responds to the request for international assistance from the Slovakian authorities. This response represents the concrete solution of the European Union's solidarity with the member states. The Slovakian medical authorities now need help more than ever, and our message is simple - 'the Slovakian health workers must not be left alone in this lopsided fight against this invisible enemy; you are not alone," the cited release reads.

In the context of support for efforts to combat the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and following the activation of the European Civil Protection Mechanism - as per the request received by the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, in its capacity as national point of contact, from the European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Center (ERCC) - the Romanian government is ready to provide assistance to the Slovak Republic by dispatching a medical team specializing in anesthesia and intensive care, the source states.

Both the medical team put together by the Department for Emergency Situations and the two IGSU representatives who will provide support for the smooth unfolding of the mission, including liaison with the Slovakian authorities, will set off as soon as the Slovak Health Ministry accepts Romania's offer, the Executive said.

The action is funded by the European Commission through the Emergency Support Instrument.

One person died and four others were wounded in an overnight shooting at an American Legion club in southeast Missouri, police said Sunday.

Officers found the five victims at the American Legion building in Kennett following the report of the shooting before 12:30am on Sunday.

Kennett Police Chief Kenny Wilson said the victims were shot in various parts of the body.

Two people were flown to a hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in critical condition. Two other victims were being treated at local hospitals.

Five people were shot at the American Legion building in Kennet in Missouri. One person died from their injuries as a result of the Saturday night shooting

One person was shot dead and four others injured in shooting at American Legion in Kennett, Missouri where a private party was being held for hundreds

'Upon arrival, the investigation revealed that multiple individuals had been shot. Officers discovered five total victims. One victim later died from his injuries,' Kennett police said.

The American Legion Post 66 building is located near the Delta Fairgrounds in Kennett, a city of about 10,000 people in Missouri's bootheel, roughly 100 miles north of Memphis, Tennessee.

The building is available to rent, and Kennett Mayor Chancellor Wayne told the Delta Dunklin Democrat that a private party was being held there Saturday night.

Kennett Police Chief Kenny Wilson said the victims were shot in various parts of the body.

Two others had to be flown to local hospital to be treated for their wounds. The incident happened during a party being held for hundreds at the location

Police said no additional details on the shooting were available Sunday morning.

A man who answered one phone number for the American Legion post Sunday said he didn't know anything about the shooting before hanging up.

There was no immediate response to a message left by The Associated Press at a second phone number for the facility.

The Missouri State Patrol and Dunklin County Sheriff's office are helping with the investigation.

Anyone with information on the case can call Kennett police at 573-888-4622 or the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 573-840-9500.
Wearing a mask to blunt the spread of COVID-19 may remain a part of Americans routines into 2022 if active case counts remain relatively high even as more people are vaccinated, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday.

I think its possible that thats the case, Fauci told CNN Sunday after being asked when Americans can expect normality following a pandemic thats rocked the economy and left nearly half a million people dead. It really depends on what you mean by normality. If normality means exactly the way things were before we had this happen to us, I cant predict that.

But with vaccinations ramping up across the country, Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, agreed with a recent assessment by President Joe Biden that were going to have a significant degree of normality beyond the terrible burden that all of us have been through ... as we get through fall and winter ... much, much better than were doing right now.

When it comes to wearing masks, which the Centers for Disease Control recommends to help prevent spreading the virus, Fauci said it depends on the level of dynamics of virus in the community.

Getting active case counts down, combined with inoculating most of the country, is what it will take for Americans to safely take the masks off, he argued.

If we have 20,000 (cases) per day, that is a heck of a lot better than what its been, Fauci said. But thats still a very high level of virus in the community. I want to see it go way down. When it goes way down and the overwhelming majority of the population are vaccinated, then I would feel comfortable saying we can pull back on the masks.

Faucis comments come as the U.S. fast approaches half a million deaths linked to the pandemic  more losses than what the country suffered in two World Wars and the Vietnam War combined. Biden has pledged to see at least 100 million Americans vaccinated during his first 100 days in office. More than 28 million Americans have contracted the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University.

In Massachusetts, health officials on Saturday confirmed another 1,822 new COVID-19 cases and 53 new deaths. Since the pandemic began, officials have confirmed 538,328 total COVID-19 cases across the state; 15,462 have died.

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A global shortage of syringes could hamper Australia's coronavirus vaccine rollout by causing thousands of doses to be wasted.

The Pfizer vaccine, which started its rollout on Sunday morning, uses a custom-made low dead-space syringe, which Australia has ordered.

These syringes can extract an extra sixth dose from a vial of the vaccine, whereas standard syringes can only get five.

Pictured: Medical staff work at a pop-up Covid-19 testing site in Brighton, Melbourne on Saturday, February 6

The Pfizer vaccine, which started its rollout on Sunday morning, uses a custom-made low dead-space syringe, which Australia has ordered

'Even with a steady hand and a sharp eye, often you can't get out that last drop,' Mike Toole from the Burnet Institute in Melbourne told the Herald Sun.

'So the idea with these specialist syringes is there's no dead space between the plunger and the needle so you can draw the entire vial.'

When the new syringes would be available and arrive in Australia is unclear.

Victoria has recorded no new Covid-19 cases just days after the ending its third lockdown.

There were zero local and overseas-acquired cases of coronavirus recorded on Saturday in Victoria, with more than 10,300 tests conducted.

Twenty-five active cases remain in the state.

It was the second consecutive day without a local case after three people in the same family tested positive on Thursday.

Two women skateboard at Port Melbourne Beach on February 13 amid Stage 4 lockdowns

Twenty-two cases have been traced back to a family-of-three staying on the third floor of the Holiday Inn who caught the UK strain of the virus.

Authorities believe the outbreak began when one of the family members used a nebuliser medical device that caused the virus to spread through the air.

Health Minister Martin Foley told reporters on Saturday that the crisis is 'far from being over' but low figures indicate the situation was under control.

He also said low case numbers give authorities 'increasing confidence' that remaining restrictions could be eased next Friday.

Some rules, including mask-wearing inside and limits of five people per household, would remain.

Pictured: People crossing the lights on Lonsdale Street in Melbourne CBD on February 18

But residents across Carrum Downs, Langwarrin and Skye in Melbourne are on high alert after fragments of the virus were found in sewage.

Health bosses said the traces could be a result of person with Covid in the infectious phase of the illness, or as they continue to shed the virus after the infectious period.

'When we get detection in sewage it might mean that it is a recovered case but it can also mean that we missed someone because they are positive because they haven't been tested yet,' Mr Sutton said on Saturday.

Anyone with symptoms is urged to get tested.

Ahead of Monday's vaccination rollout in Victoria and across Australia, 20 protesters were arrested in Melbourne on Saturday after rallying in opposition to mandatory inoculation.

Pictured: Police attempt to put a mask on an arrested protester during an anti-vaccination rally in Melbourne on Saturday, February 20

Pictured: Pete Evans addresses fellow protestors on February 20 in Sydney in a rally against the Covid vaccine

Fifteen of the people arrested were fined and five others were charged with offences including resisting arrest.

Protests were also held in Sydney, Cairns, Coffs Harbour and Albany.

Before protesters undertook rallies, Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley told reporters that while a Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport cluster was 'far from being over,' the numbers indicated it was 'increasingly under control'.

Austin Health, Monash Health and Western Health hospitals will distribute Victoria's first doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Mr Foley said workers who are most likely to come into direct contact with Covid-positive people will be first in line for the jab from Monday.

Pictured: Protesters rally against 'mandatory' Covid-19 vaccinations on February 20

This includes hotel quarantine workers, airport and port workers, high-risk frontline health staff and aged care staff and residents.

The federal government has allocated 12,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to Victoria in the first week of the vaccination program.

'People will over time see that the vaccine is working, that it's protecting individuals, that we're not seeing issues of quality or safety and there will be increasing confidence,' Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told reporters.

Six other hospitals will also become vaccination hubs as more jabs become available. They are Albury-Wodonga Health, Ballarat Health, Barwon Health, Bendigo Health, Goulburn Valley Health and Latrobe Health.
Travel services firm Thomas Cook India on Saturday said it plans to raise up to Rs450 crore via issue of Optionally Convertible Cumulative Redeemable Preference shares (OCCRPS) through private placement.

The company's board has approved issuance of up to 45 crore OCCRPS of face value of Rs10 each to Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Ltd, the promoter of the company, through private placement on a preferential basis, Thomas Cook said in a regulatory filing.

The size of the issue is up to Rs450 crore subject to the approval of regulatory, statutory authorities and the shareholders of the company, it added.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Many militias are trying to figure out their identities, experts say.

Their future could depend on whether the initial outrage following the U.S. Capitol attack endures, and if the militia movement embraces an animating myth, like the lost cause of the Confederacy, under the banner of Trumps false narrative of a stolen election, said Lawrence Rosenthal, founder and head of the Berkeley Center for Right-Wing Studies.

Mark Pitcavage, a senior research fellow at the Anti-Defamation Leagues Center on Extremism, is concerned that a new type of extremism arose last year and may continue to flourish. Among those who stormed the Capitol were so fanatic about Trump, so caught up in his cult of personality, so invested in his conspiracy theories that they were willing to put Trump above party, country, and law and order, he said.

After the Capitol riot, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have banned inflammatory material, creating organizational chaos for groups trying to plan events, recruit and communicate with members, said Hampton Stall, said Hampton Stall, a senior researcher at Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, a nonprofit group that tracks political violence and protest internationally. Militia groups also are under a lot more scrutiny than theyre used to, after groups like the Oath Keepers were linked to the attack.

Militia groups may hold contradictory and conspiratorial views of the election, Stall said.

Militias have always had an anti-government stance. But for the past four years, they faced a quandary because they generally supported Trump. Now, theyre trying to decide what to do.

Do they oppose President Biden, or genuinely avoid attention because the Oath Keepers and others clearly did cause problems?

Amy Cooter, a senior lecturer in sociology at Vanderbilt University, believes that the most extreme militia elements, mostly small groups and some individuals, may continue to try to have a violent response, not necessarily in the District of Columbia but targeting politicians who are not upholding the Constitution or their view of America, she said. These kind of emotions dont go away easily, she said.

Cooter worried about the potential impact of the past years events on the democratic process.

Related: Ohios militias are armed and ready with good intent, they say

So is Rosenthal.

The militias wink-wink with the Republican party is very significant when one of the two major political parties finds itself either positively supportive or worried about losing its electoral base if it doesnt go along, Rosenthal said.

He sees the potential for militia violence growing worse, unless Capitol attackers are vigorously prosecuted.

Basically these guys, their conviction is that the liberal world, democracy in general, is weak, flabby and decadent, and theyre the tough guys. But when a liberal democracy rises up and says nuh-uh, they tend to scatter, he said.

Pitcavage warned that any deterrent effect in the arrests of Capitol attackers will have to be bolstered by follow-through prosecution. If the cases dont go well, if there are mistrials and acquittals, that will have an energizing effect on militias, he said.

Stall predicts a shift from local and state militias to national-level groups that will use new technologies and communications to build their base.

Theres going to be some sort of an evolution. Either that or it all goes away, he said. But I think theyre going to have to evolve, and I doubt its going away.

See more on Ohio militias.
Egypts Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla headed on Sunday to Ramallah and Israel to have talks with his counterparts over the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, the petroleum ministry said.

According to the statement issued by the ministry, El-Molla met and held talks with Mohamed Mustafa, the adviser to the Palestinian President for economic affairs in Ramallah, and Yuval Steinitz, the Israeli minister of energy, in Jerusalem to support the goals and efforts of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum.

The Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forums founding countries include Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, Jordan, and Italy.

The visits aims to crystalise a common vision and a systematic dialogue to develop a regional market, as the forums charter [comes into effect] in a way that supports the member states efforts to invest their gas reserves and use the existing and future infrastructure through fruitful and constructive cooperation, the statement read.

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Press Release

February 21, 2021 De Lima thanks US Senators for renewed call to free her and drop all charges against her Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima is grateful to US Senators Ed Markey, Richard Durbin, and Patrick Leahy for renewing their call for her immediate release and full exoneration following her acquittal in one of her three trumped-up drug charges. Leahy is US Senate President Pro-Tempore, second only to US Vice President Kamala Harris who is concurrently the US Senate President. Durbin is the US Senate Majority Whip. Both Leahy and Durbin are the ranking officials of the Democratic Party after President Joe Biden, Harris, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. De Lima, the most prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, thanked the three US lawmakers for vouching on her innocence in all the bogus drug charges against her and for their continued concern on her plight. "It is clear that the charges against me are Duterte's brainchild, and the three honorable US Senators are well aware of this as they know that the cases against me are bogus and manufactured," she said. "I thank them not only for recognizing these facts, but also for their steadfast resolve to ensure that I get the justice that I deserve. To Senators Leahy, Durbin and Markey, thank you for your continued trust and support for our shared causes for human rights, justice and democracy," she added. In a joint statement, Marky, Durbin and Leahy welcomed the acquittal of De Lima in one of the three bogus drug charges filed against her, but they maintained that this was "clearly not enough." "The Duterte administration has wrongfully detained Senator De Lima for four years under false charges because she is willing to speak out and stand up to the egregious abuses of the government," their statement read. "We will continue to hold the Duterte government responsible for its abuses until Senator De Lima is released, all of the fabricated charges against her and other prisoners of conscience are dismissed, and the victims of President Duterte's campaign of abuse against the Filipino people have obtained justice," they added. Judge Liezel Aquiatan of Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 205 granted De Lima's Demurrer to Evidence in Case Number 17-166, but denied a similar demurrer in Case Number 17-165, in separate rulings last Feb. 17. De Limas lawyers will file a motion for reconsideration of the latter ruling. Aside from the three, De Lima also expressed gratitude to US Senator Marco Rubio for his support to her by urging the government to drop all charges against her. "I thank Sen. Rubio for his support and demand for justice, which is another reminder that the world is watching and that I will be vindicated in time," she said. On Twitter, Rubio welcomed the news of De Lima's acquittal saying that he "reaffirms his call in urging the Philippine authorities to respect Sen. De Lima's rights and drop all charges against her." The four Senators are among those who supported the bipartisan resolution, logged as Senate Resolution (SR) 142, calling for her immediate release from wrongful imprisonment and invoking Global Magnitsky sanctions against her persecutors. It was unanimously approved at the US Senate last year.
CIM, an Australian-based, Irish-owned building analytics software company, has announced plans to add a further 85 people to its team in Ireland.

The company, founded by Irishman David Walsh while he was living in Australia, is to complete the hires over the next 36 months. It has already completed hiring in EMEA region leadership roles in sales, marketing and operations, and currently employs 43 staff globally.

Speaking to the Sunday Independent, Walsh, based at the company's Sydney HQ, said he had long hoped to develop the company further in Ireland. "Bringing the business to Ireland was always an ambition of mine, and since we set up our European HQ there in 2019, we have gone from strength to strength," he said.

"Since the advent of Covid-19, we have experienced a significant upturn in demand from building owners and managers looking to improve their operations - particularly in the area of sustainability. We are currently very focused on supporting clients with buildings running at reduced capacity, ensuring energy is only being consumed in the areas and at the times needed.

"As the year proceeds, our clients expect to see their buildings switch back on, with staff slowly returning to offices, shopping centres and manufacturing sites," he added. "They are coming to us, not only to benefit from economic gains of using our PEAK platform, but also to drive their environmental and social targets, and to ensure buildings are prioritising health and safety as is required for their returning workforce."

Paul Walsh, general manager of CIM EMEA and brother of CEO David, explained the Irish-based business was expanding, furthering its need for more employees.

"The growth of CIM in Ireland to date has accelerated faster than expected and the outlook for the future appears strong," he said.

CIM creates building analytics software that helps run large buildings at their peak performance. Its PEAK platform integrates building intelligence, machine learning and mechanical engineering to improve efficiency, sustainability and comfort across property portfolios.

Since inception in 2013, CIM has monitored its clients' environmental impact on the PEAK platform. According to its research, CIM clients have saved 141 gigawatt hours of energy to date. Across the portfolio, this is the equivalent to the CO2 emitted from 225,407 barrels of oil consumed.

These savings were the equivalent of greenhouse gasses being avoided by over 33,950 tonnes of waste being recycled instead of going to landfill.
TOLLAND  Several people have been arrested and a Connecticut state trooper was taken to the hospital after his vehicle was rammed Saturday afternoon.

State police spokesman Trooper Josue Dorelus said state police out of Troop C in Tolland were dispatched to the area of Torry Road around 2:58 p.m. for a suspicious incident which brought a large police presence.

Dorelus said the investigation resulted in several individuals being located and arrested by police.

While Dorelus did not say what the incident was that prompted the police response, television station WTNH reported the call was over a gun incident, and five people were taken into custody.

A trooper was injured during the course of the incident after one suspect intentionally struck the cruiser being operated by the trooper, said Dorelus.

The injured state police officer was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. Dorelus said the trooper, who has not been identified, was alert and conscious.

In a Facebook post, Torry Road resident Lance Shackway said the incident was related to a home invasion and stolen vehicle. He said his neighbor learned three of the suspects were hiding in his shed and locked them inside.

Shackway said he has lived on the road his entire life and never thought this would happen in our neighborhood.

In photos that accompanied the post, state police could be seen advancing through the neighborhood, some with long guns drawn. Other photos showed at least three people in handcuffs in a driveway

Video of the state police cruiser being towed away showed the passenger side front and rear doors of the cruiser had caved inward, deploying its airbags.

The Tolland Fire Department said paramedics had been called to the scene and asked people to remain away.

Dorelus said in an update shortly after 8:15 p.m. that the trooper had been released from the hospital.
The new "chroniclers" of America's past would transform our history to paint the United States a systemically bigoted state founded on racism in 1619. The most fraudulent aspect of this dishonest scheme is that it fails to address the salient characteristic of slavery in the United States and Europe: the near elimination of slavery in the West by the mid-19th century. This means that slavery as an institution was carried on in Europe for about three centuries from the beginning of the Enlightenment and then, in the blink of a historical eye, banned and made illegal. Within less than a century from 1800, legal slavery had been ended worldwide thanks to the ideas of the European Enlightenment thinkers.

Until the 19th century, slavery had been a part of our shared experience since human history began. Slavery is always brutal and inhuman, but enslavers viewed the enslaved as somehow warranting their enslavement. For example, Aristotle stated in The Politics, "[T]hat some should rule and others be ruled is a thing not only necessary, but expedient; from the hour of their birth, some are marked out for subjection, others for rule[.]" Others were less philosophical, but the results were similar. In Europe, slavery ebbed and flowed, usually with the fortunes of war. After the erosion of the Roman Empire, slavery continued in Europe, most notably in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.

Similarly, great slave networks had existed in Africa hundreds of years before the arrival of the Portuguese. The Ghana Empire and the Mali Empire following it supported slavery in a variety of forms. Such empires and the smaller tribal groups engaged in slavery and the long-distance slave trade. It appears that many slaves were transported and sold to the Muslim worlds of North Africa and the Middle East. An eastern slave route from Africa to India expandED trade due in part to the conquests of Muhammad bin Qasim. Likewise, slavery had been at times integral to Chinese society to a greater or lesser degree since the second millennium BCE.

The British East India Company held between eight and nine million slaves in the 1840s. However, slavery was officially abolished in India by the Indian Slavery Act of 1843, and slavery became illegal in India in 1861 by making enslavement of a person a criminal offense.

The unfulfilled promise of our country is expressed in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence: "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." These aspirational words written by Thomas Jefferson (himself a slave-owner and personally conflicted about the practice) are the foundation of America. Much is sometimes made of Jefferson's first draft of the Declaration in which the word "property" originally appeared in lieu of happiness. However, the two terms were used more or less interchangeably in 1689, when Locke wrote not only his Second Treatise, but also his Letter Concerning Toleration, substituting the words "life, liberty, health, and indolency of body; and the possession of outward things." In his Essay Concerning Human Understanding, he termed man's objective in striving for "the highest perfection of intellectual nature [which] lies in a careful and constant pursuit of true and solid happiness."

The idea that somehow the United States is a fundamentally racist country founded on racism by racists is far from the truth. Socially constructed racism remains a challenge for the United States, but the aspirations of the Founders in the Declaration have proven far more important and powerful than any Hollywoodish racist script peddled by today's race-baiting hucksters.

The sin of slavery is real, and its impacts remain with societies today. Furthermore, slavery continues to exist. However, to base a revision of history on a failure to immediately live up to the Founders' goals, on a phony interpretation of the Founders' interests and misrepresentation of facts, is an act worthy of history's greatest villains. It will inspire only unjustifiable malice and distrust among peoples who are on the path of reconciliation. Not only that, but such a revision devalues the substantial deeds of the heroes who have moved America to a far more just society than it was even a few decades ago.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.


The Citizen is looking for Cayuga County and the surrounding areas top nurses.

Nursing is a demanding profession with more skills and challenges than ever before. Nursing professionals do far more than most people imagine  and their impact is enormous.

Join The Citizen in honoring and celebrating nurses throughout the area with a nomination campaign culminating in honoree pages to be published May 9 recognizing 10 of the top nurses in our area.

Think about who made a difference in your life or the life of a loved one during 2020, and nominate a nurse at go.auburnpub.com/NominateANurse.

After collecting nominations, an independent panel of judges will choose nine extraordinary nursing professionals to represent thousands of their colleagues in our Nurses Week appreciation pages on May 9. Additionally, there will be one readers choice honoree as voted on by friends, family and staff from March 18-26.

The honored nurses will be featured in The Citizen on May 9 and on auburnpub.com.

The Citizen would like to thank our presenting sponsor, Hematology Oncology Associates of CNY, for helping us recognize the top nurses in our area.
Minister of Health Hala Zayed said on Sunday that citizens will be able to begin registration to receive the coronavirus vaccine starting next week, beginning the next step in the countrys vaccination campaign.

Zayed affirmed in a press conference that priority, according to the government's previously announced vaccination plan, will be given to the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases.

The health ministry launched a website earlier this year for citizens to reserve doses of a coronavirus vaccine. Those who register on the website will receive a text message indicating the time and location for receiving the vaccine.

Egypt started its coronavirus vaccination campaign in late January by vaccinating medical workers at quarantine hospitals using the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine.

During the press conference, Zayed said Egypt will also receive a big shipment of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccines within hours as a gift from China.

Zayed also announced that Egypt will also receive later this month a total of 8.6 million vaccine doses developed by the British-Swedish pharmaceutical, AstraZeneca.

Egypt officially received the first batch of 50,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine in December as a gift from the UAE.

China pledged to supply Egypt soon with 300,000 Sinopharm vaccine doses.

In January, Egypt also received the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccine doses from the Global Vaccine Alliance and Immunisations (GAVI).

Zayed added on Sunday the country is set to receive a total of 40 million vaccine doses from GAVI during the course of 2021.

Zayed also announced during the conference that no unexpected side effects have been recorded so far after the first shots of the vaccine were administered to doctors and health workers.

She added that some healthcare workers are currently taking the second shot.

Zayed said the ministry has designated sites in all 27 governorates for citizens to get the vaccine, stressing that the ministry would follow up on citizens health status after they receive the vaccine.

Speaking during the conference, Hossam Hosny, the head of the Scientific Committee to Combat Coronavirus at the Ministry of Health, said four treatment protocols have been adopted since Egypt reported its first coronavirus infection.

Hosny noted that the committee has been developing protocols to benefit from the latest developments in the field.

The committee will continue to use the latest protocol, adopted last November, after seeing successful results, Hosny said.

He noted that some drugs will be added after proving their efficiency recently without naming them.

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The audience doesnt care whether you bought data or got it from a source, said Roman Anin, the founder of iStories, a nonprofit Russian investigative site with a staff of 15. He said he had concluded that since we live in a country where authorities are killing opposition leaders, lets forget about these rules, because these stories are more important than our ethical rules.

Image A bot on Telegram that offers to identify the owner of any car. Credit... The New York Times

That portal into Vladimir Putins world has opened even as some American journalists covering Russian interference in the 2016 election produced overheated essays and viral Twitter threads. They cast Mr. Putin, in the American imagination, as an all-powerful puppet master and everyone whose name ends in the letter v as his agent. But it was actual Russians, running their websites on the margins of legality or from abroad, who opened windows into Mr. Putins real Russia. And what theyve uncovered is unbelievable personal corruption, shadowy figures behind international political interference and murderous but sometimes inept security services.

Here are a few examples of these revelations:

The investigative nonprofit outlet Proekt identified Mr. Putins secret family, and found that the woman it linked to the president had acquired some $100 million in wealth from sources tied to the Russian state.

IStories used a trove of hacked emails to document how Mr. Putins former son-in-law built a huge fortune out of state connections.

Bellingcat, which was founded in London, and the Russia-based Insider identified, by name and photograph, the Russian agents who poisoned the defector Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018.

The media group RBC delved into the political machinery behind the troll farm interfering in U.S. elections.

Meduza exposed deep corruption in all corners of the Moscow city government, down to the funeral business.

Mr. Navalnys foundation flew drones over Mr. Putins palace, a vast estate on the Black Sea that Mr. Navalny labeled the Worlds Biggest Bribe in a scathing, mocking nearly two-hour video he released on his return to Russia last month. The video has been viewed more than 100 million times on YouTube.

Theres a tendency in parts of the American media right now to reflexively decry the rise of alternative voices and open platforms on social media, seeing them solely as vectors for misinformation or tools of Donald J. Trump. Russia is a potent reminder of the other side of that story, the power of these new platforms to challenge one of the worlds most corrupt governments. Thats why, for instance, Mr. Navalny was a vocal critic of Twitters decision to ban Mr. Trump, calling it an unacceptable act of censorship.

The new Russian investigative media is also resolutely of the internet. And much of it began with Mr. Navalny, a lawyer and blogger who created a style of YouTube investigation that draws more from the lightweight, meme-y formats of that platform than from heavily produced documentaries or newsmagazine investigations.

Mr. Navalny doesnt cast himself as a journalist. We are using investigative reporting as a tool to achieve our political ends, his aide, Ms. Pevchikh, said. (One convention they dont follow: getting comment from the target of an investigation.) Indeed, his relationship with the independent journalists can be complicated. Most are careful to maintain their identity as independent actors, not activists. They criticize him, but also message him their stories, hoping hell promote them to his own vast audience, and he publicly criticizes them, in turn, for being too soft on the Kremlin.

The new news outlets learned from Mr. Navalny as well. Many of them have imitated his style on YouTube. And he proved that certain lines could be crossed. Whats more, they all undoubtedly benefit from the homogeneity of the television networks. Imagine how much YouTube you would watch if the only news channels available were Fox News, Newsmax and OAN.
(Natural News) The Republic of Texas is hobbling through a record-breaking cold spell coupled with snow and ice that has left nearly 4.5 million customers throughout the state  a single customer is an entire household of people  without power as of mid-day Tuesday.

Electric utilities warned that millions of Texans would have to endure rolling blackouts as a result of the once-in-a-lifetime weather event. However, many of them have already been without power for a full 24-48 hours, with no end in sight.

As of this writing, nearly 3.2 million Texas customers have no power, though this figure is likely to spike back up once the second wave of snow, sleet and ice passes through Texas and up towards the Northeast into the evening and through Wednesday.

Some reports are blaming frozen wind turbines for the crisis, while others are suggesting that the federal government is to blame.

Almost nobody is blaming Texas politicians for the fiasco, even as many of them appear responsible for ushering in green energy technologies while squelching traditional coal and fossil fuel energies.

Back in October, Vistra, Texas top power company, bragged about retiring its coal plants and converting to solar and wind.

Vistras predecessor company, TXU Corp., had tried to build 11 new coal-fired power plants for Texas back in 2006. However, the plans were scrapped following outrage over the pollution involved, after which private equity investors purchased TXU and changed course.

Now, Texas is the national leader in wind generation, even though the windmills it installed are apparently unable to function in cold weather. The same goes for the states expanding solar farms, which are apparently covered in ice and snow and are no longer working.

Neither Democrats nor Republicans can fix the mess that is American politics

While China Joe did sign an executive order back in January handing over control of Americas energy grid to communist China, Texas is the only state in the lower 48 that has its own independent energy grid.

This means that Texas has nobody to blame but itself for these massive outages, which have left millions of Texans in the freezing cold, even inside their own homes.

The Texas Nationalist Movement (TNM) is blaming the states relationship with the federal government for the crisis, claiming that Texas utilities were barred from maxing out power generation due to impediments from the feds.

Texans were powerless because our elected officials ceded authority to a slow-moving, uncaring gaggle of federal bureaucrats, the group claims, noting that cranking up the power plants in anticipation of these unusual weather systems might violate federal pollution limits.

In a statement, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott indicated that an investigation has been ordered into the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the Texas utility grid and has been anything but reliable over the past 48 hours.

Far too many Texans are without power and heat for their homes as our state faces freezing temperatures and severe winter weather, Abbott said. This is unacceptable.

I have issued an executive order adding an emergency legislative item to review the preparations and decisions by ERCOT so we can determine what caused this problem and find long-term solutions.

It is important to note that many other states and countries that get much colder than Texas have wind turbines that work year-round. Heck, even Antarctica has them, and as far as we know they have never frozen over and become inoperable. So what gives, Texas?

More related news about how America is swirling the toilet and becoming a third world country under the leadership of both Democrats and Republicans, both of which are irreparably corrupt, can be found at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

PowerOutage.us

TheRightScoop.com

TNM.me

DallasNews.com

NaturalNews.com
SLAVO: Expedite ECT process, increase capacity View(s):

The Sri Lanka Association of Vessel Operators (SLAVO), representing shipping lines and feeder owners /operators, has raised concerns on the lack of importance given to the development of the East Container Terminal (ECT) due to theories adopted by various regimes during the past several years.

It is noted from print media and television shows that non- direct stake holders comments are aired without direct consultation with the relevant shipping lines leading to a political debate rather than a profound understanding of the core issues and taking corrective measures to develop and enhance capacity of a deep-water terminal along with associated facilities at the Port of Colombo. Shipping Lines are the main contributors to Port of Colombo as investors bringing in ships and volumes, the association said in a media statement.

Lines require an alongside draft of 18m and the ability to handle 28 containers across on newly built ships sailing around the world. Further, new cranes need to be supported with yard space and smooth, effective land side services irrespective of elections, administrative changes, labour unrest, external agitations and local holidays if the Port of Colombo is to compete with other regional hub ports such as Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE.

Currently, the main East  West trade lane is controlled by six major consortiums offering daily sailings from the Port of Singapore, Malaysia Tang Jong Pellaps  West Port  North Port compared to the weekly limited sailings from Port of Colombo. The Port of Colombo must fast track capacity enhancement to simultaneously increase the number of sailings and regional business, it said.

SLAVO said it has no preference for a fully state operated terminal or one that which is operated through a joint consortia model as long as accountability to ship owners lines are adhered to.

Reiterating the perspective of the international shipping lines; our intention is to conduct professional business with ease in Sri Lanka and at the Port of Colombo. Therefore, the port facilities should be enhanced and developed with cutting-edge technology to be on par with other regional hub ports, it said.

Pivotal to the shipping fraternity, the organisation which was established in 1995 is actively consulted on matters concerning the industry and holds frequent dialogue with key governmental agencies. Our aim as vessel operators and vessel owners is to ensure the business is gradually moving forward. Despite strikes and major congestions, civil war and other matters, the Port of Colombo achieved more demand, revenue and high volume ranked 22nd among the Worlds Best Ports in year 2019. Therefore, we should maximize on the opportunities that are in hand and accelerate the progress, the statement said.

SLAVO played a key role during the lockdown to ensure smooth cargo movement until the country gradually started functioning under the new normal while adhering to government directives following stringent safety measures. SLAVO said it appreciates the efforts taken by the SLPA Chairman, Management and all three (03) Terminals, Customs and other directly associated organisations during the global pandemic.
Since being fired from The Mandalorian following controversial social media posts, Gina Carano has joined forces with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, whose Daily Wire will develop and produce a film with the dismissed star. First up, however, is a sit-down interview for The Ben Shapiro Show in which Carano speaks out about her exit  "the #FireGianCarano hashtag worked"  the backlash her tweets have received and why she feels she was treated differently than co-stars like Pedro Pascal.

Released on Sunday, the hour-long interview saw Shapiro welcome Carano as "part of the family now" before inviting her to explain what prompted her to tweet about sensitive issues ranging from pandemic shutdowns to voter fraud allegations to the pronouns people use to identify themselves.

"I'm not like you, I've never really been interested in politics," Carano told him. "And then as soon as I started seeing things happening, I guess in 2020, I started looking up, 'Well maybe the adults don't have it under control? And maybe I'm an adult now, and maybe I have a responsibility to pay attention.'"

She added that she was "really upset" by the shutdowns being implemented as COVID-19 spread, telling Shapiro, "I know the depression that comes with not working because my job has been on and off its entire life." But her first real social media "problem," she shared, was over pronoun usage. After the actress, who played Cara Dune on the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, "beep-bop-boop" in her Twitter bio last September, she was met with what she called a "crazy meltdown." Though people took her bio as a dig at the transgender community, she insists that wasn't the case.

"It was 100 percent to go to the Twitter mob that was telling you what to do, and it had zero to do with trying to go after the transgender community, because I would never do that," she told Shapiro. "Just me personally, I'm not trying to target anybody or go after anybody."

Story continues

Carano said she was overwhelmed by the resulting outcry. "It was just a big massive meltdown. All of the fear and all of the stuff goes straight through your skin, like, woah, what is happening? 'I told you I didn't mean this towards this community. You're misunderstanding it.' And it was just a shockwave went through my body. Like, oh this is what this feels like, this is uncomfortable."

She added that while a publicist urged her to issue an apology, she opted to write her own statement clarifying her intent because "I've also been watching celebrities apologizing left and right, and it's very ingenuine [sic]." But her statement was deemed "not apologetic enough," which Carano called "shocking."

Carano also met with LGBTQ representatives for Disney, who she claims told the company it would be a "bad idea" if she was punished over the issue.

"I don't have any hate in my heart for anyone, I stepped in a landmine," she told Shapiro of the response to her bio. But her bosses at Lucasfilm, which is owned by Disney, did want her to take the matter seriously.

"I think they thought I was already taking too much attention off of The Mandalorian, which was not my intention because I know how hard everybody works on it," she said.

But she balked when she was asked to meet over Zoom with a large group of representatives from the LGBTQ community, noting that some Lucasfilm employees were "railing me" on social media and calling her "ignorant."

"All your employees are slandering the hell out of me right now," she said. "You think I want to get on a video where they can then film it? I felt very insecure about that."

Carano told Shapiro that the group meeting felt like an ambush and "a bit abusive," saying, "I don't feel like I really deserve this." She instead suggested meeting with just four or five people instead for dinner, so she could have a "genuine conversation" about the issue.

Carano did also meet with a media trainer who she joked "was ready to hate me, I think." Ultimately, they had a "great conversation" in which the media expert explained to the actress that she had offered a "logical answer to an emotional response," and that she needed to make a more "emotional" statement to satisfy everyone.

Carano again faced fallout in November after retweeting comments supporting unfounded allegations of voter fraud. Carano told Shapiro that she was motivated by her experience as a first-time voter and her confusion over being allowed to vote without being asked for ID.

"I feel like there's a lot of outrage about this, and this is confusing to me as a newcomer to this," she said of joining the debate, which she felt would help clear up confusion and mistrust about the election and allow the country to "move on."

She also defended a meme she shared urging people to take the mask over their eyes with regards to the pandemic. Again, she pointed to "confusion" over ever-evolving COVID-19 guidance, which she called "all over the place." The post was also intended to challenge political leaders whose actions were at odds with their restrictions.

"I live in California and I see the hypocrisy that's been happening, like [Gov. Gavin Newsom] going to [restaurant] The French Laundry, and they don't have masks on," she told Shapiro. "There's been so much hypocrisy and they have those little edited videos where you can see the Democrat leaders completely [being] hypocrites. This is like, Hypocrisy 2020.

"I thought this was a good way to convey that we need to start paying attention to the hypocrisy. For me, it was just like, open your eyes."

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The social media post that seemed to spur Carano's firing was a since-deleted Instagram meme about the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany. Carano was accused of anti-Semitism for appearing to compare that treatment to that of modern-day conservatives, which she denies.

"When I posted that, it wasn't something I felt like was controversial," she explained, adding, "I am so inspired by the gentle spirit of the Jewish people going through that time."

"It was something I thought, 'Well, maybe all of us need to ask ourselves, how did that happen?' because it's important. The post never said anything about Republicans or conservatives. It doesn't say anything about that in there. It was more about, you know, people tearing each other apart.

"And I thought it would be more of a thing that would bring people together," she laughed. "I was like, 'Oh, this [will] bring people together.' But now after hearing so much, I actually have grown through the experience of [realizing] it's not fair to the Jewish community to just throw this out here so much. When you say the word 'Nazi' and when you call someone a 'Nazi' you need to have a little bit more respect on it. So, I understand that. But it was in no way my intention... I've got every big publication saying, 'She's comparing conservatives and Republicans to this' and that's not what I was doing."

Shapiro, who practices Orthodox Judaism, said her post was "obviously not anti-Semitic" and argued that Disney was fine with actors invoking the Holocaust so long as they were politically liberal. He cited Carano's Mandalorian co-star Pedro Pascal, who previously likened the treatment of Jews to the treatment of migrant children at the border.

Carano defended her friend but agreed with Shapiro that a "double standard" was at play.

"There has been," she said. "They've been all over me, and they've been watching me like a hawk. And I'm watching other people on the same production, they can say everything they want. And that's where I had a problem. I had a problem because I wasn't going along with the narrative, and you know what? I adore Pedro. I adore him."

She added that she and Pascal disagree on their respective social media posts, but have maintained their friendship.

"I know he's said some hurtful things ... but there's so much love there still," she continued. "We had an agreement after we realized we were a little bit politically different. First and foremost, you're a human being. You're my friend first. And the two sides that are trying to drag us apart because we're both passionate  that's what's been really crazy, you see these people over here being so passionate, you see people over here being so passionate, and I love it. We're just both passionate and we think a little differently I think through our different experiences. I know that we both misstepped on our tweets. We're not perfect; we're human beings. But he's not a bad human being; he's a sweet person."

Carano spoke out against bullying throughout the interview.

"I'm still very fresh to this political spectrum," she said. "I mean, I have love for everyone. I'm not a hateful person. In fact, I go out of my way, and I have gone out of my way, my entire life, not to be a hateful person. And yeah, I've fought in the ring and I do have hot blood. But it's usually hot blood when it deals with people being bullied.

"When I saw people being bullied, that were silenced and scared to speak... I don't want to speak, I want to create art. But I have a big problem with bullies, and I have a big problem with  I don't have a problem with power; I have a huge problem with abuse of power."

She also claimed that she's "not the only one that's been bullied by this company," cryptically alluding to an anonymous "friend."

"I could share a story and it would turn things around in the media, but I can't do that," she told Shapiro. "It would be selling out a friend that I don't really have the same views as, but I'm not going to sell out somebody to take the attention off me. If that person says something about how hard I went to bat for that person... it would change things, but everybody's afraid of losing their job."

Carano went on to insist that her posts were about sparking debate, not spreading hate.

"If you really go through what I'm posting, I post something because I want people to think." she said. "And I want to hear what people have to think.

"I've been called so much, I've been called racist, I've been called transphobe, I've been called homophobe, I've been called now anti-Semitic, and I don't take those lightly," she added. "Like, you're calling me, my soul, the blood that runs through me, you're calling me that. I've blocked so many people. You say that once to me, you're done. I don't want to talk to you ever again. I don't want to see you on my feed. That was a lot of blocking."

She said she was personally blocking critics one by one because she's "pissed."

"You just insulted me, and my heart and my soul," she said, adding, "My actions have spoken for themselves. And I'm not a perfect human being. I have so much to learn. I am going to make mistakes."

She also described herself as the person on sets who "people come and cry to" and who steps in when others need someone to stick up for them.

"I've stuck up for, like, minorities everywhere," she said. "I've gotten in fistfights, I've been in actual fights growing up in Las Vegas because I cannot stand bullying. I just wanted people to think and I put up something and people are putting their own perspective and spin on it and then they put words into my mouth that I never say, and then it starts trending in all these big newspapers and news articles and you're like, 'Do you know me?' Like, get to know me. I told transgender people, 'Let's talk.' I'll look you in your eyes. You're not going to feel hate. I promise you."

She credited Shapiro with helping her find her "new political voice." In a statement issued last week about their new film venture, she vowed "they cant cancel us if we dont let them.

"I was prepared to, at any point, get let go," she told Shapiro. "I have seen this happen to so many people. I've seen the looks on their faces. I've seen the bullying that takes place. They've quit Twitter, they've quit speaking, they show up to their red carpets and they're depressed and they're sad and there are hardened hearts there. I was like, you're coming for me, I know you are. They're making it very obvious through their employees that were coming for me. And so I was like, I'm going to go down swinging then, and I'm going to stay true to myself... "

While she admitted that the firing had taken a toll, she told Shapiro that she's determined to stand her ground.

"My body still is shaking," she said. "It's still devastating. But the thought of this happening to anybody else, especially somebody who could not handle this the way I can? No  they don't get to do that. They don't get to make people feel like that. And if I buckle, then little girls and little boys  who are not getting a fair shake at growing up right now  if I buckle, it's going to make it OK for these companies who have a history of lying, to be lying and do this to other people. And they've done it to other people. And I'm not going down without a fight."

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A guard wearing a protective gear at the entrance of the Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention as members of the World Health Organization team investigating the origins of COVID-19 visit Wuhan on Feb. 1, 2021. (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP) (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)

CCP Withheld Pandemic-Relevant Data From Public, Leaked Documents Reveal

Internal documents that were leaked to The Epoch Times show that the Chinese communist regime has a large amount of data on influenza and other diseases that have symptoms similar to COVID-19, but hasnt disclosed it to the outside world.

Since completing an investigation into the origins of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, experts on the team assigned by the WHO have complained about the Chinese regimes refusal to provide the related data.

Dominic Dwyer, a member of the WHO expert team and an Australian infectious disease expert, said that when the WHO expert team conducted an investigation into the source of the epidemic in Wuhan, the CCP refused to provide raw data of 174 COVID-19 patients in the early stages of the outbreak, The Wall Street Journal reported on Feb. 12.

The CCP also refused to provide data on pneumonia patients who may have been infected by the virus earlier than December 2019.

According to the report, the CCP only provided influenza surveillance data from before December 2019 from one childrens hospital and one general hospital. The report cites WHO experts who said that one of the reasons for the regimes refusal to provide COVID-19 origin tracing data is its lack of early influenza data.

Flu Data

However, The Epoch Times recently obtained a number of internal documents issued in 2019 and 2020 by the Chinese regimes health departments and centers for disease control that hadnt been disclosed to the public. Its unclear if this information was provided to the WHO.

In a response to a query from The Epoch Times, a spokesperson for the WHO said the body was awaiting the full report of the international team that will have more details.

The documents recorded sharp increases in influenza cases and clustered fever outbreaks of an unidentified pathogen, as well as a large cache of influenza monitoring data collected by the regime.

One of the documents is the 12th issue of the Infectious Disease Epidemic Information report of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Meihekou City in Jilin Province, published in December 2019.

It reports: This month, 234 cases [of influenza] were reported, with an incidence rate of 40.70/100,000, an increase of 11600.00% compared with the previous month. An increase of 46.25% when compared with the same period in the previous year.

Screenshot of Infectious Disease Epidemic Information of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Meihekou City in Jilin Province. (Provided to The Epoch Times)

Another document is a report of recent influenza prevention and control recommendations issued by the Beijing Chaoyang District Public Health Management Committee on Dec. 6, 2019. It revealed an increase in infections in Chaoyang district between Sept. 1, 2019, and Dec. 5, 2019. During those three months, there were four outbreaks of fever in clusters, of which one was an adenovirus outbreak, one was caused by parainfluenza, and the other two had no common respiratory pathogens detected.

Screenshot of The Report of Recent Influenza Epidemic Situation and Prevention and Control Recommendations issued by Beijing Chaoyang District Public Health Management Committee. (Provided to The Epoch Times)

In February 2020, CCP leader Xi Jinping inspected the epidemic prevention work in Chaoyang district, where multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 occurred that year.

Previous Investigations

On Feb. 26, 2020, the Hebei Provincial Health Commission forwarded the Letter on Requesting Cooperation in Tracing the Origin of [Virus] on Wild Animals issued by the National Health Commission to the health departments of various cities in the province. The document required the forestry and agricultural departments to conduct epidemiological investigations on wild animals, and sampling and testing of environmental and animal samples.

It also required all the blood samples collected from the close contacts to be sent to the local provincial centers for disease control for safekeeping until they could undergo antibody testing. It specified that after other environmental and animal samples went through COVID-19 nucleic acid testing, the results should be reported to the local public security department.

Both the forwarding notice and the official letter on COVID-19 virus origin tracing from the National Health Commission are marked as non-disclosure to the public.

In December 2019, the Wuhan municipal government and Chinas National Health Commission conducted several investigations into and took samples at the Wuhan Huanan Seafood Market, which the Chinese regime initially claimed to be ground zero of the COVID-19 outbreak. Afterward, the regime only announced that environmental samples from the Huanan Seafood Market tested positive, and didnt disclose other information that could help with tracing the virus to its source, including the internal documents obtained by The Epoch Times.

A few other internal documents obtained by The Epoch Times show that the regime holds a large amount of influenza data and issued a secret notice at the end of 2019 to not disclose it to the public, including a document of Daily Intelligence Meeting Minutes from Chinas National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to monitor reports of influenza issued by regional centers for disease control and health departments.

These documents reveal that in 2019, at least four sentinel hospitals in Wuhan were monitoring the influenza epidemic and collecting biological samples of influenza patients, who share similar symptoms with those suffering from COVID-19. The hospitals sent the samples to their collaborating laboratories in Wuhan for testing and preservation.

Long Tengyun contributed to this report.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated whether the information was provided to the WHO. It is unclear if it was provided to the WHO. The Epoch Times regrets this error.

This article was updated to include a comment from the WHO.
American Airlines and JetBlue have unveiled their initial plans for code-sharing and marketing cooperation on routes out of New York and Boston, a partnership they announced last summer. The two airlines didnt have much to say about how the partnership will affect the New York-San Francisco market, which they both serve from JFK (and JetBlue also serves from Newark), except to note that customers will see enhanced schedules between the two cities. They offered more detail about their Los Angeles-New York plans, also served by both carriers from JFK and by JetBlue from Newark: Customers will have the most choices  14 daily flights  between the two carriers and will have access to (Americans) state-of-the art Airbus A321T aircraft or JetBlues A321 aircraft featuring Mint, they said. American also noted that on June 2, it will begin new daily year-round service from JFK to Californias Orange County airport, reportedly using one of the specially configured 102-passenger A321Ts with first, business, and economy class that have previously been restricted to AAs SFO and LAX transcon flights.

Effective immediately, travelers can also book domestic code-share flights for travel starting Feb. 25, giving AA customers new access to 49 JetBlue routes and opening up 25 American routes to JetBlue flyers. More Northeast markets, including connections operated by a mix of both airlines through Boston and New York, will be added regularly throughout the first half of this year, American said. Together, the two airlines also said they plan to add 33 new domestic routes this summer. That includes new JetBlue seasonal service during July and August from JFK to Boise, Idaho and to Kalispell, Mont. (gateway to Glacier National Park); seasonal daily JetBlue service from Newark to Seattle; and new twice-daily service between New York LaGuardia and Denver. Most of Americans new domestic routes from New York and Boston are in the eastern U.S., except for seasonal service beginning June 5 from Boston to Jackson Hole, Wyo., and from LaGuardia to Rapid City, S.D.

The AA-JetBlue partnership is also designed to feed traffic from JetBlue to AAs international service out of JFK, including some new routes beginning this summer, like Tel Aviv and Athens. The two airlines didnt say how the new teamwork might impact JetBlues plans to launch its first transatlantic routes later this year, from Boston and JFK to London. However, United Airlines (perhaps still stung by JetBlues incursion into Uniteds plum Newark-SFO and Newark-LAX markets last year), said last week it will introduce its own daily Boston-London Heathrow service sometime later this year, using a 767-300ER.

In other developments, JetBlue is making some changes to its Blue Basic fares, introduced in late 2019 as the airlines equivalent to other carriers Basic Economy fares  i.e., the cheapest available. Passengers who book Blue Basic fares after Feb. 25 for trips starting July 20 or later will no longer have overhead bin space included in the fare; instead, theyll only be permitted to carry on a personal item that fits under the seat. (Exception: Customers who combine a Blue Basic fare with an extra-legroom Even More Space seat can still bring on a carry-on bag.) The airline said the change is necessary to make sure theres enough overhead bin space for customers traveling on higher fare levels. (Among JetBlues major competitors, Delta and American do allow Basic Economy travelers to stow a carry-on in the overheads, while United does not.)

JetBlues other policy change is an indicator that the industrys wholesale elimination of ticket change and cancellation fees last year might not be as permanent as initially expected. JetBlue said all tickets purchased through the end of March will continue to benefit from the no-change-fee policy, but after that date, changes or cancellations of Blue Basic tickets will incur a $100 fee for travel in the U.S. or to the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America, or $200 for other routes. You can see the details here.

Northern Californias Eureka/Arcata Airport currently has United Express service to San Francisco and Los Angeles, but it will soon welcome a second carrier. American Airlines said it will begin new daily service June 3 to Eureka/Arcata from its Phoenix hub, using a CRJ-700 operated by SkyWest. On the same date, American will begin new daily service from Phoenix and Dallas/Ft. Worth to Idaho Falls, Idaho, and seasonal flights from Phoenix to Bozeman, Mont. From Los Angeles, American will operate seasonal service June 3-Aug. 16 to Grand Junction, Colo., and Missoula, Mont.

The U.S. airline industry has long been aware of something called the Southwest Effect, which says that after Southwest starts flying into a new airport, fares on all carriers into that airport are likely to fall. Now were going to see if that still holds true, since Southwest last week started flying out of the largest U.S. airport it didnt previously serve  Chicago OHare. For years, the airlines increased presence in the Chicago market has all been at close-in Midway Airport, which has expanded to accommodate the growing number of Southwest flights  up to 250 a day. But now Southwest is supplementing its Midway operation with new daily service from OHare to Phoenix, Denver, Dallas Love Field, Nashville, and Baltimore/Washington, as well as weekly flights (starting next month) to Orlando.

Although passenger numbers have been pretty stagnant so far this year, the Transportation Security Administration expects to see a significant increase this summer as coronavirus trend lines have started to turn downward. Consequently, TSA said last week it will hire more than 6,000 screening officers by the summer, based on anticipated seasonal travel trends in the months ahead and the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations for the general public. TSA screeners processed more than 1 million travelers on Feb. 11 and again Feb. 12, the first time those numbers have been seen since the New Years holiday.

U.S. airlines breathed a big sigh of relief this week after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it has decided it wont require travelers to secure a negative COVID test result before taking a domestic flight  at least, not at this time. In recent weeks, various representatives of the Biden administration had floated that idea as one way to slow down the spread of the disease, especially with new variants on the rise. Last month, the U.S. started to require a negative test result before departure for all travelers flying into the U.S. from foreign nations  including U.S. citizens. The CDCs decision to back away from a similar rule for domestic trips came after White House coronavirus officials held a meeting with airline industry executives, who had warned that a domestic COVID test requirement would demolish whats left of their passenger traffic  and would have a similar impact on the hotel industry. Nonetheless, the CDC said it will continue to review public health options for containing and mitigating spread of COVID-19 in the travel space. The agency is still urging Americans not to travel unless its really necessary. And if they do, CDC recommends getting a viral COVID test up to three days before departure, another one three to five days after traveling, and self-quarantining for seven days even if the tests are negative.

Since they instituted mandatory in-flight mask-wearing rules last year, major airlines have banned hundreds of passengers from future travel for violating those rules. Now theres a movement to apply permanent travel bans and/or government fines not just on those who wont wear a mask, but any passenger guilty of violent, rowdy or unacceptable behavior. It got its start last month when airline flight crews were confronted with groups of noisy, chanting passengers traveling to or from Washington D.C. before and after the assault on the U.S. Capitol. In the wake of those incidents, Delta CEO Ed Bastian sent a message to employees telling them that passengers who refuse to display basic civility to our people or their fellow travelers are not welcome on Delta, and run the risk of being banned permanently. Now the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents thousands of American Airlines workers, is asking the government to crack down on unruly travelers. In a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the APFA endorsed a recent move by the FAA to impose federal penalties on in-flight misbehavior through March, but it said the crackdown should remain in place beyond that date. It is a simple expectation for passengers to exhibit appropriate behavior, and those who choose to act outside of this expectation need to face substantial consequences from the FAA, the organization said. The APFA also urged that anyone charged with a crime related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot should be placed on the Dept. of Homeland Securitys Terrorist Watchlist.

Heres another reason to behave during your flight: Acting up can be very expensive. A man who was arrested last year for attacking a flight attendant on a United trip from Tokyo to Los Angeles was ordered by a federal judge last week to pay the airline $50,000 the approximate cost incurred by United when it had to divert the flight and land at Anchorage. That included Uniteds costs for providing meal vouchers and hotel stays to all 214 passengers on the flight. The passenger, who pleaded guilty to interfering with a flight crew, was also sentenced to five years of probation. What set him off during the flight? Cabin attendants refused to serve him any more alcohol.

In airport news, American Express said last week that its Centurion Lounges at San Francisco International and Seattle-Tacoma International will undergo major expansions in the months ahead, and it will open a new lounge at Washington Reagan National. The companys Centurion Lounge in SFOs Terminal 3 will almost double in size, the company said, to 16,000 square feet, getting a second bar/cafe area, more restrooms, private phone rooms and additional private workspaces. Food and beverage offerings will feature a new seasonal menu from Ravi Kapur, executive chef at San Franciscos Liholiho Yacht Club. At Seattle, the Centurion Lounge will relocate to the mezzanine level of the Central Terminal  a site with views of the airfield and the mountains -- and will triple in size to 13,800 square feet. At Washington Reagan National, meanwhile, the company plans to add an 11,500-square-foot lounge post-security in National Hall near Terminal B. All three locations are expected to open by the end of 2022 with additional updates to be communicated closer to that time, AmEx said. Access to Centurion Lounges is complementary and exclusive for Platinum Card Members, Centurion Members and Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders.

In Nevada, Las Vegas McCarran Airport is on its way to getting a new name. The Clark County Commission last week gave its approval to renaming the facility for Harry Reid, the former Democratic Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate. The name change is subject to review by the FAA, a process that could take months. The airports current name came from the late U.S. Sen. Patrick McCarran, who represented the state for more than 20 years starting in 1933.

Jim Glab is a freelance travel writer.
President Joe Biden holds a mask as he participates in a town hall at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wis., on Feb. 16, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden to Visit Texas, Maybe as Soon as This Week: Press Secretary

President Joe Biden will visit Texas in the near future, possibly as soon as this week, a spokesperson said Sunday.

He is eager to go down to Texas and show his support. But he is also very mindful of the fact that its not a light footprint for a president to travel to a disaster area. He does not want to take away resources or attention, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on ABCs This Week.

Were going to do that at an appropriate time in coordination with people on the ground. Could be as soon as this week, she added.

Texas is dealing with freezing temperatures that led to record-breaking electric demand, which in turn caused widespread power outages. Millions of households lost power, though there were no longer any residential power outages from a lack of power generation as of Friday as the power grid was fully up and running.

Biden has been getting updates from acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Bob Fenton about the situation in Texas, as well as keeping tabs on the news.

The president is kept abreast of the developments in Texas and the surrounding states and receives updates every day, but more than once a day, Psaki told reporters earlier this week.

In terms of a trip, she explained that a president traveling somewhere can take up the time and energy of police and security.

Donated water is unloaded at a distribution site in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 18, 2021. (David J. Phillip/AP Photo)

Biden has taken few trips since being sworn into office. He traveled to two states last week, stopping in Wisconsin for a town hall and touring a COVID-19 vaccine plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Biden approved Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts request Saturday for a major disaster declaration, two days after the pair spoke over the phone.

Biden reiterated that the federal government will continue to work hand-in-hand with state and local authorities in Texas to bring relief and address the critical needs of the families affected, the White House said in a readout.

Abbott said Saturday that he appreciated the declaration but noted that it only allows individuals to ask for assistance in 77 of the states 254 counties.

While this partial approval is an important first step, Texas will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure all eligible Texans have access to the relief they need, he said.

Psaki said the declaration was partial because of a determination by FEMA.

What happens here is the governor requested a federal disaster declaration. The president asked his team to expedite that. And FEMA determined where the counties should bewhere it should focus the immediate resources, where the counties that are hardest hit so that they can make sure they get to the people in most need, she said.
An error which led cops to wrongfully stop and search paramilitary suspects could cost the force more than 50,000.

More than 100 republicans and loyalists were temporarily detained over a 12-day period last summer under anti-terror laws.

Derry New IRA chief Thomas Mellon is understood to be among this number.

A technical error meant that the stop-and-searches were unlawful as the paperwork had not been signed by a senior officer with the proper authority.

More than 100 compensation claims were lodged with the PSNI, which wrote to those affected last week offering individual payouts of 150.

But this has been rejected by the claimants, with legal sources telling Sunday Life they can expect payments of at least 500.

If so, this would bring the overall compensation bill for the PSNI to more than 50,000.

In some cases, not everyone illegally stopped and searched by police officers was a suspected paramilitary.

Relatives of dissident republicans and loyalists were among the 115 subjected to the unlawful action, with three aged under 18. Last December, the PSNI sent a written apology to those affected. Clarifying the mistake, a spokesperson said: "An error occurred because it was considered and signed by an individual who was an acting Assistant Chief Constable, rather than being temporarily promoted to the role.

"We have written to those individuals involved to inform them that the stop-and-searches were invalid and to apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Police have the power to conduct stop-and-searches under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act (2007).

This allows them, without the need of reasonable suspicion, to detain individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism or who they believe present a serious risk of violence and disorder.

However, approval for this must be signed off for a period of up to two weeks at a time - something which did not happen last summer.

After realising the mistake it had made, the PSNI referred itself to the Police Ombudsman and the Independent Reviewer of Justice and Security as part of "transparency around the powers".

A force spokesperson said: "As a police service, we use stop-and-search only when necessary for the protection of our community.

"We welcome the strict scrutiny and accountability that is in place to ensure the powers are used properly."

Having to pay out tens of thousands of pounds in compensation for unlawful stop-and-searches is the latest in a line of blunders to embarrass the PSNI.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne came in for heavy criticism when his officers broke up a small memorial service for the victims of the Sean Graham's betting shop massacre just days after cops watched 40 UVF men put on a show of strength in east Belfast.

Expand Close Police arrest survivor Mark Sykes at the Sean Graham massacre memorial / Facebook

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The failure of the PSNI to tackle paramilitary funerals that breach coronavirus regulations also led to allegations of two-tier policing.

It was revealed before Christmas that the force was to pay out 875,000 in damages to journalists Trevor Birnie and Barry McCaffrey, who were wrongfully arrested over material that appeared in a documentary they produced on the Loughinisland massacre.

cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk
Prince Charles' decision to return to Highgrove following his emotional visit to see the Duke of Edinburgh in a London hospital yesterday afternoon could be a sign that his father's condition is stable.

The Prince of Wales arrived at the back of King Edward VII's hospital at around 3.30pm on Saturday to visit his father, who was admitted earlier last week, but chose not to stay in London yesterday evening or head to Windsor, where the Queen is currently residing, after the visit.

Clarence House confirmed last night that the Prince of Wales did not stay in the capital and instead made the two-hour, 100-mile journey back to his Gloucestershire home, rather than choosing to remain close to the hospital or be with his mother in Windsor.

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Prince Charles' return to Highgrove following his 100-mile trip to London to visit his father could be a sign of optimism about the Duke's health. The Prince is pictured arriving at the rear entrance of King Edward VII hospital ahead of the visit on Saturday afternoon

Philip, pictured above in 2013, is expected to remain in hospital until next week. He was admitted on Tuesday after feeling unwell

The Marylebone hospital entrance appeared to have a strong police presence this afternoon

A pair of uniformed officers, wearing masks, were seen guarding the steps at King Edward VII Hospital

A number of London police officers were pictured outside the King Edward VII Hospital, where Prince Philip is being treated, on Sunday

On Sunday afternoon, a number of London police officers were pictured outside the hospital where the Duke of Edinburgh is being treated.

The Palace reiterated to MailOnline today the statement made about the Duke's health last week, saying the 99-year-old is likely to stay in hospital into next week, adding that all decisions have been taken with 'an abundance of caution'.

Charles is the first member of the royal family to visit Philip; it's thought the heir-to-the-throne spent, 72, spent around 30 minutes with his father.

Charles arrived at the hospital at around 3.20pm on Saturday in a grey Tesla car, and exited the vehicle wearing a face mask, before leaving around 30 minutes later.

The Prince appeared visibly emotional as he was driven away from the London hospital, which is currently only considering visitors in 'exceptional circumstances' due to the Covid pandemic.

It is thought Charles had not seen his father since before Christmas because of the nationwide coronavirus restrictions, with the Duke staying at Windsor Castle with the Queen.

Emotional: Prince Charles, pictured following his visit to the Duke, made a 200-mile round trip to spend half an hour at Philip's side

Charles arrived at the back of the London hospital where Philip, the 99-year-old husband of his mother Queen Elizabeth, has been since Tuesday. He returned to Highgrove after the short visit

Today is Philip's sixth day in the private London facility and comes as the fallout from the news about Harry and Meghan's departure from working royal life continues.

He is understood to have been aware the announcement on Harry and Meghan was due to be released yesterday.

Royal author Penny Junor said of Philip: 'We do all know he doesn't like fuss, and he would regard a visit as fuss.'

She said she did not know the reason for the visit, but added: 'Momentous things are happening in the family at the moment and I suppose it's perfectly possible that Charles wanted to go and talk to his father and reassure him about Harry.'

His visit to the hospital to see his father comes a day after he appeared alongside his wife the Duchess of Cornwall in a video message to urge ethnic minorities ignore fake news and get their Covid jabs.

The Prince of Wales is pictured arriving at King Edward VII's hospital in London to visit his father the Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday

Prince Charles is pictured sat in the front seat of his car and was wearing a disposable coronavirus face mask following his visit with Philip

Charles who along with the Duchess of Cornwall, 73, has had his first coronavirus jab, told of his concern about the 'variable uptake' among black and Asian Britons.

The prince, who spent much of the first lockdown at Birkhall in Scotland with the Duchess of Cornwall, spoke last year of not being able to see his father as coronavirus restrictions persisted.

He said in June 2020: 'Well I haven't seen my father for a long time. He's going to be 99 next week, so yes, or my grandchildren or anything.

'I've been doing the FaceTime, is all very well but t isn't the same, is it? You really want to give people a hug.'

At Christmas, Buckingham Palace confirmed the Queen and Philip spent the holiday period together at Windsor, apart from the rest of the royal family.

Prince Charles wore a grey suit and blue tie and was pictured being flanked by a protection officer as he got out of his car

Prince Charles left the hospital shortly before 4pm, half an hour after arriving. He is the first member of the royal family to visit Philip during the duke's four-night stay in hospital

The Queen had told Philip of Meghan and Harry's decision to not return as working members of the Royal Family and the statement she was going to release on the development.

Philip and Harry had always shared a close bond but a recent book suggested he had been left bewildered by his decision to walk away from the Royal Family.

Ingrid Seward, author of Prince Philip Revealed, said the Duke of Edinburgh 'walked away' from the situation after feeling that his advice was being ignored.

Seward's book said: 'For Philip, whose entire existence has been based on a devotion to doing his duty, it appeared that his grandson had abdicated his for the sake of his marriage to an American divorcee in much the same way as Edward VIII gave up his crown to marry Wallis Simpson in 1936.'
After discussions with the government over the last few days, Cairn Energy Plc said on Sunday it was hopeful that an acceptable solution to its tax dispute with the Indian government can be found, in order to avoid further prolonging and exacerbating the "negative issue" for all parties. However, the company said it was clear that it should continue to take all necessary steps to protect the interests of its shareholders.

It also said it was looking forward to being able to move on to further opportunities to invest in India, which continues to import the majority of the energy sources it consumes assuming a resolution to the dispute can be achieved. "Notwithstanding and without prejudice to our rights under the international arbitration award, we have discussed a number of proposals with the aim of finding a swift resolution that could be mutually acceptable to the Government of India and the interests of Cairns shareholders. Assuming such a resolution can be achieved, we look forward to being able to move on to further opportunities to invest in India which continues to import the majority of the energy sources it consumes," Cairn Energy said in a statement.

The Indian government had lost an international arbitration case to energy giant Cairn Plc under the retrospective tax legislation amendment in a verdict on December 21.

The company said the freezing of its assets in 2014 to enforce a retrospective tax measure has been extremely negative for all parties, and that it was "very keen to be able to put this legacy matter behind us and move forward positively".

An international arbitration seated in The Hague and constituted under the terms of the UK- India Bilateral Investment Treaty has ruled conclusively on the matter and issued a final and binding award in Cairns favour ordering the refund of the value of the assets taken, being $1.2 billion, plus significant interest and costs, noted the company. "That arbitration also ruled decisively that this matter falls within the jurisdiction of the UK-India Treaty, having heard arguments from the parties on that subject. We have had cordial and constructive discussions in Delhi over the last few days with officials from the Ministry of Finance."

Cairn said it enjoyed a long and successful history operating in India, investing billions of dollars and the business it created in India has generated more than $20 billion in revenues for the government.

While both the sides had hardened their stands by Cairn Energy filing for enforcement of a December arbitration award against the Indian government, India's revenue department has been preparing to file an appeal against the award. It is likely to file an appeal at The Hague by around March 10 and is in talks with senior Dutch lawyers. New Delhi has time till March 21 to file an appeal in accordance with a 90-day window.

The award will likely be contested on two key grounds  jurisdiction and international public policy. Thomson had, however, in a video message last week, expressed willingness to meet Sitharaman though the minister passed it on to the finance secretary.

Cairn Energy has filed a case in a US district court to implement the arbitration award. Earlier, the Edinburgh-based company had filed a similar case in a Dutch court.

In the appeal, India is expected to take a stand that the government has the sovereign right of taxation and private individuals cannot decide on that.

According to the Centre, the award falls outside the domain of a bilateral investment treaty and beyond the jurisdiction of international arbitration.

Also, the government is likely to invoke international public policy, arguing that Cairn did not pay tax in any jurisdiction across the globe.
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As mayors of Pennsylvania cities, we witness the human toll the pandemic takes each day it stretches on.

We see families losing loved ones, jobless workers struggling to make ends meet, kids stuck at home and isolated, and businesses closing their doors for good. Across our commonwealth, residents continue to suffer.

We see this pain every day. We see it in family members waiting in the snow for their weekly box of food, the elementary school student who hasnt signed on for online learning in weeks and the small-business owner who has finally laid off her last two employees after fighting to stay open for months.

Its time for our congressional leaders to step up.

It has been more than a year since the first cases of COVID-19 were detected in America and the anniversary of Pennsylvanias initial cases quickly approaches. In this time, the relief Pennsylvania and our cities have received from the federal government has been critical. Unfortunately, much more funding is still needed for American communities to recover and thrive.

Leaders in each of our cities have been forced to make difficult budget cuts in the wake of COVID-19 and without additional federal relief our residents will suffer even further. Members of Congress have the opportunity to go big with the next relief package and to provide the support that the American people need. Experts agree that the danger in this moment is not going big enough  a lesson learned during the Great Recession.

President Joe Bidens American Rescue Plan lays out a vision to address the ongoing COVID-19 emergency and its exactly the kind of comprehensive, bold plan Pennsylvania needs. The American public is hugely supportive of the plan. A recent Quinnipiac poll found that nearly 7 in 10 Americans favor passing the presidents plan, including 68 percent of independents. They know what we know  that Congress needs to go big to get our communities the help we desperately need.

Perhaps more important than anything else right now, the American Rescue Plan would help us vaccinate more people at a quicker pace. Expanded and coordinated vaccination efforts are absolutely essential to chart a path out of the pandemic nightmare. By prioritizing the health of our most vulnerable residents and restoring a sense of safety and confidence among the public, well be able to safely reopen our schools faster and begin rebuilding our local economies.

The plan will also help working families that continue to struggle by providing direct payments and enhanced unemployment benefits, rental assistance and an extended eviction moratorium, and food aid. It also supports our communities small businesses. These programs will help our neighbors keep a roof over their heads and food on their tables.

A crucial element of Bidens plan is direct aid to state and local governments of all sizes. Local governments revenues are severely diminished and we see few, if any, signs of hope for improving our financial position this year. Essential services such as public health, public safety and sanitation are at risk. We cant allow partisan politics to make us forget what we learned from the last recession: Cities are economic engines for their regions and not spending enough on federal stimulus will result in cuts at the local level that slow the pace of economic recovery in the long run.

Members of Congress must act and they must act soon. Our communities cannot wait. We waited months between the first relief package in March 2020 and the second in December and millions of Americans suffered as a result. People in Congress alone have the power to alleviate the pain many Americans experience and they should exercise it without delay.

We encourage all Pennsylvanians to contact their congressional representatives and let them know the message from Pennsylvania is clear: We need our federal representatives to support swift passage of the American Rescue Plan so we can beat back the virus and pursue a speedy and inclusive recovery. It simply cannot wait.
Press Release

February 21, 2021 National interest and welfare of all Filipinos are utmost priorities of PRRD, as the 'chief architect' of PH foreign policy, on decision on VFA, says Bong Go Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said on Friday, February 19, that he will respect whatever decision President Rodrigo Duterte will make in regard to the Philippines' Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States of America. As the chief architect of the country's foreign policy, Go said that Duterte has the prerogative to make such decision for the Philippines which, he stressed, is a "sovereign and an independent country". "Alam mo, nirerespeto ko po ang...desisyon ng ating Pangulo as the Chief Architect of our foreign policy. Sovereign country naman po tayo and independent country ang Pilipinas," he said during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Northeastern Misamis General Hospital in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental. Go also assured all Filipinos that Duterte is only concerned about the national interest of the country and welfare of all Filipinos. "So, kung ano po 'yung desisyon ng ating Pangulo, hindi naman po ibig sabihin ay maniningil ang Presidente. Kung ano lang po ang tama na kompensasyon para sa Pilipino," explained Go. "At alam ninyo... para sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte, interes po at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino ang mangunguna parati sa magiging desisyon natin para sa ating bayan," he further mentioned, adding that he and Duterte will not let Filipinos be taken advantage of. "At hindi kami papayag na ma-agrabyado po ang Pilipino sa anumang kasunduan. So, interest of the Filipino people, always po 'yan priority namin ni Pangulong Duterte," he said. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier demanded compensation from the US government if it wanted to keep the PH-US VFA, a 1998 bilateral agreement which allows US troops to conduct joint military exercises with Filipino troops and humanitarian missions in the country. Duterte ordered last year the abrogation of the agreement, but suspended it due to the pandemic and "heightened superpower tensions." Meanwhile, the new chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, said that the military respects the wisdom of Duterte as commander-in-chief regarding the VFA. "I am a soldier, a good follower. The President is the commander-in-chief and I respect his wisdom," Sobejana said in an interview. Sobejana added that the Philippine military should be able to stand alone and not become dependent on other countries. "As an organization, as the AFP, we should be able to stand alone. If we are so dependent on other countries, hindi tayo ano, sinasabi natin na (we can't say) we should be on top of the situation always," he said. When Duterte first proposed the abrogation of the VFA in February last year, Go expressed his confidence that the termination will be an opportunity for the country to assert sovereignty and reaffirm relations with the latter. The Senator said that he believes the termination of the VFA "is a chance for us to write a new and better chapter in Philippines-United States relations. We should now be able to renew our friendship, reaffirm our ties and resume cooperation as true co-equals." In a statement then, Go said that he also understands and respects the opposing views of his colleagues with regard to the position of the President to terminate the VFA. "We are a separate branch of government and it is the right of each senator to express their views. After all, we are a working democracy," he said. "Despite some differences in opinions, the Senate as a whole has been very supportive of the legislative agenda of President Duterte," he added.
Residents in the UAE are in for an extended holiday treat as Ascott welcomes guests with up to 25% off at their exclusive properties in Dubai.

Part of its prestigious portfolio, Ascott Park Place Dubai on the Sheikh Zayed Road, is home to splendid serviced apartments adorned in sheer style and sophistication, offering guests spectacular city views.

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Featuring separate living and dining areas, along with fully functional kitchenettes, the properties offer varied global leisure and lifestyle amenities. Both, Ascott Park Place Dubai and Citadines Metro Central Dubai are part of the global Ascott portfolio to have received accredited health and safety certifications, in line with the brands Ascott Cares initiative.

The Residents Special Promotion can be availed until the end of March at the-ascott.com/offers -- Tradearabia News Service
HALIFAX - The spouse of the gunman who killed 22 people in Nova Scotia last April told police that she has had guilty feelings and wonders whether others died because she ran away from her partner when his rampage began.

A couple pays their respects at a roadblock in Portapique, N.S. on April 22, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

HALIFAX - The spouse of the gunman who killed 22 people in Nova Scotia last April told police that she has had guilty feelings and wonders whether others died because she ran away from her partner when his rampage began.

Lisa Banfield told police that she questions whether Gabriel Wortman went to locations she might have run to in order to get help and then killed people as he went along.

"Lisa questions whether people would have died if she didn't run away," says information contained in a statement she provided to RCMP Staff Sgt. Greg Vardy on April 28. The information was used as part of a police application for a search warrant.

Previously released court documents related how Banfield had escaped after being assaulted by Wortman on the night of April 18.

After her escape, Wortman began a killing rampage that only ended the next day after a police officer shot him dead at a gas station in Enfield, N.S.

Banfield told police that in the days prior to the killings Wortman was "caught up with COVID-19," was talking about death and said that he knew he was going to die.

She said about a week before his deadly rampage, Wortman wanted to "load up" on gas because the price was low. Banfield told police he purchased $500 to $600 worth of gas and filled two 40 gallon blue coloured jugs and numerous red plastic jerry cans.

According to the documents, when police asked for further details about the gas purchase, Banfield said that Wortman was "very paranoid about COVID" and that one day they went to the gas station across from the Masstown Market to make the purchase.

Banfield told police it was like he was "preparing for the end of the world", noting he even wanted to buy a large quantity of rice and other food items.

On the night of the assault, the killer poured gasoline around his cottage in Portapique, N.S. and burned it to the ground. He later burned three homes belonging to people he killed.

Banfield previously told police that Wortman had been abusive towards her in the past and that she didn't report any of the incidents.

According to new information contained in the search warrant application, she said her former partner had become controlling over time.

She said she was close with her family, something he didn't understand and got upset about. Banfield also said she typically kept her nieces away from Wortman, who did not like children.

"He always said things about hurting her family so she was afraid to leave him," the documents state.

Banfield told police "she knew Gabriel Wortman was different but never thought he would do what he did."

Banfield, 52, is among three people charged with unlawfully transferring ammunition to the gunman in the month before his rampage. But police have noted that she and others had "no prior knowledge of the gunman's actions.''

Kevin Von Bargen, a Toronto-based lawyer who was friends with the couple, told police in an April 21 telephone statement that he had a "normal" conversation with Wortman just two days before the killings began.

He said they talked about COVID-19, bikes and bike parts, and Wortman's recent request for a permit to put an addition on his shed.

Von Bargen said they had been friends for three-and-a-half years after being introduced through a group of people who share a passion for restoring motorcycles.

He told police that he spoke with Wortman after the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, noting his friend was convinced the world economy was going to collapse. Wortman had even contacted his bank to redeem his GICs and collected about $475,000 in cash a month before the rampage, Von Bargen added.

Van Bargen described their friendship as "pretty strong", telling police that they had confided in each other in the past and that "Gabriel did not talk about having a grudge against anyone."

He told police he was shocked by what happened and that "Lisa Banfield had told him it sounded like Gabriel was going door to door looking for her."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2021.
SLMA urges setting up ethics committee on COVID-19 By Kumudini Hettiarachchi, Ruqyyaha Deane & Meleeza Rathnayake View(s): View(s):

Urging the setting up of a National Ethics Committee on COVID-19, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), the apex body of medical professionals in the country, on Wednesday handed over a letter to health officials.

It followed a two-hour symposium on Ethics in COVID-19 organized by the SLMAs Expert Committee on Ethics where important issues were debated. The letter was handed over to State Ministry of Primary Health Services, Pandemics & COVID-19 Prevention Secretary, Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva.

The symposium was chaired by SLMA President Dr. Padma Gunaratne and Dr. Preethi Wijegoonewardena (Chairperson of the Ethics Committee), with Dr. Surantha Perera (Secretary of the Ethics Committee) and Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne as co-facilitators.

Setting the tone, Dr. Padma Gunaratne reiterated that medical ethics stand on four strong pillars  non-maleficence, beneficence, justice andautonomy.

Echoing the need for strong ethics, Dr. Surantha Perera pointed out that the global ethics community is working together to address the ethical implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, from resource allocation and priority-setting, physical distancing, public health surveillance, health-care workers rights and obligations to conduct of clinical trials, which presentserious ethical challenges.

There is a great need for guidance to ensure proper decision-making, he said, adding that a National Ethics Committee on COVID-19 is needed in Sri Lanka to assist in control measures, data collection, initiating research, resource allocation and policy development.

Are we concerned about Ethics in COVID-19, was the question by Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne who said that ethics are the moral principles that govern a persons behaviour or the conducting of an activity.

Ethical considerations in COVID-19 are complex and are also determined by the pre-COVID status of the practice of ethics in the health system and society in general. There is a need for an honest and evidence-based appraisal of the situation; thus far which has not received much attention, he said.

Looking at the current status in Sri Lanka, Dr. Ariyaratne said that aspects of the medical/public health standpoint which need to be considered include Public Health Policy; the quarantine process (policy, transparency, quality of care); testing; contact tracing; stigmatizing affected individuals, contacts and those on quarantine; violation of privacy and confidentiality (vis-a-vis the quarantine law); treatment/patient care; management of the dead; normal functioning of routine preventive and curative health services and vaccine-related (equity and social justice) issues.

He said that from a social standpoint, they include media reporting/coverage and social media; misinformation/disinformation; stigma and discrimination; lockdowns  differential impact on communities; cost of preventive measures; and impact on vulnerable groups (children  abuse at home due to closure of schools, women  gender-based violence, differently-abled, elderly, patients on treatment for chronic diseases including mental illness, residents of care homes, prisoners and migrant workers  particularly women including returning migrants).

His plea was that even though Ethics in COVID-19 extends beyond the realm of public health practice, clinical care and research, the medical community bears the primary responsibility to give leadership to address ethical issues.

The WHOs Country Representative Dr. Razia Pendse spoke on the need for equitable resource allocation and not just financial resources but also human resources and medical products.

These days we are hearing a lot about vaccine nationalism and equitable access to vaccines, she said.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Ritsu Nacken pointed out that the pandemic has brought to light the structural and long-standing discrimination and inequality on a gender basis. A majority of healthcare workers are women and in many countries essential workers such as cleaners, those who work in supermarkets or the pharmacies, are also often women.

A lot of services moved from physical to virtual services and there are people who dont have access to technology, very often more women are in this category, she said, also highlighting the unseen aspect of access to reproductive health services.

Ms. Nacken urged that we really need to listen to the womans voiceparticularly those with a disability, migrant women and other women who are in more precarious situations.

Consultant Epidemiologist Dr. Deepa Gamage said it is important to consider personal interest whether to accept the vaccine or not and the personal requirement to get the vaccine versus the country requirement of the greater population.

If we dont have the ability to give equal vaccinations to everybody, then we have to identify the vulnerable population and how to consider the public health requirement to prevent the transmission or to protect the most vulnerable, she added.

Prof. Athula Sumathipala, a Psychiatrist, meanwhile, said that he is a strong believer in research but at the same time the other side of the coin is ethics. You can observe ethics while doing good research which is hugely needed and there are golden rules.

We must never compromise on ethical obligations even at gunpoint, he stressed.
Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, born and baptised Jeremiah Rawlings John as a Catholic, rose to fame, through the power of coups and left many legacies that spans across history of the Republic of Ghana, Africa and the world.



He was a charismatic leader and his ideologies, beliefs, sense of humour and love for his nation, which remained unmatched, gained him many names from the traditional, political, social and religious arena.



What is therefore in his name? He would hear people describe him with the many nicknames and was not bothered but would repeat some of this terms to reinforce the need for patriotism from citizens towards their nation.



Jeremiah Rawlings John later turned to Jerry Rawlings John and later metamorphosed into Jerry John Rawlings and short formed J.J. Rawlings.



History and words of the late President revealed that his middle name RAWLINGS in what is now known was mistakenly swapped with his actual surname JOHN, when he joined the Ghana Air Force and giving him that unique identity. Sometimes major mistakes reshape the future, how would it stand if his wife is referred to as Nana Konadu Agyeman John, or Dr Ezanetor John. Im sure Nana Konadu and Ezanetor would not have kept the John name.



He was quoted to have said that although he noticed the interchanges resulting from clerical mistakes that occurred at the time, he never objected since he thought there would be a problem to do so.



After his unsuccessful coup detat in 1979 coup, Rawlings gained the misnames, nicknames; such as Junior Jesus, Small Jesus, Control, Messiah among many others because at the time it alleged he saved humanity just as the biblical story of Jesus Christ and also ensured equity.



Others also read meaning into the abbreviated Jerry John (JJ) to mean Junior Jesus alongside his perceived saviour roles.



The late President is known for sweltering criticism and speeches against the political administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor after the 2000 elections and afterwards earned the late Rawlings, the title Jerry Boom, Mr Boom or Dr Boom.



Rawlings was referred to as Dzelukofe mafia because of his links to the area and having some key architects of his government hailing from Dzelukope. This phenomenon however started during the era of Dr Kwame Nkrumah with a misname as Nkrumah Show Boy. Other instances of misnames along tribal lines include the Akyem/Kyebi Mafia, Ashanti cabal and Fanti cabal.



Madam Francisca Kraka, a retired teacher, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA), she remembered the aftermath of the 1979 coup carried out by Mr Rawlings against some mismanagement of the countrys resources.



She said Rawlings ensured that commodities such as sugar, cloths, soaps, foodstuffs, were available to citizens to ensure that their lives were better and to citizens, only a Small Jesus could do this.



He was known as Control at the time because he monitored and control how commodities were sold and distributed to citizens and as a trader, you dare not sell the goods above the stated price nor hoard the goods. He was the Control.



Findings revealed that Rawlings nickname since 2001 is Dr Boom, following a speech he delivered warning Kufuors government that there could be an explosion (boom) if it dropped its guard.



At a press conference held on July 1, 2008, Mr Rawlings lashed out at President Kufuor and his New Patriotic Party, accusing them of using class war, divide and rule, fraud, violence and intimidation to keep themselves in office.



Shasha Marley, reggae artiste who composed the Maata Fish, Maata Tish and Maata Poo track, could not have best described the antagonism between Rawlings and Kufuor than to compose his buum buum waa waa track which also talked about exploitation by politicians while citizens wallow in poverty.



Surprisingly, these criticisms were not limited to opposition parties but to the very own he founded and party members, from flagbearers to national executives and to some extent, Members of Parliament (MPs) on the ticket of the Party.



One of the platforms of his Party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Rawlings generated the political term Babies with sharp teeth to express his displeasure on how some young politicians were disrespectful to authority and how it was not the right thing to do.



Among the names Rawlings was called was Junior Judas, just as he saved citizens to become Junior Jesus, he betrayed some citizens in his coup detats and executed some as well. Whether Junior Jesus or Junior Judas, it depended on your political persuasion.



Traditionally, Rawlings was accorded many accolades or nicknames for his roles in championing peace and development.



Rawlings was enstooled in December 2018, as Togbuiga Nutifafa I (Chief of Peace) of Anlo, a development chief in the Ghanaian chieftaincy system, a warrior chief by the Chiefs and elders of Winneba in the Effutu Constituency of the Central Region, in 2019.



The complexion and paternity root of the late leader also found its way into the misnames of Mr Rawlings as many referred to him as Yevuvia (Whiteman).



Jerry John Rawlings was born on June 22, 1947, in Accra, Ghana, to Victoria Agbotui, an Anlo Ewe from Dzelukofe, Keta, and James Ramsey John, a chemist from Castle Douglas in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland.



Mr Paul Addo, an educationist, told the GNA that among the nicknames that stood the test of time for the late political leaders were JJ, Saviour, Chairman and Junior Jesus, adding that, the rest were either by a group of people or emerged from events.



He noted that Mr Rawlings was precious to Ghanaians and was seen as a saviour and Junior Jesus changed the socio-economic situation of the nation.



Mr Rawlings is not the only man of many names; his successors are no different from him. Mr Kufuor known as Gentle Giant, Waa Waa, and sexy eyes, with the late President Atta-Mills carrying some of the shots and referred to as Asomdwehene (King of Peace), Prof, Ecomini, Do little.



Mr Mahama on the other hand is not left out as he was referred to as the Commissioner General, Dead Goat with the current President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, with misnames; Fellow Ghanaians, King Promise, Nana show boy, Addo Dee, Clearing Agent.



Every nickname of these political leaders stemmed from an action or statement just as we used to have nicknames back in schools, Churches and even homes. Some could just be a slip of the tongue as long as General Secretary remained Mosquito.



Posterity would come to give Rawlings a balanced view. I hope. And may it come to the conclusion that J.J. was the Friedrich Nietzschean, a German philosopher of Ghana, who may have stared too long into the abyss at certain times.



He booms without minding whose ox has been gored by defending the vulnerable in society through wide-ranging public commentary on social and political issues.



Globally admired for his charisma, sincerity, drive, patriotism, and participatory leadership approaches and unwavering advocacy for social justice and economic empowerment.





Source: GNA









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The jabs are set to arrive in the coming days, official assures.

Ukraine's health chief who recently flew to India to seal the issues of COVID-19 vaccine supply has reported on the progress as regards shipment.

Now the vaccine is already being loaded, while its arrival is expected in the coming days, Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on February 21.

The batch is currently being transported to Mumbai from where it will be picked up by a cargo plane to be delivered to Ukraine, with a stopover in Istanbul, Turkey.

"Today I personally supervised shipment of the first batch of AstraZeneca (CoviShield) vaccines from the manufacturing plant in the Indian city of Pune. A total of 500,000 doses of the vaccine are going to Ukraine, to be further distributed across regions according to plan drawn by the Ministry of Health [...] During transportation, temperature requirements that are necessary for preserving vaccine quality will be fulfilled," the minister wrote.

Corona vaccination for Ukraine: Background

Over the past weeks, health officials announced that COVID-19 vaccination would kick off February 15, while noting that delays were possible.

Read alsoReuters: Rich nations stockpiling a billion more COVID-19 shots than neededOn Monday, February 15, Minister Stepanov said the supply was "a little delayed" and should be expected on February 16-17. At the same time, the minister assured that the process of shipment of the first batch has already begun.

He explained that the initial date of February 15 was named based on preliminary information on the supply. But now, he added, "certain technical issues of a logistic nature have arisen."

Now Maksym Stepanov expects that vaccination would begin before the end of this week.

As reported earlier, by the end of 2021 Ukraine is supposed to have received almost 2 million doses of Sinovac, 2 million doses of AstraZeneca, and 10 million doses of Novavax vaccines.

Reporting by UNIAN

Foreign minister Jaishankar begins two-day visit to Indias south-western maritime neighbour

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar witnesses the exchange of agreements between India and Maldives on a wide range of domains. (PTI)

NEW DELHI: Even as External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar began his twoday official visit to the Maldives on Saturday, Indian tourists are setting the cash registers ringing in the tourism-dependent economy of Indias tiny south-western maritime neighbour.

As per statistics of 2021 so far, a whopping 30,000 Indians have visited the Maldives till mid- February out of a total of 1,38,000 foreign tourists this year, the highest number from any foreign nation visiting the Maldives. Even with the pandemic, a total of 62,905 Indians, largest number of tourists, visited the Maldives in 2020.

It became possible due to the creation of an Air Travel Bubble to facilitate the movement of people from both sides for the purpose of employment, tourism, medical emergencies and so on.

Maldives was the first neighbouring country with which an air bubble was operationalised and this boosted their tourist inflow. India had also undertaken a series of economic and financial initiatives at the peak of the pandemic to revive Maldivian economy and provide the muchneeded budgetary cushion to its dwindling revenues, primarily driven by tourism.

These included the extension of soft loan of US$250 million for budgetary support of the Maldives for the implementation of Greater Male Connectivity Project which is the largest civilian infrastructure project in the Maldives, connecting Male with three neighbouring islands by the construction of a bridge-and causeway link spanning 6.7 km, through a financial package consisting of a grant of US$100 million and a new Line of Credit of US$400 million.

In addition, Maldives was the first country to receive Covid vaccines from India, with New Delhi gifting one lakh doses to the tiny archipelago nation. Indo-Maldivian ties have become extremely close ever since President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih assumed office in the in November, 2018.

After completing his two-day visit on Sunday, the EAM will visit the small Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius on February 22-23.
New Delhi, Feb 21 : The government may consider asset management and asset reconstruction company model to monetise non-core assets of public sector enterprises (PSEs).

AMC and ARC or a bad bank has been proposed for the banking sector in Budget 2021-22 to acquire, manage and turnaround bad loans. The budget also talked about asset monetisation to unlock the true value of the assets lying with the government entities.

The plan now is to create a special purpose vehicle (SPV) under the government route that could take the shape of an AMC/ARC and help maximise the value of the assets of the PSEs.

Assets may first be transfer to the proposed SPV which will then devise a plan to improve them before finding a strategic buyer and completing the transaction.

Speaking to IANS earlier, DIPAM secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey had said that the SPV could look at monetising non-core assets of PSEs that are unable to undertake the work on their own and help them realise better value for assets that are unutilised or underutilised or are just lying idle without generating any revenue.

Asset monetisation is the process of creating new sources of revenue for the government and its entities by unlocking the economic value of unutilised or underutilised public assets. A public asset can be any property owned by a public body, roads, airports, railways, stations, pipelines, mobile towers, transmission lines etc. or even land that remains unutilised.

The DIPAM secretary said that while the contours of the asset monetisation SPV is still to be worked out, it has asked all government bodies and PSEs to identify a list of assets that need to be monetised. These would then be transferred to the SPV that will help improving the assets so as to maximise its value in the monetisation exercise.

With regard to land to be under monetisation, the plan is to create a central portal that could act as a land bank housing information about all such assets that have been lined up for utilisation by the strategic investors.

Sources said the AMC/ARC model for asset monetisation would work as it can help in maximising the value of public assets, thereby give better returns to the government and the PSEs. Certain assets may need to be improved before putting them up for auction. This work can be taken up by the AMC which can then put the asset up for sale and complete the transaction.

Pandey said that only non-core assets may be taken over by the proposed SPV and it would basically support smaller PSEs or those with inadequate infrastructure to undertake monetisation on their own. Larger entities like the Railways or other PSEs can continue on their own to monetise assets.

The Railways already has the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) for creating assets for Indian Railways through the development of vacant railway land for commercial use to generate revenue using non-tariff measures.

Though asset monetisation in bits has been undertaken in the past and few PSEs have initiated the exercise on this front, the government has given importance to this plan this year in the Budget and is actively looking to create a vast pool of state assets that would be sold off.

(Subhash Narayan can be contacted at subhash.n@ians.in)
Mosul's Assyrians Struggle to Rebuild Destroyed Housing

Now in his seventies, Joseph Gabriel has decided to return to his damaged house in Mosul, despite the property's uninhabitable state.

ISIS militants had taken hold of the property during their three year tenure in the city. Like many other residents of the city, the Christian local has yet to receive financial assistance to repair his home.

"This is my house. I bought it for a handsome amount of money," Gabriel told Rudaw on Friday.

"It is uninhabitable. How am I supposed to live in it? [...] I should be compensated in order to be able to cover the cost of repairing my house, to reside in it with my wife," he added.

Many churches still lie in ruin nearly seven years after ISIS swept through the province of Nineveh, with others slowly being rebuilt with the hopes Christians will return.

Only 50 families have returned to Mosul since the city was liberated from ISIS in mid-2017, according to Shahr Nuri, a priest at Mosul's Al-Bishara church.

"Activities are taking place at the Al-Bishara church in Mosul. Renovation works are coming to an end at the Mar Petros Chaldean Church. I believe, in the future, there will be more churches to be opened with the help of organizations," said the priest.

ISIS destroyed more than 30 churches in Mosul and 40 across the Nineveh Plains during their rule, according to data received by Rudaw from Chaldean bishop Najib Mikhael and MP Klara Odisho Yaqub in 2020.

Most Christians fled to the Kurdistan Region as the terror group advanced.

Some 1.5 million Christians lived in Iraq before 2003.

Only 350,000 remain, according to Mikhael and MP Yaqub.

Translated by Zhelwan Zeyad Wali.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a meeting with health officials at the government complex in Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap



South Korea will begin administering 117,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines to medical staff on Saturday as the vaccines are expected to arrive in the country later this week, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Sunday.



"On Feb. 26, 117,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines will arrive in the country and the vaccines will be administered to medical staff treating coronavirus patients starting on Feb. 27," Chung said during a meeting on the COVID-19 response held at the government complex in Seoul.



"As the government has taken responsibility in verifying their safety and efficacy, we ask that you trust them and fully participate in receiving inoculation of the vaccines," he said.



On Sunday, the country reported 416 more COVID-19 cases, including 391 local infections, raising the total caseload to 86,992. (Yonhap)












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Connecticut is losing bank branches at a faster rate than the rest of the country.

And while customers are using online and mobile apps more and more to do their banking business, at least one industry analyst doesnt see physical locations disappearing entirely.

Over the last decade, the number of bank branches in the state has dropped by 201 locations, for an overall closure rate of 16 percent, according to John Carusone, president of the Bank Analysis Center, a Hartford-based industry consulting firm. The national closure rate over the same period was 6 percent, Carusone said.

Connecticut is a fiercely, fiercely competitive banking market, he said. There is just no room for any branches that cant pull their own weight.

Historically speaking, he said, Connecticut has been over-branched and over-banked.

At one point during the 1980s, there were 125 banks and financial institutions doing business in Connecticut, according to Carusone. Now, there are 56, he said.

Connecticut still has roughly 25 percent more branches per household  or, alternatively, 25 percent fewer households per branch  than the U.S. as a whole, Carusone said. In other words, the Nutmeg State can still be said to be arguably more over-branched than the rest of the country.

Branch closings have come into sharper focus of late because some of the states largest banks have announced closures over the past several months.

In late December 2020, Webster Bank announced it was closing 16 branches in the state, including offices in Cheshire, Bethany and Hamden.

Kelly Raskauskas, a spokeswoman for the Waterbury-based bank, said Websters branches will close in phases to minimize disruption to customers, beginning in March and continuing through May.

With the realignment of our customers and clients to nearby banking centers, the bankers currently staffing the identified locations will transition to other centers within the Webster network, Raskauskas said.

Another large, Connecticut-based bank, Peoples United, followed suit in January, announcing it would close most of its supermarket branches in Connecticut and New York.

Bridgeport-based Peoples United has 84 branches located in Stop & Shop locations in Connecticut and 56 in New York. Officials with Peoples United said they will not begin the supermarket branch closings until 2022.

Sara Longobardi, senior executive president in charge of retail banking with Peoples United, said at the time that it was expected supermarket branch employees would be able to move into jobs at traditional locations nearby or transition into other roles within the company.

We feel confident that there will be minimal job impact as a result of closing the in-store branches over the long-term, Longobardi said.

Earlier this month, TD Bank announced it was closing six branches in Connecticut, including offices in West Haven and Woodbridge. Paige Wilkins, a TD Bank spokeswoman, said the goal is to deliver an optimal mix of convenient ... locations and digital banking products and services that are second to none.

With those goals in mind, we regularly evaluate our existing TD Bank stores and new locations, Wilkins said. In reaching a decision to close specific TD Bank stores, we consider many business factors, including the number of customers visiting our stores, transaction volumes, the locations proximity to other TD Bank stores and the number of customers who use multiple store locations.

Raskauskas said Webster officials have seen customer preference for digital and mobile banking increase.

Though this trend started well before the pandemic, its evolution has certainly been accelerated by COVID-19, she said. Weve made investments in our digital banking channels to help customers with more online services.

Many Connecticut consumers seemed comfortable with online banking and using mobile apps.

Neil Hutchins, a certified service dog trainer from Bethel, said he does 100 percent of his banking via a mobile app.

Its easy to use and I can keep track regularly, Hutchins said when asked why he prefers using mobile banking. Notifications are amazing. Also, as a service. I require ePayments and it makes transfers really simple.

James Bulger of Cheshire said he uses Ion Banks mobile phone app to pay his bills.

Once I loaded all the information for the bills and the account info, its seamless, Bulger said. I like it .

Richard Riedel of Monroe said he has been doing online banking for 20 years.

It has been very good for me as I dont have to waste checks and stamps, Riedel said. My visits to a bank have dwindled down to a handful a year. I have never had a problem and its great when traveling.

Jeff Natale of Cheshire said he refinanced his mortgage this week without having to go into a bank branch.

Everything was done over the phone and through the banks mortgage portal, Natale said. I have not been in the local branch since February 2020 and that visit was only due to the ATM being serviced.

Still, Carusone said he doesnt expect that branch offices ever will completely go out of style.

There are some things, like making investments and managing your money, that I think people want to do face-to-face, he said. And there are always going to be niche opportunities for banks looking to expand into another market.

An example of one such niche opportunity, according to Carusone, is Guilford Savings Bank opening a new branch in North Haven at the intersection of Washington and Blakeslee avenues.

The branch, which is expected to open March 1, is the banks first location beyond its traditional Shoreline market. Guilford Savings has six branches: 2 in Guilford, 2 in Madison, and single locations in Branford and Old Saybrook.

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a meeting of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)`s national office-bearers in New Delhi on Sunday. The meeting will be held at the NDMC convention centre between 10 am to 5 pm, a statement released by the BJP on Saturday stated.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present in the meeting. It will be chaired by party chief Jagat Prakash Nadda," the release said. PM Modi will inaugurate the meeting and address it. Apart from the national office bearers, state in-charge and co-in-charge and state chiefs will participate in the meeting," the release said.

The meeting assumes significance as it being held just months ahead of Assembly elections in four states - Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal - and one uion territory, namely Puducherry.

While, on Saturday BJP president J P Nadda chaired meetings of the party's national general secretaries and also general secretaries (organisation) of states on the eve of the first physical meeting of its new set of national office-bearers.

The leaders deliberated upon the agenda of the Sunday's meeting, and organisational work undertaken by state units, including poll campaign in election-bound states, were also reviewed, sources said.

These national official-bearers were appointed after Nadda took over as party president last year, and no physical meeting was held yet due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Two weeks ago, Jacinta Keegan stood outside the rain for the funeral of her nephew David McCormack in Drogheda, Co Louth. He was 29 years old and had a chronic disability that meant he fought for every second of his life.

He could not speak and spent his life confined to a wheelchair but he was at the heart of his big family, a cherished and beloved brother and son, who loved nothing better than a room full of people and lots of laughter and fun.

But David's death was not due to his medical condition.

After a year of being shielded by his family from the coronavirus, and while anxiously waiting for the vaccine, David died of Covid-19 on January 30.

"He had been fighting the virus for 17 days," said Jacinta. His lungs deteriorated and he died in hospital, with his family having to keep to a distance.

Standing outside the church in the rain, the mourners who could not go inside were organised into a line and invited to wave at David's family from a distance as they came out of the church.

Expand Close Paul and Jacinta Keegan with Amy. Photo: David Conachy / Facebook

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"I had to hug her [David's mum Caroline], I know I shouldn't have, but I knew what she was going through, I hope I never have to go to another funeral like it."

Jacinta knows exactly what her sister is suffering because she has also lost a child.

Sarah, who suffered from the same condition as her cousin, David, died a year ago.

Her surviving daughter, Amy, has the same condition, Duplication 12 P, a chromosomal abnormality that has left her with profound disability. She is at as high a risk of dying of the coronavirus as her cousin was.

In the UK last week, GPs began prioritising all patients with learning disabilities for the vaccine after alarming new evidence showed that 60pc of people in England who died from Covid-19 had a disability.

Corresponding figures in Ireland were not available to the Sunday Independent this weekend. But families of people with disabilities who are at greatest risk of dying of Covid-19 are pleading with the Government to vaccinate their group urgently as a "matter of life or death".

The vaccination roll-out programme focused initially on nursing home residents and staff and frontline health care workers.

The Health Service Executive only last week moved on to the third cohort, the over-70s, starting with those over the age of 85.

People like David and Amy - who fall into the category of being under the age of 64 with a medical condition and are at a higher risk of being hospitalised with Covid-19 - are seventh on the vaccine priority list.

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) is currently drawing up a list of medical conditions that should be prioritised for the vaccine.

Geraldine Conway, from Dulleek, Co Meath, says at present their profoundly disabled children are too far down the priority list.

"There has been no update whatsoever on when we might get the vaccine," she said.

"All of us as parents are living on edge."

Geraldine's son, Alex (24), has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user.

He also has severe epilepsy and an intellectual disability - and has already had pneumonia in this third wave, which involved a frightening trip to hospital.

She has written to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, but has yet to receive a substantive reply from him.

Geraldine is now pushing for GPs here to submit a list of vulnerable patients to the Health Service Executive for priority vaccination.

"He would not survive Covid-19, absolutely not. Part of the reason they are so vulnerable is their lungs.

"They are not moving around. They are sitting in a difficult position. They do physio to keep a normal flu or cold at bay. So what chance do they have with Covid-19?"

Jacinta Keegan and her sister Caroline were identified as carriers of the genetic condition after Caroline gave birth to David. It meant there was a risk but no certainty that they would pass the gene to their children.

Amy Keegan can't walk or communicate, and she is not verbal. But she communicates in all sorts of other ways. She laughs and smiles and makes her feelings known.

"She loves cuddles with her dad. He has her ruined since he finished work because of the pandemic - she loves his cuddles." says Jacinta.

Her cousin, David, loved parties, said Jacinta. "He loved having company and people around and loved watching people. He loved music.

"He loved his sister playing the recorder."

Amy is especially precious to Jacinta and her husband, Paul, since David's death, and having lost their first-born daughter Sarah at 26.

"Covid is such a big worry. They can't fight it if they get it. Disabled children can't wear masks if they go out, most can't tolerate them, so you can't bring them anywhere."

For Geraldine and her son Alex, and for Amy's parents, Jacinta and Paul, the vaccine cannot come too soon.

Jacinta said David and Amy's grandfather is due to get the Covid-19 vaccine this week, and she knows that if he could, he would swap his place with Amy.

It is sadly too late for David.

The Department of Health said Minister Donnelly has received recommendations from NIAC and will bring a revised COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Strategy to Cabinet for approval next week.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-20 20:47:17|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 19, 2021 shows United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (on the screen) addressing the virtual Munich Security Conference. (Marc Mueller/MSC/Handout via Xinhua)

To play a stronger global role in today's world, Western countries need to rise above ideological bias and join forces with countries that have different social systems, history and cultures and are at different development stages to work for the prosperity of a global village in which all have a stake.



BERLIN, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- For two years in a row, the world's major gathering on international security policy, the Munich Security Conference, focused on the term "Westlessness."

The restlessness behind this feeling of deficiency of the West seemed to come to a pause on Friday as leaders of major Western countries, such as U.S. President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as well as leaders of NATO and other international organizations shared their views on "Beyond Westlessness," the theme of this year's event, in a live broadcast online.

Analysts say Friday's conference was a "warm-up party" to renew transatlantic cooperation amid a subtle change of tide across the Atlantic.

European leaders at the conference showed a sense of relief that the new president of the United States has vowed to "work closely" with Europe, and applauded Washington's new steps to rejoin the Paris Agreement and reverse the U.S. process of withdrawing from the World Health Organization.

Photo taken in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 19, 2021 shows U.S. President Joe Biden (on the screen) addressing the virtual Munich Security Conference. (Marc Mueller/MSC/Handout via Xinhua)

Despite all the optimism, many divisions among the Western allies persist, including energy policy concerning the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, as well as the recent wrangle over the supply of medical equipment and the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

Meanwhile, a string of global and thorny challenges like the coronavirus crisis, economic recession, climate change and poverty cannot be solved by "the West" alone without the rest of the world, no matter how "Western" the West wants the world to be.

Unfortunately, speakers at the Munich Security Conference still displayed a lingering Cold War mindset, distinguishing "we" from "them."

Indeed, a nostalgia-inspired return to underline the superiority of the Western culture and stigmatize differences has become a powerful force. Believers of Western-centrism like to depict the world in antagonist terms ranging from "challenge," "competition" to "confrontation," and stoke fears of a different civilization.

Volunteers walk past the south square of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the 3rd China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 3, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Fei)

Viewing an interconnected world through a simplistic binary lens could obscure the reality that the gravest threats are transnational and pay no heed to north, south, east or west.

Instead of trying to preserve yesterday's West-led world order, it is now up to all to look ahead and craft a more inclusive world order for the future.

The still-ravaging COVID-19 pandemic has once again reminded humanity that global problems require global efforts, and that the future of all countries is interconnected.

To go beyond "Westlessness" is not to move back to pursue Western assertiveness.

Just as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the conference, the West needs to understand that "the world is now much more multi-polar," and "engage in a meaningful dialogue and cooperation with other key actors on the global stage."

To play a stronger global role in today's world, Western countries need to rise above ideological bias and join forces with countries that have different social systems, history and cultures and are at different development stages to work for the prosperity of a global village in which all have a stake. 

More than 19 nonprofit groups are benefitting from hundreds of thousands in funds distributed by the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation.

The foundation, which Christian Frederick Martin IV began in 1996, annually distributes funds to support programs. A total of 55 area and national businesses were named as recipients during the December 2020 Board of Directors meeting.

This years grants mark a quarter century of giving. Since inception, the foundation has distributed about $3.7 million in grants, including $380,000 in 2020.

The foundations core principles are to support Martin Guitars engagement with nonprofit music, arts, education, environmental action and human service organizations. The foundation does not fund political or religious organizations or activity. Directors manage the foundations assets conservatively to allow for longterm planning and seek best value from foundation grant-making for the people and causes that their grantees serve, foundation representatives said.

Lehigh Valley and regional organizations receiving foundation support for 2020 were: Allentown Rescue Mission; ArtsQuest; Center for Humanistic Change; Community Music School; Da Vinci Science Center; Godfrey Daniels; Greater Easton Development Partnership; Lehigh Gap Nature Center; Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley; Miller-Keystone Blood Center; Moravian Historical Society; Muhlenberg College; New Bethany Ministries; Northampton Community College Foundation; PBS 39; Second Harvest; State Theatre Center for the Arts; Touchstone Theatre; WDIY-FM; and several other Lehigh Valley charities.

The Northampton Community Foundation grant supports equipment and materials for the colleges guitar-making program in Bethlehem. In Nazareth, the foundation supported the YMCA, Memorial Library, Nazareth Area Food Bank, and several other charities.

The foundation also made grants to national organizations with strong arts presence and programs in acoustic guitar education and research. They included Guitars in the Classroom in San Diego, California; International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky; the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York; Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona; Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California; Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Illinois; Southern Folklife Collection at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina; WHYY in Philadelphia; Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and several other organizations.

The foundation supported current projects at the Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings in Hawaii, honoring the life of musician Major Kealakai, who lived from 1867 to 1944 and played a key role in the development of Martins flagship guitar, the Dreadnought.

The foundation currently is accepting applications for 2021 grants between Aug. 1 and Sept. 1. To obtain guidelines, send inquiries by email to dickboak@gmail.com.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.

Long before COVID-19 created chaos for schools, Scranton, Philadelphia and other school districts were immersed in emergencies created by asbestos and lead contamination in school buildings.

The problem is especially acute in many urban districts because their buildings often are old, but it is far from exclusive. Even districts formed by state-mandated mergers 40 years ago  which often included the construction of new schools  have problems with toxic materials.

Friday, a group of state House and Senate Democrats, including Rep. Kyle Mullins of the 112th District in Lackawanna County, proposed a plan to attack hazardous conditions in public school buildings statewide.

The first part of the plan would expand the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, the states principal economic development program, by $1 billion specifically to fund hazardous material removal projects in public schools.

The second proposal would use federal funding from the pending American Rescue Plan, which likely will be passed by the U.S. House this week, to create the Public School Building Emergency Repair and Renovation Grant program. It would provide grants to public schools for emergency repairs including lead and asbestos remediation, and repair or replacement of HVAC and electrical systems, plumbing, roofs and window repair or other physical problems that are health or safety issues.

Providing safe environments for all students is part of the state governments state constitutional mandate to provide equitable public education.

Funding the projects also would provide a job-creating economic boost for the construction industry when the COVID-19 emergency finally recedes.

This is the definition of a nonpartisan issue that cuts across a broad swath of the society. Lawmakers of both parties should get behind the sensible plan to provide safe environments for all of the states more than 1.6 million public school students.
Unearthing the forgotten Lion in faraway Chelsea Yomal Senerath-Yapa looks back at the beginnings of our national flag as winds of change began to sweep across then Ceylon View(s): View(s):

In 1912, Dr. Joseph Pearson, Director of the Colombo Museum, realized that as the 20th Century ticked away, an overlooked tradition of Sinhalese standards and banners was slowly decomposing in musty pettagamas in old walawwas and viharas. These were flags full of lore and elegance often flamboyant with peacocks brandishing cobras in their beaks, stylized elephants, the virile gaja-sinha (half-lion half-elephant) or mythic Garuda birds.

So began an inventory of old Sinhalese flags assigned to antiquarian E. W. Perera (the Lion of Kotte) with the help of Government Agents and chiefs across the island. But it was an endeavour that did not finally satisfy him or Dr. Pearson because the full heraldic splendour they hoped for did not dazzle the Kandy kachcheri where the newly put together collection was displayed. It was simply not spectacular enough.

It was this disappointing inventory that prompted Perera to go further and look for the old royal ensign of Lanka- the lion flag- in England whither it had been taken to in the previous tumultuous century. Sri Lankans then had no flag but the Union Jack.

The Lion flag, it is said, was taken by Dutugemunu to war where it fanned cold Elaras men. It was then a swallow-tailed flag, with a sun and moon above the lion, the same lion later adopted by two Kotte kings- Buvanekabahu III and Buvanekabahu VI.

While these claims have been challenged, there can be no doubt that the last king of Kandy, Sri Wickrema Rajasinha, had a lion flag with four stylized Bo leaves in the four corners.

It was this flag plundered by the British just as the earrings of the queen were torn off her ears that E.W. Perera sought. Searches in museums and the College of Arms with the help of the then Somerset Herald proved futile.

Quite miraculously and accidentally, the flag was finally discovered at the Chelsea Hospital together with other standards and the eagles of Napoleon, kept there apparently to be shown to the dying ex-soldiers as evidence of their achievements for motherland.

The Wijewardene brothers  D. R. (founder of Lake House) and D. C. gave ample publicity to the discovery of the flag at a time when anti-imperialism was growing among the people. D. R. had the flag copied in colour by Messrs. Southwood and Co., Regent Street, London.

Meanwhile, March 2, 1915 was to begin with a journalistic bang. The Dinamina had not forgotten that it was the centenary of the Kandyan Convention when the British took possession of Ceylon. The front page of the broadsheet (and many pages besides) were dramatically reserved for the story of the last king and of the British in Ceylon- part of it rather incendiarily titled, The Rise and Fall of the Sinhalese Kingdom. It had a Sinhala copy of the Kandyan Convention, and colour copies of the rediscovered lion flag.

It was the first instance colour photos were printed in a Sinhala paper. Copies were sold out by ten in the morning and the police had to marshal the crowds thronging Lake House for papers.

From that year till 1948, the Lion ensign was used as the national flag all but officially- from a troop of scouts travelling to Australia, to the University of Ceylon.

As Independence approached, an official flag was amongst the things under discussion. As the lion stood for the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims clamoured to know how they would be heraldically incorporated. Among the suggestions was two bars in yellow and white occupying one half of the flag. The Leftists not to be outdone insisted they wanted the red flag with the hammer and sickle.

On January 27, 1948, premier D. S. Senanayake appointed a national flag committee comprising SWRD Bandaranaike, Sir John Kotelawela, J. R. Jayawardene, T. B. Jayah, Lalith Abhaya Rajapakse, G. G. Ponnambalam and S. Nadesan.

On February 10, 1948 (six days after Independence was declared) the Duke of Gloucester opened the first Parliament in a glittering ceremony. The Lion Flag was in evidence alongside the Union Jack, though in certain localities of the North East only the British standard whipped the air- as it was expressly forbidden for a Tamil variant called the Nandi flag to fly.

On March 16 that year, the national flag committee was brought under the secretaryship of the grand old man of Ceylons antiquities, Dr. Senarat Paranavitana. The committee began laboriously to gather the views and sentiments of the new nation  from Director of the National Museum P. E. P. Deraniyagala and Sir Ivor Jennings to the humblest village co-operative society.

On February 13, 1950, the committee submitted its recommendations- which was basically to add two bars, one orange and one green, to the old flag.

It was to be greeted with a hubbub in the House. Some did not want the old flag distorted while others opined it did no justice to the minorities. Others rhapsodized about a Commonwealth flag like Australias.

Despite the debates, after a ballot held on March 2, 1951, the new design became officially, the first ever national flag of Lanka.

Used to cover the coffins at the state funerals of D. S. Senanayake and SWRD Bandaranaike, the flag was soon to be invested with all solemnity and gravitas of a national symbol in the peoples eyes.

In 1972, when the Republic of Sri Lanka came into being, ousted with the moniker Ceylon were the four stylized feudal Kandyan Bo leaves from the old royal standard. In their stead were four natural Bo leaves- ironically at the instigation of our most Kandyan of premiers, Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike.

Gender bender It was SWRD Bandaranaike who, in those pre-1952 debates, in a playful mood, brought up the gender of the Sinhalese lion. MP C. Suntharalingams repartee was that it was clearly a eunuch. The mane leaves no doubt that its no lioness- and about half of heraldic lions are depicted with no other sign of gender- but in President Premadasas time, the lion was depicted as clearly male though that detail has been considered unnecessary since then.

Cracking the map The old language of heraldry blends with nouveau symbolism in the Lion flag. The king of beasts symbolizes the Sinhalese, the strength of the nation and bravery. The sword stands for the sovereignty of the nation. The four Bo leaves signify the four sublime states of mind in Buddhism: Metta (loving kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), and Upekkha (equanimity). The orange bar is for Sri Lankan Tamils and the green bar for the Sri Lankan Moors. The maroon stands for the Sinhalese while the yellow border is for other minorities- including the Burghers, the Malays, the Parsees and the Africans.
Australias Covid-19 vaccination program starts on Sunday, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and senior medical officials set to join a group of aged-care residents and staff in receiving the first shots.

Morrison and the nations chief medical and nursing officers will be among a small group receiving the vaccination to help build public confidence in its safety, Health Minister Greg Hunt said on ABC television.

The broader rollout will start on Monday.

Hunt said on Feb. 15 that Australias first vaccines had arrived, when more than 142,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech shot landed at Sydneys airport.

About 80,000 doses of the vaccine will be released in the first week.

Australia is giving priority to hotel quarantine and border workers, front-line health-care workers and aged-care residents and staff.

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Liberal Party figures vying to win back Tony Abbotts former seat of Warringah are tearing into their colleagues over climate policy as they position themselves for a looming preselection contest centred on the environment.

Several Liberals are circling to take on independent MP Zali Steggall in the northern beaches electorate, including state Liberal executive Alex Dore, lobbyist Sasha Grebe, barrister Jane Buncle, the Menzies Research Centres Tim James and state upper house member Natalie Ward.

Liberal Party executive Alex Dore says the state government was wrong to keep two of the Freshwater ferries part-time. Credit:Rhett Wyman

Mr Dore, who lives in Manly, attacked the campaign to retain two of the old emission-spewing Manly ferries, which the state government has now decided to do, arguing they should be replaced immediately and put in a museum.

Being ambitious on emissions reduction means holding ourselves to the same standard as the rest of Australia, Mr Dore told The Sun-Herald, calling it NIMBYism to keep the famous Freshwater ferries part-time.
https://www.aish.com/jw/id/The-First-Druze-Attack-Navigator-in-the-Israeli-Air-Force.html

Over a distinguished career, Lieutenant Col. A had fought in the Second Lebanon War, Operations Pillar of Defense and Protective Edge. An exclusive Aish.com interview.

There are around 150,000 Druze Arabs living in Israel, mainly in the Galilee, Carmel region and Golan Heights. A monotheistic religion that dates back to the tenth century in Egypt which contains aspects of Islam and other religions, Druze principles focus on honesty, loyalty, piety, altruism and patriotic sacrifice. Druze Arabs are subject to conscription like other Israelis. Today there are thousands serving in the army, navy and air force.

There was never any doubt that I wanted to pursue a career in the IDF, Lt. Col A told Aish.com. He wanted to be an elite combat soldier or Navy Seal, but when he aced his physical and mental tests and was offered a place on the prestigious pilots course, he changed his mind. In a highly selective, grueling training course, each year only 40 pilots and navigators graduate to the air force. In 2003, Lt. Col A made history and became the first Druze attack navigator, beginning his combat service on the IAFs F-16 fleet.



Lieutenant Colonel A, pictured with an F16. The covenant that exists between the State of Israel and the Druze community is very strong; we are an inseparable part of Israel.

My community made a huge party with all of the local sheikhs and hundreds of guests. From my communitys reaction I understood that it was a big achievement.

Now 38 years old, and a father of three, Lt. Col A, lives with his family at the Hatzerim Air force base in the Negev desert. Originally from the Carmel region, he is following in his father's footsteps defending Israels security. His father was a Brigadier General in the Police Force, while his grandfather, although born in Syria, made history becoming the first Druze officer in the IDF.

Lt. Col A's grandfather was originally a commander of Druze soldiers aligned with the Syrian army who invaded the newly-created State of Israel in 1948. He dramatically changed sides in the war.

My grandfather volunteered to fight against Israel because the Druze were told that the Israeli army was attacking its indigenous Druze population. Yet when he and his force crossed the border, a representative of the Druze community approached him and explained that he was lied to and that the Israelis were in fact on very good terms with the Druze population.

At first, my grandfather thought it was an ambush, but then he believed what he had been told and returned to Syria. When senior officers heard he had refused to follow his orders, he was sentenced to hang.

With his wife, and son. Lt. Col A has three children and lives with his family at the Hatzerim air force base in the Negev Desert.

His grandfather managed to flee across the border to Israel.

The Druze community took him in, kept him safe and taught him some Hebrew. Soon after, he was made an officer in the IDF. Lt. Col A's grandfather fought in the Six Day War, and was awarded a medal of bravery.

His grandfather died ten years ago. We were extremely close, he says. I would go to him every day after school to drink coffee and talk together. When I finished the pilots course, he said it was the happiest day of his life. He said it was like a dream and closed the circle for him.

Active service

I always try to tell my familys story to the other soldiers I meet. I feel it brings the soldiers closer together. He adds, The covenant that exists between the State of Israel and the Druze community is very strong; we are an inseparable part of Israel.

During the Second Lebanon War in the summer of 2006, Lt. Col A was called to defend the north of Israel. I was defending my own home and my family. I was part of missions destroying Hezbollah rocket batteries and launch pads. It was a great feeling of pride to be able to do this.

Over the years, Lt. Col A has defended Israel in multiple operations and wars including Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012 against rocket attacks from terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip and in Operation Protective Edge two years later.

Druze soldiers excel throughout the IDF. Last year, Shaldag one of its most elite combat units welcomed its first Druze commander. (Picture courtesy IDF Spokesman)

Conflict of interests

With communities also in Lebanon and Syria, Israels Druze soldiers have often found themselves in situations fighting against family members.

It is complicated, Lt. Col A says. My grandma lives in Lebanon, but I have no dilemma. One of the major tenets in our religion is an absolute commitment in defending the land where you live. Druze soldiers will give their life for this country.

A 2017 race in memory of the Druze soldiers who have fallen in battle defending the State of Israel

Family Man

With a wife and three children aged 9,10 and 11, Lt. Col A acknowledges, Its not easy to be a family man during war times. The Israeli air force is one of the safest in the world, but like all things in life, there are dangers and I try to keep some things from my children.

After several years of intense active duty, today Lt. Col A is now the Commander of the IDF Flight School. His responsibilities include overseeing the courses and training which prepare junior and senior officers for operations and for war.

In this role he has helped to establish several military academies within the Druze community which serve as feeders from schools to the air force.

It sounds strange, but my best friends in the air force are religious and traditional Jewish soldiers. We share a love of tradition and that brings us together. I also have some friends who are Muslim Arabs. Most of them really respect what I do and an increasing number are choosing to enlist to the IDF and take more of a part in the country.

As Druze soldiers, we certainly feel a sense of appreciation from other Israelis." Lt Col A concluded. "I am so proud to be Israeli, that I have reached such a high rank in the air force, and that we are now such an integral part of the army.
FLINT, MI -- Flint schools is getting creative to help celebrate Black History and increase student awareness of higher education opportunities.

In honor of Black History Month, Flint Community Schools students are touring historically Black colleges and universities (or HBCUs). So far, more than 30 students have toured Central State University and Xavier University. Tours are also scheduled for Clark Atlanta University in Georgia and Howard University in Washington, D.C.

This is the first year the district has set up tours of HBCUs, Community School Director Mohammed Aboutawila said. While the pandemic has made touring universities difficult for students, it has also pushed schools to find creative ways to provide these experiences virtually, he added.

During February, why no allow our students to have the opportunity to gain a rich experience of a Black institution? Our students feel welcome and feel embraced and feel like theyre learning about culture in itself and how important it is, Aboutawila said. Theyre learning how they are kings and queens and they come from a bloodline of heroes.

Some students have expressed that they would like to attend an HBCU and come back to Flint after their degree to make an impact on the city, Aboutawila said.

I think thats tremendous, he said. I think its great that were lifting that student voice and choice.

Kori Richmond-Sattiewhite, a senior honors student at Southwestern Classical Academy, had been leaning toward going to Wayne State University before participating in the virtual tours.

Now, Richmond-Sattiewhite, 17, applied and was accepted to both Central State University and Xavier University. She was offered a scholarship to Xavier, where she now hopes to study anesthesiology after graduation. She said she learned on the tour that Xavier is a pipeline for Black students pursuing a career in a medical field.

Xavier University produces the most Black graduates who later graduate from medical school than any other university in the country, according to a 2015 report by the New York Times.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Richmond-Sattiewhite said she has remained motivated to work to better the world.

It was hard at first because I was like, I dont know if Im gonna be able to do this, because online school was just not for me at all. Because last year, Im gonna be honest with you, I was barely keeping up with my work after we got sent home from school that Friday and never went back, Richmond-Sattiewhite said in reference to the March shutdown of schools when COVID-19 first hit the state.

The source of Richmond-Sattiewhites inspiration is personal, she said. Her friend Alexis Gwendolyn Aaron, who Richmond-Sattiewhite used to share a locker with, was shot and killed in July.

Related: Friends and family hold vigil for 17-year-old girl shot and killed in Flint

She passed away and it made me really sad. On the first day of school I went to her funeral, so I was like, I cant give up on school, Richmond-Sattiewhite said. I gotta graduate for her. Im doing it for her and myself, and I dont want to let her down. So Im gonna keep pushing and striving for greatness.

Read more on MLive:

The pandemics psychological toll on our children

Flint parents urged to use free Early On evaluation services for infants and toddlers

Flint grapples with pandemic-fueled surge in homicides, crime

Mental health struggles are surging in Michigan families during the pandemic. Here are their stories.

Clio schools ups pay, incentives in face of bus driver shortage exacerbated by COVID-19
News Myanmar Army Unit Accused of Rohingya Atrocities Used in Deadly Crackdown: UN

Soldiers from the 33rd Light Infantry Division are seen near the Yadanabon dockyard in Mandalay, where military and police personnel violently cracked down on anti-regime protesters on Saturday. / 7DAY TV

YANGONThe Myanmar military regime used a Light Infantry Division that is responsible for mass atrocities against the Rohingya during a deadly crackdown on anti-regime protesters and civilians in Mandalay, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights situation Myanmar.

At least two people, including a teenage boy, were shot dead when security forces shot live and rubber bullets into an anti-military regime crowd near a government shipyard on Sunday in Myanmars second biggest city. Many people were wounded.

The media and residents witnessed nearly 100 security personnel made up of soldiers and riot police in more than one dozen army trucks deployed on Sunday.

After the fatal attacks, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights situation Myanmar, Tom Andrews, wrote on Twitter that the soldiers reportedly involved in the lethal Mandalay crackdown were from the 33rd Light Infantry Divisionthe same division responsible for mass atrocity crimes against the Rohingya in 2017.

Pictures taken by local media show troops on the scene dressed in camouflage with arm badges emblazoned with 33.

According to a Reuters special report, the infantry division is among two units that took a leading role in the 2017 conflict that prompted 700,000 Rohingya to flee Myanmar following the troops clearance operation in western Myanmar. Many of them claimed arbitrary arrests, arson and killing by the soldiers.

The report said the 33rd Light Infantry Division led military operations in the village of Inn Din, where Reuters exposed a massacre of 10 Rohingya men and boys by soldiers and Buddhist villagers.

Following the Mandalay shootings, Andrews condemned a dangerous escalation by the junta in what appears to be a war against the people of Myanmar.

From water cannons to rubber bullets to tear gas and now hardened troops firing point blank at peaceful protesters. This madness must end, now! Special Rapporteur said.

Saturdays deadly shooting saw Myanmars second and third protest-related fatalities since people across the country took to the streets on Feb. 6 to oppose the military regime. The military seized power from the countrys democratically elected government on Feb. 1.

The lethal attacks in Mandalay prompted instant international condemnation.

Governments from Western countries and Asia, and the United Nations condemned the crackdown and threatened further action against the Myanmar military and security forces for the arbitrary killing of civilians.

In response to the violent crackdown by the military regime, the US said that no one should be harmed for exercising their right to dissent, saying that it is deeply troubled by the fatal shooting of protesters in Mandalay.

Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, said that the shooting of peaceful protesters in Myanmar is beyond the pale.

He said the UK will consider the further action with other international partners against the military regime, which is crushing democracy and choking dissent.

On Thursday, the UK imposed sanctions on Defense Minister General Mya Tun O, Home Affairs Minister Lieutenant General Soe Htut, and his deputy, Lt Gen Than Hlaing, for their role in serious rights violations, following the coup in Myanmar.

The European Union also responded that it strongly condemned violence against peaceful civilian protesters by the military.

Josep Borrell, EU Minister for Foreign Affairs, wrote on Twitter, I urge the military and all the security forces in Myanmar to immediately stop violence against civilians.

He said EU ministers will discuss the latest events in Myanmar at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting scheduled on Monday, to take appropriate decisions.

Denmark also called on the Myanmar military and police to refrain from violence against the peaceful demonstrators and civilians.

On Sunday, the Japanese government said it strongly condemns the Myanmar security apparatus for causing casualties among civilians, saying that using force with guns against peaceful protests can never be tolerated.

Press Secretary Yoshida Tomoyuki said that the Japanese government strongly urges the Myanmar security apparatus to immediately stop resorting to violence against civilians.

It said Japan once again strongly urges the Myanmar military to release those who are detained including State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and to swiftly restore Myanmars democratic political system.

Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore said, We are dismayed by the reports of civilian casualties in Mandalay following the use of lethal force by security forces against demonstrators in Myanmar.

It said that the use of lethal weapons against unarmed civilians is inexcusable, adding that Singapore strongly urged the security forces to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further injuries and loss of lives, and take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and restore calm.

The authorities must prevent further violence and bloodshed, it said

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that he condemns the use of deadly violence in Myanmar, saying that the use of lethal force, intimidation and harassment against peaceful demonstrators in unacceptable.

In response to the coup and violence against civilians in Myanmar, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged that countries immediately impose targeted economic sanctions, global travel bans, and asset freezes on all members of the cabinet and State Administrative Council (SAC), and the military business conglomerates Myanmar Economic Holding Corporation (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC). Moreover, it urged sanctions on the entities subsidiaries and all directors and officers of military conglomerates.

HRW also called on the United Nations Security Council to impose a global arms embargo.

The measures should block the direct and indirect supply, sale, or transfer of all weapons, munitions, and other military-related equipment, including dual-use goods such as vehicles, communications, and surveillance equipment, as well as the provision of training, intelligence, and other military assistance, HRW said.

HRW also urged that countries should call on Russia and China to cut their sales and assistance to Myanmar, as well as Ukraine, Turkey, and Israel.
Aged care resident Jane Malysiak, 84, has become the first person to receive the Pfizer vaccine in Australia as the countrys COVID-19 vaccination program begins.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly also got their first doses on Sunday in a show of confidence for the national coronavirus immunisation program.

Jane Malysiak recieved Australias first COVID-19 vaccination. Credit:Edwina Pickles

Mr Morrison said he was not nervous and would look the other way as the needle entered his arm.

Mr Morrison and Mrs Malysiak were part of a small group being vaccinated at Castle Hill in Sydney on Sunday before the broader rollout from Monday  including aged care residents, aged care staff and some front-line health workers.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have agreed to collaborate and conduct research with a view to finding ways of regulating the cryptocurrency market.

They said this at a virtual lecture organised by the Association of Capital Market Academics of Nigeria (ACMAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

The Head of Department, Registration, Exchanges, Market Infrastructure and Innovation Department of SEC, Timi Agama, described cryptocurrency market as an air that could currently not be caged or regulated.

He noted that cryptocurrency is a market of about two trillion dollars which could not be ignored.

According to him, the world cannot be moving forward and we will be static.

Mr Agama said although SEC or the capital market would not accommodate or encourage any fraudulent practices that allowed for money laundering, cryptocurrency was a market to look into.

There is a lot of investment move into the cryptocurrency market and the tendency is that it will reduce the amount of investments in the stock market.

Part of the desire of the SEC even in the future is to provide a regulatory framework that will take care of all these challenges that we have seen internationally and the entire world is grappling with in terms of cryptocurrency and digital assets.

For us at SEC and capital market, it is something to look at, the world cannot be moving forward and we will be static, no.

It is important for us to review, understand, appreciate and introduce regulations that will guide the movement of the market in this direction.

A market that has opportunity for ICOs, derivatives, is not a market we can ignore.

 It is our desire that we do more work, collaborate as regulators and analyse to make sure that we provide a level playing field where Nigerians, international investors and whoever is interested in this space will be comfortable and happy.

I hope that in doing that, we are going to be able to drive foreign portfolio investment, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into this country and build our capital market, he said.

Kevin Amugo, director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department of the CBN, said the ban was to enable it work together with stakeholders in addressing the anonymity of the technology.

Mr Amugo said the CBN would continue to develop policies that would optimise the opportunities of the financial technology industry and promote economic landscape of the country.

He said consumer protection was a huge challenge in the cryptocurrency market as it was speculative and no economic fundamentals drive its price.

The committee on cryptocurrency headed by the National Security Adviser and members are EFCC, NFIU, SEC, NAICOM and all regulators to strategize and come up with a national position not a monetary policy position.

We have issued our initial draft but COVID-19 impeded our efforts to conclude our actions.

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Because of interests crypto has regenerated, I think it is high time we reconvened and ensure that we take a national position, so that what is issued is a national position not a CBNs or SECs position.

We are not stifling fin-tech operations, CBN has been proactive in granting licenses to fin-tech operators.

The way forward for us will be continuous engagement, ongoing consultations and academic research.

We are engaging internationally and locally to ensure that we come out with a harmonised and implementable position, he said.

Gbite Oduneye, chief executive officer of the Eagle Global Market (EGM) Lagos, appealed to the CBN and SEC to look at ways to safeguard against money laundering in the market.

Mr Oduneye appealed to regulators to find ways to regulate the cryptocurrency market as there were prospects in it.

We understand the difficulties in the market but the regulators must organise and look for ways, organise and make people operate the way they want in the market.

Every new innovation will come with a number of difficulties but we have the innovative minds, great regulators that can enable us to take advantage in this, he explained.

ACMAN is a network of researchers in capital markets especially lecturers in the countrys universities.

(NAN)
In a recession year when the nations economic activities came to a virtual halt on account of the global pandemic, the Nigerian solid minerals sector, defying all odds, is recording booming numbers, funneling N7.69 billion in royalties into federal coffers, the highest in a three-year period, according to a 2018-2020 review by PREMIUM TIMES.

The core year of the COVID pandemic, 2020, posted about half of this amount, declared a gladdened Frank Odoom, Director of the Mines Inspectorate of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in Abuja who walked PREMIUM TIMES through the current data which he credited to a new strategy in the ministry to pursue an aggressive revenue profile in the wake of lean oil earning into the federal purse.

Mr Odoom pointed out that the progression from 2018 to 2020 had been even, starting from a modest posting of N1.88 billion in 2018, remarking that the South-west region of the country recorded the highest contributions, accounting for N749.96 million, (39.95 per cent) of the total royalty paid in the year under review. Ogun States sole contribution to that regional performance was N563 million (75.09 per cent) of the total revenue generated in the South-west region.

The Southwest states include Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, and Lagos States.

In a regional scorecard, the Northwest States of Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, generated the least royalty at N125.44 million (6.68 percent) of the total revenue collection in the three years under review.

From a national perspective, Borno State out of all the 36 states recorded the least, contributing N289,000 (0.015 percent) to total royalties generated, a development that resulted from the insurgency that has ravaged the northeast belt of the country in the past decade.

Mr Odoom ascribed the impressive numbers from Ogun State to the abundance and incredible active presence of construction companies which he said explains the highest revenue generation from the state, adding that we have these royalties coming from construction materials, especially the cement industries that make use of limestone as their major material which is abundant [in the state].

In 2019, the total royalty generated amounted to N2.56 billion, representing a 9 per cent increase to the amount generated in 2018. Just like the previous year, the South-west maintained the lead as the zone with the highest royalty generation, with Ogun State making almost double the amount it made in 2018. The gateway state generated N951.04 million, representing 37.17 per cent of the total royalty paid in 2019.

The Northeastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe, slipped behind the northwest, contributing N113.67 million (4.44 percent) of the total royalty paid, a situation also blamed on the insurgency in the region.

Despite the Challenges

Almost all the zones maintained a steady increase in royalty contributions in 2020, contributing a total of N3.25 billion to the federal government, a 9.05 per cent increase from 2019. In the words of the director of the mines inspectorate, four factors were responsible for the steady revenue growth: the nature of mining operations, an open-minded government policy, an aggressive assessment as well as close monitoring and supervision of the operators. These developments brought about the increase in production which resulted in high revenue generation for the sector, Mr Odoom said.

He added: Mining generally on its own is carried out in isolated centres. The construction companies such as Dangote cement continued to work because they are located in not-so congested places and they can always observe COVID guidelines easily as people work in their spaces.

Construction work was categorised as essential services, so most of these construction minerals were produced by the activity of mining, especially granite and the production of cement which continued to operate even during that lockdown period, Mr Odoom continued.

Speaking on the government policies, the official said the policies of the ministry and some of the measures we put in place were just coming to fruition by then. Because we have a committee of optimization of revenue in the mining industry.

Some of it includes being much more visible, paying regular visits to our operators to ensure that we capture the rightful royalty rates. We collect revenue for the government by doing a proper assessment of the production of the companies. We even have to adopt some scientific methods to estimate the production especially when explosives are used which we issue as demand notices to these companies and they have to pay, he explained.

Mr Odoom said plans are in the work to boost earnings in more minerals and more states. He said the ease of doing business is part of what has been put in place to ensure investors come into the sector. We have a little increase in new companies coming in and the investors are attaining confidence. We are getting very good signals from coal mining as well because the cement factories are using coal as a source of power generation. And that has now helped to increase coal exploitation in Nigeria, he said.

However, Mr Odoom regretted that the huge and high interest of some mining investment expected to come into Zamfara and Kaduna States suffered from the effect of the insurgency in the Northwest and Northeast, responsible for the low returns in the regions.

Comparing the mining sector to the agriculture sector, Mr Odoom said, Look at agriculture, the prices of food are going high and its not natural. It is because of the internal threat of the insecuritymost of these minerals are in very difficult terrain.

You have to get through some valleys, hills, rough terrains, observed Mr Odoom who quipped that mineral sites are not actually in your backyard. When you get to these isolated areas, there are probabilities you can be attacked by some of these bandits, so people are afraid to go to farms and mines as well.

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Royalty Rates

A royalty rate is a tax that is unique to the natural resource sector. It is a payment to the holder of the mineral rights for which minerals are extracted from the land and sold to the markets.

Most countries with older mining laws have different royalty rates for different minerals. This variation flows from national sovereignty issues in which some minerals are perceived as being more important to the host nation.

Nigeria is thought to have robust and attractive royalty rates, giving not more than 5 per cent royalty rates on whatever mineral being harnessed as compared to other mining giants but has a poor policy perception index, as indicated by the roadmap. For instance, royalty rates in Australia range between 2.5 per cent and 15 per cent, Chile is between 0 per cent and 20 per cent, South Africa is from 0.5 per cent to 7 per cent while the USA is from 4 per cent to 12.5 per cent.

Early in 2015, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development identified seven strategic minerals to unlock the sectors potential. The minerals are Gold (with a 3 per cent royalty rate), Barytes (5 per cent), Bitumen (3 per cent), Coal (3 per cent), Iron ore (3 per cent), Lead/Zinc (3 per cent), and Limestone ( 5 per cent).

Investor-Friendly

In its drive to attract both national and international investors into the sector and and provide ease of doing business, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, at the just concluded 5th Annual Mining Week re-emphasized the governments commitment to encouraging investors by giving tax holiday to miners for an initial period of 3 years from the commencement of operations, exemption from custom and import duties on mining equipment and a giving a mining lease duration of 25 years, as stated in the Nigerian Mineral and Mining Act 2007.
Maharashtra government on Sunday announced lockdown in Amravati district starting tomorrow for a week in view of the rising cases. However, essential services will be allowed to function during the lockdown period.

"One-week complete lockdown to remain in force in Amravati district excluding Achalpur city," said state cabinet minister Yashomati Thakur

The decision, which was taken as cases continue to rise across Maharashtra, comes after the tightening of restrictions in Pune, including curbs on people's movement at night.

The Amravati district administration earlier imposed a weekend lockdown that is set to end on Monday, during which markets and other establishments remained shut.

The Maharashtra health department on Friday clarified that there is no evidence of any foreign strain of Covid-19 virus in the state's Akola, Yavatmal and Amravati districts.

The state reported 6,281 new Covid-19 cases and 40 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Israel has reopened its economy after almost half of its population has been vaccinated as it was revealed that Pfizer's Covid jab stops 89.4 per cent of transmission.

The country's world-beating vaccination programme has led to the number of hospital patients over the age of 60 visiting to fall drastically compared to younger people.

While shops are now open to all in Israel, the public must carry a vaccine passport if they want to visit gyms, hotels and theatres.

The innovative 'green pass' is issued to those who have had both doses of the Pfizer vaccine more than a week prior or recovered from Covid-19 with presumed immunity.

They will have their 'Green Pass' status displayed on a Health Ministry app that they must present at certain venues.

The vaccine, which was rolled out in a national immunisation program that began on December 20, was 89.4 per cent effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed infections, according to a copy of a draft publication reported in Der Spiegel.

The fall in Israelis over the age of 60 attending hospital with Covid-19 is a dramatic show of how effective the Pfizer vaccine is, with Israel's health ministry announcing that the risk of illness from Covid-19 dropped by 95.8 per cent among people who received both shots of Pfizer's vaccine.

The jab was also 98 per cent effective in preventing fever or breathing problems and 98.9 per cent effective in preventing hospitalisations and death, the ministry added.

The positive steps have implications for Britain where data suggests that the roll-out of vaccines to the older age groups alongside lockdown restrictions are reducing death rates.

'The performance of the vaccine is really good news,' epidemiologist Mark Woolhouse of Ediburgh University told The Observer. 'You never quite know how clinical trials will translate in a true mass vaccination programme.

'But the numbers are looking very good. The vaccines protect very well against severe disease.'

In a promising step that will be watched closely by Number 10, Israel's world-beating vaccination programme has led to the number of hospital patients over the age of 60 visiting to plummet compared to younger people

Israel reopened swathes of its economy today, with the government saying that the move was enabled by a Covid-19 vaccination drive that has reached almost half the population

Israel has been running the world's fastest inoculation programme but it has begun slowing down as the jab is offered to younger people, who are less at risk from Covid

While shops are now open to all, Israeli's must carry a vaccine passport if they want to visit gyms, hotels and theatres. Pictured: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds the 'Green pass' mobile up as he visits a fitness gym ahead of the re-opening of gyms on Saturday

Israel's 'green pass' to grant freedom to the immune Israel plans to open up some hotels, gyms and other leisure facilities in two weeks for those who have a 'green pass.' The passport will be issued in an official app for smartphones and allow people who have received the jab recovered from Covid-19 with presumed immunity. Initially dubbed 'Green Passport,' the system has been renamed 'Green Pass' in an apparent bid to head off speculation that it would also enable unfettered travel abroad. From February 23, those with a Green Pass can visit malls, gyms, hotels and museums. From March 6, those with the Green Pass will be allowed to attend larger events and stay at hotels after Israel's first documented coronavirus case, Sunday's easing of curbs was part of a government plan to open the economy more widely next month, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is up for reelection. Advertisement

Israel's Prime Minister announced at the weekend he expects 95 per cent of Israelis aged 50 and over to be vaccinated in the next two weeks.

Britain will follow suit in the coming months, with Matt Hancock announcing today that everyone over 50 will be offered at least a first dose by April 15, rather than by May, as previously suggested.

Under Israel's restrictions, mask-wearing and social-distancing are still in force in the country while dancing is barred at banquet halls. Synagogues, mosques and churches are required to halve their normal congregation sizes.

Israel has been hailed for running a world-beating vaccine programme that has seen it vaccinate a greater share of its population than any other country, with more than four million people now vaccinated.

Britain is second in the world for dishing out doses, though the proportion of Israelis vaccinated is far higher at 46 per cent compared to around 25 per cent.

Israel has undergone a 24/7 operation when it comes to administering the vaccine.

In a critical difference between the two countries, Israel's healthcare service holds digital records for every patient - meaning that those eligible for the jab could be reached quickly in all hours.

In contrast, the NHS is working to digitise medical records with its ten year plan.

Israel was also able to alert people about expiring vaccines to avoid wasting the jab using Whatsapp groups.

The British cabinet will also need to consider the efficacy of the vaccines in the UK.

Whereas Israel is exclusively using Pfizer jabs, Britain is heavily reliant on the AstraZeneca vaccine which is not thought to offer the same level of protection.

Pfizer's dose is believed to confer better immunity to the South African and Brazilian mutant variants which are causing grave fears in Downing Street.

Coming exactly a year after Israel's first documented coronavirus case, Sunday's easing of curbs was part of a government plan to open the economy more widely next month, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is up for reelection.

'We are the first country in the world that is reviving itself thanks to the millions of vaccines we brought in,' he tweeted. 'Vaccinated? Get the Green Pass and get back to life.'

Israel has been hailed for running a world-beating vaccine programme that has seen it vaccinate a greater share of its population than any other country, with more than four million people now vaccinated

Israel's health ministry said the risk of illness from Covid-19 dropped by 95.8 per cent among people who received both shots of Pfizer's vaccine

Israel has administered at least one dose of the Pfizer Inc vaccine to more than 46 per cent of its 9 million population, the Health Ministry says.

Meanwhile, Mr Hancock confirmed this morning that every adult in the country will be offered at least one dose of a Covid vaccine by the end of July.

The figures released on Saturday said the risk of illness from the virus dropped by a staggering 95.8 per cent among people who had received both shots of Pfizer's vaccine.

The findings were based on data collected nationally through February 13 from Israelis who had received their second shot at least two weeks previously.

According to the Health Ministry's website, about 1.7 million people had been administered a second shot by January 30, making them eligible to be included.

A bar in Tel Aviv is now offering punters a very different kind of shot after being turned into a temporary vaccination centre

Israel's ambitious vaccination drive has made it the largest real-world study of Pfizer's vaccine and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday he expects 95% of Israelis age 50 and over to be vaccinated in the next two weeks.

Previous reports from individual health care providers also showed positive results, spurring Israel to remove restrictions on the economy after weeks of lockdown.

Israel opened a Covid vaccination centre in Tel Aviv's Jenia gastropub on Thursday and is offering a free drink to anyone who gets a shot to encourage young people to get vaccinated.

Most of those who have received the vaccine are older people - and there are fears that younger people, who are much less at risk from Covid, will be less eager to get the jabs - leading to novel ideas to tempt them in.

The rate of people taking up the vaccine has dropped drastically in recent weeks as the roll-out extends beyond the elderly and vulnerable and into lower-risk groups.

Meanwhile, doctors have reported seeing an increase in younger people ending up in hospital - the vast majority of whom have not been vaccinated.

While that is encouraging, because it means the vaccine works, health officials say the challenge now is in convincing more people to get it.

Minister of Health Yuli Edelstein on Thursday announced the roll-out of the 'green pass'.

'Today we bring tremendous news to the vaccinated  this is what your first step on the way back to nearly normal life is going to look like,' he said.

'Soon there will be workplaces where the employees will be required to vaccinate or to test for coronavirus every 48 hours in order to work.'

Elementary schoolchildren and pupils in the last two years of high school attended classes on Sunday in Israeli towns found to have contagion rates under control. Pictured: Children arrive for class in a Junior School in Jerusalem today

The country has logged more than 740,000 cases and 5,500 deaths from the illness, prompting criticism of the Netanyahu government's sometimes patchy enforcement of three national lockdowns. It has pledged that there will not be a fourth.

But Nachman Ash, a physician in charge of the country's pandemic response, told Army Radio that another lockdown 'is still possible. Half of the population is still not immune.'

Elementary schoolchildren and pupils in the last two years of high school attended classes on Sunday in Israeli towns found to have contagion rates under control.

Children attending middle school are due back by next month, after almost a year of remote learning.
Sri Lanka joins global drive to increase childhood cancer survival rate By Kumudini Hettiarachchi View(s): View(s):

Some of the little ones in the play area are oblivious to the agony that their parents are going through.

From all over the country, these children have been diagnosed with cancer and are awaiting the results of COVID-19 testing before being taken to the Paediatric Ward of the National Cancer Institute Sri Lanka (NCISL) also known as Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama.

As the world celebrated International Childhood Cancer Day on Monday (February 15), what Sri Lankans may not know is that the country is on a strong quest, with the full support of the World Health Organisation (WHO), to achieve a target of at least a 60% survival rate for children with cancer by 2030.

Before walking to the play area of the NCISL, the Sunday Times has heard all about this effort from two very passionate medical professionals who have been joined by the Director of the NCISL, Dr. Wasantha Dissanayake and the Director of the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana.

Explaining that this new effort in the form of the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer was set in motion in September 2018, the National Focal Point in Sri Lanka, NCISLs Consultant in Paediatric Oncology, Dr. Sanjeeva Gunasekera points out that there is a significant disparity in developed and developing countries in the survival rate with regard to childhood cancers.

Childhood cancers are highly curable and in the developed world survival rates exceed 80%, while in the developing world they are on average 20%, says Dr. Gunasekera, while Consultant Oncologist Dr. Wasantha Rathnayake points out that though Sri Lanka falls under the developing country category, the survival rates for childhood cancer are not as low as that and we are different.

Pointing out that the NCISL is a centre of excellence in treating childhood cancer, Director Dr. Dissanayake recalls how 15 years ago paediatric care here was at a basic level, but with young and dynamic Oncologists joining, the quality of care has improved tremendously.

He assured his fullest support for the Global Initiative which would benefit needy children.

As cancer is a leading cause of death for children, with 300,000 new cases diagnosed each year around the world, the WHO hopes to bridge this gap in survival, so that by 2030 no child (between 0 and 19 years) should die of cancer. It has focused on six childhood cancers to improve the survival rate to 60% in the developing world.

The Global Initiative involves development of a WHO technical package to help scale-up capacities within national health systems, with support from a host of partners including St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in the United States of America (USA), the first WHO Collaborating Centre on Childhood Cancer, which has committed US$ 15,000,000 towards this initiative.

Dr. Gunasekera says that the WHO has chosen several countries from its six regions under this Global Initiative and the two from the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) are Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

The six childhood cancers being targeted for a reduction in death rates and increase in survival rates are:

n Acute LymphoblasticLeukaemia (ALL  a cancer of the blood and bone marrow). This is the commonest paediatric malignancy amounting to about 35% of childhood cancers.

n Hodgkin Lymphoma (cancer originating in the lymphatic system)

n WilmTumour (kidney cancer). This constitutes about 6% of all paediatric solid tumours

n Low-grade Gliomas (brain tumours)

 Burkitt Lymphoma (a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma where thecancer originates in the B white cells in the immune system)

n Retinoblastoma (an eye cancer in the retina)

The thinking behind Sri Lanka seeking to be part of the Global Initiative is not just to strengthen the treatment of one type of cancer, the management of one group of cancer sufferers or train one category of staff, but to cover all 360 ofcancer care.

With the implementers in Sri Lanka of the Global Initiative being the Health Ministrys NCCP; the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists; and the premier centre treating childhood cancers, the NCISL (which treats more than 95% of childhood cancers), sustainability is the aim of each and every intervention.

The activities under this Global Initiative which have already been planned and are being implemented since January include:

Capacity Building 

Designing a training module on nursing care & childhood cancer management and conducting an in-service training for all nurses in the NCISLs Paediatric Oncology Unitled by Consultant Paediatric Oncologist Dr. Mahendra Somathilaka.

Quality Improvement 

Developing an institution-specific antibiotic policy to optimise the successful treatment of infections while ensuring the rational use of antibiotics to minimise emergence and spread of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) infection to be led by Consultant Microbiologist Dr. Samanmalee Gunasekera

Establishing a Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) at the NCISL to clinically detect early sepsis and organ dysfunction thereby improving overall outcomes of children with cancer to be led by Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Rukmal Gunathilake

Clinical practice guideline development on management of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)to be led by Consultant Paediatric Oncologist Dr. Sanjeeva Gunasekera

Innovation 

Electronic solution for dosing of chemotherapy for ALL maintenance phase chemotherapy led by Dr. Sanjeeva Gunasekera

Total pain free procedures in childhood cancer management to be led by Consultant Oncologist Dr. Thushari Hapuarachchi

Health Information 

Developing a Hospital Based Childhood Cancer Registry to be led by NCCPs Consultant Community Physician Dr. Suraj Perera

Health System Strengthening 

Developing a National Childhood Cancer Policy to be led by NCCP DirectorDr. Janaki Vidanapathirana and Dr. Suraj Perera

Looking at the importance of some activities, Dr. Rathnayakewho represents the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists says that early identification of critically-ill children is vital as is also pain control in those affected by cancer. It was St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, USA, that developed a common guideline for ALL treatment as they found that ALL was curable back in the 1960s and showed measures to prevent pain even when inserting a cannula.

Being a key partner, the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists is responsible for the clinical development of treatment protocol and collaboration with international centres such as St. Jude and the Federation of Asian Organisations for Radiation Oncology. We have done a lot of work with regard to paediatric cancer including improving service delivery, protocol development and capacity development of staff members, he says.

Dr. Gunasekera says that as part of the activities, they are also looking to build a safe and secure App to allow outstation families with children affected by cancer to keep in touch with the NCISL and send them the weekly blood reports etc. which are essential, without travelling to Maharagama.

Dealing with the main activities that the NCCP will undertake under this Global Initiative, Dr. Vidanapathirana says that on average about 800 new children are diagnosed with cancer each year in the country. The NCCP is working on a five-year (2021-2025) Cancer Strategic Plan identifying the gaps and challenges in moving forward. The main target is to improve diagnosis, provide the right treatment and have follow-up to improve survival rates, while also conducting research.

Another target is to set up a hospital-based Cancer Registry (identifying the types of cancers, age range, survival rates for future interventions etc.) at the NCISL which is the epicentre looking after 90% of the cancer patients, she says, showing a stack of files she is carrying, while adding that they are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. We are now in the final stages.

While appreciating the fact that WHO chose Sri Lanka to be part of this Global Initiative and the unstinting support of WHO SEARs Dr. Dorji Gampo and Dr. Bishnu Giri, WHO Country Representative Dr. Razia Pendse and Dr. Nalika Gunawardena of the Country Office, Dr. Gunasekerai s certain that this model to improve childhood cancer survival rates can also be expanded to encompass adult oncology.

Since the power went out in Texas, the states most prominent Republicans have tried to pin the blame for the crisis on, of all things, a sweeping progressive mobilization to fight poverty, inequality and climate change.

This shows how the Green New Deal would be a deadly deal, Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas said Wednesday on Fox News. Pointing to snow-covered solar panels, Rick Perry, a former governor who was later an energy secretary for the Trump administration, posted on Twitter a quotation from a Forbes article by Robert Bryce, who wrote that if we humans want to keep surviving frigid winters, we are going to have to keep burning natural gas  and lots of it  for decades to come.

The claims are outlandish. The Green New Deal is, among other things, a plan to tightly regulate and upgrade the energy system so the United States gets 100 percent of its electricity from renewables in a decade. Texas, of course, still gets the majority of its energy from gas and coal; much of that industrys poorly insulated infrastructure froze up last week when it collided with wild weather that prompted a huge surge in demand. (Despite the claims of many conservatives, renewable energy was not to blame.) It was the very sort of freakish weather system now increasingly common, thanks to the unearthing and burning of fossil fuels like coal and gas. While the link between global warming and rare cold fronts like the one that just slammed Texas remains an area of active research, Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University, says the increasing frequency of such events should be a wake up call.

But weather alone did not cause this crisis. Texans are living through the collapse of a 40-year experiment in free-market fundamentalism, one that has also stood in the way of effective climate action. Fortunately, theres a way out  and thats precisely what Republican politicians in the state most fear.
https://www.aish.com/h/purim/t/Not-Just-Purim-Five-Extraordinary-Stories-of-Miraculous-Redemption.html

Jewish communities around the world that were saved from the brink of destruction.

The Jews of the Purim story celebrated their delivery from destruction by having a festive meal, giving food gifts to each other and reading a specially written scroll, Megillat Esther, to publicize the miracle. Over the years other Jewish communities who have experienced being saved from the brink of destruction have also established their own mini Purim.

Jewish law teaches Whoever has had a miracle occur for them, all the more so the inhabitants of a city, can establish that day for themselves and those who come after them as a Purim. Indeed, Rabbi Avraham Danzig, the famed Lithuanian Rabbi of the 19th century included a footnote in his halachic work, Hayei Adam the story of his own Purim miracle.

In 1804, a gunpowder magazine accidentally exploded in the heart of Vilna. 31 people were killed in the courtyard where Rabbi Danzig lived, his own house collapsed, with two walls and a roof beam caving in, yet none of his family lost their lives. Rabbi Danzig instituted his familys own annual holiday on the 16th of Nissan corresponding to the date they were saved.

Purim Saragossa

The Jews of Saragossa, Spain had a long held custom to greet a visiting king with a procession of Torah scrolls from all of the synagogues in the city. Over time, out of respect for the Torah, rabbis decided to remove the scrolls from their ornate boxes before they danced in the citys streets.

In the year 1420, ahead of a visit by King Alfonso V of Aragon, a known instigator named Marcus, a convert from Judaism to Christianity, informed the King about the removal of the scrolls from their boxes, claiming it was intended as an insult to the king. The king was infuriated and Marcus urged him to order the Torah cases opened during the royal visit.

A Megillah (Scroll) of Saragossa was written detailing the story of how the Jews were saved.

The night before the visit one of the leaders of the community was informed about Marcus plot and the Torah scrolls were kept in their boxes. When the king arrived and ordered his guards to open the boxes, to his surprise the scrolls were there. Rather than punishing the Jews, the kings anger was vented at Marcus who was put to death.

The 17th of the month of Shevat was decreed as Purim Saragossa, with festivities and a megillah (scroll) written preserving the story. Such was the feeling of redemption in Saragossa that even after the expulsion from Spain in 1492, the tradition of celebrating Purim Saragossa continued for generations in Constantinople, Magnesia, Smyrna, Salonica, and Jerusalem.

Vinz Purim in Frankfurt

In 1616 the Jews of Frankfurt fell victim to an attack by the guilds of the city. Led by Vincent Fettmilch, later nicknamed Vinz, the ghetto Judengasse was ferociously attacked. Coining himself the new Haman, Fettmilchs attacks resulted in the total expulsion of the Jews from Frankfurt with their property confiscated.

Several months later, the German emperor, infuriated by the attack on the Jews  which he considered as his property  ordered Fettmilch be executed for the injustice with his corpse hung on the gates of the city. Fettmilch's house was also razed, and an account of his crimes and punishment was engraved on a pillar in German and Latin at the site.

The first act of the Jews was to rebuild their synagogue which had been destroyed. A "Vincent Megillah" was composed in Hebrew and Yiddish by Frankfurt natives. Rabbi Moses Sofer (the Chasam Sofer, 17621839) was known to observe the Purim Vinz even after he had left the city.

Depiction of the execution of Vincent Fettmilch in 1616

The Plum Jam Purim

In 1731, David Brandeis, a grocery store owner in the town of Jungbunzlau, Bohemia, was thrown into prison along with his wife and son after the daughter of a Christian bookbinder bought a jar of plum jam from his store and fell ill. Her father, who also ate the jam, died shortly after and Brandeis and his wife were charged with poisoning Christians, and their store was shut down.



Jungbunzlau, Bohemia where David Brandeis and his family evaded certain death in 1731

After a careful investigation by the municipal authorities it was found that the bookbinder's death had been due to tuberculosis, not the plum jam. Brandeis was pardoned and recorded the event in a Hebrew scroll which he called The Song of Ascents of David, making it obligatory upon all his descendants to read this scroll every year on the 10th of Adar, and make it a day of rejoicing. The festival was observed by descendants of the Brandeis family well into the nineteenth century.

Purim Rhodes

The Jewish community in Rhodes was successful in the trade of sponge which was used mainly for bathing products. Rhodes had the greatest sponge yield across the Mediterranean and was a lucrative business. In 1841, Greek competitors accused the Jews of Rhodes of murdering a Christian child who had gone missing. The libel was believed and the governor of Rhodes ordered the Jews to be jailed and tortured. The missing child was later discovered alive on the nearby island of Syra.

The Megillah of Esther from Rhodes, dated 1864, displayed at Rhodes Jewish Museum

The Ottoman Sultan, 'Abd al-Majid, was furious at the governor and issued a declaration that the accusations had been false. The date of this intervention coincided with the date of Purim itself, the 14th of Adar, and so the Jews of Rhodes celebrated a double holiday on that day. Special prayers were recited in addition to the usual Purim observances.
Unidentified human remains were discovered in Odenville, a small town in St. Clair County just northeast of Birmingham, prompting a death investigation.

The St. Clair County Sheriffs Office announced the discovery and subsequent investigation on Sunday afternoon. The Odenville police department is also assisting in the investigation, as is the Jacksonville State University Department of Applied Forensics.

The remains were discovered in the Hunters Crossing area of Odenville, the Sheriffs office said. Its unclear when the remains were discovered.
SILETZ, Ore -- The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a possible homicide.

At approximately 6:15 a.m. Lincoln County Sheriffs Office Dispatch received a report of an unconscious male laying alongside the road near Government Hill Road in Siletz.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they located the body of 36-year-old Logsden resident Richard Mann.

Evidence at the scene suggested foul play. The Lincoln County Major crime team was activated.

The Sheriffs Office is being assisted by the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Unit (CID), Oregon State Police Forensics, Toledo Police, Newport Police, Lincoln City Police and the Lincoln County District Attorneys Office.

The Sheriffs Office is requesting anyone with information please contact Detective Abby Dorsey at 541-265-0777 and refer to case 21S-00358.
Australians have been blocked from seeing or sharing news content on Facebook. Credit:Istock But whos right? Are news companies losing revenue because audiences are spending all their time on Facebook, with the intention to read and share news, or are they benefiting because people who otherwise wouldnt read the news are stumbling across it in their feeds and then being sent to their websites? Loading It turns out the recent escalation has actually helped clarify the situation. If Facebook thought news was really fundamental to its product, it would have paid a bit of money to news publishers, as proposed. Instead, it shrugged and said, if youre saying we can only host news if we pay then no worries, we just wont host news. If news publishers thought they were, in aggregate, losing more from being on Facebook than benefiting they would be celebrating the decision by the company to ban news. The entire premise of their argument rests on this idea that Facebook steals their content and makes money off it. So shouldnt it be a victory that theyve stopped doing that?

The fact that theyre scrambling rather than celebrating suggests their bluff has been called and they are actually much more reliant on Facebook and the steady stream of traffic it sends their way than they wanted to admit. But this isnt actually surprising, or new. It only feels that way because of how successful news publishers have been in framing this debate, and portraying Facebook and Google as entities theyve been forced to rely on. In reality most news companies completely restructured their entire organisational strategy to cater to Facebook and Google because they thought it was the cheapest and most efficient way to get clicks. The internet, and then social media, disrupted the traditional news media business model. Credit:Getty Images When the internet, and then social media, disrupted the traditional news media business model, publishers had a range of options available to them. Some became more heavily reliant on subscriptions, calculating that a smaller, more targeted audience that was willing to pay a premium for high-quality content was a more sustainable long-term solution given how fickle the internet could be. Others wanted to ride the algorithmic wave. Their strategy revolved around creating vast quantities of content for a mass audience and pushing it into peoples faces on social media. They hired audience editors to identify what stories worked best on what platform. They bought tools that identified which stories published by their competitors were trending so they could write their own versions. They hired SEO experts to optimise to ensure their stories were at the top of Googles search results. They hired social media producers to create videos, images and headlines designed to exploit Facebooks news feed algorithm.

Both of these strategies are equally legitimate, and both have their own risks. But its pretty clear one is much more heavily reliant on the decisions and imperatives of foreign-based tech companies driven by their own self-interest. For many years that wasnt a problem. But as time went on the online ecosystem became more crowded, online advertising became less lucrative, the digital platforms started de-prioritising news in their algorithms, and news publishers were still financially struggling. So, rather than try and pivot again to yet another business model, they lobbied the government and pushed for the proposed code. Loading Of course, the services offered by companies like Facebook and Google are very popular, and are used by millions of Australians. No one is suggesting that publishers should ignore them or boycott them (though ironically a boycott was actually proposed by News Corp in its submission to the draft code). But at the same time, no one forced publishers to become this reliant on them. Some media companies in Australia have said that 75 per cent of their traction comes from social media and search engine referrals. Being that reliant on a revenue stream that you have no control over is a short-sighted way to run a business, and shouldnt be the basis upon which public policy is formed. But thats the bedrock of the media code, and ultimately why its a poor solution to the big questions of how our media and tech industry operates.

So whats the alternative? Companies like Facebook and Google are extremely powerful and effectively operate as monopolies. Theyre certainly not the good guys in this debate. Even though Facebooks decision to turn off news in Australia was foreshadowed and preventable, its not a positive result for publishers or the wider community. Companies like Facebook and Google are extremely powerful and effectively operate as monopolies. Credit:Rob Homer Theres no question the monopoly power of these companies needs to be tackled, but thats not something Australia can do on its own. But if were actually worried about that  the structural imbalance between local news companies and global tech giants  then there are much better steps than a bargaining code that would deliver a temporary sugar-hit for local news publishers who are rueing their failed commercial strategies. Loading A turnover tax, such as that proposed by a number of EU states, would help force tax-avoidant tech giants to pay their fair share. Instead of using loopholes to avoid paying corporate tax in Australia, they could be required to pay up based on the revenue their earn in the country. That money could then be used by the government to support journalism in a way that is fairer and more transparent than a series of privately negotiated bargains between media and tech companies.
The CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII) Adar Poonawalla on Sunday has made an appeal asking the world to be patient as the Indian government has asked his company to prioritise the internal vaccine needs and then balance the requirement of vaccine globally.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced at an open debate of UN Security Council the 'implementation of resolution 2532 (2020) on the cessation of hostilities' in the context of Covid-19 outbreak. Followed by this development, India earlier this week announced that it will gift 2 lakh doses of vaccines for UN peacekeepers.

READ | WHO Gives Approval To 2 Versions Of SII's Coronavirus Vaccine To Be Rolled Out Globally

Poonawala in a tweet wrote, Dear countries & governments, as you await COVISHIELD supplies, I humbly request you to please be patient. We are trying our best. SII is manufacturing the Oxford-AstraZenca vaccine in India under the Covishield name and Poonawalla has been directed to balance the development and supply of vaccines to the entire world.

Dear countries & governments, as you await #COVISHIELD supplies, I humbly request you to please be patient, @SerumInstIndia has been directed to prioritise the huge needs of India and along with that balance the needs of the rest of the world. We are trying our best.  Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) February 21, 2021

India has become a source to the world for the supply of vaccine, given its large manufacturing capacity. SII's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin have served the purpose of providing vaccinations to Brazil, Mexico and Canada along with Bangladesh among other neighbours. As such, India has sent vaccines to over a dozen countries and promised even more. Before the vaccine, India had also been providing countries with supplies of medicines and PPEs.

READ | India To Supply Over 1 Billion Doses Of COVID Vaccines To UNICEF As Part Of COVAX Scheme

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also recently sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's help in procuring Covid-19 vaccinations. While Modi assured Trudeau that the latter will be provided with the vaccines at the earliest, Poonawalla tweeted, 'As we await regulatory approvals from Canada, I assure you, Serum Institute of India will fly out COVISHIELD to Canada in less than a month; Im on it!" Here's the tweet

Dear Honble PM @JustinTrudeau, I thank you for your warm words towards India and its vaccine industry. As we await regulatory approvals from Canada, I assure you, @SerumInstIndia will fly out #COVISHIELD to Canada in less than a month; Im on it!  Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) February 15, 2021

The total number of coronavirus cases globally till date are 111,654,017 while 2,472,387 people have succumbed to the virus. With combined efforts in place involving nations, 86,824,596 people have also recovered.

READ | Serum Institute Seeks Permit To Conduct Bridging Trial Of Novavax COVID Vaccine In India

India's SII, Bharat Biotech, Zydus Cadilla, Panacea Biotec, Indian Immunologicals, Mynvax and Biological E; US' Oxford University with AstraZenca, Moderna Therapeutics, Ocugen Inc; Britain's Covax are a few in many candidates that have been playing a significant role in developing, manufacturing, supply and administration of Covid-19 vaccines.

READ | SII's Chairman & MD Meet VP Venkaiah Naidu; Brief Him On The Institute's Recent Progress
Serial entrepreneur Garret Flower, founder of parking technology company ParkOffice, has got to work on his latest project - except this time it isn't for profit.

Flower has created the "Magnate100 community", a group of 100 promising entrepreneurs and individuals.

Magnate100 leverages many well-established platform technologies such as Slack and Zoom to share information in real-time and coordinate invitation-only meetings to learn and connect with fellow members.

The group's idea has been described as the "newest incarnation of the old-style business and private members clubs". The group said some of those more traditional clubs had struggled to connect with the newer generation.

Flower told Ergo the group uses the platforms to "ask questions, share ideas, keep ourselves accountable and collaborate on new projects".

"This group has been set up at a time when so many of us are forced apart," he said.

"The group is capped at 100 to maximise collaboration so that everyone can become familiar and feel comfortable to pick up a phone to one another. If people don't engage or can't be seen to be adding value to the community, they are removed, and new members are invited to join. We already have a long waiting list."

Fellow members of Magnate include entrepreneurs Andrew Mackin, of Mackin Consultancy; Pamela Laird, of Moxi Loves; and Devan Hughes, of Buymie.

StarBlue's $437m sale to Sangoma means joy for Foy

Irish investor Alan Foy will be happy with the recent sale of StarBlue, the enterprise communications business he headed up.

Canadian company Sangoma Technologies Corporation, which specialises in cloud-based communications-as-a-service solutions, was reported to have agreed to buy the company from Foy's private equity firm VentureWave.

Ergo has learned Sangoma is to pay around $437m for StarBlue, consisting of $105m in cash and 110 million common shares of Sangoma. The transaction will be subject to approval by Sangoma shareholders in late March or early April 2021

StarBlue was created in 2018 following the merger of Ireland-based Blueface and Floridian Star2Star. Irish private equity group VentureWave Capital invested in Blueface in 2011.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 23:23:42|Editor: huaxia

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Onlookers and rescuers are seen on the scene of a military airplane crash in Abuja, Nigeria, on Feb. 21, 2021. Seven persons were dead after a military plane crashed in Abuja, Nigeria's capital on Sunday, a spokesperson for the air force said. (Photo by Robert Oba/Xinhua)

LAGOS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Seven persons were dead after a military plane crashed in Abuja, Nigeria's capital on Sunday, a spokesperson said.

Ibikunle Daramola, the air force spokesperson, confirmed the crash in a statement in Abuja, saying that "a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna", capital of the Niger state in the country's central-north region.

"First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash," Daramola said.

According to the spokesperson, the Chief of the Air Staff Oladayo Amao has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, urging the public to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigation.

A source at the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) told Xinhua that the voice recorder of the aircraft had been found.

"From the voice recorder found, we can tell that the pilot did not declare Mayday. He obviously thought he would make it to the runway which is 400 meters away from here," said the source who preferred to be anonymous.

First responders, including the fire service and local residents in Bassanjuwa, a farming community near the airport, had a hectic time putting off the fire and searching for the victims.

One military source told Xinhua that the jet was on a surveillance mission to the Niger state, where scores of students and residents were kidnapped in Kagara town of the state on Wednesday. Enditem

Realty firm Developers Ltd will invest around Rs 500 crore to build a new in Pune as it seeks to expand business amid strong recovery in residential market, a senior company official said.

The company will develop more than 1,000 units in the project 'Happinest Tathawade', which is spread over nearly 7 acres of land. The project will be developed in two phases, with first one comprising over 600 apartments.

In an interview with PTI, Developers Chief Marketing Officer Viral Oza said the company has launched a new in Pune, which has been an important market for it.

"We will start construction in a few months and possessions for the newly launched Phase one should begin by mid-2025. Planning is currently underway for subsequent phases," he said.

Asked about the investment, Oza said the total project cost is Rs 500 crore, including land and construction, to be funded through a combination of internal accruals and construction finance from banks/NBFCs.

"We have received a very encouraging response to the launch of Happinest Tathawade, with more than 440 applications received till date...The success reaffirms our conviction that the right combination of location, aspirational product and price is always a winner," he added.

Oza expects around Rs 750 crore of sales revenue from this new project.

He described Tathawade as one of the most sought-after residential destinations in Pune, being in close proximity to Hinjewadi, one of India's largest IT hubs.

"Mahindra Lifespaces has been present in Pune since 2007. We have completed 7 residential projects in Pune till date, all of which are sold out. Our project 'Centralis' in Pimpri was launched in 2019 and is currently under construction," he said.

Oza said the company currently has 1.53 million square feet of land under development in Pune, including the newly launched.

"Moving ahead, we look forward to strengthening our presence in Pune, one of India's most attractive, end-user driven property destinations and a priority residential market for the company," he said.

Elaborating more on the new project, Oza said the flats are being sold in the range of Rs 37.95 lakhs to Rs 53 lakhs. This is an all-inclusive price, including stamp duty, registration, GST and 2 years' maintenance charges.

He said the company is targeting primarily end users to market its new project, which has more than 50 specially curated features and amenities for the changing needs of modern Indian families, especially after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mahindra Lifespace's focus markets in the residential segment include Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru, all of which are end-user driven, he said.

"Pune has been one of the best performing residential markets in India, attracting many prominent brands to the city. Residential in Pune is primarily end-user driven, and growth enablers include a thriving IT industry, the city's reputation as an education hub, the presence of leading global automotive brands and multiple infrastructure projects," Oza said.

Established in 1994, is the real estate and infrastructure development business of the USD 19.4 billion Mahindra Group.

The company sells residential units under the 'Mahindra Lifespaces' and Mahindra Happinest' brands. Integrated cities and industrial clusters are being developed under the 'Mahindra World City' and Origins by Mahindra World City' brands.

Its development footprint spans 25.7 million sq ft of completed, ongoing and forthcoming residential projects across seven cities; and over 5,000 acres of ongoing and forthcoming projects under development/management at its integrated developments/industrial clusters across four locations.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd has posted a consolidated net loss of Rs 11.19 crore in the third quarter of this fiscal year on lower income. Total income declined to Rs 70.19 crore during the October-December quarter of the 2020-21 fiscal from Rs 85 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.

(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.)



CONTACT: Pamela D. Wilson 303-810-1816

Email: Inquiry_For_Pamela@pameladwilson.com

Golden, Colorado  February 20, 2021

The Caring Generation

Golden CO- Caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson hosts The Caring Generation podcast show for caregivers and aging adults. This coming Wednesday, February 24, 2021, the topic is How to Deal with Irrational Elderly Parents.

During this podcast, Wilson shares tips for understanding why elderly parents may appear to be irrational when they may be struggling with other issues, including undiagnosed health concerns like Alzheimer's or dementia. For all adults, becoming more proactive in learning about health and preparing for aging is essential to avoid the surprises most families face when an elderly parent or a spouse needs care.

How to Deal with Irrational Elderly Parents

Elderly parents may be viewed to be irrational for many reasons that may be considered rational. Adult children may think parents to be unreasonable when disagreements arise. By investigating the foundation of why elderly parents disagree or refuse help, family caregivers can support parents remaining more independent and in control of their lives.

An unknown diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia may result in scattered thinking, paranoia, and other unusual behaviors by elderly parents. Rather than considering a parent to be irrational, make a doctor appointment to rule out medical causes for the actions witnessed.

Decision-making is another area where contention may exist. Adult parents may be slower to make decisions than adult children caregivers would like.

A range of emotions can exist from feeling a loss of control, being in denial, fear of making changes, and change appearing to be a monumental effort that can delay decision-making. Additionally, not fully understanding the consequences of decisions may have parents hesitating to sell and move out of a home to a care home or finalize estate plans.

Everyone involved in care situations is best served to take the time to evaluate decisions and to find help for situations that are non-routine and for which experience in making similar situations does not exist. Caregivers often express concern about making mistakes and then admit to lacking experience. Instead of worrying about mistakes, Wilson encourages all caregivers to see help from professionals with experience.

Dr. Claudia Mills  Do Parent and Children Owe Each Other Anything?

Wilson shares an interview with Dr. Claudia Mills, a beloved philosophy professor at CU-Boulder from 1991 to 2014, when she retired as Emeritus Associate Professor of Philosophy. Prof. Mills has published numerous papers on ethics, applied ethics, and political philosophy. Her discussion with Wilson focuses on the idea of the relationship between parents and children and the duties of offering help and services versus focusing in relationships.

Wilson releases a new podcast in The Caring Generation series every Wednesday, sharing conversations about aging, caregiving, and family relationships. The podcasts are available on Wilson's website and all major podcast sites. Wilson works with caregiving organizations and corporations to educate about the role strain that caregivers experience and how to be proactive to plan ahead for health and aging issues. More about Wilson's online courses for elderly care: How to Get Guardianship of a Parent and Taking Care of Elderly Parents, caregiver support, webinars, and speaking engagements is on her website www.pameladwilson.com. Pamela may also be contacted at 303-810-1816 or through the Contact Me page on her website.

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Princess Eugenie yesterday introduced her new son August Philip Hawke Brooksbank to the world and said 'words can't express' just how much she loves him.

Photographs of the delighted Princess, husband Jack Brooksbank and their new baby, who weighed 8 lb 1oz when he was born at London's Portland Hospital almost a fortnight ago, were posted on social media.

Royal sources said that August, expected to be known as Gus, was named after Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert, who was christened Franz Albert August Karl Emanuel.

Princess Eugenie yesterday introduced her new son August Philip Hawke Brooksbank to the world and said 'words can't express' just how much she loves him

Photographs of the delighted Princess, husband Jack Brooksbank and their new baby, who weighed 8 lb 1oz when he was born at London's Portland Hospital almost a fortnight ago, were posted on social media

The name also incorporates a tribute to Eugenie's grandfather Prince Philip, while Hawke refers to Mr Brooksbank's great-great-great-great-great-grandfather.

Writing on Instagram, Eugenie made reference to her father Prince Andrew's 61st birthday on Friday.

She said: 'On his grandfather's birthday weekend, thinking of my grandfather, we are introducing our little boy. He is named after his great-grandfather and both of his 5x great-grandfathers.

'Thank you for so many wonderful messages. Our hearts are full of love for this little human, words can't express.

Royal sources said that August, expected to be known as Gus, was named after Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert (pictured), who was christened Franz Albert August Karl Emanuel

'We are excited to be able to share these photos with you.'

The pictures are thought to have been taken by Eugenie's midwife in the grounds of Frogmore Cottage at Windsor, where the couple are staying.

Eugenie, 30, is wearing a 204 Jennifer Behr gold velvet headband, while her 34-year-old husband cradles August, who is 11th in line to the throne, in a blue blanket.

Sarah Ferguson said on Instagram that she and Andrew were 'thrilled and blessed at the arrival of our grandson He is a beautiful blessing and a bringer of such love and joy to all our family'.
Side-by-side photos show the NYPD officers arresting a suspect in New York on Feb. 16, 2021 (L) and protesters hurling petrol bombs at police in Hong Kong on Aug. 25, 2019.

On Feb. 16, a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer was filmed repeatedly punching a 50-year-old suspect in the head as he was pinned down on the ground by three other officers at the South Ferry subway station in New York City.

The bystander filming the video was heard saying Oh my God as additional officers with police dogs arrived at the scene to keep other pedestrians away from the scuffle. After being posted online this past Thursday, the clip was soon widely shared across social media, with many accusing the NYPD of engaging in police brutality.

CNN reported on the news story amid the uproar, pointing out that since it has not reviewed an unedited copy of the video, there was no indication of what happened before the video began or during edited portions.

These cops were doing exactly what was asked of them: enforcing the transit system rules, NYC Police Benevolent Association president Patrick Lynch was quoted by CNN as saying.

It is good to see that CNN is attempting to adopt an objective and fair position in reporting on US police enforcement, using multiple sources and avoiding an undue overreliance on out-of-context fragments of information.

Unfortunately, this journalistic principle seems to enjoy short shrift when applied to the counterparts of American law enforcement in China.

During an illegal protest in Hong Kong on Aug. 25, 2019, CNN released a story headlined Police Use Petrol Bombs and Water Cannons Against Hong Kong Protesters, along with a widely circulated video, blaming HK police for their actions against protesters.

It turned out that the video was not only comprised of out-of-context fragments, but was nothing more than a clumsily devised patchwork -- the petrol bombs, as revealed in an original video clip, were hurled by the protesters instead of the police.

Such erroneous news coverage is not rare in CNNs reporting on China, including on issues such as Hong Kong and Xinjiang. CNN, which flaunts that it is working hard to ensure that its reporting is fair and balanced, has apparently deviated from its principles, which epitomizes the media outlets naked double standards and hypocrisy.

Respecting the truth in news reporting should be applied beyond the border. One can only hope that a global news media outlet like CNN could at last drop its ideological bias and take on a genuinely objective and fair attitude toward China, just like what they purport to promise, and much along the same lines as their reporting on US cops.
People dont always get my sense of humor. Unfortunately, my years as a hospital chaplain infected me with a touch of gallows humor, an ironic wit handy for hopeless situations.

Nevertheless, 10 years ago, I took that humor on a 90-day deployment to Panama with the Red Horse Squadron from Nellis AFB, in Las Vegas.

Red Horse is the Air Force version of the Navys storied Navy CBs (Construction Battalion). Both are trained to bulldoze the ground in a warzone while simultaneously defending the same ground with an M16.

We were in Panama as part of Operation New Horizon, a humanitarian project to build schools, clinics and playgrounds. The endeavor also gave our airmen the experience theyd need to build a barebones base in a battle zone.

From Panama City, our crew drove the famed Pan American Highway to get to our campsite. The road stretches from Alaska to Argentina, bridging two continents. Its interrupted only by a 60-mile swath of swamp called the Darien Gap.

Once we got settled, Col. Darren Daniels assembled us for a pre-mission briefing. In the trees above us, howler monkeys, sloths and iguanas eyed the proceedings with territorial suspicion.

Daniels issued a sober warning of our dangerous working conditions in an area known to shelter paramilitary groups and drug traffickers.

We are a long way from help, he told us. If anyone gets hurt, we may not get the help you need in time.

Id been to Iraq the previous year, so I didnt feel too worried. Until, that is, Daniels mentioned snakes  particularly the fer-de-lance viper.

I took a jumbo breath of swamp air and expelled an uneasy laugh.

Afterwards, I retreated to the chapel tent to do a quick internet search. Apparently, the fer-de-lance causes more human deaths than any other American reptile. Surprisingly, over the next few days, my gallows humor inflated with these sobering facts.

Dont worry, I told an airman constructing our showers. If we get snake bit, we wont suffer for long. The fer-de-lance injects 105 mg of venom in one bite. Kind of a waste, I added, because it only takes 50mg to kill you.

At lunch that day, I asked the food-services guy if he knew that it was fer-de-lance birthing season?

He responded by throwing a heap of potatoes on my plate. The mamas give birth to about 60 babies at once. The little guys even climb tent walls.

Each comment seemed to bring the nervous chuckles I was looking for  that is until I took a lunchtime seat with Col. Daniels and his staff and reshared my newfound knowledge.

Daniels picked up a biscuit and pointed it in my direction. Didnt we bring you here to boost morale?

The table went quiet, so he graciously softened his tone with a smile. Im just thinking the chaplain should be sharing good news, not scaring the hell out of us.

He said it all with a chortle, but we both knew the Shakespearean axiom, Many a true word is spoken in jest.

My commander was right. His squadron would go on to build outposts in Afghanistan. Not all would come home whole. So, for the moment, my job was to expose them to a faith that would build them up as they built up our humanitarian project.

Spreading fear, even in jest, wasnt the best way for me to do my job. Neither is it the best way we can share our faith.

Yet there are those Christians who think they should use fear to encourage people to take a step toward God.

Fear doesnt work. People have enough hell in their lives without us presenting an angry God wholl make them suffer an apocalyptic hell.

Sharing our faith is the act of exposing people to hope, not to fear or hate.

If faith works, and I think it does, then I have to believe the Apostle Pauls writings in his second letter to his younger colleague, Timothy: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

This week, I encourage you not to share your fear, not to share your hate. Share your hope.

And by the way, some weeks later, a Panamanian soldier killed a fer-de-lance just outside my chapel tent. Fitting end for one of those slithering things thatve been interfering in Gods work for a long time.

Visit Chaplain Burkes online by clicking here or follow him on Facebook. Send comments to comment@thechaplain.net or or via voicemail (843) 608-9715. Twitter @chaplain.
India on Sunday reiterated its commitment to the Maldives' security and signed a $50 million defence Line of Credit (LoC) agreement with it to boost the maritime capabilities of the strategic island nation.

India will always be a reliable security partner for the Maldives, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said today, as New Delhi signed the agreement with the island nation to facilitate capability building in the maritime domain.

The $50 million credit line agreement for defence projects was signed between the Finance Ministry of Maldives and the Export Import Bank of India.

The signing of the agreement took place after Jaishankar held talks with Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam.

"Delighted to meet Speaker @MohamedNasheed. As always full of ideas & energy. Told me that building democracy was the big project in Maldives. And that India is a valuable development assistance partner," Jaishankar tweeted.

"Cordial meeting with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi . Useful exchange on our defence cooperation. India will always be a reliable security partner for the Maldives," he tweeted.

"Glad to sign with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi the UTF Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR efforts. Partners in development, partners in security," he said.

Glad to sign with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi the UTF Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR efforts. Partners in development, partners in security. pic.twitter.com/dYhpVZDd7e  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 21, 2021

Didi said it was a great pleasure to welcome Jaishankar.

"From time immemorial Defence Cooperation has been a key element of the sisterly relationship that exists between India and the Maldives. The Coast Guard Harbour & Dockyard at SIFAVARU will mark another significant milestone," she tweeted.

Jaishankar also witnessed the signing of a project execution contract for the construction of roads in Addu, the second-largest urban area in the Maldives in terms of population.

"Underscores the importance of connectivity in our Maldives partnership," he tweeted.

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Vaccines wont come soon in large quantities, but on staggered basis from India and COVAX By Kumudini Hettiarachchi View(s): View(s):

Sri Lanka will not be able to immediately secure the large quantities of COVID-19 vaccines that the country was expecting from India and the global initiative COVAX, but will get stocks over a period of time, the Sunday Times learns.

A Health Ministry source said that earlier Sri Lanka was hoping to secure 9-10 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVISHIELD vaccine from Indias Serum Institute, with 1.5 million coming in from the end of this month to April. The vaccines were due in three batches of 500,000 by the end of this month, in March and in April.

However, with the Serum Institute price being US$ 5.25 per dose there has been a delay, the source said, adding that the vaccine is going to Bangladesh at US$ 4, as that country made an early booking and also paid up some funds.

We need to act fast, negotiate quickly and do the smart thing. Otherwise, Sri Lanka may lose out on this opportunity as well, the source said.

Sri Lanka is due to sign an agreement shortly with the Serum Institute, it is understood, with some experts stating that as this vaccination programme is very vast, it is better to get stocks on a staggered basis as the shelf-life of vaccines also needs to be taken into account.

Meanwhile, even though COVAX had assured Sri Lanka that it might provide doses to vaccinate 27-30% (earlier it was 20%) of the population and the first tranche of 0.5 to 1 million doses was expected this month, now the country will only get 265,000 (about 1/4th) doses by February 25, it is understood.
Colorful connection found in coral's ability to survive higher temperatures

Coral within the family Acropora are fast growers and thus important for reef growth, island formation, and coastal protection but, due to global environmental pressures, are in decline

A species within this family has three different color morphs - brown, yellow-green, and purple, which appear to respond differently to high temperatures

Researchers looked at the different proteins expressed by the different color morphs, to see whether these were related to their resilience to a changing environment

The green variant was found to maintain high levels of green fluorescent proteins during summer heatwaves and was less likely to bleach than the other two morphs

This suggest that resistance to thermal stress is influenced by a coral's underlying genetics, which, coincidentally, also lead to the different color morphs

Anyone who visits the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Southeast Asia's coral triangle, or the reefs of Central America, will surely speak of how stunning and vibrant these environments are. Indeed, coral reefs are believed to house more biodiversity than any other ecosystem on the planet, with the coral providing protection and shelter for hundreds of species of fish and crustaceans.

But these ecosystems are under threat. Global pressures, such as rising ocean temperatures, are causing coral to turn ghostly white, a phenomenon called bleaching, and die. One family of coral - Acropora - seems to be particularly susceptible and its numbers are expected to decline in the future. This is especially concerning as these corals are fast growers and thus structurally important for the reefs. Researchers took a close look at Acropora tenuis, a species within this family, which is known to have three color morphs - brown, purple, and yellow-green. Their new study, published in G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, indicates that these color morphs speak of the coral's resilience to high temperatures, and found the underlying genetic factors that seem to be responsible for this.

"Coral reefs are very beautiful and have a whole variety of different colors," said Professor Noriyuki Satoh, who leads the Marine Genomics Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST). "When we started looking at the different color morphs of A. tenuis we noticed that some morphs bleach more readily and die more frequently than others. During the summer of 2017, we saw that many of the brown and purple morphs bleached, with the brown morph dying at a higher rate, but the yellow-green morph seemed to show resilience to the summer temperatures."

The Unit worked with several individuals from the Okinawan community, including Koji Kinjo from Sea Seed, who directs a private aquarium where the different color morphs have been grown for around 20 years. This aquarium was instrumental for the researchers to observe the coral over the last two decades and to determine how resilient this species is to climate change, and the underlying causes.

In 2020, Professor Satoh and his collaborators decoded the genome of A. tenuis, which provided them with the toolkit for this research, allowing them to look at the genetic foundations that cause the different morphs.

"At first, we thought the difference in resilience might be linked to the corals housing different kinds of symbiotic algae, which photosynthesize for the coral and thus provide the coral with energy. Previous research has shown that some symbiotic algae are more resilient to climate change than others. But when we looked at the three-color morphs, we found that they all housed very similar algae," explained Professor Satoh.

With this in mind, the research group instead focused the expression levels of the proteins that are thought responsible for the coral's color. There are four different groups of these proteins - green fluorescent proteins (GFP), red fluorescent proteins (RFP), cyan fluorescent proteins (CFP), and non-fluorescent blue/purple chromoproteins (ChrP). The researchers looked at the gene expression levels of five types of GFP, three types of RFP, two types of CFP and seven types of ChrP in several coral in each morph.

As can be expected, they found that the green morph expressed high quantities of FGPs, but the researchers found that two of the five were expressed at particularly high levels. More surprising was that these two proteins were expressed at even higher levels during summer, which indicates that they help the coral to withstand warmer temperatures. Specifically, these proteins seemed to protect the symbiotic algae, which meant that this color morph experienced very little bleaching.

In contrast, the corals with the brown color morph, which express much lower quantities of these two proteins, bleached by around 50% over July and August 2017.

The purple morph was different again. It expressed very little of any of the fluorescent proteins, but much higher levels of Chrp. The corals with this color morph bleached at levels in between that seen in corals with the brown morph and that seen in corals with the green morph.

"Coral reefs are so important for biodiversity," concluded Professor Satoh. "Finding out more about them will help us to conserve them. Right now, we cannot help so much about the coral reef situation but gathering this fundamental knowledge, understanding how corals work, is very important for long-term conservation."

This research has showcased that the color morphology of coral is very much involved in its response to high temperatures. The underlying reasons behind this, such as exactly how the green fluorescent protein protects the symbiosis, will no doubt be the topic of research in the future.

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Professor Satoh and his Unit worked with people from Umino-Tane Co. LTD, IDEA Consultants, Inc., and Okinawa Environmental Research Co., Ltd., as well as researchers from the University of Tokyo. In addition, OIST's DNA Sequencing Section and Imaging Section were also involved in this project.

This story has been published on: 2021-02-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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Billionaire CEO Elon Musk said on Saturday the price of bitcoin and ethereum seemed high, at a time when the cryptocurrencies have hit record highs, with bitcoin crossing the $1 trillion market-capitalization threshold.







The chief executive of Tesla Inc, whose recent tweets have fueled the digital-currency rally, made the remark on Twitter while replying to a user who said that gold was better than both bitcoin and conventional cash.







Musk, who earlier in the week remarked that he found the prospect of holding bitcoin adventurous for an SP 500 company, said in a tweet: "Money is just data that allows us to avoid the inconvenience of barter ..."







"That said, BTC ETH do seem high lol," he added.







Bitcoin, the world's most popular cryptocurrency, hit a fresh high in Asian trading on Saturday, extending a two-month rally a day after the digital currency's market capitalization exceeded $1 trillion.







Ethereum or ether is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization and daily volume.







Musk, an ardent proponent of digital currencies, has defended Tesla's recent purchase of $1.5 billion of bitcoin, which has ignited mainstream interest in the digital currency. (Reuters)


A CGTN studio is seen at the CCTV headquarters in Beijing - Reuters

Chinas state news broadcaster is asking Frances media watchdog for permission to continue airing in Europe, after a UK regulator stripped the network of its licence earlier this month.

Frances Conseil Superieur de lAudiovisuel (CSA) confirmed to the Financial Times (FT) on Sunday that it was reviewing a request by China Global Television Network (CGTN) filed in December.

The UK regulator Ofcom revoked CGTNs license following an investigation which concluded that the network didnt have editorial responsibility over its content, making it illegal to broadcast in the UK.

Unlike the UK, France does not have any laws that prohibit state-controlled media from broadcasting in the country.

Still, a spokesperson for Frances media watchdog told the FT that it would carry out additional analysis in its review in light of Ofcoms ruling. CGTN launched its European hub in London less than two years ago.

The network is hoping France will let it stay in Europe under rules outlined in a decades-old treaty signed by the Council of Europe, a 47-member pan-European organisation of which France, the UK and China are all members.

The treaty states that an international broadcaster can air in any member country as long as it falls under the jurisdiction of one member. If the CSA determines CGTN falls under its jurisdiction, it could grant the network permission to continue to broadcast in the UK, as the treaty is separate to and not affected by Brexit.

The affair has increased tensions between China and the UK, and left other European countries a difficult situation.

Several distributors that broadcast CGTN in Germany have temporarily stopped airing the channel. Meanwhile, the channel is still available for streaming online.

In response to Ofcoms decision, Chinas National Radio and Television Administration announced earlier this month it was barring BBC World News from continuing to air in China and Hong Kong.

In a statement, the BBCs Director-General Tim Davie called Beijing's decision deeply worrying.
Rachel McAdams has secured a role in the forthcoming film adaption of the book, Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret! by best-selling author, Judy Blume.

The Mean Girls actress, 42, will play Margaret's mother, Barbara, while Abby Ryder Fortson, 12, will play her sixth-grade daughter as the lead.

The book, which was published in 1970, follows the 'late-developing' girl who struggles to find her identity and seeks answers to life's 'biggest questions' in the coming-of-age story.

New gig: Rachel McAdams (pictured) has secured a role alongside Abby Ryder Fortson in the forthcoming film adaption of the book, Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret! by Judy Blume

Variety revealed that author Judy, 83, hasn't permitted a film adaption until now, with shooting expected to start in April.

Speaking about casting, she said to the publication on Friday: 'Abby is funny and tender, strong yet vulnerable. She IS Margaret.

'And Rachel - wow! - does it get any better? A funny, loving, sexy, real woman who is also a mom. I cant wait to see these two playing mother and daughter.

'It all began with trusting Kelly and Jim and theyve proven how much this project means to them, which means everything to me.'

Dazzling: The Mean Girls actress, 42, will play Margaret's mother, Barbara, while Abby Ryder Fortson (pictured in 2019), 12, will play her sixth-grade daughter as the lead

The new movie, set-up by Lionsgate, will be directed by The Edge of Seventeen director, Kelly Fremon Craig.

Speaking of Rachel and Abby, the director, 40, said there 'couldn't be a better combination' to play the novel's leading characters on screen.

Author Judy will work as a producer on set alongside James L. Brooks, Julie Ansell, Richard Sakai, Amy Brooks, Meredith Wieck and Chelsea Kujawa.

Performer Rachel has an accomplished acting career, having starred in numerous productions including The Notebook, Mean Girls and the drama series, True Detective.

She wrapped up shooting for the recent film, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, in Iceland before the pandemic hit.

Premise: The book, which was published in 1970, follows the 'late-developing' girl who seeks answers to life's 'biggest questions' in the coming-of-age story

Excited: Speaking about casting, author Judy, 83, said to Variety on Friday: 'Abby is funny and tender, strong yet vulnerable. She IS Margaret. And Rachel - wow! - does it get any better?'

Starring opposite Will Ferrell, the movie which was released on Netflix, chronicles a pair of longtime friends as they try their luck at the famous Eurovision song contest.

Upcoming projects for Rachel include Sherlock Holmes 3 which has now been pushed from a December 2020 release date to a December 2021 date.

She is also expected to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to reprise her role as Dr. Christine Palmer in the upcoming sequel to Dr. Strange.

Fellow Marvel star Abby featured in the superhero adventure movie, Ant-Man, before returning for the sequel, Ant-Man And The Wasp.

The 12-year-old has also tallied a number of major acting gigs, having previously starred in Forever My Girl, A Dog's Journey and The Whispers.
Greg Bluestein, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS)

Stacey Abrams is joining one of the most watched labor-organizing initiatives in the nation by encouraging Amazon workers at an Alabama warehouse to vote to unionize.

The Georgia Democrat posted an online video Saturday urging the employees at the online retailing giants Bessemer, Ala. facility to form a union to make your jobs safer, stronger and more secure.

You deserve the dignity and well-being that a union can help provide, allowing you to care for yourself and those you love, said Abrams, a former gubernatorial candidate and voting rights activist widely expected to mount a rematch next year against Gov. Brian Kemp.

Im proud to support the historic efforts of @BAmazonUnion seeking to unionize with @RWDSU.



Working Americans deserve the dignity and well-being that a union can help provide, and I encourage those in Bessemer, Alabama to vote yes. #1u pic.twitter.com/A5HTRSFzzD  Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) February 21, 2021

The tech giant is fighting a high-stakes battle to prevent its 5,805 workers at the facility near Birmingham from becoming the first Amazon warehouse in the U.S. to unionize. The company has urged its workers not to start a union, pointing to starting pay of $15.30 an hour and medical benefits.

The mail-in voting began Feb. 8 and will end March 29. Staffers are under extraordinary pressure to vote against the effort, with some reporting receiving a barrage of text messages to stay on the winning team and messaging in bathrooms warning their dues will be flushed down the toilet.

Abrams and other pro-labor figures have rallied around the effort. Organizers hope a union victory could ignite other campaigns at Amazon facilities and trigger new calls for higher wages and better working conditions at major firms.

During her 2018 campaign for governor, Abrams earned endorsements from most of the states major labor groups and promised to support legislation that supports the right to form a union and collectively bargain for wages.

She also delivered her response to President Donald Trumps State of the Union from the IBEW union hall in Atlanta, and canceled a May 2019 appearance at the University of California to support a local union involved in a labor dispute.

In the video Saturday, Abrams called collective bargaining democracy in action in the workplace.

For people of color in America, unions have been our allies in progress as they evolved, she said. And during the Covid-19 pandemic, unions have negotiated safer working conditions and secured critical PPE for the most vulnerable among us.

(c)2021 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.) Visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.) at www.ajc.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Early Friday morning, Rep. Henry Cuellar and TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz discussed new grant opportunities that are expected to benefit students in the coming months.

The CARES Act funds were discussed to help students with expenses such as food, housing, course materials, tuition and more.

Starting Monday, students will be able to start applying for another wave of CARES grant money. To be eligible, students must be enrolled for Spring 2021 and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. However, eligible students can check their emails to find a link to the TAMIU CARES/CRRSAA application.

Through CARES Act funding, TAMIU has awarded $5.1 million in emergency grants to assist students and is anticipating awarding up to an additional $3 million this semester alone with CRRSAA support with more for summer and fall, Cuellar said. The university will receive around $17 million in CRRSAA funds. More than $10 million of TAMIUs total funds have been designated for student emergency aid grants.

500 laptops have been purchased by TAMIU to provide students an opportunity to go remote with plans to purchase wifi hotspots to help those without internet service.

CARES funding has been absolutely crucial for TAMIU students, making sure that they can continue degree progress and not drop out, Arenaz said Weve awarded some $5.1M in students grants and look forward to additional CRRSAA funding that students can apply for this spring, beginning next week. Weve initiated a much-needed laptop loaner program with some 500 laptop computers, and weve boosted online support services including counseling and tutoring support.

With almost a year of struggles for many students, the CARES Act funding has helped many students like TAMIU senior Jose Chong, who said that he appreciates the programs and help provided by the university.

From Eagle Pass, Chong stays at the TAMIU dorms and referenced the difficult year throughout the pandemic. From employee reductions, food and utility payments, limited items and resource scarcity, and more, the early months of the pandemic werent easy for students.

After applying to the CARES grant in both summer and fall, Chong said the additional funds saved his semester as his vehicle broke down. Compounding his vehicle troubles, the loss of his job led him to purchase his essentials with credit cards, adding depth to an already turbulent time. With the expenses of the vehicle, the loss of a job and the need for a new laptop, 2020 was a difficult year for him and many other students in similar situations.

However, the programs available at the university made to help students and the additional funding, Chong said that his situation has improved. He also hopes more programs are made available to continue helping students that are still struggling.

Arenaz highlighted that the funding helped students during the initial grant distribution as students had been laid off from work and saw issues at home. As the freezing weather storm showcased, emergency situations can arise at any time that cannot be planned but must be addressed quickly.

Students faced this situation along with the university, and Arenaz said he was happy to know the grants have been able to help students solve these situations. Moving forward, CARES grants will be planned for both summer and fall semesters.

In addition to the student assistance that has been prioritized by the university, safety has also been a focus of the CARES Act funding.

New HVAC and HEPA air filters, acrylic protective barriers, masks, campus signage, enhanced disinfection and cleaning services, and PPE  all predicated on creating a conducive and safe learning environment for all members of our university community: students, faculty and staff  have been funded, Arenaz noted.

According to Cuellar, approximately $14 billion was secured in April 2020 to support higher education students and institutions like TAMIU and Laredo College as part of the CARES Act with an additional $21 billion through the CRRSAA program in December.

Authorized by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II in the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, these funds provide grants to students to help address financial hardships such as housing and food insecurity, medical expenses, and lack of educational support and supplies. They also help institutions like TAMIU to address expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuellar noted.

cocampo@lmtonline.com
[February 21, 2021] L3Harris Technologies to Launch Industry's Smallest Multi-Channel, Multi-Mission Vehicular Radio

[IDEX 2021: STAND 03-C10] - L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) will introduce the industry's smallest multi-channel, multi-mission radio at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2021 in Abu Dhabi February 21-25. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210220005021/en/ Falcon III RF-7850D (Graphic: Business Wire) This RF-7850D radio provides users the choice of either two simultaneous 30-512 MHz channels, or an optional second channel for continuous coverage spanning 30-2500 MHz. When used in a vehicular application, the RF-7850D mounts in a low-profile chassis, is easy to install and concealed without interfering with vehicle navigation and passenger egress. The RF-7850D leverages the TDMA Networking Waveform (TNW) family for true simultaneous voice and data services over wideband, narrowband and ECCM channels. It is interoperable with legacy Falcon II systems and is software-dfined, ready to interface with next-generation waveforms and networking technology.



The RF-7850D also includes the L3Harris Mission Module interface, supporting additional technologies and custom capabilities, ranging from new waveforms to commercial solutions. Users can employ the RF-7850D to crossband three disparate networks together simultaneously, into a single all-informed network. "The 7850D is the only radio in its class providing interoperability across every echelon of the battlefield, bridging communication from the tactical edge to the VHF and UHF mid-tier and the airborne tier," said Bryant Henson, President, Tactical Communications, L3Harris. "It is the ultimate in SWaP-reduced multi-channel communications for tactical vehicles and Tactical Operations Centers."

About L3Harris Technologies L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers' mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. L3Harris has approximately $18 billion in annual revenue and 48,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries. L3Harris.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about system or technology capabilities are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210220005021/en/

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Mumbai, Feb 21 : Punjab National Bank will not take part in the capital raising plans of PNB Housing Finance.

Last August, the Board of PNB Housing Finance approved raising Rs 1,800 crore of equity capital through preferential issue or rights issue.

Referring to the decision, PNB Housing, in a regulatory filing, said that it will continue to pursue with the proposed capital raising plan.

"Punjab National Bank has communicated that it shall not be participating in the capital raise plans of the company. However, the company will continue to pursue with the proposed capital raising plan through permitted modes," the filing said.
Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi speaks in a meeting with Iran's atomic chief Ali Akbar Salehi in Tehran, Iran, Sunday. Grossi met with Salehi ahead of Iran's plans to partly suspend United Nations inspec



The head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog met Sunday with Iranian officials in a bid to preserve his inspectors' ability to monitor Tehran's atomic program, even as authorities said they planned to cut off their surveillance cameras at those sites.



Rafael Grossi's arrival in Tehran comes as Iran tries to pressure Europe and the new Biden administration into returning to the 2015 nuclear deal, which President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from in 2018.



Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who under President Hassan Rouhani helped reach the nuclear deal, said the cameras of the International Atomic Energy Agency would be shut off despite Grossi's visit to follow a law passed by parliament.



''This is not a deadline for the world. This is not an ultimatum,'' Zarif told the government-run, English-language broadcaster Press TV in an interview aired during Grossi's visit. ''This is an internal domestic issue between the parliament and the government.''



''We have a democracy. We are supposed to implement the laws of the country. And the parliament adopted legislation _ whether we like it or not.''



Zarif's comments marked the highest-level acknowledgement yet of what Iran planned to do when it stopped following the so-called ''Additional Protocol,'' a confidential agreement between Tehran and the IAEA reached as part of the nuclear deal. The IAEA has additional protocols with a number of countries it monitors.



Under the protocol with Iran, the IAEA ''collects and analyzes hundreds of thousands of images captured daily by its sophisticated surveillance cameras,'' the agency said in 2017. The agency also said then that it had placed ''2,000 tamper-proof seals on nuclear material and equipment.''



In his interview, Zarif said authorities would be ''required by law not to provide the tapes of those cameras.'' It wasn't immediately clear if that also meant the cameras would be turned off entirely as Zarif called that a ''technical decision, that's not a political decision.''



''The IAEA certainly will not get footage from those cameras,'' Zarif said.



The Vienna-based IAEA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Zarif's comments. The agency last week said the visit was aimed at finding ''a mutually agreeable solution for the IAEA to continue essential verification activities in the country.''



Grossi met earlier Sunday with Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's civilian nuclear program.



Iran's parliament in December approved a bill that would suspend part of U.N. inspections of its nuclear facilities if European signatories do not provide relief from oil and banking sanctions by Tuesday. (AP)









Terror groups trying to shift focus from Kashmir valley to Jammu: Jitendra Singh

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Feb 21: Terrorist groups and their handlers were trying to shift the focus from Kashmir valley to the Jammu region, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Saturday.

He called for the "highest level of vigil" on the part of the security forces and alertness among the general public in the wake of these developments.

This and other issues were discussed during a meeting between Jammu and Kashmir's director general of police (DGP) Dilbag Singh and the minister during their meeting here, officials said.

The police chief also briefed the minister about the security situation in the Union Territory. Jitendra Singh said that the security forces had earned all-round appreciation for the way they had thwarted some major terror incidents in Jammu recently.

2 years after Pulwama attack, J&K Police recovers 7 kg IED at Jammu

He, however, noted the "recent phenomenon" of terrorist groups and their handlers trying to shift the focus from Kashmir valley to the Jammu region including the Jammu city, the officials said. This calls for the highest level of vigil on the part of the security forces and at the same time, alertness and awareness among the general public, Singh said.

The minister of state for personnel conveyed his appreciation for some of the major recent breakthroughs and achievements of the Jammu and Kashmir police and the par-military forces. At the same time, he expressed concern over the selective terrorist attacks like the one on the son of the owner of popular Krishna Dhaba in Srinagar.

The DGP informed the minister that within 24 hours all the three culprits, including the shooter involved in the attack on the Krishna Dhaba proprietor, have been nabbed.

Aakash Mehra, the son of the Dhaba owner, was shot at from a close range and critically wounded on Wednesday evening.

The Muslim Janbaz Force, a terror outfit that was active in the early 1990s, had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Dilbagh Singh thanked the minister for his support in expediting at the Centre the process of the promotion of IPS officers of J&K.

He also sought the minister's intervention for ensuring early and expeditious completion of the induction of officers of the Jammu Kashmir Police Service (JKPS) into the IPS.

Jitendra Singh assured the DGP of the Centre's full cooperation in carrying out timely empanelments and induction.

Unfortunately, he said, the delay had happened on account of irregular cadre reviews done by the erstwhile state government of Jammu & Kashmir.

Singh recalled that even the induction of Jammu & Kashmir Administration Service (KAS) officers into IAS as well as the increase in the number of vacancies could not take place in time even though he, as well as the Union secretary of the department of personnel and training (DoPT), had in the past repeatedly written letters to the then state government.

The minister regretted that in some cases even the toppers in civil services selection hailing from Jammu and Kashmir could not get their home state or Union Territory cadre because of the absence of vacancies.

He expressed confidence that under the Lieutenant Governor's rule, it would be possible to address all these issues which had accumulated during the earlier governments.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 8:54 [IST]
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Governor Andrew Cuomo said the first case of the South African coronavirus (COVID-19) variant has been identified in a resident of New York state.

The confirmed case is a Nassau County resident, whose test was conducted at Opentrons Labworks Incs Pandemic Response Lab (PRL), a New York City-based commercial lab. The test was verified at the Wadsworth Center in Albany, Cuomo said. Last week, a Connecticut resident who had been hospitalized in New York City was found to have the South African variant.

We continue to see a reduction in positivity and hospitalizations throughout the state, which is good news, and this progress is allowing us to reopen the valve on our economy even further, Cuomo said. But with the discovery of a case of the South African variant in the state, its more important than ever for New Yorkers to stay vigilant, wear masks, wash hands and stay socially distanced. We are in a race right now  between our ability to vaccinate and these variants which are actively trying to proliferate  and we will only win that race if we stay smart and disciplined.

At least 10 other South African variant cases have been identified around the United States.

The PRL, which has been conducting high volume testing in the state since September 2020, began genome sequencing to track COVID-19 variants three weeks ago. Upon discovering this new variant in a New York resident, PRL notified federal, state and local public health officials.

The Pandemic Response Lab is not only quickly, efficiently and cost effectively testing for COVID-19, our ability to track variants of concern is a critical advantage in the fight against the virus. We are proud and honored to be a part of this fight and look forward to bringing our innovations to all fifty states, said Jonathan Brennan-Badal, CEO of Opentrons.

On Saturday Cuomo said 54 new cases of the U.K. coronavirus (COVID-19) variant have been identified in New York state, bringing the total number of cases to 136.

LOWEST COVID-19 RATE SINCE NOVEMBER

Cuomo also announced on Sunday that the single day COVID-19 positivity rate dropped below 3% for the first time since Nov. 23. The statewide positivity rate for the virus was 2.99% on Sunday, he said.

Sundays data is summarized briefly below:

Test Results Reported - 221,157

Total Positive - 6,610

Percent Positive - 2.99%

7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.44%

Patient Hospitalization - 5,764 (-213)

Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -829

Patients Newly Admitted - 602

Hospital Counties - 55

Number ICU - 1,162 (+0)

Number ICU with Intubation - 794 (-7)

Total Discharges - 142,307 (+715)

Deaths - 75

Total Deaths - 37,851

Yesterday, 75 New Yorkers died due to COVID-19 in New York state, bringing the total to 37,851, according to Cuomos office

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***

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The love story of Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher sounds like the plot of a movie they might star in. The couple came from two very different backgrounds, but fate brought them together when they appeared on the same show.

When they first met, they were a little young to form a lasting relationship, so they parted ways for a while. But in a true Hollywood ending, they met again years later and knew they were meant to be together.

Although their life sounds like a love story, one special event was more of a comedy. Despite all the romance between them, their honeymoon sounds like it was a disaster.

How Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis met

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis | Jesse Grant/Getty Images

RELATED: Mila Kunis Admits Husband Ashton Kutcher Used to Do Her Homework While Filming That 70s Show

According to Biography, Kunis was only seven when her family immigrated from Ukraine to Los Angeles. Her father had been a mechanical engineer, while her mother had taught physics, but in their new home, they took what work they could find. To help their daughter adapt to the changes, they enrolled her in a kids acting program at the Beverly Hills Studio.

It was there that Kunis met Susan Curtis, a talent manager who took an interest in her. She found acting jobs for the young girl, landing her parts in commercials and helping her start her career.

Kutcher grew up in Iowa with his sister, twin brother, and parents, reports Biography. After graduating from high school, he went to the University of Iowa to study biomechanical engineering.

The first year he was there, he entered a modeling contest on a whim. He won, launching him into a career as a model. He posed for companies such as Calvin Klein and Abercrombie & Fitch.

After a year of working as a model, he moved into acting, landing a part on the sitcom That 70s Show. It was there he met Kunis, who had also gotten her big break on the show.

Their love story

Mila and I dropped in to chat with @jimmyfallon about #quarantinewine on #FallonAtHome Check it out tonight at 11:35pm ET/PT pic.twitter.com/zMyJtejhOx  ashton kutcher (@aplusk) May 5, 2020

RELATED: How Long Have Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis Been Together?

Their five-year age difference doesnt affect them today, but when they started working together Kutcher was 19, while Kunis was only 14. According to In Style, despite the fact that they played a couple and Kunis had a crush on her older costar, the pair were only friends.

After their time on That 70s Show, the actors went their separate ways. They both expanded their careers and were romantically involved with other people. Kutcher was even married for a while to Demi Moore. Although Kunis and Kutcher kept in touch over the years, they didnt think of each other romantically.

All that changed in 2012. They had each become single the year before, and when they ran into each other at the Golden Globes, sparks flew. Within three months of reconnecting, they moved in together. Two years later, they got engaged. Kunis gave birth to their first child later that year.

They decided to make it official and got married on July 4, 2015. Everything seemed perfect  and then came the honeymoon.

A real-life National Lampoons honeymoon

RELATED: Where Did Mila Kunis and Aston Kutcher Go On Their Nightmare Honeymoon?

To celebrate their marriage, the couple decided to take a trip across California in an RV. It didnt go very well.

Eight hours into our RV trip  our air conditioner breaks in Bakersfield in 110-degree weather, Kunis said. We almost died on the side of the road when Apple Maps took us on a road  It was a fire road on the side of a mountain. We all had to jump out of the vehicle and walk like, three miles while my father-in-law drove the van and Ashton navigated him over massive boulders because there had just been a massive flood. Guys, this was like, day two.

According to The Knot, everything seemed to go wrong. They even brought Kutchers parents along, not what most people are looking for in a romantic honeymoon.

If youve ever seen the National Lampoon movies, our honeymoon was like a real-life National Lampoons honeymoon, Kunis explained, referring to the classic movies about chaotic trips. Im not exaggerating.

It seems that their love survived the uncomfortable honeymoon. Theyve gone on to have another child, and by all accounts, theyre very happy. Their Hollywood love story just had a few bumps in the road.
Washington, Feb 21 (UNI)

The United Nations and the US State Department have both condemned the Myanmar's military rulers for their reported use of force against protesters.

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price took to Twitter on Saturday to say

"We are deeply concerned by reports that Burmese security forces have fired on protestors and continue to detain and harass demonstrators and others in Burma [Myanmar]. We stand with the people of Burma,"

As per reports by the Myanmar Now news outlet, at least two protesters were killed and several others injured on Saturday after Myanmars police resorted to the use of live ammunition during a demonstration in the city of Mandalay.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also expressed his disapproval of the millitary's hard stance and defended people's right to assemble peacefully, he wrote on Twitter

"I condemn the use of deadly violence in Myanmar. The use of lethal force, intimidation & harassment against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable. Everyone has a right to peaceful assembly. I call on all parties to respect election results and return to civilian rule,"

Prior to this, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the United Kingdom could consider "further action" against the Myanmarese dispensation in tandem with its international partners.

Myanmar's military seized power in the country, announcing a one-year state of emergency and vowing to take action against alleged voter fraud during the November 8 general election, which was won by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party on February 1.

The military said it was committed to the democratic system and vowed to hold new and fair elections after the state of emergency ends.

Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as President Win Myint and other top officials who were members of the ruling NLD party were detained and accused of election fraud.

Protests have been held across Myanmar since the military took over. The US and the UK have imposed sanctions against multiple individuals affiliated with Myanmars military.

UNI XC RKM
Sen. Bernie Sanders argued Saturday that raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour isn't "incidental" to the federal budget, despite skepticism from Capitol Hill and the White House of its future in President Joe Biden's Covid-19 relief package.

"I'm very proud of the strong arguments our legal team is making to the parliamentarian that raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour is not 'incidental' to the federal budget and is permissible under the rules of reconciliation," the Vermont independent told CNN on Saturday.

Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour stands as the biggest obstacle to getting the President's $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill across the finish line. Some congressional Democrats doubt the provision will be allowed under the guardrails of reconciliation, a budget process that requires each provision to adhere to a strict set of rules, while a handful of moderate members have made it clear privately and in public statements that they can't support legislation that includes it.

But Sanders, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee, has remained confident that the minimum wage increase will meet the rules required through reconciliation and does not violate the Byrd Rule, which keeps "extraneous" measures out of the budget.

Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, who enforces the Byrd Rule, has yet to determine whether the minimum wage measure is within the rules of reconciliation. Senators can challenge the parliamentarian's decisions and vote to waive the Byrd Rule, but they would need a 60 vote majority to do so.

Sanders and the Budget Committee's legal team have been meeting with the Senate parliamentarian's office this week, arguing that the minimum wage increase would directly affect the federal budget and therefore be allowed to pass the Senate with only 51 votes through the reconciliation.

CNN previously reported that the parliamentarian was "stoic" during a meeting this week with Democratic aides about whether the minimum wage provision would be permissible through reconciliation and did not tip her hand one way or the other, according to a Democratic aide familiar.

In arguing that his provision meets the reconciliation rules, Sanders on Saturday pointed to the Congressional Budget Office's analysis that the $15 minimum wage has a greater impact on the federal budget than the two provisions in Republicans' 2017 tax bill that opened acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil drilling and repealed the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate penalties. At the time, the Senate parliamentarian had advised that the GOP provisions did not run afoul of the Byrd Rule.

The minimum wage portion of the Covid-19 relief package has been a point of contention from the beginning. Sanders and progressive Democrats believe including it is necessary and would provide them an important legislative victory early on in the Biden administration. But Republicans are very much opposed to its inclusion and if it were included in the final package it would destroy any slim hope of bipartisan support for the plan.

And it's not just Republicans. Biden has said on multiple occasions that while he supports a $15 minimum wage, he's skeptical it can be passed through reconciliation, and two moderate Democrats, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, have made it clear they will not support the final deal if the minimum wage hike is part of it.

But Democrats are forging ahead. The House included the minimum wage increase in their recently revealed Covid relief package, and Sanders made clear Saturday morning he has no plans to back down.

"I'm confident that the parliamentarian will advise next week that we can raise the minimum wage through the reconciliation process," he told CNN.

Sanders' legislation calls for hiking the hourly wage in stages until it hits $15 in 2025.

Raising the minimum wage to $15 would reduce the number of people in poverty by 900,000 and increase the pay of about 27 million workers, according to a CBO report released earlier this month. But it would also cut employment by 1.4 million workers and increase the federal budget deficit by $54 billion over a decade.

This story has been updated with additional details Saturday.
In the final days of his long life, S. Prestley Blake wanted to talk business  and that business was Friendlys.

He had a telephone conference set with Craig Erlich, the new CEO of the Friendlys restaurant chain.

Blake was excited to talk about the future of the company he and his brother Curtis founded in 1935, his wife Helen Blake shared in the wake of his death on Feb. 11, at the age of 106.

The brothers built their business from a single shop in Springfields Pine Point neighborhood to more than 800 locations up and down the East Coast before watching it go through two bankruptcies and decline to a shell of its former self.

Prestley Blake  active and sharp until the end, despite his age and difficulty hearing  never made that call. But, his wife says she knows what he wanted to learn from Erlich about the business institution he often called my baby.

How can they make more out of breaking it up than running Friendly better? Helen Blake shared. He would have talked about how you can run the company honestly: Start at the top. Treat the employees right.

Its the same attitude builder and property developer Daniel Roulier remembers having witnessed as a teenage employee at the Longmeadow Friendlys in the early 1970s. When the Blake brothers came in, it was an event.

We would jump to attention, recalls Roulier, who would go on to become close friends with his first boss. He was like the inspector general.

That meant everything in its place, right down to having no fingerprints on the sundae cups.

You couldnt run Friendlys today. People are not used to working the way you worked at Friendlys, Roulier says. It was like being in the military.

An article from the Dec. 27, 1978 edition of the Morning Union, a predecessor to The Republican.

In the late 1970s, David Rescigno worked at the Friendly restaurant on Springfield Street in Agawam, a location that is still open. By then, the Blakes had sold out to Hershey Foods for $162 million (about $640 million today). At that time, the chain had more than 600 restaurants in 16 states.

I think he regretted it, Rescigno says of Blake having sold the business in 1979. You could tell how proud he was of what hed built just by the way he looked around.

Rescigno remembers how Blake would come into the restaurant, sporting his signature bow tie, and sit at the counter. Hed order a simple meal  usually a hot dog and french fries with ice cream.

He kept quiet, Rescigno says. If someone recognized him, hed turn around and talk. But he didnt make a big deal or anything.

You could tell how proud he was of what hed built just by the way he looked around. David Rescigno

Carol A. Leary, retired president of Bay Path University, recalls how Blake didnt like it when she made a point of introducing him and relating his Friendly history to strangers, including wait staff at restaurants. Invariably, though, people would smile and tell him that a Friendly restaurant was their first memory of going out to eat, or their first job.

Leary remembers the chef and owner of a fine-dining restaurant in Maine buttonholing Blake in the parking lot, telling him that Friendlys gave him his start toward building his own business.

Leary, who retired in June 2020, first met with Blake because he was a donor and chairman of the universitys board of trustees. They forged a friendship, and she remembers his advice: Make your decisions based on the students. Make sure students are at the center of every decision.

Blake was a well-known philanthropist who often insisted stories include a quote that he didnt want to be the richest man in the cemetery.

At Western New England University, the law school building bears Blakes name. At Bay Path, theres the Blake Student Commons.

His support of Springfield College included a $2 million donation in 2006 and the renaming of the former Wilbraham Hall to Herbert P. Blake Hall, in honor of his late father.

The list of the beneficiaries of the philanthropy of Blake and his wife goes on and on.

Says Leary, Almost every college, university, prep school and nonprofit was his focus.

His money brought with it oversight.

He kept me on my toes, Leary says. I knew I would have to answer to him if I saw him.

A photo that ran in the July 19, 1960 edition of the Morning Union shows the Blake brothers marking the 25th anniversary of the Pine Point restaurant.

The philanthropy does not stop with his death. Helen Blake says it is now her job to continue her husbands unfinished projects  quite a statement for a man who died at 106.

The ongoing projects include Hillsdale Colleges creation of the Blake Center for Faith and Freedom on the Blake family property in Somers. Hillsdale, a conservative school headquartered in Michigan, has acquired 90 acres in the Connecticut town across the border from Massachusetts, including Blakes replica of Thomas Jeffersons Monticello.

Pres Blake, a boyhood admirer of Jefferson, had the mansion constructed in 2015 as what he called his swan song project that coincided with his turning 100 years old.

Roulier says Blake was concerned his money would go to waste. He built ponds on his Somers property so that it would never be redeveloped after his death. Explains Roulier, any subsequent owner would never be able to satisfy wetlands protections laws once Blake and his earth-moving equipment were done.

Thats the way he was, Roulier says. I might be dead, but I still out-thought you.

Helen Davis Blake and S. Prestley Blake at the Springfield College President's Gala at MGM Springfields Aria Ballroom on Oct. 26, 2019. (Ed Cohen Photo)

Helen Blake will also oversee the completion of the S. Prestley and Helen Blake Ambulatory Care Center at Johnson Memorial Hospitals Enfield campus. In 2019, the couple donated $10 million to the Saint Francis Foundation for the center. It was the largest gift ever dedicated specifically to Johnson Memorial Hospital, a member of Trinity Health Of New England, the hospital said at the time.

Blakes passing in a Florida hospital with his family by his side comes just weeks after the Friendlys chain emerged from its most recent bankruptcy. The Friendlys restaurant business was sold to Amici Partners last month with a sale price of $1.9 million. Thats a pittance compared to the $337.2 million price when Sun Capital bought the chain in 2007.

He would have talked about how you can run the company honestly: Start at the top. Treat the employees right. Helen Blake

The brothers Blake, back in 1935, borrowed start-up money from their mother, who was worried that they wouldnt get summer jobs amid the Great Depression.

Curtis Blake  who died in 2019 at 102  had said the concept of an ice cream shop, where the ice cream was made in a storefront and double-dip cones sold for a nickel, was new at the time the brothers launched their business. Drug store soda fountains in those days sold single-dip cones for 5 cents and double dips for 10 cents.

The brothers visited such an ice cream shop on North Main Street in Springfield and got the idea. Six weeks later they opened their first Friendly Ice Cream shop at 161 Boston Road.

They kept their store open until midnight, selling 552 cones in five hours. The take was $27.60.

Our customers didnt have any money, and neither did we, Curtis Blake said in a 2017 interview marking his 100th birthday.

In addition to the restaurant chain, the Blakes also went on to build a headquarters and ice cream plant in Wilbraham in 1960. The plant, today operated by the dairy co-op Dairy Farmers of America, employs nearly 300 people.

Friendlys employees transform more than 50 million pounds of milk from family farms across the northeast into 20 million gallons of ice cream products per year, according to the co-op.

For Guy McLain, a historian and librarian who got to know Blake through the Springfield Museums, feels the Blake brothers and their company tell a larger story. I dont think people realize how hard it was to start a new business in the middle of the depression, McLain says.

McLain helped curate a collection of Friendly Ice Cream memorabilia at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. Its there that a Springfield-built Rolls Royce, once owned by Prestley Blake, is also on display.

Just as Friendly Ice Cream grew, World War II hit, adds McLain. Sugar and cream were unavailable, and the restaurants closed for the wars duration. Curtis Blake went into the military, while Prestley Blake went to work with Westinghouse Corp. on the war effort.

America changed in the post-war years. People were working, had gotten used to eating away from home and suburbs grew. And in the Northeast, especially in New England, those suburbs often came with car-friendly shopping centers. Over time, those shopping centers all wound up with a Friendlys.

In a way Friendlys is a really excellent example of business in America, McLain says, calling the chain a textbook 20th century business.

An article that appeared in the June 24, 1952 edition of the Morning Union.

Prestley Blake grew frustrated in recent decades with the way Friendly was run by Hersheys and later by subsequent owners. His frustration came to a head in the early 2000s when he set out to become a major stockholder.

Concerned that the companys CEO, who owned approximately 10% of Friendlys and also owned a large stake in another restaurant company, was shifting expenses between the businesses in a way that hurt both the company and its shareholders but was personally advantageous to the CEO, he eventually sued the company. Blake bought shares in the company and for a time partnered with a hedge fund investor to get control. The process led to the sale to Sun Capital.

Sun sold off the real estate. The first bankruptcy ended the company pension plan and put employee retirements in the hands of the federal government. Sun subsequently sold off the ice cream production business and the business of selling ice cream to supermarkets.

This split up the vertically-integrated company the Blakes had started in Springfield decades earlier  a business where they controlled the ice cream from buying the ingredients to putting the cherry on top.

Thats the idea that led to the stores, the Fribbles, the college buildings, the Rolls Royce collection, the friendships and more.

He would wake up every morning and within half an hour have all these ideas, Helen Blake says. And he had to be creating all the time. He just didnt stop thinking.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has filed a police complaint against four Dubai returnees who violated the government's coronavirus-related guidelines and returned to their homes without completing the seven-day quarantine mandatory for international travellers.

Mumbai Police in a statement said, "We have registered a case on BMC's complaint and booked four Dubai returnees under sections 188, 269 and 270 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code."

BMC in a statement said, "After Sushil Sabnees, Jubeir Ghalte, Nikita Chander, and Swapan Chandradas returned from Dubai on February 10, BMC had arranged rooms for them at a hotel in Andheri, where according to the rules, they were kept in a seven-day institutional quarantine."

BMC said that on the second day when some doctors went to check up on them, all the four Dubai returnees were found missing from the hotel.

BMC issued new guidelines as Covid cases rise

The Mumbai civic body has issued fresh guidelines to make the implementation of Covid norms more stringent, including limited gathering during marriages, fines for face mask violations, hand-stamps on home-quarantine patients, and sealing of buildings where five or more cases are found.

In an order issued earlier, Municipal Commissioner Iqbal S Chahal said that after 'Mission Begin Again', many citizens are stepping out of their homes without face masks which is not just unsafe for themselves but also for fellow citizens who may come in close proximity.

The BMC will deploy 300 marshals, 100 each at the Western, Central and Harbour railway lines to enforce the rule of wearing masks while travelling in trains. Chahal has also authorised clean-up marshals or officers appointed by the civic body to enter railway stations and board suburban trains for strict implementation of the mask rule. Appointed marshals or officers need not carry a ticket for entering the railway premises, read the order. Additional Municipal Commissioner Suresh Kakani said, "We expected a small rise in Covid cases after reopening of trains, but people need to follow prevention protocol if they are in public places."

For the stricter implementation of the face mask rule and to take action against those spitting in public places, BMC has doubled the number of clean-up marshals from 2,400 to 4,800. The daily target of the marshals has also been increased to penalising at least 25,000 citizens.

Institutional quarantine has been made compulsory for travellers from Brazil along with the existing mandate to quarantine travellers from the UK, European Countries, and the Middle East.

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KYODO NEWS - Feb 21, 2021 - 13:26 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

Inoculations of Japan's elderly against the novel coronavirus will start in April as planned but at a slower pace, the minister in charge of the inoculation rollout said Sunday as the country received its second shipment of Pfizer Inc.'s vaccine.

Citing what he said was a delay until May of a production capacity increase by Pfizer, Taro Kono, the administrative and regulatory reform minister, said supply of the vaccine "will be very limited until April," adding, "We will start (vaccination of the elderly) little by little and expand it slowly."

Japan last Wednesday started inoculating an initial group of health workers in the first phase of its vaccination rollout.

For people aged 65 or older, a group of about 36 million, vaccinations will start in April under the schedule set by the health ministry. But Kono, speaking on a TV program, said that the vaccine will be only available in limited areas and among limited age groups during that month.

He said it would be difficult to achieve the government's goal of completing vaccination of the elderly in two months and three weeks in large cities.

With schedules for vaccine supply and inoculations mostly unclear, "we have to make decisions to some extent this week," Kono said.

He apologized for the effect of the uncertainty on preparations by local governments to vaccinate residents.

Japan's second shipment of up to around 450,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrived at Narita airport near Tokyo on Sunday morning after the European Union gave it the green light under its new vaccine export controls.

The Pfizer vaccine is the first Japan has approved for use against COVID-19.

Japan, which received its first shipment of up to 386,100 doses from Pfizer's factory in Belgium on Feb. 12, is seeking to inoculate 40,000 health care workers in the initial phase, starting first in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said 5,039 people had been inoculated at 68 medical facilities as of Friday.

The government said Saturday it had received reports of hives and chills as possible side effects of the vaccine, which U.S. firm Pfizer developed with Germany's BioNTech SE.

But there have been no reports of severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis, or deaths after shots were administered.

Of the 40,000 health care workers, 20,000 are taking part in a study to track potential side effects caused by the vaccine, keeping daily records for seven weeks after receiving the first of two shots. The shots will be administered three weeks apart.

The next group in line to be vaccinated from March is an estimated 4.7 million other front-line health care workers across the country.

After inoculations begin of people aged 65 or older, people with preexisting conditions and those working at elderly care facilities will be targeted, and then finally the general population, according to the health ministry.
Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has paid tribute to a retired nurse died days before the HSE was due to enter mediation on her CervicalCheck related lawsuit.

Grandmother Joan Lucey (73) passed away at her home in Dingle, Co Kerry, on Friday after battling terminal cancer.

She was suing the HSE and two laboratories for the alleged misreading or misinterpretation or misreporting of her cervical smears taken between February and August 2011.

Her funeral will take place in Dingle on Monday afternoon.

In a video message Vicky Phelan expressed her condolences to Ms Luceys family while saying her case was a terrible indictment of the State and that an offer by the HSE to begin mediation on Tuesday was too late.

Ms Phelan, who is currently receiving an experimental treatment for her cancer in the US, said that the Government need to put their hands up and take full responsibility for not doing enough for Ms Lucey.

"I was very upset and angry actually to wake up this morning to find out that Joan Lucey, another cervical cancer patient, who had been taking a case to the High Court died before her case was heard.

Joan's family had actually been in touch with me to see if there was anything I could do or if I had any advice for them to try and get the case to mediation.

"Our State has to accept a huge amount of responsibility in this, they are responsible for this woman not having her case heard and settling, and for her to be able to die in peace knowing that her family are provided for and that she got her day in court.

"She didn't even get an apology or any admission of liability, so she died before any of that could happen, Ms Phelan said.

"Our state systems like the State Claims Agency who are constantly telling us that they are always mediating and trying to mediate in the cases of women affected by CervicalCheck - that's bulls**t, because look what's just happened."

Ms Phelan also said the protection of the State at all costs" needs to be called out, saying it was very disheartening and very upsetting" that women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal were still being dragged through the courts.

"The HSE, the State Claims Agency and our Government need to hold their hands up here and accept full responsibility for not doing the right thing by this woman, she added.

The campaigner also gave an update on her treatment, saying she is now feeling better having been admitted to a Maryland hospital last week due to side effects of the treatment.

At this stage it is not yet clear what Ms Luceys death will mean for the legal proceedings, but her children have vowed to continue her battle with the HSE and the laboratories.

A death notice, posted by her Ms Luceys family over the weekend, said she will be "sadly missed by her loving daughters Sinead and Eileen, son Sean, sister Eileen, brother Sean, grandchildren Isobel, Jane and Fiadh, son-in-law Jonathan, niece, relatives and friends".
The Air Force has identified one pilot involved in Friday's T-38 Talon crash in Montgomery, Alabama.

Killed in the crash was Scot Ames Jr., an instructor pilot with the 50th Flying Training Squadron at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, the base said in a release Sunday. Ames, a Pekin, Indiana native, was 24, officials from the 14th Flying Training Wing said in the release.

The student pilot, also killed in the crash, was a member of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force training in the U.S. The pilot's name was withheld pending Japanese government approval, the release said.

Read Next: In a Navy with Lots of Traditions, a Small, Very Personal One Continues

The aircraft, belonging to the14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus, went down around 5:30 p.m. near Alabama's Dannelly Field.

The pilots were on a routine, "cross country" training mission, which involves pilots flying to another airport or airfield from the base, Col. Seth Graham, commander of the 14th, said during a news conference Saturday. Graham said flight operations have been temporarily suspended, and officials are evaluating when they can resume.

Graham did not provide further details into the cause of the crash, citing an ongoing investigation.

"Our Air Force investigators are performing their time-tested process used to investigate mishaps like this, and they will ensure the integrity of the investigation," Graham said in Sunday's release. "The Air Force is committed to providing the safest working environment for its people; the safety of our people and the surrounding communities is our foremost concern."

The crash comes a day after another incident involving the T-38.

On Thursday, a trainer jet assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, California, was forced to execute a "gear-up landing" at Mather Airport, California. The two pilots aboard sustained no injuries during the accident, according to a Beale spokesperson.

There have been previous incidents involving T-38s from the Mississippi base.

In May 2018, two pilots ejected from their T-38 near Columbus; the plane crashed in a remote part of northeast Mississippi, officials said at the time. In August the same year, the base halted flight operations for 24 hours after a T-38 ejection seat inadvertently fired while the plane was undergoing inspection. Three maintainers were injured in the incident, according to Air Force Times.

The twin-engine, high-altitude T-38 is used to train pilots to fly in fighter and attack aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt and F-22 Raptor, as well as the B-1B Lancer.

Pilots have noted feeling strain when conducting basic maneuvers in the T-38 because its shape -- most notably its stubby wings -- gives it unforgiving tendencies. The aircraft performs best at high speeds and is much more challenging to fly when pilots are working on slow-speed fundamental skills, a former T-38 instructor told Military.com last year.

The service has plans to replace the Northrop Grumman Corp.-made, two-seater T-38, some of which date back to the mid-1960s.

In September 2018, the service awarded Boeing Co. a $9.2 billion contract to build a replacement aircraft, with a working name of T-X. In 2019, the Air Force rebranded the T-X as the T-7A Redhawk, named in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The first T-7A is expected to be delivered in 2023, along with new flight training simulators.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

Related: After Fatal Jet Crash, the Pilots Got Blamed. Then the Air Force Banned the Flight Maneuver
When President Joe Biden took office, his administration inherited an unresolved complaint and lawsuit that civil rights attorneys filed last fall, charging that Connecticuts housing laws  which leave most decisions to local officials  are harmful to Black and Latino residents.

Now, while U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Justice determine if the state is violating federal fair housing laws  by limiting where Section 8 housing vouchers can be used and where affordable housing can be developed  state lawmakers for the fourth consecutive year are considering whether to tackle the issue before the federal government decides whether to step in.

While we are focused on trying to work together, time passes, Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, said during the Housing Committees public hearing Thursday.

Most of the seven-hour hearing was taken up by people from wealthy towns testifying against the various bills aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing.

During the campaign, Biden promised to eliminate local and state housing regulations that perpetuate discrimination, and during his first week in office, he signed an executive order to begin redressing housing discrimination.

Racial inequality still permeates land-use patterns in most U.S. cities and virtually all aspects of housing markets, the order reads.

The housing discrimination complaint against Gov. Ned Lamont puts the Biden Administration in a somewhat difficult position politically, since the governor was an early supporter of the president during the campaign and Connecticut has a progressive reputation, with Democrats controlling the legislature for 23 years and the governors office for 10.

An official with HUD said Friday that the investigation is active and that while a decision has not been made yet, the federal Fair Housing Act mandates that the agency complete an investigation of discrimination within 100 days unless it is impracticable to do so.

That deadline passed in December.

At issue in the Connecticut complaint and lawsuit are the local policies that restrict where Section 8 housing vouchers can be used and where housing authorities have the ability to develop public housing. Families that receive the vouchers have little choice about what towns to live in since state law gives the overwhelming majority of the 33,000 federal vouchers used each month in Connecticut to housing authorities, and recipients face major barriers to using those vouchers outside that towns borders.

The notion that, except in very limited circumstances, [public housing authorities] cannot make affordable housing opportunities available to Black and Latino families unless white municipalities consent to their presence is a fundamental affront to the very principles and goals of the Fair Housing Act, the August complaint filed by the Open Communities Alliance reads. The law maintains and perpetuates segregated housing patterns in Connecticut.

This law disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic residents, the complaint claims, since nearly 80 percent of the states voucher holders are non-white residents.

Officially called Housing Choice Vouchers, the subsidies were supposed to allow poor people to find decent housing outside underserved communities. But an investigation in 2020 by the Connecticut Mirror and ProPublica found recipients in Connecticut struggle to use their vouchers outside segregated neighborhoods because of these bureaucratic walls, a lack of available housing within their budget, or landlords refusing to rent to voucher holders.

As a result, four out of every five families that get help paying their rent from a Section 8 voucher live in racially segregated communities and over half in neighborhoods with extreme poverty.

The federal government lets local housing authorities grade themselves on whether they help low-income people secure housing outside struggling neighborhoods. Authorities report they are doing amazingly well, despite the data and stories showing the challenges poor people face finding a rental where they want to live.

Legislation that was before the states Housing Committee on Thursday  which has previously failed to win approval in either the state House of Representatives or Senate  would allow housing authorities to process vouchers for apartments or homes they may find in neighboring towns. It also would allow housing authorities to build housing in neighboring towns, but only if they won local zoning approval.

One third of the states municipalities have no housing authority.

The Lamont administration did not provide any testimony on the legislation during his two legislative sessions in office, but this year, his commissioner of housing offered her support.

Our mission is to ensure everyone has access to quality housing opportunities and options throughout the state of Connecticut, said Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, a former non-profit housing developer in the New Haven area. For too long, affordable housing developed by housing authorities has been isolated inside the arbitrary town boundaries in which those housing authorities were established. This committee has the opportunity to make a common-sense change to partially level the playing field between housing authorities and private developers by allowing housing authorities to build housing in a reasonable area outside their home jurisdictions.

Opposition from residents in well-off communities and members of the suburban-dominated legislature has been fierce.

Think Danbury and Norwalk Housing Authorities having oversight over Ridgefield, former longtime state Rep. John Frey, R-Ridgefield, wrote on Facebook in October of the potential of two nearby majority-Black and Hispanic towns getting involved in his overwhelmingly white community.

The same image attached to his Facebook post was circulated widely by residents and state lawmakers in opposition.

That opposition consumed much of the housing committees public hearing Thursday.

Tim Herbst was one of those who testified against the changes. He is the former Trumbull first selectman and chairman of the local Planning and Zoning Commission, a former Republican gubernatorial candidate and a land-use attorney representing residents in Woodbridge opposed to allowing a four-unit property to be built on a single-family lot.

This proposed legislation and what it is attempting to do [is] playing Big Brother on other municipalities in the state of Connecticut, said Herbst, who warned of a backlash.

Rep. Doug Dubitsky, R-Chaplin, said he believes it is false and racist to say that zoning restrictions that prevent affordable housing from being built in certain communities are keeping Black and Latino residents out.

I think that premise is inherently racist, that in order to have more people of color in communities with character you have to destroy the character. Its simply not true, he said.

The Housing Committee co-chairs pushed back.

These bills are not to destroy the character of these towns. They are to investigate and look at why in a state such as ours  one of the wealthiest states in the country  that we are guaranteed a very high standard of living, a very high standard of economic potential and opportunity, a very high standard of health care if we live in about 140 of the towns and cities of this state. But if people live in the 10 poor communities in this state, they are not guaranteed those same opportunities, said Sen. Rick Lopes, D-New Britain.

While the legislature decides whether it will act, Erin Boggs, the executive director of the Open Communities Alliance who brought the complaint, plans to continue to bluntly remind them that she believes they are in violation of federal fair housing laws.

I think now is the perfect opportunity for the state of Connecticut to address this long-standing civil rights violation, and the legislature has a critical role to play in doing that. she said.
Sorry Tom Gleeson.

Marc Fennell has thrown down the gauntlet.

Mastermind is undeniably the hardest quiz in Australia, he insists.

I respect that Tom calls his show Hard Quiz. But this is an actual hard quiz. It may take a few episodes for people to see if theyve never watched it before, but longtime viewers of the show will know: there is no harder quiz on Australian television, than Mastermind. And Im happy to back that.

It is much harder than what they have to do on Hard Quiz -or any other show.

Fennell steps into the anchor chair on the SBS quiz, succeeding Jennifer Byrne, following a network reset. The versatile Feed host has previously stepped in for Byrne in 2019 due to illness, as well as competing as a celebrity contender with his specialist subject, Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Ive actually watched back the footage and I cringe

Ive actually watched back the footage and I cringe, because I realise all the clues were there and I should have just taken a swing at it. But I didnt, and it actually causes me physical pain! So when Im talking to the contenders at least I know the shame!

Mastermind owes its success to the UK original, running for nearly 50 years. Fennell, whose career spans film critic, technology journalist, author, podcaster, radio and television presenter -now adds quiz show host to his CV. Having filmed 40 episodes, he has grown to appreciate the format, even in its strict rules.

Theres a whole bunch of rules that come from the BBC

Theres a whole bunch of rules that come from the BBC that once you start adopting, you dont go back. So contestants are actually contenders. When they get something correct, youre only allowed to say Yes or Correct.

I respect the history of the show, and I think its really important to pick and choose what parts of the iconography we own. Im also mindful of the fact that this is six oclock weeknights, it is dinner time, before the news. It has to have light and shade within the format for it to work.

While the playability may be limited for home viewers, theres no denying the shows longevity and its celebration of specialist -even obscure- subjects.

Everybody is a nerd about something, Fennell suggests. Everybody has that one thing that they know, and they love above all.

So when people come on the show they are saying Here is this thing that I love, that is character-defining about me. Then in effect, what we do for the first half of the show is put that love to the test.

When the lights go down, and the spotlight is on you, you cant see anything

Technically the show also uses visual language to emphasise the drama, from its interrogation lighting to intense camera close-ups.

When the lights go down, and the spotlight is on and the timer has started, it is just you versus the questions. There is no humour, no joy it is entirely up to you to crush these questions.

Ive had a lovely, long chat with Jen

While SBS maintains the host change is part of a plan to evolve the series, Fennell insists he had no part in the switch from Jennifer Byrne.

I was not involved in the decision to refresh in any way, shape or form. Ive had a lovely, long chat with Jen, who Ive known for quite some time. She wishes me and the show well. But I have zero insight into what motivates that decision. I have given nobody any assurances about better ratings! All Ive said when approached is, I want to find a way of bringing some light and shade to it, he adds.

Whether people like it or not, is really up to them. All I will say is I find watching the contenders absolutely riveting, and I hope other people think so.

Mastermind screens 6pm weeknights on SBS.

Related

Frederick K.C. Price He was the consummate family man, and thats one of the hallmarks of his ministry and his life, said daughter and church president, Angela Evans.

LOS ANGELES, February 20, 2021  The family of Dr. Frederick K.C. Price announced his passing on the evening of February 12, following a brief bout with COVID-19.

The 89-year-old minister had a distinct approach to ministry as a teacher versus preacher. His aim was for people to grow in their knowledge of God, the bible, its promises, and to apply its principles for life success.

Apart from being a teacher of faith, Dr. Price was an ardent biblical scholar and author of over 50 books, including How Faith Works, Golden Nuggets: A Treasury of Wisdom for Both Ministers and Laypeople, Integrity: The Guarantee of Success, and many more.

As a highly disciplined individual, Dr. Price served as a positive role model of excellence. He took God at His word and encouraged others through his personal example of applied learnings as a devoted husband and father, and as an integrous employee in the private sector prior to his full-time service in ministry. He was an enthusiastic student of life and an unapologetic stickler for truth, with the belief that once you know better, you can do better.

Upon the founding of Crenshaw Christian Center in 1973 in Inglewood, California, Dr. Price quickly amassed a following of those hungry to improve their life circumstances through sound biblical teaching. His multiple services which were broadcast through his own established Ever Increasing Faith Ministries television ministry, accelerated growth and led to the construction of the Faith Dome, a 10,000-seat sanctuary situated in South Los Angeles which opened in 1989. With a growing presence of viewers in New York, Crenshaw Christian Center East was established in 2001.

Dr. Price, like Paul, was an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a true sower  investing in the lives of people by ensuring access to the truth of Gods word for its triumphant application. Despite his full life as a husband and father, he served as a very present mentor to others. In 1990, he established the Fellowship of Inner-City Word of Faith Ministers (FICWFM) with convenings to boost the growth of ministers, their ministries and laypeople. The multi-day family affair was a showcase of faith and love-in-action as people traveled from all corners of the world to absorb deeper biblical teachings.

Dr. Price encouraged everyone to know the bible for themselves, and he diligently unpacked its teachings with practical life examples. He often used his personal life as a way for others to learn, peeling back the curtain to expose an early fear of the ocean, having never learned to swim as a young person. He addressed this head on by becoming an excellent certified scuba diver.

Dr. Price left an indelible mark as a global influencer for good. His desire was that people from all walks of life would reach their full potential to impact their families, homes, workplaces, and society-at-large. His dedication and commitment to the community of South Los Angeles was steadfast and unwavering.

Dr. Price is survived by his wife of 67-years, Dr. Betty Ruth Price, his four children, Angela, Cheryl, Stephanie and Fred Price, Jr., pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center, 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was the consummate family man, and thats one of the hallmarks of his ministry and his life, said daughter and church president, Angela Evans.

The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and condolences from around the globe. In honor of Dr. Prices legacy, an open to the public lying in repose closed casket viewing is slated for Thursday, March 4th and Friday, March 5th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. On Saturday, March 6th, an 11 a.m. private family live streamed service will occur followed by a private family burial. The service may be viewed on EIF YouTube Channel, EIF Facebook Page, EIF website-watch now, and EIF on demand. Amid COVID-19 realities, the family is acutely aware and deeply concerned for the safety of others. Strict adherence to all safety protocols is appreciated and will be enforced.

Crenshaw Christian Center is located at 7901 S. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90044. More at faithdome.org.
What could be more exciting than flying a helicopter over the deserts of Mars? How about playing Captain Nemo on Saturns large, foggy moon Titan  plumbing the depths of a methane ocean, dodging hydrocarbon icebergs and exploring an ancient, frigid shoreline of organic goo a billion miles from the sun?

Those are the visions that danced through my head recently. The eyes of humanity are on Mars these days. A convoy of robots, after a half-year in space, has been dropping, one after another, into orbit or straight to the ground on the Red Planet, like incoming jets at J.F.K. Among the cargo is a helicopter that armchair astronauts look forward to flying over the Martian sands.

But my own attention was diverted to the farther reaches of the solar system by the news that Kraken Mare, an ocean of methane on Titan, had recently been gauged for depth and probably went at least 1,000 feet down. That is as deep as nuclear submarines will admit to going. The news rekindled my dreams of what I think would be the most romantic of space missions: a voyage on, and ultimately even under, the oceans of Titan.

The depth and composition of each of Titans seas had already been measured, except for Titans largest sea, Kraken Mare  which not only has a great name but also contains about 80 percent of the moons surface liquids, said Valerio Poggiali, research associate at the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science. Dr. Poggiali is the lead author of a paper describing the new depth measurements in The Journal of the American Geophysical Union.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 07:32:45|Editor: huaxia

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SANTIAGO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Chilean government reported on Saturday that 2,827,091 people had been vaccinated against COVID-19 via the mass vaccination program that began on Feb. 3.

Chilean Deputy Health Minister Paula Daza explained that of the total people inoculated, 1,711,810 were over 65 years of age.

"We have vaccinated more than 67 percent of people over 65 years of age. And next week, we are going to continue vaccinating teachers between 59 and 40 years old, but also all those people over 65 who were not able to get vaccinated during these last weeks," said the official.

"Our older adults are not only at greater risk because of their age, but also because older people have more chronic diseases," she stated.

The vaccination process in Chile began with the inoculation of those over 90 years of age.

A large part of the vaccines being used in the country are from the Chinese company Sinovac. President Sebastian Pinera and the Minister of Health Enrique Paris were both vaccinated with shots from the Chinese company.

The Ministry of Health of Chile reported on Saturday 3,893 new cases of COVID-19 and 77 more deaths. Enditem
London, Feb 21 : All adults in the UK will be offered their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine by the end of July, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged.

More than 17 million people have been given a jab since the UK's Covid-19 vaccine rollout began in December 2020, the BBC reported on Saturday.

But Johnson said he now wants the programme to "go further and faster".

He said the July target would allow vulnerable people to be protected "sooner" and would help to further ease lockdown rules across the country.

The prime minister is expected to hold a final meeting on Sunday about how to ease England's lockdown, before he sets out the full "road map" on Monday.

A speedy rollout of the vaccine to all vulnerable people is seen as critical to reducing the pandemic's death toll and relieving pressure on the NHS.

The government's previous target was to offer all adults the first dose by September.

The new plans mean that by April 15, all adults aged 50 and over, as well as younger people with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk, should have been offered a jab.

However, the order of priority in which the under-50s will be offered jabs has yet to be outlined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The Labour welcomed the vaccine targets being moved forward, but called on the government to prioritise people based on their job.

Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "It's perfectly reasonable for teachers, police officers and other key workers who haven't been able to stay at home in the lockdown to ask when their turn will be.

"If government aren't going to prioritise by occupation in the next phase, they need to set out why." At least 17.2 million people in the UK have received their first dose of a vaccine at one of the 1,500 vaccination sites across the country, and almost 600,000 have received their second dose.

The government has said it met its pledge of offering a vaccine to everyone in the top four priority groups - including those aged 70 and over, care home residents, healthcare workers and people required to shield - by February 15.
Smartphone generation 'raised on hardcore porn,' church must address coming 'tsunami': expert warns

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Due to the ubiquity of smartphones, the up-and-coming generation has been raised on hardcore porn to a level thats never been seen before, and there will be a massive reckoning within the Church if the Body of Christ fails to address this issue, the head of an addiction recovery program has warned.

We may think that the porn situation is bad now, as were seeing pastors like Ravi Zacharias come out, but this younger generation has been raised on hardcore porn to a level that we've never seen before, Ted Shimer, founder of The Freedom Fight, an online addiction recovery program, told The Christian Post.

The Bible tells us that we're going to reap what we sow. Those of us who work with college students, were seeing porn addiction like never before. These are our future Christian parents, mothers, fathers, church leaders. If the church doesn't deal with it, there's going to be a massive reckoning that is unfortunately not going to look well on the name of Christ.

Shimer, who has mentored young adults for nearly three decades with the collegiate ministry Student Mobilization, said the rise in porn addiction is directly related to accessibility to technology. In 2007  the year the iPhone came out  Shimer and his wife and ministry partner noticed a significant increase in porn addiction among young people.

We really identified pornography and addiction to it as the single biggest obstacle to our vision and mission of building spiritual leaders for Christ, he said. So in 2007 is when we really took a deep dive into this topic.

Shimer revealed that hes heard firsthand accounts of children  both boys and girls  becoming addicted to pornography as early as seventh grade.

When a mom hands her seventh grader an iPhone, she's not realizing shes handing her child 24/7 access to pornography, he said. And yet, that's what's happening. Its the private access at such young ages thats really the driver behind why we're seeing so many young people with such deep addictions. Its getting worse every year. Its a massive, massive issue.

Statistics show that Christians  and even church pastors  engage in viewing porn at almost the same rates as the secular world. And the problem is particularly relevant given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with Pornhub and other sites capitalizing on the lockdown, Shimer said.

This is such a massive issue in the church, and we need more people who understand it and are equipped to help others break free. Because this next generation of believers that are going to be entering the church  I promise this is going to be a huge issue in their discipleship. If we havent been equipped to address this effectively, were going to be offering shallow and ineffective solutions.

Shimer acknowledged that talking about porn in the church is awkward, uncomfortable, and surrounded in shame, but stressed that its not going away.

Pastors and church leaders need to address it with effective, Gospel-centered, scientifically-informed solutions because its not simply going away, he said, adding that only 7% of churches say they have the resources to assist their members with this addiction.

To help equip parents and church leaders to fight this epidemic, Shimers organization, The Freedom Fight, provides a free program that can be used by individuals, small groups and churches.

Shimer has also penned an accompanying book, The Freedom Fight: The New Drug and The Truths that Set Us Free, where he explores the destructive nature of pornography and examines its six root factors. He also identifies biblical, practical methods to overcome porn addiction and find true freedom.

When addiction is only dealt with on a certain level, it's more awkward and shaming than it should be, he explained. When we start understanding it from an addiction factor and look at the brain science piece and address it from a holistic and discipleship standpoint, we become more equipped to deal with it.

The forward to Shimers book is written by Josh McDowell, who has dedicated a considerable amount of time and use of his platform to address the issue of pornography.

When it comes to combating sex addiction, Shimer offers a method based on scientific research and God's Word called B.R.A.C.E.: Breath, Remember the truth, make an Accountability Call and Escape the temptation.

Its a simple and yet powerful tool that has really been effective, he said. Temptation doesnt always have to be your downfall. It can allow you to build a new pathway and a new direction, built on God's Word. Through this book, I want to both educate and equip.

The father-of-four also encouraged parents to have the porn and sex talk with their children at earlier ages, warning that the world will fill in the blanks if we dont.

Its important for parents to show the relevance of the Scriptures and use Gods Word to frame the topic of sex, he explained. Jesus wants us to have an abundant life. The thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy, and that's what we are seeing with the negative consequences of going outside of God's boundaries.

Parents and church leaders, Shimer added, must understand the brutal reality of pornography and how it impacts a person's brain and impacts their relationships, their marriages, their spiritual life.

But there is a pathway to freedom, and addressing this issue in the Church is an opportunity for revival, he added.
ASHLAND TWP, MI  Police are investigating a three-vehicle crash in Newaygo County that has claimed life of a Grant man.

About 10:53 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, Michigan State Police troopers responded to the crash site on M-37 south of 120th Avenue in Ashland Township. They arrived to find a northbound 2008 Chevrolet Silverado had crossed the center line and crashed into a southbound 1997 Toyota pickup truck.

A 2010 Ford pickup, also heading southbound, was unable to stop and crashed into the first two vehicles, troopers said.

The 52-year-old man who had been driving the Toyota was taken to Saint Marys Hospital, where staff pronounced him deceased.

The 75-year-old Sparta man who had been driving the Chevrolet was also hospitalized in stable condition.

The occupants of the third vehicle, a 37-year-old Muskegon man and a 39-year-old Fruitport man, were uninjured in the crash.

Two MSP accident investigators were called to process the scene. Alcohol is believed to be a factor, troopers said.

The investigation is on-going and troopers did not disclose additional information.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by Life EMS, Ashland Township Fire Department, Grant Fire Department, and Newaygo County Sheriffs Department.

Read more:

Preliminary findings released on Michigan plane crash that killed 3 family members

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Former Vice President Mike Pence has turned down an invitation to speak at this years Conservative Political Action Conference, according to a new report.

Meanwhile, former president Donald Trump is scheduled to address the conference on February 28, according to Fox News.

The event in Orlando, Florida, which begins Thursday, will mark Trumps first major public appearance since leaving office last month.

Pence reportedly holds some bitterness toward the former president after a mob of pro-Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol last month as Pence presided over a joint session of Congress to certify President Bidens Electoral College win.

Pences aides have said Trumps failure to quell his supporters among the rioters was the ultimate betrayal, Fox News Chris Wallace reported earlier this month. However, former Pence chief of staff Marc Short reportedly said Friday that Pence and Trump are still in touch.

Trumps speech will look toward the future of the Republican Party and the conservative movement. It will also address President Bidens disastrous amnesty and border policies, a source told Fox News.

In a statement last week, after his impeachment acquittal, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the Make America Great Again movement.

Our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again (MAGA) has only just begun, Trump said. In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people. There has never been anything like it!

Since leaving office, Pence has joined the Heritage Foundation as a distinguished fellow, where he will advise Heritage experts on public policy issues, and write a monthly column for The Daily Signal, the foundations media outlet.

Pence also reportedly plans to form a fundraising organization dedicated to public policy.

More from National Review
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21)  The national capital region has once again recorded an upward trend in COVID-19 cases, the independent research group OCTA said on Sunday.

In its latest monitoring report, OCTA said the daily average new cases in Metro Manila over the past three days have climbed to 563. This is up by 45% from the daily average of 388 recorded from the week prior.

The regions reproduction number, a statistic used to measure the rate of virus transmission, also grew to 1.22 from the 1.00 listed two weeks ago.

The positivity rate in NCR  or the percentage of those infected out of all tested  has meanwhile breached 5% over the past week. This is based on around 16,000 RT-PCR tests conducted daily. The group noted that the last time the region exceeded 5% was November 2020. The World Health Organization recommends that the positivity rate be kept below that percentage.

A huge contributor to this reported increase was Pasay City, which saw a 203% spike in infections in the last three days. OCTA said that from the 28-daily average recorded from Feb. 11 to 17, the city recorded an average of 86 cases daily from Feb. 18 to 20.

Following this surge, the Pasay City government has locked down 33 barangays and one business establishment  a commendable swift response, according to OCTA.

The next biggest rise in NCR was seen in Malabon which had a 166% increase, followed by Las Pinas with 116%. OCTA said Pasay and Malabon now fall under the high-risk classification as per the Health departments guidelines, while Las Pinas remains at moderate risk.

Nine other local government units in the region also posted at least a 20% rise in cases over the same period. Pateros, Navotas and Muntinlupa, on the other hand, reported a decline. Meanwhile, the positivity rate in Marikina and Paranaque remained high at 14% and 10%, respectively.

This recent spike in cases indicates that the virus remains as a public health threat in NCR, and the local governments and public cannot afford to be complacent, OCTA said.

OCTA experts are among those rejecting the National Economic and Development Authority's proposal to shift the entire country to the least stringent form of community quarantine starting March 1. The group called the move "risky and premature," noting that the Philippines has not yet even started its vaccination program. It said the government should first prioritize immunization of healthcare workers, strengthen biosurveillance efforts to detect new variants, and improve testing and tracing capacity before moving to ease quarantine rules.

As of Feb. 21, the Health department has tallied 561,169 COVID-19 cases nationwide, with 12,088 deaths and 522,843 recoveries.
UTICA, N.Y. - As much of Texas continues to struggle from the effects of this past week's unusual winter storm, we spoke with two natives of the Mohawk Valley on Saturday who are living in Texas and whom are both still without power.

First, David Hoy, who grew up in Herkimer and moved to the Dallas area in 2014.

Hoy says his parents, who now live in Marcy, are worried about him, his wife and their 2-year-old son, David Jr., "My parents have been keeping in touch with me constantly. They were pretty relieved when they found out that we were going to stay with some some friends down here that had some power because I have a two-year-old son."

Hoy is a police officer with the small Dallas suburb of Itasca.

Hoy and his family are still without power nearly a week after the huge storm that first dumped ice, then between 6 and 8 inches of snow on top of it, and they are still staying with friends in a town called Temple, Jordan says one of the only areas around Dallas that got its power back quickly.

Hoy says no one could have ever expected what happened, "Generally speaking we get maybe once or twice we'll get a couple inches of snow and then other than that and its gone in an hour. We have no snow removal, none. Most people down here dont know what a snow plow is. We're just not prepared for something like this, this doesnt happen, so the roads stay impassible because we have no plows, we have no salt, we dont have anything like that, so we just wait for it to melt."

Nicholas German meanwhile graduated from New Hartford High School in 2011. He's a classically trained pianist, and after graduating with dual master's degrees in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, he took a job as an elementary school music teacher in the Dallas suburb of Irving and loves his job and the area.

German's parents, Ron and Sandy German still live in New Hartford and have also been in constant contact with their son.

German says the complex he was living in is still without power and he and his 5 month old Great Dane named Henry are continuing to stay with friends who have power, but no water, just like half of the population in the entire state.

German says he just got word Saturday morning that there's a chance the power at his complex could be turned back on as early as today, so he and Henry may be able to return, but still without any running water, "Your top need is, do I have water to drink? And so a lot of us have been rushing to the stores and getting into accidents and what not, but luckily I grew up in Upstate New York and I know how to drive in this."

German says the school district he teaches in closed last Monday and will remain closed until at least this Tuesday.

He says one thing that has really helped him get through this past week, the love he's felt from those more than 1,500 miles away here in the Mohawk Valley, "People from home in New York been checking in on me constantly, like hey, is everything OK? I just want to thank everybody for that."
Republicans are moving to stop the road-blocking maneuver used during protests last summer by proposing legal immunity for drivers who hit demonstrators.

The bills are among dozens introduced in at least 25 states in an effort to crack down on demonstrations; the lawmakers also want to increase the penalties for those who run onto highways.

'Its not going to be a peaceful protest if youre impeding the freedom of others,' said Rep. Kevin McDugle, the author of an Oklahoma bill granting criminal and civil immunity to people who drive into crowds on roads.

In July last year a pickup truck pulling a horse trailer drove through Black Lives Matter protesters on Interstate 244 in Tulsa.

Three people were seriously injured, including a 33-year-old man who fell from an overpass and was left paralyzed from the waist down.

McDugle added: ''The driver of that truck had his family in there, and they were scared to death.'

Oklahoma GOP State Senator Nathan Dahm said: 'Drivers in these situations should not be held liable or responsible for injury by trying to escape a threatening and dangerous situation.'

Legislators in Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, Utah and Florida are among those who have introduced the new counterprotest measures.

In this Sunday, May 31, 2020 photo, protesters surround a truck shortly before it drove through the group injuring several on Interstate 244 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The group were protesting the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on May 25 and commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

A tanker truck drives into thousands of protesters marching on 35W north bound highway during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd on May 31

Tumultuous demonstrations by left-leaning and right-leaning groups have stirred new debate about what tactics are acceptable free speech and which go too far.

In addition to blocking roads, Black Lives Matter demonstrators have taken over parks and painted slogans on streets and structures, while right-wing groups have brandished firearms and stormed capitol buildings.

Local authorities' responses have wavered as they try to avoid escalating conflicts.

The traffic-blocking tactic has attracted the most concern because of the obvious hazard.

The tanker in on the Minnesota interstate that drove through a protest in May

In one particularly chilling incident in Minneapolis, a large tanker truck drove at high speed through thousands of protesters gathered on a closed highway. Remarkably, no one was seriously hurt, though a criminal complaint says at least one protester suffered abrasions.

Mark Faulk, a longtime Oklahoma activist who was arrested last year for blocking a roadway, said dramatic tactics are necessary to get people's attention.

In Seattle, Summer Taylor, 24, was killed and another person was seriously injured in July when a man drove his car into protesters on a closed Seattle freeway

'The idea of escalating it to the point where you disrupt the convenience of the citizens and of the status quo, you have to do that sometimes to make a point,' Faulk said.

But Carmyn Taylor, 20, recalled the sight of a pickup truck bearing down on protesters spread across the six-lane I-244 in Tulsa.

'The most vivid thing I remember is when I got pulled to the ground. I remember seeing both sets of wheels run over my legs, which was a little traumatizing,' said Taylor, who suffered a broken leg and a sprained ankle. 'For the first two weeks after the accident, I couldn't walk.'

In Seattle, Summer Taylor, 24, was killed and another person was seriously injured in July when a man drove his car into protesters on a closed Seattle freeway. A graphic video posted on social media showed the car swerving around several parked cars and slamming into the two protesters, sending them flying into the air.

In an incident in St. Louis in May, a 29-year-old man was dragged to his death beneath a tractor-trailer that drove into a sign-carrying group on a road.

Whether drivers face criminal charges in such incidents depends on the circumstances of each case, prosecutors say. The tractor-trailer driver in St. Louis has not been criminally charged, while the driver of the car in Seattle has pleaded not guilty to charges of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and reckless driving.

District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler declined to file charges against the driver in Tulsa, saying several people in the crowd had attacked the vehicle with the drivers children inside. But Kunzweiler stopped short of endorsing proposals for harsher penalties for protesters or blanket immunity for drivers.

'There are any number of laws already in place that are readily available to be enforced,' he said.

In an incident in St. Louis in May, a 29-year-old man was dragged to his death beneath a tractor-trailer that drove into a sign-carrying group on a road. The tractor-trailer driver in St. Louis has not been criminally charged

A bill granting drivers immunity for hitting protesters easily cleared an Oklahoma Senate committee recently on a 8-1 vote. Two others are pending in the state House.

But critics say the proposals are only designed to intimidate people, not to solve a problem.

'The biggest concern is that they chill speech and they chill folks gathering to protest,' said Nicole McAfee, policy director for the Oklahoma chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

A truck drives through a group of protesters who had shut down Interstate 244 during a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Sunday, May 31, 2020

About 50 people were arrested during several days of protests in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Most of the arrests were for disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, and rioting, a felony that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

At least two men accused of burning a sheriff's van were charged under the state's anti-terrorism law, a felony that carries a sentence of up to life in prison. Those cases are pending.

Proposals in Oklahoma would increase the criminal penalties for blocking a roadway, including one making it a felony punishable by up to two years in prison, and making it more difficult for those arrested to be released from jail.

Another bill would add participating in unlawful assemblies to the state's racketeering act aimed at organized crime.

State Rep. Emily Virgin, the Democratic leader in the Oklahoma House, said she wishes her Republican colleagues would focus on the underlying issues of police brutality and systemic racism instead of seeking ways to punish protesters.

'It seems that some of my colleagues took the wrong lesson from the demonstrations we saw this summer,' Virgin said.
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.

Bob Stannard writes a regular column for the Bennington Banner. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Brattleboro Reformer.
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Senator Ted Cruz has been mocked for sharing photos of himself handing out bottled water in a 'shameless' photo-op just days after he jetted off to Cancun with his family.

Late on Saturday night Cruz posted a series of pictures of himself on Twitter showing him delivering water to those in need together with the hashtag #TexasStrong.

In three photographs, Cruz could be seen placing the packs of water in a back seat and trunk of people's cars, however it is not known exactly where and when the pictures were taken.

It comes as he faces fierce backlash for heading to Cancun, Mexico as Texans froze to death during a devastating winter storm.

The senator was forced to return from his Mexican beach resort vacation while millions of fellow Texans were left dealing with horrendous conditions including freezing temperatures, widespread power outages, and a lack of drinking water. At least 30 lives were lost in the Lone Star state.

Across Houston and Austin, people have been waiting in long lines in their cars for water. In Cruz's pictures, the parking lot appeared to be virtually deserted.

Senator Ted Cruz tweeted a photo op late on Saturday night with the hashtag #TexasStrong. It only served to generate further anger online from those furious at the senator's recent behavior that saw him leave Texas for the beach in the midst of a crisis

Senator Ted Cruz has staged a photo op that shows him handing out water to people affected by Texas' storms

Cruz posted the pictures to his Twitter account late on Saturday night and was roundly criticized for doing so

It comes after Cruz decided to take take a trip to Cancun while his state was in crisis - he returned after a day

The senator, 50, was already facing a fierce backlash for fleeing his home state and Saturday's photo op did not impress his followers.

'GTFOH. This guy Ted Cruz is an embarrassment to Texas and anyone with a brain. He must really think his constituents are dumb as hell,' Tweeted Bruno Amato, who is running for Congress in 2022.

Others were more plain-speaking: 'The same reason why a US Senator would feel the need to have a police escort when he returns to his home State is the reason why he needs to set up a photo op in an empty parking lot - he knows his own constituents hate him and wouldnt hesitate to call him out to his face,' wrote Noelle on Twitter.

'Too little too late, Ted Cruz/ My sister, her 2 sons, & their wives are all Republicans living near Austin. You've lost all their votes. My step-son & his wife figured you out years ago; you never had their votes. Pretending to care after you've been caught does not count,' wrote ConcernedLinda.

Senator Cruz caused himself a huge backlash from people for leaving the Lone Star State for sunnier climes during an unprecedented winter event which shut down most of the state for five days and left at least 30 dead

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz speaks to the media at the Cancun International Airport before boarding his plane back to the U.S., in Cancun, Mexico February 18, 2021. He was wearing a Texas mask and spoke briefly to Telemundo, a local station, amid uproar over his planned vacation during the worst energy crisis Texas has ever seen

Heidi Cruz wife of Texas Senator Ted Cruz arrives back in Houston from Cancun, Mexico with her children in tow

Some were more suspicious of the photoshoot. 'These pictures don't seem right. Where is the snow and the ice. No one is wearing coats in fact Ted's sleeves are pulled up. Could this be some insane Republican propaganda contrived in a controlled environment?' asked Ruth S.

'I don't think this staged photo op is going to repair the damage you inflicted on your own credibility,' wrote the user SecularOutpost.

'First you abandon your constituents, now they are crisis photo opps to you? Do you have any shame at all Ted Cruz' asked liberal columnist David Weissman.

One Twitter user was suspicious over the lack of wintry weather in the pictured: 'Where is the snow? Why arent these people bundled up for the weather? I mean Ted Cruz even has his sleeves rolled up? Oh is that from all the cases of water youve been carrying?'

The criticism against Senator Ted Cruz was unrelenting on Saturday evening in the hours after he posted pictures of himself delivering water to those in need

'Wow. Thats some heavy lifting by your PR team to try and paint you as a person who cares and is NOT a millionaire who can flee devastation on a whim regardless of the fact that hes paid by his constituents. Heidis fine, BTW.' said Elizabeth Doyle online.

'So you show up on the first sunny day when temps are a little warmer. You are trying to save face. You should have done this day one. Texas would be stronger if it had politicians that truly cared about the people who vote for them,' added Lana DeFree.

Many of the deaths in the state came as Senator Cruz and his family were packing their suitcases to fly to the $309-a-night Ritz-Carlton in Cancun where temperatures were 85F - compared to a low of -2F in Texas.

He later returned on Thursday after his actions provoked an outcry.

On Saturday, his wife Heidi Cruz returned to the U.S.

The 48-year-old was seen walking into the terminal on Saturday with her daughters Catherine, 12, and Caroline, 10, as she prepared to board a flight back to storm-lashed Texas at the end of a controversial four-day stay.

Volunteers direct traffic during a water distribution event at the Fountain Life Center on Saturday in Houston, Texas

An aerial drone view of cars lining up for a water distribution event at the Fountain Life Center in Houston, Texas. Much of Texas is still struggling with historic cold weather, power outages and a shortage of potable water after winter storm Uri

Volunteers direct traffic as they pass out water during a water distribution event in Houston. Many Houston residents do not have drinkable water at their homes and are relying on city water giveaways

Cars are lined up in a parking lot as people wait to be directed to a food distribution point setup at Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas

With the snow and ice clearing in Texas after days of unusually cold temperatures, bodies are being found of people who likely froze to death as they struggled to stay warm after electricity was cut to millions of homes

Of the around 70 deaths attributed to the snow, ice and frigid temperatures nationwide, more than a dozen were people who perished in homes that had lost their heat, and most of those were in Texas.

President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in the state where 14million were without water at one point with towns cut off from the electricity grid for seven days.

The move - announced on Saturday - makes federal funding available to individuals across the state, including assistance for temporary housing, home repairs and low-cost loans for losses on uninsured property.

The victims of the crisis include 11-year-old Cristian Pavon, who perished of hypothermia in his family's mobile home in Conroe, near Houston, a day after he was pictured enjoying the snow - the first he had ever seen in his life.

Among the other dead are a man who reportedly froze to death in his recliner chair with his 'nearly dead' wife by his side; three children who perished in a fire as they huddled in a fireplace for warmth; and a mother and daughter died who from carbon monoxide poisoning as they bundled in their car in a garage.

Two older men were also found dead in their homes in the small West Texas town of Buffalo Gap in Taylor County.

Heidi Cuz stayed at the popular but pricey $300-a-night Ritz Carlton resort - where the wintry chaos enveloping Texas appeared far from everyone's minds

As Heidi marched out of the Houston airport with her kids and an unidentified boy - all of whom were wearing masks - at 6pm on Saturday night, DailyMail.com asked her several questions, all of which she refused to answer

Cruz - seen at Cancun airport on Thursday before his flight back to Texas - enraged his state by fleeing in the midst of the worst snow storms to hit Texas in decades

On Friday President Biden said that he hopes to travel to Texas next week but doesn't want his presence and the accompanying presidential entourage to distract from the recovery.

'They're working like the devil to take care of their folks,' Biden said of Texas officials. He said he'd make a decision early next week about travel.

Biden, who offered himself during the campaign as the experienced and empathetic candidate the nation needed at this moment in time, is working on several fronts to address the situation - and to avoid repeating the mistakes of predecessors who got tripped up by inadequate or insensitive responses in times of disaster.

Taylor County Sheriff Ricky Bishop said his office received many calls in recent days asking for checks on friends or family members who may be suffering due to the power outages.

'I can think of probably one point in one hour we probably got 10 of those calls,' said Bishop, adding that some of the county's roads were covered in 4 foot deep snow drifts.

Water damage from burst pipes at a local bakery in Baytown, Texas. Restaurants in Texas are throwing out expired food, grocery stores are closing early amid stock shortages and residents are struggling to find basic necessities

The ceiling of the bakery collapsed as a result of the devastating storm that swept through the area

Water shoots out of a burst pipe outside of a restaurant in Houston, Texas as a result of freezing temperatures

Hypothermia can set in if the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and if it falls below about 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees.

'After hours and hours, it leads to a very dangerous condition,' said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Matt Zavadsky, a spokesman for Fort Worth area ambulance provider MedStar, said most of the hypothermia calls they received were from people in their own homes, where temperatures had dipped to 50 degrees or lower.

MedStar reached a peak on Wednesday with 77 hypothermia calls, Zavadsky said. Some people reported numb hands and feet, while others had more severe symptoms.

'You had people who had been so cold for so long that they were shivering uncontrollably, they may have had a decreased level of consciousness, which is not uncommon when you are in hypothermia for a prolonged period of time,' he said.

Some who were transported to hospitals had reached the point they were no longer shivering, 'which is a very bad sign,' Zavadsky said.

Some of the older people who died in Texas were found outside their homes. It wasn't immediately clear what prompted them to go outside.

Rakeb Shelemu, seven, and her mother, Etenesh Mersha, died from carbon monoxide poisoning during the power outage in south-west Houston on Friday

Cristian Pavo, an 11-year-old boy who died in his unheated Texas home. The snow behind him (left) was the first time he had seen snow in his life. He died the next day

The victims include 84-year-old Mary Gee, whose family said she froze to death in her home in Houston before a burglar robbed items from her apartment.

Over in Abilene, a man was found frozen to death Wednesday in his recliner chair and his wife was taken to hospital where she remains 'in peril' after suffering without power for several days.

Another man died at a health care facility in the city when a lack of water pressure made medical treatment impossible.

The three children who perished in a house fire in Sugar Land when they huddled in a fireplace to stay warm during power outages have now been named as Olivia, Edison and Colette Nguyen.

The siblings and their grandmother Le Loan died in the early hours of Tuesday morning during the blackouts.

Firefighters were called out around 2 am and tackled the blaze but the four victims were confirmed dead. The children's mom Jackie Nguyen and a friend were also injured and taken to hospital.

The children's father, Nathan, stars in an HBO show called House of Ho, which chronicles the lives of the members of a wealthy Vietnamese-American family living the American Dream in Houston.

Colette, Edison, and Olivia Nguyen died on Friday alongside their grandmother after a fire at their house in Sugar Land on Friday. The children's father, Nathan, stars in an HBO show called House of Ho, which chronicles the lives of the members of a wealthy Vietnamese-American family living the American Dream in Houston

Carrol G Anderson (pictured on the left with his wife, Gloria) died of hypothermia inside his car in 19F weather while driving to try and find an oxygen tank. Mary Gee (right) also died of hypothermia

A relative wrote on a Go Fund Me page for the Nguyen family, who lost three children and their grandmother: 'These angels were witty, funny, each with their owners funky and sassy attitudes, and each were extremely loved by me and the entire family'

President Joe Biden speaks to member of the media Friday after leaving Air Force One on Friday at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Also pictured is Wesley Crow, 57, (right) died at home in Texas after going without power and heat for almost two days

In Houston, Etenesh Mersha and her 7-year-old daughter Rakeb Shelemu died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning Monday after they huddled in their car in the garage for warmth amid a blackout in their home.

Etenesh's husband Ato Shalemu Bekele and their 8-year-old son Beimnet Shalemu were also rushed to hospital where the little boy was still in ICU two days later.

Wesley Crow, 57, collapsed and died in his old farmhouse just outside Santa Fe after he and his sister Laura were left for almost two days without power.

'He just collapsed, his eyes rolled up into his head and just stopped breathing,' Crow told ABC13.

Meanwhile, Carrol G Anderson died of hypothermia inside his car in 19F weather while driving to try and find an oxygen tank.

Austin Musicians unite to distribute FEMA emergency disaster relief boxes to residents affected by the winter storm crisis

A long line of cars line up at the Austin Texas Musicians emergency disaster relief event. 500 families received FEMA relief boxes and locally donated water, diapers and necessities

Warmer temperatures are on their way across the center of the country and will be up to 50 degrees F higher

A big warm up has been forecast to move across the country early next week

The eastern half of the country will also enjoy a warm up of between 10-30F

On Saturday, warmer temperatures began to spread across the southern US bringing relief to a winter-weary region that faces a challenging clean-up and expensive repairs from days of extreme cold and widespread power outages.

In Texas, where millions were warned to boil tap water before drinking it, the warm-up was expected to last for several days.

The thaw produced burst pipes throughout the state, adding to the list of woes from the severe conditions.

By Saturday afternoon, the sun had come out in Dallas and temperatures were nearing the 50s. People emerged to walk and jog in residential neighborhoods after days indoors. Many roads had dried out, and patches of snow were melting. Snowmen slumped.

Linda Nguyen woke up in a Dallas hotel room Saturday morning with an assurance she hadn't had in nearly a week: She and her cat had somewhere to sleep with power and water.

Electricity had been restored to her apartment on Wednesday. But when Nguyen arrived home from work the next evening, she found a soaked carpet. A pipe had burst in her bedroom.

'It's essentially unlivable,' said Nguyen, 27, who works in real estate. 'Everything is completely ruined.'

Deaths attributed to the weather include a man at an Abilene health care facility where the lack of water pressure made medical treatment impossible.

Officials also reported deaths from hypothermia, including homeless people and those inside buildings with no power or heat. Others died in car accidents on icy roads or from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

Roughly half the deaths reported so far occurred in Texas, with multiple fatalities also in Tennessee, Kentucky, Oregon and a few other Southern and Midwestern states.

A Tennessee farmer died trying to save two calves from a frozen pond.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, talks with home owner Sandali Ramirez alongside U.S. Rep. Al Green and U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia during a tour of some homes that were damaged by the winter storm in Houston

Jessica Hulsey of Houston talks to U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, after giving her a tour of her neighborhood where some homes were damaged by the winter storm in Houston

U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia looks at water damage with U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and U.S. Rep. Al Green, during a tour of some homes that were damaged by the winter storm

President Joe Biden's office said Saturday he has declared a major disaster in Texas, directing federal agencies to help in the recovery.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, tweeted Saturday that she helped raise more than $3 million toward relief. She was soliciting help for a Houston food bank, one of 12 Texas organizations she said would benefit from the donations.

The storms left more than 300,000 still without power across the country on Saturday, many of them in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

More than 50,000 Oregon electricity customers were among those without power, more than a week after an ice storm ravaged the electrical grid. Portland General Electric had hoped to have service back to all but 15,000 customers by Friday night. But the utility discovered additional damage in previously inaccessible areas.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ordered the National Guard to go door-to-door in some areas to check on residents' welfare. At its peak, what was the worst ice storm in 40 years knocked out power to more than 350,000 customers.

In West Virginia, Appalachian Power was working on a list of about 1,500 places that needed repair, as about 44,000 customers in the state remained without electricity after experiencing back-to-back ice storms on February 11 and 15.

More than 3,200 workers were attempting to get power back online, their efforts spread across the six most affected counties on Saturday.

In Wayne County, West Virginia, workers had to replace the same pole three times because trees kept falling on it.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met Saturday with legislators from both parties to discuss energy prices as Texans face massive spikes in their electric bills after wholesale energy prices skyrocketed while power plants were offline.

'We have a responsibility to protect Texans from spikes in their energy bills' resulting from the weather, he said in a statement.

Volunteers sort through locally donated diapers and feminine products for the Austin Texas Musicians event to distribute FEMA emergency disaster relief boxes to Austin residents affected by the winter storm crisis

Volunteers pack emergency distribution boxes at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday. The Houston Food Bank is preparing thousands of emergency food boxes that will be given out to residents in need after winter storm Uri swept across Texas

Water woes added misery for people across the South who went without heat or electricity for days after the ice. Snow storms forced rolling blackouts from Minnesota to Texas.

Robert Tuskey was retrieving tools from the back of his pickup truck Saturday afternoon as he prepared to fix a water line at a friend's home in Dallas.

'Everything's been freezing,' Tuskey said. 'I even had one in my own house  of course I'm lucky I'm a plumber.'

Tuskey, 49, said his plumbing business has had a stream of calls for help from friends and relatives with burst pipes. 'I'm fixing to go help out another family member,' he said. 'I know she ain't got no money at all, but they ain't got no water at all, and they're older.'

In Jackson, Mississippi, most of the city of about 161,000 lacked running water, and officials blamed city water mains that are more than 100 years old and not built for freezing weather.

The city was providing water for flushing toilets and drinking. But residents had to pick it up, leaving the elderly and those living on icy roads vulnerable.

Volunteers with the Central Texas Food Bank give food to needy people at a drive thru distribution point setup at Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas. The food bank is handing out about 2,000 boxes of food at the site

Austin Texas Musicians unite to distrubute FEMA emergency disaster relief boxes to Austin residents affected by the storm

Volunteers pass out plates of food during a water distribution event at the Fountain Life Center. Many Houston residents do not have drinkable water at their homes and are relying on city water giveaways

Incoming and outgoing passenger flights at Memphis International Airport resumed Saturday after all flights were canceled Friday because of water pressure problems. The issues hadn't been resolved, but airport officials set up temporary restroom facilities.

Prison rights advocates said some correctional facilities across Louisiana had intermittent electricity and frozen pipes, affecting toilets and showers.

The men who are sick, elderly or being held not in dormitories but in cell blocks  small spaces surrounded by concrete walls  were especially vulnerable, according to Voice of the Experienced, a grassroots organization founded and run by formerly incarcerated people. The group said one man at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, just south of Baton Rouge, described a thin layer of ice on his walls.

Cammie Maturin said she spoke to men at the 6,300-inmate Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola who were given no extra provisions to protect themselves from the cold.

'They give them no extra blankets. No extra anything, For them, it's just been fend for yourself,' said Maturin, president of the nonprofit H.O.P.E. Foundation.

Volunteers pass out water during a water in Houston. Residents pulled up in their trucks and filled their flatbeds and trunks

Lucas Velarde fills a water jug at a drive through water distribution center setup at Jack C Hays High School in Kyle, Texas

Lucas Velarde and Erin Purdy (L-R) fill water jugs for people at a drive through water distribution center setup at Jack C Hays in Kyle, Texas

Volunteers with the Central Texas Food Bank give food to needy people at a drive thru distribution point setup at Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas. The food bank is handing out about 2,000 boxes of food at the site

A volunteer packs peanut butter into emergency distribution boxes at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday. Many Houston residents do not have drinkable water or food at their homes and are relying on giveaways

In many areas, water pressure dropped after lines froze and because people left faucets dripping to prevent pipes from icing, authorities said.

As of Saturday, 1,445 public water systems in Texas had reported disrupted operations, said Toby Baker executive director of the state Commission on Environmental Quality. Government agencies were using mobile labs and coordinating to speed water testing.

That's up from 1,300 reporting issues Friday afternoon. But Baker said the number of affected customers had dropped slightly. Most were under boil-water orders, with 156,000 lacking water service entirely.

'It seems like last night we may have seen some stabilization in the water systems across the state,' Baker said.

The Saturday thaw after 11 days of freezing temperatures in Oklahoma City left residents with burst water pipes, inoperable wells and furnaces knocked out of operation by brief power blackouts.

Rhodes College in Memphis said Friday that about 700 residential students were being moved to hotels in the suburbs of Germantown and Collierville after school bathrooms stopped functioning because of low water pressure.

Firefighters extinguished a blaze at a fully occupied 102-room hotel in Killeen, Texas, about 70 miles north of Austin, late Friday. The hotel's sprinkler system didn't work because of frozen pipes, authorities said Saturday.

Flames shot from the top of the four-story hotel, and three people required medical care. Displaced guests were taken to a nearby Baptist church.

Texas electrical grid operators said electricity transmission returned to normal after the historic snowfall and single-digit temperatures created a surge in demand that buckled the state's system.

Smaller outages remained, but Bill Magness, president of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, said the grid now can provide power throughout the system.

Abbott ordered an investigation into the failure for a state known as the U.S. energy capital. ERCOT officials have defended their preparations and the decision to begin forced outages Monday as the grid reached breaking point.

The blackouts resulted in at least two lawsuits filed against ERCOT and utilities, including one filed by the family of an 11-year-old boy who is believed to have died from hypothermia. The lawsuits claim ERCOT ignored repeated warnings of weaknesses in the state's power infrastructure.

Also, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued civil investigative demands to ERCOT and electric utility companies. His investigation will address power outages, emergency plans, energy pricing and more related to the winter storm.
Male: India will always be a reliable security partner for the Maldives, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Sunday, as the Centre signed a USD 50 million defence Line of Credit agreement with the island nation to facilitate capability building in the maritime domain.

Jaishnakar, who is in the Maldives on a two-day visit, held discussions with Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi.

"Cordial meeting with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi . Useful exchange on our defence cooperation. India will always be a reliable security partner for the Maldives," he said in post on social media.

"Glad to sign with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi the UTF Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR efforts. Partners in development, partners in security," he said.

Glad to sign with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi the UTF Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR efforts. Partners in development, partners in security. pic.twitter.com/dYhpVZDd7e  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 21, 2021

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (February 20) handed over 1 lakh additional doses of the made-in-India COVID-19 vaccine to the Maldives. The Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Health Minister Ahmed Naseem received the coronavirus vaccine.

S Jaishankar also interacted with Abdulla Shahid and said that 'an extraordinarily deep partnership' between India and the Maldives was reaffirmed during the meeting.

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Vinamilk is stepping up operations across the globe

Specifically, Vinamilk will contribute 50 per cent of the total investment capital of the joint venture in the first phase, equivalent to around $6 million. The major activities of the new entity will be to import milk as well as promote and distribute milk and dairy products in the Philippines market.

Besides domestic business operations, Vinamilk also increases its footprint in other nations.

By the end of 2020, Vinamilk owned 100 per cent of Driftwood Dairy Holding Corporation in the US, Angkor Dairy Products Co., Ltd. in Cambodia, and Vinamilk Europe Spotka Z Organiczona Odpowiedzialnoscia in Poland.

In addition, Vinamilk also owns a 80.29 per cent stake in a company in Laos and contributed 22.81 per cent of capital to a company in New Zealand.

The Vietnamese dairy behemoth also revealed ambitions to tap into new and potential markets, along with expanding in its existing markets. Vinamilk exports to markets like South Korea, China, Singapore, and many countries in Southeast Asia. Moreover, Africa is appearing as one of the company's targets in the future.

Earlier this month, Kido Group  a Vietnamese packaged food producer  officially announced a new resolution approving the establishment of a joint venture with Vinamilk.

The joint venture  Vibev  will produce ice cream and healthy non-carbonated soft drinks. The total initial investment of the joint venture is estimated to be around VND400 billion ($17.4 million), with Kido holding 49 per cent and Vinamilk 51 per cent.

Accordingly, Vibevs products are slated to be officially launched in April 2021. Moreover, Vibev will enjoy the nationwide and worldwide distribution channels of Kido Group and Vinamilk.

In 2020, Vinamilk's consolidated revenue reached VND59.723 trillion ($2.6 billion) and net profit was approximately VND11.1 trillion ($428.6 million), up 6 and more than 10 per cent compared to 2019, exceeding the companys targets.
When it comes to modern advertising mascots, few are as recognizable as the GEICO lizard. The little green reptile has been advising us on how best to spend our fifteen minutes since he first appeared on our television screens. So who came up with the GEICO gecko, and does the mascot have his own name?

The man behind the GEICO lizard

Florida, Miami Beach Art Deco Weekend Street Fair, the GEICO lizard looks on from the GEICO Insurance Survey Kiosk | Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

RELATED: Was Friends Just One, Long Advertisement for Starbucks?

The GEICO lizard was created in a stroke of advertising genius in 1999 by the Martin Agency in Richmond, Virginia. The company was working with GEICO to find a hot new mascot, and the gecko came about as a result of a simple mispronunciation.

Ken Spera, the original creator of the GEICO gecko concept, says people were often mistaking the company name with the species of lizard. AZ Family reported that Spera felt advertising success was often arbitrary.

Its a funny thing where something that arbitrary kind of catches hold in the public psyche and it just becomes an icon, explained Spera.

So no one really expected it to blow up like this, but when it aired, the phones rang off the hook at Geico. In fact, they had to hire more phone operators to handle the call volume. So they said, We should make more of these,' he added.

Thanks to Ken Spera, the GEICO lizard was able to appear in 150 commercial as of 2020  in 2021 hes surely added to his repertoire.

He was originally voiced by Kelsey Grammer

These days the GEICO geckos voice is distinctively English. In fact, hes currently voiced by English comedian Jake Wood  though there has been some debate among fans as to the GEICO lizards provenance due to his accent.

Interestingly, the little reptile may have similarly confused past watchers thanks to Kelsey Grammers Transatlantic accent. Thats right, the original GEICO commercial was voiced by none other than the Frasier star.

At the time, the GEICO commercial featured a less humanoid gecko. The ad features him crawling onto a microphone on a podium as onlookers take photos and talk in excitement.

This is my final plea. I am a gecko, not to be confused with GEICO, which could save you hundreds on car insurance. So stop calling me! begs Grammer. The gecko then licks his eye.

What is the name of the GEICO gecko?

Tony Nicely, CEO of GEICO, alongside the GEICO gecko mascot | Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Fans of GEICO commercials will be happy to learn that the GEICO lizard does, in fact, have his own name. And his own lore, as it were.

The GEICO Gecko, the most uncommon of creatures, is uniquely adapted to help people save money on car insurance, explains the GEICO website.

His constant good cheer, insatiable need to meet people, and natural tenacity all make him perfectly suited to help people find outstanding values on insurance. In fact, the GEICO Gecko explains it best himself: My job is saving people money. I love my job.

GEICO has since revealed that the little guys name is Martin, after the ad agency where he was created.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio Department of Health reported Saturday afternoon that the state has 2,611 new coronavirus cases.

This brings the total number of cases to 952,306, which includes confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases.

A total of 16,749 people have died from COVID-19, up 56 from Friday.

Between 6 a.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday, another 45,153 doses of vaccine were reported to have been administered in the state, according to the states COVID-19 dashboard.

The total number of people who have completed their vaccine is now at 621,672, which represents 5.32 percent of Ohios population. Most children are not eligible for the vaccine yet and some out-of-state residents have gotten shots in the state because they work here.

The state follows the federal Centers for Disease Control and Preventions definition of a case, which includes those diagnosed through genetic PCR or antigen tests, or people diagnosed in a clinical setting -- experiencing symptoms who are linked to a confirmed COVID-19 case, among other criteria.

More than 110 million people worldwide have or have had COVID-19 and more than 2.4 million people have died from the virus.

More than 28 million people in the United States have or have had COVID-19 and more than 496,000 people have died from it.

Read more coronavirus coverage on cleveland.com:

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This is how dramatically Greater Cleveland counties have improved in every measure in Ohios coronavirus alert system

Cleveland reports 54 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 coronavirus, 2 deaths: Friday update

Researchers urge delaying second Pfizer shot to stretch vaccine supplies; Pfizer says alternative regimens have not been properly evaluated

Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Franklin will ask state to set aside 20% of vaccine for minorities, county executive says
Abuja, Nigeria (PANA)  The black box and the cockpit recorder of the crashed Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Beachcraft aircraft in which seven personnel were killed has been recovered
Imperial Valley News Center

Political Donor Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Lobbying and Campaign Contribution Crimes, Tax Evasion, Obstruction of Justice

Los Angeles, California - A venture capitalist and political fundraiser was sentenced Thursday to 144 months in federal prison for falsifying records to conceal his work as a foreign agent while lobbying high-level U.S. government officials, evading the payment of millions of dollars in taxes, making illegal campaign contributions, and obstructing a federal investigation into the source of donations to a presidential inauguration committee.

Imaad Shah Zuberi, 50, of Arcadia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Virginia A. Phillips, who also ordered him to pay $15,705,080 in restitution and a criminal fine of $1.75 million.

In November 2019, Zuberi pleaded guilty to a three-count information charging him with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by making false statements on a FARA filing, tax evasion, and making illegal campaign contributions. In June 2020, Zuberi pleaded guilty in a separate case to one count of obstruction of justice. His sentence pertains to both cases.

Mr. Zuberi flouted federal laws that restrict foreign influences upon our government and prohibit injecting foreign money into our political campaigns. He enriched himself by defrauding his clients and evading the payment of taxes, said Acting United States Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison. Todays sentence, which also accounts for Mr. Zuberis attempt to obstruct an investigation into his felonious conduct, underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts to maintain transparency in U.S. elections and policy-making processes.

Mr. Zuberis entire business centered on acting as an unregistered foreign agent, said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Department of Justices National Security Division. He used foreign money to fund illegal campaign contributions that bought him political influence, and used that influence to lobby United States officials for policy changes on behalf of numerous foreign principals. He not only concealed his lucrative agreements with those foreign principals, but also made false statements about them in a FARA filing. After learning he was under investigation, Mr. Zuberi doubled down on his criminal conduct, obstructing justice by creating false records, destroying evidence, and attempting to purchase witnesses silence. This sentence should deter others who would seek to corrupt our political processes and compromise our institutions in exchange for foreign cash.

As Mr. Zuberis greed and wealth increased, his elaborate influence-peddling scheme collapsed, said Kristi K. Johnson, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. By lending a veneer of credibility through name dropping and flashing photos with high-level government officials, Zuberi was able to con foreign donors. Now that hes been sentenced, he will be held accountable by the United States government which he so recklessly misrepresented.

Through myriad international contacts and business partners, Imaad Shah Zuberi was able to raise money and gain influence among the U.S.s highest political circles. Zuberi used his status to solicit funds for lobbying, campaign contributions, and investments, but ultimately swindled his business partners and pocketed most of the funds for himself, said IRS-Criminal Investigation L.A. Field Office Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner. An opportunist at his core, Zuberi worked with political figures across the aisle, depending on who was in power, to lend an appearance of credibility to his political charades. At the end of the day, IRS Criminal Investigation worked closely with our partner federal agencies to ensure Zuberis criminal behavior would not pay off, and that he was held accountable for paying himself rather than using the funds he solicited for their original intended purpose.

Zuberi operated Avenue Ventures LLC, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm, and solicited foreign nationals and representatives of foreign governments with claims he could use his contacts in Washington, D.C., to change U.S. foreign policy and create business opportunities for his clients and himself.

Clients gave Zuberi money for consulting fees, to make investments, or to fund campaign contributions. As part of his efforts to influence public policy, Zuberi hired lobbyists, retained public relations professionals, and made campaign contributions that gave him access to high-level U.S. officials, some of whom acted in support of his clients. As evidence of his access and influence, Zuberi distributed to his clients photographs of himself discussing policy with elected officials.

While Zuberi had a limited degree of success with some U.S. officials, most of his business efforts failed and his clients suffered significant financial losses. Many of the lobbyists, public relations consultants, and other subcontractors also suffered losses when Zuberi refused to pay them. Meanwhile, Zuberi became wealthy, largely through his theft of client funds and unlawful lobbying on behalf of foreign interests.

For example, Zuberi made efforts to convince the government of Bahrain to lift sanctions on a Bahraini citizen in order to allow the citizen to develop a large resort in that country. The scheme falsely created the appearance that Avenue Ventures had made a major investment in the resort project. Citing this purported investment, Zuberi lobbied members of Congress to apply political pressure on Bahrain to cease its interference in the project, claiming that it was adversely affecting him as a U.S. investor. At Zuberis urging, at least a dozen members of Congress sent letters to the government of Bahrain requesting that it stop interfering with the project. In fact, however, Zuberi designed these efforts to benefit the Bahraini citizen, who paid Zuberi consulting fees. Zuberi violated FARA by failing to register as an agent of the Bahraini citizen in connection with this scheme.

Zuberi also siphoned money invested in U.S. Cares, a company set up to export humanitarian aid to Iran. In 2013 and 2014, investors deposited approximately $7 million into U.S. Cares, but Zuberi used more than 90 percent of investor funds for his personal benefit, which included purchasing real estate, paying down debt such as mortgages and credit card bills, remodeling properties, investing in brokerage accounts, and donating $250,000 to a non-profit organization established by a former high-ranking elected official.

In addition, the government of Sri Lanka hired Zuberi in 2014 to rehabilitate the countrys image in the United States, which had suffered because of allegations that its minority Tamil population had been persecuted. Zuberi promised to make substantial expenditures on lobbying efforts, legal expenses, and media buys, which prompted Sri Lanka to agree to pay Zuberi a total of $8.5 million over the course of six months in 2014. Days after Sri Lanka made an initial payment of $3.5 million, Zuberi transferred $1.6 million into his personal brokerage accounts and used another $1.5 million to purchase real estate.

In total, Sri Lanka wired $6.5 million pursuant to the contract, and Zuberi used more than $5.65 million of that money to the benefit of himself and his wife. Zuberi paid less than $850,000 to lobbyists, public relations firms and law firms, and refused to pay certain subcontractors based on false claims that Sri Lanka had not provided sufficient funds to pay invoices.

Relatedly, Zuberi failed to report on his 2014 tax return millions of dollars in income he received from the Sri Lankan government. While his 2014 federal income tax return claimed income of $558,233, Zuberi failed to report more than $5.65 million he received in relation to the Sri Lanka lobbying effort. Zuberis tax evasion over the course of four years  2012 through 2015  caused tax losses ranging from $3.5 million to as much as $9.5 million.

Zuberi also violated the Federal Election Campaign Act in 2015 by making conduit contributions in the names of other people, reimbursing contributions made by others, and being reimbursed for contributions he made. Over a five-year period  2012 through 2016  he made or solicited more than $250,000 in illegal campaign contributions.

The obstruction charge to which Zuberi pleaded guilty in June 2020 stemmed from a federal investigation into a $900,000 donation from Zuberi through his company to a presidential inaugural committee in late 2016. Some of the funds Zuberi donated to the committee came from other people, including one individual who gave him a $50,000 check.

After media reports that a federal grand jury in the Southern District of New York was investigating donations to the presidential inaugural committee, Zuberi met with the individual at a California restaurant on February 25, 2019. During that meeting, the individual asked Zuberi to refund the $50,000, which Zuberi did, but backdated the check to February 1, 2019, to make it appear the refund was sent before he learned of the federal investigation.

This matter was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel J. OBrien and Elisa Fernandez of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, Assistant United States Attorney Judith A. Heinz of the National Security Division, and Trial Attorney Evan N. Turgeon of the Justice Departments National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
The vaccines are produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio (Republic of Korea) and the Serum Institute of India

On February 15, the World Health Organisation (WHO) listed two versions of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving the green light for these vaccines to be rolled out globally through COVAX. (Photo: Serum Institute of India)

New Delhi: Adar Poonawalla, CEO of vaccine major Serum Institute of India (SII), on Sunday urged other countries to be patient as they wait for the supplies of COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, as the company has been directed to prioritise the needs of India.

Apart from making efforts to meet the requirements of India, the company is also trying its best to balance the needs of the rest of the world, he added.

"Dear countries and governments, as you await #COVISHIELD supplies, I humbly request you to please be patient, @SerumInstIndia has been directed to prioritise the huge needs of India and along with that balance the needs of the rest of the world. We are trying our best", Poonawalla said in a tweet.

On February 15, the World Health Organisation (WHO) listed two versions of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving the green light for these vaccines to be rolled out globally through COVAX.

The vaccines are produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio (Republic of Korea) and the Serum Institute of India.
Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock visits the NHS vaccine center at Epsom Racecourse in Epsom, England, on Jan. 11, 2021. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

UK Pledges CCP Virus Vaccine to All Adults by End of July

All adults in the UK should be offered the first dose of a CCP virus vaccine by the end of July, two months ahead of the previous schedule, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said over the weekend.

Johnson made the pledge on Saturday, which his Health Secretary Matt Hancock elaborated on on Sunday.

Were now aiming to offer a vaccine to everybody in categories 1-9, thats those who are most vulnerable, and the over 50s, and health and social care workers. And to do that by April 15, Hancock told Sky News on Sunday.

And then, all adults should be offered a jab by the end of July.

Hancock said the ministers now think the UK has enough supplies to achieve the goal.

When asked about plans to vaccinate children. Hancock said clinical trials are underway to determine whether or not vaccines are safe specifically for children, and that more evidence is needed to show the effectiveness of the vaccines on stopping the transmission of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes the disease COVID-19.

Because children very, very rarely get symptoms or serious illness from the disease, and the value, the importance of vaccinating children, is to try to stop the spread of the disease [as opposed to reducing mortality], Hancock said.

It looks like the first jab reduces the impact of transmitting the disease by about two thirds, but we need more evidence on that as well, he added.

So far, Britain has given the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to 17.2 million people, over a quarter of its 67 million population and behind only Israel and the United Arab Emirates in vaccines per head of population.

But despite the improving picture, Hancock and leading epidemiologist John Edmunds said the restrictions must be eased gently and in stages, to see what impact the increased movement of people has on the virus.

Hancock suggested each easing could require a couple of weeks to detect the impact, before another part of the economy can reopen. Schools are expected to return first in early March.

Edmunds said it was difficult to say how widespread the South African variant was but that, like the rest of the pandemic, it was being held in place by the lockdown.

The risk comes when we release the lockdown, he said, adding that allowing the virus to circulate in younger healthier people could lead to further mutations that undermine the vaccine programme.

Johnson is due to announce his cautious and phased plan for England to exit the lockdown on Monday.

Hancock said the details were yet to be signed off, but getting children back to school is at the top of the cabinets priority list.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Lloyds chief Antonio Horta-Osorio will this week preside over his final set of annual results before leaving the saddle at the Black Horse bank.

The polished Portuguese hands over to HSBC banker Charlie Nunn later this year after an eventful, well-remunerated decade pockmarked by scandals and branch closures.

Britains biggest lender is typically seen as a bellwether for the wider economy so its momentum will be examined closely.

Lloyds chief Antonio Horta-Osorio will this week preside over his final set of annual results

Lloyds surprised the City in October by setting aside less cash than expected to cover bad loans.

But analysts reckon the bank is likely to have become more cautious amid the two subsequent lockdowns.

With bank dividends back on the agenda, a 1p a share payout for 2020 is expected, which could reach 2p but remains well short of the 3.2p divi as recently as 2018.

Maybe Horta-Osorio will give investors a lift with a surprise parting gift.

HSBC

Charlie Nunns current shop HSBC will, like Lloyds, post full-year numbers  giving a reflection of the global economy.

Europes largest bank has been facing criticism for its actions in Hong Kong and its involvement in the tussle between China and the US over Huawei.

But hopes are high that its investment bank has matched its US rivals recent good fortunes.

For its stateside retail bank, there has been chatter that HSBC wants to sell the struggling division. With NatWest now pulling out of Ireland, retrenchment may be the order of the day for Britains under-pressure bankers.

Trainline

Trainline chief Clare Gilmartin will this week sign off after seven years in charge  having just sold 412,000 worth of shares in the ticket seller, which scored a successful 2019 float before the pandemic.

The former competitive swimmer remains a significant shareholder, but her latest sale comes on top of 16million of shares she sold at the float and 3million cashed in two months before announcing her departure. Plenty to splash out with, then.

Menzies Distribution

Logistics operator Menzies Distribution could be poised for more acquisitions following its big name signing last week, sources say.

The appointment of former Asda chief executive Andy Clarke as chairman is a signal private equity backer Endless is about to accelerate growth, they add.

The company, acquired by Endless in 2018, has only just sealed a deal to buy Bibby Distribution. But the next phase of growth plans are said to be aggressive.

Revenues at the Edinburgh-based firm are already in excess of 1billion.

It distributes newspapers and magazines to almost half of the UK and parcel delivery services to some 30,000 locations each day.

Contributor: Neil Craven
(Newser)  An Arizona man found earlier this month near a water tower, his hands bound with a belt and a bandana stuffed in his mouth, had a harrowing tale for police. Brandon Soules told authorities that two masked men knocked him unconscious, put him in a vehicle, and drove him around before dumping him at the tower in the city of Coolidge, ABC 15 reports. The kidnappers motive, he said, was a large amount of money his father had hidden around town. Investigators, however, determined that Soules story was falseno assault and kidnapping occurred, and no money was hidden around the city. As for Soules motive for lying: He made up the story as an excuse to get out of work, the Coolidge Police Department said in a statement. Police arrested Soules on Feb. 17 on suspicion of false reporting to police, per the Coolidge Examiner. He also was fired from his job at The Tire Factory, according to ABC 15. (Read more weird crimes stories.)
(PNB) will not participate in capital raise plans of its subsidiary, PNB Housing Finance, but the company will continue to scout for raising equity from other sources, according to a regulatory filing.

In August last year, PNB Ltd had informed about its plan to raise tier I capital up to Rs 1,800 crore through various modes including QIP, preferential issue of shares or a rights issue.

To this, PNB was awaiting approval from the Reserve Bank to infuse capital into PNB

"In this context, has communicated that it shall not be participating in the capital raise plans of the company. However, the company will continue to pursue the proposed capital raising plan through permitted modes," said in a regulatory filing.

The housing financier needs the funds to augment its capital base as well as to meet its general corporate purposes.

Earlier this month, PNB managing director and CEO S S Mallikarjuna Rao had said the bank was confident of getting RBI's nod for infusing capital into the subsidiary.

Managing Director & CEO Hardayal Prasad in an analyst call in January had also expressed confidence that the RBI will approve the proposal.

As of December 31, 2020, held 32.65 per cent stake in PNB Housing. PNB --as a promoter-- has to remain invested in the company with a minimum requirement of 26 per cent.

Foreign portfolio investors Investment Opportunities V Pte. Ltd and General Atlantic Singapore Fund Fii Pte Ltd held 9.92 per cent and 9.87 per cent stake respectively as of December 2020. The total public shareholding in the company stands at 67.35 per cent.

(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.)
Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Feb, 2021 ) :Former US president Donald Trump will give a speech later this month to a gathering of political conservatives in Orlando, Florida, a source familiar with the plans said Saturday, his first extended public address since leaving the White House on January 20.

The appearance is scheduled for Sunday, February 28 at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), one of the country's largest annual gatherings of political conservatives.

Trump will be "talking about the future of the Republican Party and the conservative movement," the source told AFP.

He is also expected to challenge the "disastrous amnesty and border policies" of his successor, President Joe Biden, the source added.

Trump, who was impeached for an unprecedented second time for his role in fomenting the January 6 assault on the US Capitol, nevertheless remains a potent force in US politics.

Three-quarters of Republicans want Trump to play a prominent role in the party, according to a poll from Quinnipiac University this week.

Since reluctantly departing the White House on January 20 and ceding to Biden -- despite his constant but unsubstantiated claims that the election had been stolen -- Trump has largely kept to himself at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Stripped of his Twitter megaphone, he called into friendly cable tv news programs this week after the death of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, musing on far-right channel Newsmax about the possibility of a future political run.

"I won't say yet but we have tremendous support. And I'm looking at poll numbers that are through the roof." "Let's say somebody gets impeached, typically your numbers would go down, they would go down like a dead balloon. But the numbers are very good, they're very high," he said.

And in perhaps a preview of what might come at CPAC, Trump issued a statement Tuesday ripping into top Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, who had delivered a scathing rebuke of the former president despite voting to acquit him of inciting an insurrection.

"The Republican Party can never again be respected or strong with political 'leaders' like Sen. Mitch McConnell at its helm," Trump said in the statement.

"Mitch is a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack, and if Republican Senators are going to stay with him, they will not win again." Biden, who is trying to steer the United States through the Covid-19 pandemic and an economic crisis, has tried to avoid discussing Trump, at one point calling him "the former guy."Lawmakers from his Democratic Party have unveiled legislation to create a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants, reversing Trump's hardline policies.

Small numbers of asylum seekers, most of them Central Americans forced to wait in Mexico under Trump, have also begun crossing into the United States as their cases are being processed.
National Economic Council Director Brian Deese speaks during a White House news briefing conducted by White House press secretary Jen Psaki, at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on Jan. 22, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

White House Sends Letter to Taiwan, Seeks Help With Auto Chips

WASHINGTONThe White House sent a letter to the Taiwanese government on Feb. 17 seeking its help to resolve a global shortage of computer chips that has wreaked havoc on the automotive industry. The letter stated that the future is bright for U.S.Taiwan relations amid threats from China.

President Joe Bidens top economic adviser, Brian Deese, addressed the letter to Taiwan Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua, and thanked her for working with Taiwanese chipmakers to ease the global shortfall.

U.S. automotive companies remain significantly concerned about the impact of the auto chip shortage on production lines this year, the letter obtained by The Epoch Times reads.

The pandemic has spiked demand for consumer electronics, leading to the shortage of semiconductor chips. Global automakers have been hit especially hard from this supply shock; General Motors and Ford have temporarily shuttered some of their plants in response. The shortfall has also affected many global car brands, including Volkswagen, Toyota, and Nissan.

The semiconductor crunch has increased the strategic importance of Taiwan to Western governments. U.S., European, and Japanese automakers have been lobbying their governments to step in and engage with Taiwanese officials to address the shortage.

Taiwan is a crucial hub for the global semiconductor supply chain. Its semiconductor sector is the worlds second-largest by revenue after the United States.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the worlds largest contract chipmaker, and other Taiwanese companies have already ramped up production of vital chips to resolve the problem.

We recognize the challenge of near-term constraints on auto chip manufacturing linked to production timelines for specific designs, Deese stated in his letter. We appreciate your efforts to ensure a level-playing field for American companies seeking deliveries of available supplies.

Wang told reporters that she received the White House letter on Feb. 19.

Going forward, manufacturers are doing what they should to address the problem, she said. We are helping as much as we can.

German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier also wrote a letter to Wang asking for help, according to Reuters.

The United States sees Taiwan as a strategic partner in Asia, and the Biden administration seeks to strengthen long-term cooperation with the self-governed island, according to the letter.

We see significant potential for broader engagement over the medium-to-longer term to enhance supply chain resilience for the semiconductor industry, the letter stated.

In May 2020, TSMC announced that it would build the worlds most advanced 5-nanometer chip fabrication facility in Arizona. The deal, according to experts, has the potential to fundamentally reorient Taiwans high-tech supply chain away from China and toward the United States.

We also look forward to working closely with you on the broader U.S.-Taiwan economic relationship, including facilitating trade between us, the letter stated. The future is bright for U.S.-Taiwan economic cooperation.

The United States doesnt have a formal diplomatic relationship with Taiwan but maintains unofficial ties with the self-ruled island under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act. In recent years, there has been a bipartisan push for the establishment of a bilateral free-trade agreement with Taiwan.

Washington has long been cautious in dealing with Taipei for fear of provoking the regime in Beijing, which sees the democratic island as part of Chinese territory.

The nature of U.S.Taiwan relations, however, has dramatically changed over the past year. Under Trumps presidency, Washington significantly expanded military aid to Taiwan.

The Trump administration in its final weeks also lifted restrictions on contact with Taiwanese diplomats and officials, marking a significant move to deepen ties with the island.

Taiwans de facto ambassador to the United States attended Bidens inauguration last month. It was the first time Taiwan was officially invited to a presidential swearing-in since 1979, when the U.S. government switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing. It also signaled the continuation of increasing support for Taipei in the post-Trump era, despite constant threats of invasion by Beijing.

For the past several months, Beijing has repeatedly conducted military operations near Taiwan to express its frustration about changing U.S. foreign policy toward Taiwan.

While the Biden administration struck a positive tone in the letter, its unclear whether the U.S. support for Taiwan will remain strong in the coming months. The new administration may reverse some of Trumps policies on Taiwan, according to experts, if Biden and his officials seek to reduce tensions with China.

I think its very early to really grasp the totality of Biden administrations China policy at the moment, Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the U.S.Taiwan Business Council, told The Epoch Times.

We really just havent seen what each departments China policy is going to look like and how they weave it all together.
Ukrainian military have returned fire.

Russian-controlled forces in Donbas on February 20 seven times violated the ceasefire.

No losses have been incurred in the attacks, according to a morning update by the Joint Forces Operation HQ.

Not far from the village of Pivdenne, the enemy opened aimed fire at Ukrainian positions, using 122 caliber artillery systems and sniper weapons.

Near Novhorodske, the enemy fired 120-caliber mortar shells. It was not only Ukraine's defense positions that came under fire but also civilian households in the area.

Read alsoUkraine to "revise" scenarios for Donbas reintegrationAs a result of the shelling, three households, a power line, and a gas pipe were damaged.

No civilian casualties have been reported.

The enemy also fired grenades from launchers of various systems, as well as fired large-caliber machine guns and small arms near the settlements of Popasna and Katerynivka.

Ukrainian military returned fire to enemy attacks.

The OSCE monitors were informed about ceasefire violations through the Ukrainian side to the Joint Ceasefire Control and Coordination Center.

Since day-start on Sunday, February 21, no ceasefire violations have been recorded.

Reporting by UNIAN
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diving team has carried out an assessment of glacial-lake formation at Tapovan in Uttarakhand.

The team had gone to the area on Saturday.

At least 67 died in the massive flooding in the Tapovan-Reni area of Chamoli District on February 7. Rescue operations are still continuing in the area.

Thereafter, a lake formation occurred in the Rishi Ganga river situated around eight kilometers from the Reni village, which was the epicentre of the flash floods.

divers were winched by Indian Advanced Light Helicopter at a height of 14,000 feet above Mean Sea Level to measure the depth of the glacial lake formed five kilometres upstream of Tapovan.

The scientists will use this critical data to determine the pressure on the mud wall of the dam.

"The naval divers undertook the challenging task of winching down from the helo and recording of depth using a handheld echo sounder -- depth measuring equipment -- in the near freezing waters," said.

"Throughout the evolution the Indian Air Force pilots maintained accurate positioning in the difficult terrain," said the Navy.

Due to the avalanche there was a formation -- an artificial reservoir of water/mini lake on Rishi Ganga river at a height of 14,000 feet.

The water catchment, not being natural, the administration urgently needed to assess the condition of the catchment by measuring the depth of water.

With no road access and time criticality, Indian Navy diving team were quickly mobilised onboard the Advanced Light Helicopter to the particular spot.

--IANS

sk/dpb

(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.)
Agricultural supply chain digitisation gets underway By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):

The Government is now adhering to a new agriculture development policy according to priority to digitising agriculture crop storage and distribution ensuring that essential food produce including rice remains at stable prices.

This will be achieved by coordinating paddy, vegetables and fruits purchasing and marketing programmes using information technology eliminating middle men in the supply chain, Trade Ministry sources said.

Accelerated food production programme is to be implemented increasing the production of selected crops minimising post-harvest loses expanding the network of modern warehouses in agri-production areas.

The ministry is currently focusing attention on the establishment of more warehouses reviving the existing initiative of setting up of a climate-controlled warehouse network country-wide for agricultural produce, a senior official of the ministry revealed.

This will be a key component in a distributed market exchange run on an online platform, he pointed out adding that these stores complexes are to be used to preserve excess harvest of farmers during harvesting periods.

It is aimed at preventing farmers from the frequent practice of throwing such excess vegetable or fruit harvest.

The decision to revive and continue this warehouse network expansion programme was taken at a meeting of senior officials chaired by Minister Bandula Gunawardena with former non-cabinet Minister and economist Dr. Harsha de Silva in attendance on February 15.

It was convened on a request made by Dr. Harsha de Silva from the trade minister and the meeting was held in the presence of Trade Ministry and State Ministry Secretaries, Commissioner of Food and senior officials.

Dr. de Silva noted that Minister Bandula Gunawardena has agreed to continue his plan to establish a countrywide network of climate-controlled warehouses for agricultural produce.

He said that he has also made a request to complete the construction work of the Dambulla climate-controlled warehouse project initiated by him with Indian assistance.

This was a rare occasion where an opposition MP has been given an opportunity to explain his views on reviving the agriculture-based economy of the country, officials said.

The first ever six-chamber 5,000 metric ton capacity climate-controlled warehouse in Dambulla is now being built on a 6.5 hectare land next to the Economic Centre, funded largely by an Indian grant of US$2 million.

The ministry will help the farmers to upgrade their pre and post harvest practices in order to meet the requirements of these new markets, a ministry official emphasised.

He stressed the need of making tripartite arrangements between banks, supermarkets and input companies to assist the farmers.

In a country like Sri Lanka, where food production is in the hands of small producers, a large number of intermediaries are involved in supply and distribution activities.

The structure of the traditional vegetable and fruit supply chains is such that there is a large number of intermediaries (i.e. vegetable collectors, transporting agents, commission agents, etc) between the producer and the consumer, he said.

This system of involving middlemen will be eliminated soon by streamlining the vegetable and fruit supply chains, he added.

A technologically equipped network of temperature and humidity controlled warehouse complex to store the local agriculture harvest would bring more benefits to the country, he emphasised

The smartphone and the Internet can be used to manage these complexes and it will facilitate a future market exchange, he explained.
Protesters march on a main road during an anti-coup protest outside the Hledan Centre in Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday. Riot police in Myanmar shot dead a few anti-coup protesters and injured several others on Saturday, as security forces increased pressure on



A lethal attack on anti-coup protesters in Myanmar sparked fresh UN condemnation of the country's new military regime on Sunday, as mourners held a funeral for a young woman who became a national symbol of resistance to the junta.



Authorities have gradually ratcheted up their tactics against a massive and largely peaceful civil disobedience campaign demanding the return of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.



Saturday marked the deadliest day so far in more than two weeks of nationwide street demonstrations after two people were killed when security forces fired upon a rally, while a third man was shot dead in Yangon overnight.



United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the use of "deadly violence" against the crowd in Mandalay.



"The use of lethal force, intimidation harassment against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable," Guterres wrote.



Security forces in the country's second-largest city had attempted to raid a shipyard and detain port staff on strike to protest against the army takeover.



Medical rescue workers said troops used live rounds and rubber bullets against a crowd of people who had started flinging rocks in an effort to stop the arrests.



"Two people were killed," said Hlaing Min Oo, the chief of a Mandalay-based volunteer emergency rescue team.



Another 30 were wounded, with half of the injuries from live rounds, he added.



A graphic video circulated on Facebook showing a teenaged victim, splayed on the ground and bleeding from his head as a bystander placed a hand on his chest to feel for a heartbeat.



State media made no mention of the deaths but blamed demonstrators for the affray and said protest leaders had been detained.



"Some" protesters had been injured by security forces, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported, along with three soldiers and eight police officers.



In a separate incident on Saturday, a 30-year-old man was killed in Yangon while patrolling the neighbourhood as part of an initiative to guard against night-time arrests of activists.



Tin Htut Hein's sister-in-law said he had been shot dead by police.



"His wife is now heartbroken," she said. "They have a four-year-old son."



Large crowds had returned to the streets of Mandalay on Sunday, undeterred by the previous day's violence, with rallies also staged further south in Yangon.



In the capital Naypyidaw, a funeral service was held for a young protester who died Friday after being shot in the head during a rally last week.



Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who turned 20 last week as she lay unconscious in a hospital bed, has since become a potent symbol of the campaign against military rule.



A large motorbike guard of honour accompanied her funeral procession, alongside vehicles adorned with floral wreaths and large photos of the grocery store worker.



Vigils in her honour have been held elsewhere in the country by protesters reciting the Metta Sutta, a Buddhist prayer urging protection from harm.



National uproar



Much of Myanmar has been in uproar since troops detained Suu Kyi on February 1, with massive street demonstrations seen in major cities and isolated villages across the country.



The United States, Britain and Canada have all responded with sanctions targeting Myanmar's top generals.



European Union foreign ministers will meet Monday to discuss their own measures against the regime.



Nearly 570 people have been detained since the army takeover, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group.



Among those targeted have been railway workers, civil servants and bank staff, who have walked off their jobs as part of the anti-coup campaign.



Popular actor Lu Min became the latest high-profile celebrity taken into custody for denouncing the regime.



"Many police trucks came and arrested (him)," said his wife Khin Sabel Oo, in a video she broadcast live on Facebook as her husband was taken away overnight.



Suu Kyi has not been seen since she was detained in a dawn raid but has been hit with two charges by the junta, one of them for possessing unregistered walkie-talkies.



Her hearing is expected on March 1. (AFP)


Elon Musk and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) decided to collaborate to develop SpaceX's first COVID-19 tracker. They are currently expecting a more efficient tool compared to the current coronavirus trackers that are available to the public.

According to Futurism's latest report, Elon Musk was able to start his new project with the help of more than 4,000 SpaceX employees, allowing him and MIT to track the spread of the novel coronavirus throughout the company. The popular tech CEO decided to partner with the researchers of MIT and Harvard to create his latest antibody testing program.

This new project requires SpaceX employees to voluntarily submit their monthly blood tests. Elon Musk is also one of the co-authors of the current study, which was already published in the journal Nature Communications.

Elon Musk and MIT's upcoming COVID-19 tracker

Elon Musk's upcoming COVID-19 tracker showed the severity of COVID-19 symptoms' impact on people's amount of antibodies. The findings suggested that those who experienced mild symptoms from the viral disease are less likely to have long-term immunity.

Also Read: Mars Medicine: NASA Shares FPSD Agrobacterium Technique to Help Sick Astronauts

"People can have antibodies, but it doesn't mean they are going to be immune," said Dr. Galit Alter, a co-author of the study and a member of the Rago Institute of MIT, Harvard, and MGH, via Live Mint's latest report.

"To really nail this down at a public-health level would require doing reinfection studies and following people for reinfection," added Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's vaccine and infectious-disease division's Associate Professor Joshua T. Schiffer.

Progress of Elon Musk's new project

As of the moment, Elon Musk and other researchers are still testing and monitoring the involved SpaceX employees to see if reinfection and infection cases appear each month. Experts said that this will allow them to use their findings to inform those who are vulnerable to the novel coronavirus and should be vaccinated first.

For more news updates about Elon Musk and MIT's upcoming COVID-19 tracker and other coronavirus innovations, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: SpaceX's Falcon 9 Crashed in the Ocean as Newest Starlink Mission Failed to Stick the Landing

This article is owned by TechTimes.

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Egyptian Ministry of Interior has recently granted citizenship to three stateless individuals who were born in the south Sinai Peninsula.

In a decision issued Feb. 11, the Ministry of Interior said it was granting Egyptian citizenship to three brothers who had no nationality  namely Salem Halil Nasr Salem, born in south Sinai on Sept. 25, 1977; Radhia Halil Nasr Salem, born in south Sinai on Sept. 25, 1975; and Abdallah Halil Nasr Salem born on Nov. 5, 2001, in accordance with the fifth paragraph of Article 4 of Law No. 26 of 1975 concerning the Egyptian nationality.

Article 4 stipulates that the Egyptian nationality may be granted by decree of the minister of interior to whoever is born in Egypt of a father of Egyptian origin, if he applies for the Egyptian nationality after having made his ordinary residence in Egypt, and is of full age at the time he applies for the nationality.

The article further states that nationality is granted to whoever belongs to an Egyptian origin whenever he applies for Egyptian nationality after five years of ordinary residence in Egypt, provided he has already attained full age at the time he submits the application.

According to the same article, nationality may be granted to any foreigner born in Egypt of a foreign father who was also born in it, if such a foreigner belongs to the majority of inhabitants in a country whose language is Arabic, or religion is Islam, if he applies for the Egyptian nationality within one year from the date he attains full age.

As per the article, nationality is also granted to each foreigner who has made his normal residence in Egypt for 10 consecutive years at least before he submits an application for the Egyptian nationality, if he is of age.

The stateless people in Egypt live in border and mountainous areas that are mainly marginalized or in conflict areas. They do not hold official papers or birth certificates as they are not recognized by the law nor by the government. Without papers and personal documents, stateless persons are deprived of their right to education, health care and even burial as state cemeteries do not receive bodies without official papers. They may not marry or inherit, face all kinds of obstructions and may also be subject to arbitrary arrest.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), at least 10 million people in the world today are stateless.

According to the UNHCR, there are more than 30 countries where stateless individuals need official papers to be provided with health care, and in more than 20 countries children without official papers cannot legally receive vaccinations. These children are often forced to go to expensive private hospitals, as state hospitals do not receive people without official papers. According to a UNHCR investigation, there are children who have never been to a hospital for a checkup.

The UNHCR had announced in 2014 a plan to end statelessness by 2024.

In Egypt, however, there are no official statistics by local authorities or the UNHCR on the number of stateless individuals, and there are no laws that define how they deal with official matters. In addition, there are no official numbers of these stateless individuals having tried to apply for citizenship. Meanwhile, the government continues to delay a solution to this problem.

In Halayeb and Shalateen, a border area claimed by both Egypt and Sudan, many tribesmen are stateless. Since Egypt annexed the territory in 1902, several people have returned to Sudan. But those who remained have yet to receive the Egyptian citizenship, mainly from al-Atman and Rashaida tribes. The Egyptian authorities have refused to grant them any official papers proving their right to Egyptian citizenship.

Salem al-Rasheed, 50, who was born in Halayeb and Shalateen and belongs to the Rashaida tribe, never left the area in all his life for fear of arrest since he does not have any identification papers.

Even if I die, I will not be entitled to a death certificate, just like I was not entitled to a birth certificate when I was born. In this world, it is as though I do not exist, and I will die like any cat or dog that was run over by a car on a public road, Rasheed told Al-Monitor.

He added, We are paying the price for disputes between Egypt and Sudan over the territory as the government stands idle. Over the past 10 years, we have been receiving promises whereby applications for citizenship would be accepted. We were repeatedly told that the crisis is about to be solved. You will practice politics, and you will have a member of parliament. But nothing has materialized.

Tribesmen in Sinai also suffer this ordeal. The Azazma tribe members still do not have Egyptian citizenship years after they remained in Sinai, after Israel ended its occupation of the peninsula in 1982.

Tribe member Amin Atallah told Al-Monitor, Only fear [of arrest] is preventing us from taking new steps [to demand citizenship]. We prefer a peaceful solution, but the Egyptian government keeps ignoring us.

Atallah said, No one cared to come and see the tin houses we lived in until 1998 before the government allowed us to build brick homes. We do not dream of much, only of some dignity that allows our children to learn in public schools and be treated in a nearby [state] hospital or medical center.

No one understood on what grounds Egypt decided to grant [citizenship] to a select few," he said, in reference to the three brothers who recently received their citizenship, in addition to dozens of others over the past years.

It may be that the government is granting citizenship [as a reward] for those who are cooperating with the Egyptian security services [in their fight against Islamist groups in Sinai]. Some refused to cooperate, which may be the reason why the Egyptian government did not grant them citizenship. Other tribes living in north Sinai received identity cards and their names were included in official records. But the Azazma tribe refused [to collaborate with the security forces], so they were forced to live a life marred by difficulties, Atallah concluded.
Australians have been blocked from seeing or sharing news content on Facebook. Credit:Istock But whos right? Are news companies losing revenue because audiences are spending all their time on Facebook, with the intention to read and share news, or are they benefiting because people who otherwise wouldnt read the news are stumbling across it in their feeds and then being sent to their websites? Loading It turns out the recent escalation has actually helped clarify the situation. If Facebook thought news was really fundamental to its product, it would have paid a bit of money to news publishers, as proposed. Instead, it shrugged and said, if youre saying we can only host news if we pay then no worries, we just wont host news. If news publishers thought they were, in aggregate, losing more from being on Facebook than benefiting they would be celebrating the decision by the company to ban news. The entire premise of their argument rests on this idea that Facebook steals their content and makes money off it. So shouldnt it be a victory that theyve stopped doing that?

The fact that theyre scrambling rather than celebrating suggests their bluff has been called and they are actually much more reliant on Facebook and the steady stream of traffic it sends their way than they wanted to admit. But this isnt actually surprising, or new. It only feels that way because of how successful news publishers have been in framing this debate, and portraying Facebook and Google as entities theyve been forced to rely on. In reality most news companies completely restructured their entire organisational strategy to cater to Facebook and Google because they thought it was the cheapest and most efficient way to get clicks. The internet, and then social media, disrupted the traditional news media business model. Credit:Getty Images When the internet, and then social media, disrupted the traditional news media business model, publishers had a range of options available to them. Some became more heavily reliant on subscriptions, calculating that a smaller, more targeted audience that was willing to pay a premium for high-quality content was a more sustainable long-term solution given how fickle the internet could be. Others wanted to ride the algorithmic wave. Their strategy revolved around creating vast quantities of content for a mass audience and pushing it into peoples faces on social media. They hired audience editors to identify what stories worked best on what platform. They bought tools that identified which stories published by their competitors were trending so they could write their own versions. They hired SEO experts to optimise to ensure their stories were at the top of Googles search results. They hired social media producers to create videos, images and headlines designed to exploit Facebooks news feed algorithm.

Both of these strategies are equally legitimate, and both have their own risks. But its pretty clear one is much more heavily reliant on the decisions and imperatives of foreign-based tech companies driven by their own self-interest. For many years that wasnt a problem. But as time went on the online ecosystem became more crowded, online advertising became less lucrative, the digital platforms started de-prioritising news in their algorithms, and news publishers were still financially struggling. So, rather than try and pivot again to yet another business model, they lobbied the government and pushed for the proposed code. Loading Of course, the services offered by companies like Facebook and Google are very popular, and are used by millions of Australians. No one is suggesting that publishers should ignore them or boycott them (though ironically a boycott was actually proposed by News Corp in its submission to the draft code). But at the same time, no one forced publishers to become this reliant on them. Some media companies in Australia have said that 75 per cent of their traction comes from social media and search engine referrals. Being that reliant on a revenue stream that you have no control over is a short-sighted way to run a business, and shouldnt be the basis upon which public policy is formed. But thats the bedrock of the media code, and ultimately why its a poor solution to the big questions of how our media and tech industry operates.

So whats the alternative? Companies like Facebook and Google are extremely powerful and effectively operate as monopolies. Theyre certainly not the good guys in this debate. Even though Facebooks decision to turn off news in Australia was foreshadowed and preventable, its not a positive result for publishers or the wider community. Companies like Facebook and Google are extremely powerful and effectively operate as monopolies. Credit:Rob Homer Theres no question the monopoly power of these companies needs to be tackled, but thats not something Australia can do on its own. But if were actually worried about that  the structural imbalance between local news companies and global tech giants  then there are much better steps than a bargaining code that would deliver a temporary sugar-hit for local news publishers who are rueing their failed commercial strategies. Loading A turnover tax, such as that proposed by a number of EU states, would help force tax-avoidant tech giants to pay their fair share. Instead of using loopholes to avoid paying corporate tax in Australia, they could be required to pay up based on the revenue their earn in the country. That money could then be used by the government to support journalism in a way that is fairer and more transparent than a series of privately negotiated bargains between media and tech companies.
Mandarina launched Nelum Kole again: A menu with authentic Sri Lankan flair View(s):

Guest can always count on great food from Mandarina Hotel, Kollupitiya. Now, Mandarina has once again innovated a true Sri Lankan classic.

Mandarina Hotel has completely revamped the iconic Nelum Kole meal concept to suit the modern day city dining. Mandarina Colombo launched the authentic Sri Lankan menu Nelum Kole last year but due to pandemic situation was stopped after a couple of few weeks operation. Back in action, the city hotel is now ready to host guests to a tantalising local lunch menu with Nelum Kole for lunch during weekdays except Sundays.

Nelum Kole lunch would become a novel experience for Colombo food lovers. Guests will experience the true meaning of lunch served on a Nelum Kole, in the midst of a star quality restaurant backdrop said Rumzi Salie, the Director Sales and Marketing of Mandarina Colombo.

The whole new Nelum Kole menu promises mouthwatering cuisine. The secret of the rich flavours and their mastery in the local dishes is because of the local ingredients that are used. The guests get to choose from three different types of local rice, a range of 10 rich curries, 5 mouth-watering meat dishes and not to mention any condiment you could think of.

In the Covid situation, its needless to point out that not only the hospitality industry, but also a sub section of the society whose livelihoods were based upon the industry have been affected. Mandarina Colombo, as a part of the leading Sri Lankan conglomerate, Macksons Holdings is on the strong footing that our post Covid revamp mission is not only catering to the reinstatement of our hotels commitment towards the local food culture, but also as an avenue to give back to the society. We have initiated several attractive promotions including the new Nelum Kole menu said Dinesh Hettiarachchi, General Manager, Mandarina Colombo.

Mandarinas local suppliers are scattered around the country, this includes the raw materials that are sourced from Kumbukgete in the North Western Province along with daily vegetable and lotus leaves being supplied from the Colombo Suburb, Bandaragama, and many more.

Especially through the new Nelum Kole menu, our lunch will offer an array of authentic local cuisine. Hence, we do believe that as a local organisation, at this context we have been able to contribute to the Sri Lankan community at our level best as a part of our CSR commitments. Furthermore, I need to add that for a Hotel, the food is the key value addition, hence we are very proud of the quality and unique taste of the food that has been prepared by our chefs who have over 60 years of combined experience in the industry being sure to tantalize the taste buds of our guests added Rumzi Salie, the Director Sales and Marketing.
Saturday Night Live has ripped into Andrew Cuomo over nursing home deaths saying he's pushing to legalize marijuana because it will 'provide New Yorkers a safe, effective way to forget' about the scandal.

The Democrat is facing a federal investigation into whether his administration sought to hide the true toll of the pandemic.

In the 'Weekend Update' segment on the NBC show Michael Che referenced the growing scandal noting: 'Researchers studying the remains of a woolly mammoth have uncovered the world's oldest DNA sequence.

'In fact, it's so old Andrew Cuomo is covering up its death.'

He added: 'New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, who looks like all three Goodfellas at once, said he hopes to legalize marijuana next month.

'Cuomo is hoping marijuana will provide New Yorkers a safe, effective way to forget about the nursing-home stuff.'

The governor announced plans to legalize marijuana, telling reporters last month: 'New York will do its part, we will legalize adult-use recreational cannabis, joining 15 other states who have already done so.

'This will raise revenue and will end the over criminalization of this product that has left so many communities of color over policed and over incarcerated.'

Saturday Night Live has ripped into Andrew Cuomo over the nursing home scandal saying he's pushing to legalize marijuana because it will 'provide New Yorkers a safe, effective way to forget' about it.

Earlier in the show Britney Spears, played by Chloe Fineman, invited Pete Davidson's Cuomo onto the show because he, too, 'has some 'splainin' to do'

Cuomo had on March 25 issued a directive barring nursing homes from refusing patients based solely on a COVID-19 diagnosis.

He defended the directive as an effort to prevent catastrophic hospital overcrowding and discrimination against virus patients.

Cuomo then took an early victory lap, releasing a book titled 'American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic.'

Earlier in the show Britney Spears, played by Chloe Fineman, invited Pete Davidson's Cuomo onto the show because he, too, 'has some 'splainin' to do.'

'Hey, hello, alright, let's get this over with,' a gruff Cuomo tells Spears.

When Spears asks Cuomo why he is here, the governor tries to change the topic, touting the fact that 'indoor dining is back in New York.'

Spears then scolds him, prompting Cuomo to say: 'I know, it's because of the nursing home stuff.'

In explaining the scandal, he says that 'some of the people who died in the nursing homes were not counted as nursing home deaths.'

Cuomo said what his administration did is no different than what they do at Disney theme parks.

'People die and they move the bodies,' the governor says. 'They say, 'Oh, I guess Brenda died in the parking lot, not on the tea cups'.'

The governor added: 'We just did the Disney thing.'

Spears finally coaxes Cuomo into apologizing, but the mention of New York Mayor Bill de Blasio prompts him to lose his cool and call him names.

'What did that bird b**** say about me?' the governor says as he works himself into a rage.

The Democrat is facing a federal investigation into whether his administration sought to hide the true toll of the pandemic

The New York Post reported that Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa, pictured, admitted the administration withheld data on the nursing home deaths from state lawmakers, fearing an official investigation from the federal government

In real life, Cuomo has been accused of bullying lawmakers who criticize him on his policies.

'I'm sorry, I get a little angry now and then - and always,' the governor says on SNL.

The nursing home issue exploded onto the political scene with two recent revelations.

Gov. Cuomo's nursing home strategy directly caused 1,000 COVID-19 deaths, says watchdog New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's nursing home policy may have led to the deaths of 1,000 vulnerable people from COVID-19, according to a new study. Cuomo and his administration are in increasingly hot water for allegedly hiding the amount of nursing home deaths early in the pandemic, and a study by the Empire Center for Public Policy validates the concerns around the numbers reported. In the study, which was obtained by the New York Post, Cuomo's original strategy that told nursing homes to take COVID-19 patients from the hospital is linked to 'several hundred and possibly more than 1,000' deaths. The study said: 'The findings contradict a central conclusion of the state Department of Health's July 6 report on coronavirus in nursing homes, which said, among other things: 'Admission policies were not a significant factor in nursing home fatalities,' and 'the data do not show a consistent relationship between admissions and increased mortality.'' There were reportedly 5,780 deaths in New York nursing homes from late March to early May. Cuomo's directive could be tied to one in six of those deaths, according to the study by the nonprofit watchdog. The policy was in effect from March 25 to May 10. Advertisement

First, the states Democratic attorney general chastised the Cuomo administration for minimizing the death toll at nursing homes by excluding certain fatalities from the count.

Cuomo's administration then revealed at least 15,000 people living in long-term care facilities have died of COVID-19, nearly double the number Cuomo had initially disclosed.

The New York Post then reported that Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa admitted the administration withheld data on the nursing home deaths from state lawmakers, fearing an official investigation from the federal government.

A furious Cuomo at a press conference accused Ron Kim, a Democratic state legislator who spoke to the Post, of corruption.

Kim said Cuomo had called him and threatened to 'destroy' him.

Actor Alec Baldwin used Twitter to weigh into the feud early Thursday, writing: 'If Cuomo threatened Ron Kim's career, Cuomo should resign.' Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin told Fox News host Sean Hannity Cuomo 'has got to go'.

Cuomo is also increasingly attracting heat even from fellow Democrats, with New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez c demanding a 'full investigation' into his handling of COVID in nursing homes.

The governor has been desperately trying to distance himself from the ongoing scandal, and on Friday appeared to blame nursing homes themselves by saying they should only have taken patients they could handle.

During his press briefing, Cuomo spent about 15 minutes defiantly defending his administration's response to nursing homes but did say he should have provided more public information on deaths 'sooner'.

Cuomo said Friday: 'No one has a right to spread lies or misinformation that causes pain to the families'.

He went on to say that he 'should have been more aggressive' in fighting 'lies' and regrets not cracking down on what he described as misinformation.

He said he made a mistake in becoming 'complacent' about the misinformation, saying he dismissed it 'as false agendas and partisan politics'.

'I was not aggressive enough in knocking down the falsities. We were busy. We were doing our job. We're trying to save lives. No excuses,' he said.

'I'm not going to allow people to lie to the people of New York without answering them.

'I have very thick skin. I don't really care what people say about me. I agreed to this nasty business because I believe I can do good things. I'm not going to let you lie to them.'

SNL also mocked Ted Cruz jetting off to Cancun while his home state was in the throes of a humanitarian crisis.

Joining Cruz and Cuomo was Gina Carano, the actress who was fired by Disney and Lucasfilm from her role in the Disney+-streamed Star Wars hit series The Mandalorian.

Carano, played by SNL cast member Cecily Strong, was offered a chance to apologize for an Instagram post in which she compares conservatives in the United States to Jews who were massacred during the Nazi era.

In the skit, Spears is the host of a fictitious talk show, Oops, You Did it Again, which she started so that 'people can come on and apologize for things they've done wrong.'

'After the 'Free Britney' documentary came out, I'm receiving hundreds of apologies a day,' she says in the skit.

SNL also mocked Ted Cruz jetting off to Cancun while his home state was in the throes of a humanitarian crisis. Joining Cruz and Cuomo was Gina Carano, the actress who was fired by Disney and Lucasfilm from her role in the Disney+-streamed Star Wars hit series The Mandalorian

Last week, Spears was in the news in real life after a documentary, Framing Britney Spears, streamed on Hulu.

The documentary, which was produced by The New York Times, chronicles Spears' rise to stardom and her subsequent fall triggered by a decline in her mental health, which led to her finances being placed in the hands of her father.

Spears has gone to court in an attempt to dissolve her conservatorship, which is controlled by Jamie Spears.

The documentary, which inspired the social media hashtag #FreeBritney, painted the pop star in a sympathetic light, prompting her ex-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, to apologize to her.

Fans of Spears have also demanded apologies from media figures and comedians, including David Letterman, Diane Sawyer, Sarah Silverman, and Perez Hilton, for either making jokes about her mental health more than a decade ago or for casting her in a harsh light.

In the SNL skit, Spears says that the episode of her talk show is sponsored by the Notes app, which people can use for 'posting a lame apology 20 years too late.'

To the tune of her hit song Toxic, Spears then welcomes Cruz to the show.

Cruz, played by Bryant, is seen carrying a pina colada drink in one hand and wheeling a suitcase in the other. His hair is braided while he is sporting a t-shirt that reads 'Cancun family vacation.'

'Hola, everyone!' Cruz says upon sitting down.

When Spears comments that Cruz looks tan, he replies: 'I'm not tan. I just cried myself red over my fellow Texans.'

He then takes a sip of his cocktail, remarking: 'That's why I drink in their honor.'

Spears reminds Cruz that Texas is in the midst of a crisis due to a massive, statewide power outage and disruptions in water service caused by two snowstorms and sub-freezing temperatures.

Acknowledging the backlash sparked by his trip to Cancun, Cruz said: 'I'm in a little bit of hot water, which I'm told is a thing no one in Texas has.'

Spears gives Cruz a chance to apologize, and the senator does, in a way.

'I deeply regret my actions over the last couple of days - mostly flying United,' Cruz says.

'I'm sorry, I'm pretty bad at human stuff.'

When Spears asks Cruz if he understands why people are calling him a coward, the senator responds: 'Coward is actually the nicest word I heard.'

He then shocks Spears by asking: 'Would a coward have the cajones to blame his actions on his young daughters?'

Cruz then jokes that there's 'so much for the girls to do in Cancun' including 'going to the topless beach' and 'taking shots at Senor Frogs' as well as 'swimming with sick dolphins.'

In an implicit reference to her legal battles with her own dad, Spears then admonishes Cruz, telling him: 'As someone who is often blamed for other people's problems at a young age, maybe leave your daughters out of it because it could really mess up with their heads.'

Spears then invites Carano, who was victimized by 'cancel culture.'

From left: Gina Carano as portrayed by Cecily Strong; Cuomo as played by Pete Davidson; and Cruz as portrayed by Aidy Bryant

The image above shows the cold open ending as the cast members start the show

When Spears asks her if she wants to apologize for her Instagram post mentioning the Holocaust, she says: 'I'm actually here for the opposite of that.'

'On Instagram you said conservatives have it as bad as people living in Nazi Germany,' Spears says.

'I never would have made that Nazi comparison if I had known everyone was going to be a Nazi about it,' Carano replies.

Cruz then tries to sympathize with Carano, but the actress wasn't having any of it, not wanting to be associated with the senator.

'If you compare yourself to me, I will blast you to the farthest desert of Tatooine,' Carano tells Cruz, referencing the fictitious planet from Star Wars.

'Anything to get out of Texas,' Cruz replies.

SNL's cold open once again declined to skewer President Joe Biden - a far cry from the frequent barbs that were dished out at his predecessor, Donald Trump, during his four years in the Oval Office.


The Duke of Cambridge has hired David Cameron's former spokesman as his new private secretary, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

Jean-Christophe Gray started in his new role last week, having previously worked in the Government's Treasury department, working alongside Mr Cameron and George Osborne during the austerity years.

Gray has a reputation as Whitehall's 'most assiduous bean counter', The Sunday Times reports. In 2012, Gray left a position as head of general expenditure policy with the Treasury to join the communications team at Downing Street, becoming then-prime minister Mr Cameron's official spokesman.

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Jean-Christophe Gray, who previously worked in the Government's Treasury department alongside Mr Cameron and George Osborne during the austerity years, started his new role last week, Kensington Palace have confirmed

The Duke of Cambridge, 38, has hired David Cameron's former spokesman Jean-Chrstophe Gray as his private secretary, who former colleagues describe as 'mild-mannered'

A Whitehall source told the publication: 'Because he was so mild-mannered, no-one ever really noticed he was a Whitehall velociraptor intent on knee-capping anyone who wants to spend money.'

The role taken by Gray was previously filled by Christian Jones, the most senior aide to the Duke of Cambridge. Prior to Jones, Simon Case held the role, but was reportedly poached by Boris Johnson for a government job.

Case was confirmed as the youngest head of the civil service in living memory when he left Kensington Palace in September last year. Case spent almost two years working as Prince William's right-hand man before temporarily moving to Downing Street earlier this year to assist with the coronavirus response.

It's believed Christian Jones has left the palace for a new position with Bridgepoint, a private equity group.

Earlier this week, Prince William held a Zoom call to thank members of the military for their Covid vaccine efforts in footage released by Kensington Palace

In 2012, Mr Gray left a position as head of general expenditure policy with the Treasury to join the communications team at Downing Street, becoming then-prime minister Mr Cameron's (pictured) official spokesman

It was reported this week that Prince William feels the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were 'insulting and disrespectful' towards the Queen in their exit from royal life.

William was 'really sad and genuinely shocked' by Harry's behaviour towards their grandmother in relation to the departure, The Sunday Times reported sources as saying.

In a statement on Friday, Buckingham Palace said the Queen had written to Harry and Meghan 'confirming that in stepping away from the work of the royal family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service'.

In response, a spokesperson for the Sussexes said: 'We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.'

Kensington Palace made no comment on the newspaper's report.
This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
Ahmedabad: Gujarat's six cities will vote for the municipal corporation election on Sunday (February 21, 2021), polling began from 7 am and will continue till 6 pm. The counting will take place on February 23.

Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar are going to polls today.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Ahmedabad late last night to cast his vote in the municipal corporation election. Shah will vote in Naranpura ward of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.

There are 2276 candidates in the fray for a total of 575 seats. As many as 577 candidates from BJP, 566 candidates from Congress, 91 candidates from NCP, 470 candidates from AAP and 353 candidates from other parties and 228 independents are contesting.

A total of 1,14,66,973 voters are expected to cast their vote.

Nearly 43,000 police personnel have been deployed for the civic polls, state Director General of Police Ashish Bhatia told PTI on Friday.

The deployment would include 25,000 personnel from regular units, 15,000 home guards, and 3,000 from the state reserve police force (SRPF).

In an insensitive move, Pakistan's Forensics Department of Khyber Medical College University proposed a plan to charge rape victims PKR 25,000 for medical examination and PKR 5,000 for an autopsy for the local residents of Peshawar. According to ANI, the decision was taken at a meeting of the Management Committee held on February 14 in which 17 new charges were approved. The proposed plan has even suggested charges for keeping corpses in the cold storage for PKR 1,500 per 24 hours and DNA testing for PKR 18,000.

An official of the department said, For the district, Peshawar autopsy cases the department will charge Rs 5,000 per case while for the cases referred from other districts the charges will be Rs 25,000 per post-mortem.

The official said that for kinship and paternity test PKR 20,000 has been proposed and further added, For drug abuse analysis Rs 3,000 charges have to be paid. Urine tests and alcohol analysis will cost Rs 2,000. Test for poison detection to cost Rs 4,000 while freezer charges for dead bodies will be Rs 1,500 per 24 hours.

READ: Pakistan Attacks India's Win Over England; Imran Khan's PTI Endorses Vaughan's Pitch Jibe

READ: Pakistan's Visa List For T20 World Cup In India Resembles Exodus; Claims Imran Has Cleared

...not a welcome one

According to reports, the police department already has a limited investigation budget and the introduction of such high charges will likely force the officials to ask the victims families to pay for not only autopsy but also DNA tests and medical examination of rape victims. While speaking to The Express Tribune, a right activist Tamur Kamal said police stations often ask people to pay for the diesel for police vehicles, but now they will also ask the general public to pay the charges of autopsy and even medical examination of rape victims. Kamal added that the decision by the Forensics Department of Khyber Medical College University, therefore, is not a welcome one.

As per reports, the decision to introduce the recent charges was taken to meet the operational expenditures for the Forensic Department. It is worth noting that the unclaimed bodies are sent to the Khyber Medical College University for cold storage by the local police where they are stored sometimes for months till their identification and retrieval by the family.

(With inputs from ANI)

READ: Pakistan Violates Ceasefire Along IB In JK's Kathua

READ: Vaughan Reignites Chepauk Pitch Row, Takes Jibe At India By Sharing Pakistan Stadium Image


WASHINGTON (AP)  A Democratic senator is calling for federal investigations into possible price gouging of natural gas in the Midwest and other regions following severe winter storms that plunged Texas and other states into a deep freeze that caused power outages in millions of homes and businesses.

Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith says natural gas spot prices spiked as high as 100 times typical levels, forcing utilities and other natural gas users to incur exorbitant costs, many of which were passed on to customers.

In a letter sent Saturday to federal regulators, Smith said the price spikes will not just harm consumers, but could threaten the financial stability of some utilities that do not have sufficient cash reserves to cover their short-term costs in this extraordinary event." The letter was sent to the Energy Department, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission. A copy of the letter was obtained by The Associated Press.

The extreme weather spurred residents from Mississippi to Minnesota to crank up electric heaters and pushed demand for electricity beyond the worst-case scenarios planned for by grid operators. At the same time, many gas-fired power plants in Texas and other states were knocked offline because of icy conditions, and some plants appeared to suffer fuel shortages as natural gas demand spiked nationwide.

More than 70 deaths across the U.S. have been blamed on the storms.

In Winfield, Kansas, the city manager reported that a unit of natural gas that sold for about $3 earlier this month sold for more than $400 on Thursday. City Manager Taggart Wall told KWCH-TV in Wichita that Winfield, which budgets about $1.5 million a year for natural gas, expects to pay about $10 million for the past week alone. Residential customers could see bills as high as $2,500 this month, he said.

In Morton, Illinois, officials reported that gas normally sold for about $3 per unit cost nearly $225 this week as demand soared because of the deep freeze.

While officials dont know all the details of what happened, nor precisely how it will affect utility rates, we do know this situation could be a significant financial burden for utilities and their customers," especially as families in Minnesota and across the country struggle in the coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn, Smith said.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has called a special meeting Tuesday to investigate what caused the dramatic spikes in natural gas prices in that state.

A spokeswoman for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, known as FERC, said the agency will review Smith's letter and "respond in due course.''

A spokesman for the American Gas Association, which represents more than 200 local energy companies, said Feb. 14 and 15 set a record for the largest natural gas demand in U.S. history over a two-day period.

While natural gas utilities faced unprecedented challenges" and spot prices climbed in some regions due to spikes in demand, families and businesses that use natural gas were protected from higher prices by the careful planning of their utilities,'' said Jake Rubin, a spokesman for the gas association. Most natural gas utilities use long-term contracts that seek to guarantee enough supply to meet demand and to lock-in affordable prices, he said.

Still, exorbitant price spikes were recorded in the spot market. Natural gas hit a record $600 per million British thermal units in Oklahoma, while Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said hes asked the state attorney general to investigate complaints of price gouging of natural gas in that state.

Smith, in her letter to regulators, urged them to investigate conditions in the natural gas market over the last week, including any price gouging by natural gas producers and suppliers.

A public report should detail what occurred, make recommendations to prevent such problems in the future and determine if laws have been broken,'' she said. Smith also urged officials to invoke emergency authorities, including under the Natural Gas Policy Act and the Defense Production Act, to ensure natural gas is sold at fair prices during the current crisis.

The Biden administration and Congress should consider financial support to utilities and customers that may be facing a cash crunch or rate increases as a result of the spike in natural gas prices,'' Smith said.

The White House announced on Saturday that the president had declared a major disaster in Texas, and he has asked federal agencies to identify additional resources to address the suffering.

HSBC Holdings Plc is considering the return of some global leaders to the banks original hometown, reinforcing Asias role as its center of gravity.

A cadre of senior executives is set to relocate in coming months to Hong Kong from HSBCs Canary Wharf headquarters, say people familiar with the plans, as Europes biggest bank pares its global ambitions.

Chief Executive Officer Noel Quinn will begin marketing whats known internally as the pivot to Asia" on Tuesday when he announces 2020 earnings. Moving the trio -- Nuno Matos, chief executive of wealth and personal banking; Greg Guyett, co-head of global banking and markets, and Barry OByrne, chief executive of global commercial banking -- would mean businesses responsible in 2019 for 95% of net revenue will be run out of Hong Kong.

Urgent Action

The coming reset comes just 12 months after an overhaul that called for cutting 35,000 jobs, about 15% of the total, over three years. But Chairman Mark Tucker told the Asian Financial Forum conference in January that the pandemic has upended those plans. Economic realities mean that what we were planning to do in February we need to be even more urgent in doing," Tucker said.

HSBC will probably report pretax adjusted profits fell to $11.7 billion in 2020, close to half of 2019, largely driven by soaring bad debt charges amid the pandemic, according to the average of 19 forecasts on the banks website. Its shares, which tumbled last year, have gained about 11% so far in 2021, though they have lagged rivals such as JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Banco Santander SA.

The potential at HSBC is from simplification, de-duplication, and increased digitization," said Edward Firth, a banking analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods. That, to me, is the opportunity, rather more than any pivot to Asia or some other such strategic reset."

Wealth Management

Cost-cutting aside, Quinn told top managers at an internal presentation this month that investment will focus on Asia, as well as the U.K. and the Middle East.

Seeking avenues for growth, Quinn said the bank wants to become a market leader" in wealth management. Its now a relative minnow in the business compared to some of its international peers. While HSBCs private bank manages less than $400 billion of client assets, UBS AG, the worlds largest wealth manager, looks after customer funds totaling about $2.6 trillion.

Tucker told the Asia conference that there were real opportunities to grow our wealth business and expand across South Asia." Tucker said Chinas Greater Bay Area, the economic hub of more than 70 million people encompassing Hong Kong and several other southern cities, provides substantial opportunities."

HSBCs private bank managed $361 billion for its clients at the end of 2019, according to a June 2020 company presentation. However, the unit generated 1.8% of group adjusted prextax income in 2019, according to Bloomberg data. HSBCs global asset management division managed a further $506 billion of assets at the end of last year, of which Asia represented about a third.

The focus on Asia involves more than economics. Chinas crackdown on Hong Kong has increasingly forced HSBC to accept criticism in the U.S. and U.K. as a cost of doing business. Quinn was summoned to testify to British lawmakers this month over the lenders decision to close the accounts of an exiled Hong Kong democracy activist.

Founded in 1865 as the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp., HSBC moved its base to London in 1993 after buying Midland Bank in the run-up to the colonys 1997 return to China. Since then, its board has considered -- and rejected -- shifting its headquarters back, most recently in 2016.

The Rest

For operations beyond Asia, the U.K. and the Middle East, the future looks cloudy at best.

In France, HSBC has spent more than a year attempting to sell its French retail unit. In the U.S., the bank has slashed its branch network and cut its New York-based investment bank, in particular its equities business.

Questions hang over HSBCs strategy in Germany, Europes largest economy. In an interview in October, Carola Grafin von Schmettow, CEO of HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt AG, said the bank would prune its least profitable clients.

The answer from the bank will probably be an expanded strategic reset, which is likely to include even greater-than-expected cost reductions and retrenchments in developed markets to offset the revenue headwinds," said Ian Gordon, bank analyst at Investec Securities.





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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According to official sources, the CM decided to skip the meeting all of a sudden on Saturday morning and asked the CS to attend on his behalf. (Photo: Twitter@TelanganaCMO)

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao skipped the sixth meeting of the Governing Council of Niti Aayog chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conferencing on Saturday. The government was represented by Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar.

Chandrashekar Raos counterparts Mamata Banerjee and Amarinder Singh also stayed away. The Niti Aayog Twitter handle ignored Telangana state in its updates of the meeting.

Rao had also skipped the fifth meeting held on June 25, 2019, citing his busy schedule on account of the Kaleshwaram irrigation project inauguration on June 21, 2019. He did not depute any official for that meeting.

However, this time the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) did not provide any reason for Chandrashekar Raos absence. Chief secretary Somesh Kumar attended the meeting on his behalf.

On February 15, Somesh Kumar had convened a meeting with senior officials and asked them to prepare a progress report of Telangana state to be submitted to the Chief Minister to enable him to prepare for the Niti Aayog meeting. He submitted the progress report to Rao on Thursday. The Chief Minister sought more details from the CS on Friday.

According to official sources, the CM decided to skip the meeting all of a sudden on Saturday morning and asked the CS to attend on his behalf.

There was no release from either the CMO or the CS office. They did not furnish any details about issues the state government had raised and what it was seeking from the Centre.

Official sources revealed that the CS presented the progress card of Telangana state government in various sectors, especially irrigation, agriculture, health and infrastructure sectors. Chief Secretary Kumar sought funds for Mission Bhagiratha, Mission Kakatiya and Hyderabad Pharma City.

Interestingly, the official Twitter handle of Niti Aayog also ignored any mention of Telangana state in its updates of the meeting.

While it updated highlights of what the Chief Ministers of of 25 states and three Lieutenant Governors and two administrators of Union Territories spoke in the meeting, there was no mention about the issues raised by Somesh Kumar.
From 'Pagadi Sambhal Diwas' to 'Daman Virodhi Diwas, protesting farmers Sunday announced a series of events from February 23-27 to further intensify their agitation against the three new agricultural laws as they accused the government of adopting "repressive" measures against them.

They also said they will soon devise a strategy to keep the protest going for long and will make their plans public on February 28.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is spearheading the protests, told a press conference here that under their proposed escalation programme, February 23 will be observed as 'Pagadi Sambhal Diwas' and February 24 as 'Daman Virodhi Diwas', essentially to underline that farmers must be respected and no "repressive measures" should be taken against them.

"The 'Pagdi Sambhal Diwas' will be celebrated on February 23. This day will be celebrated in memory of Chacha Ajit Singh and Swami Sahajanand Saraswati. On this day, farmers will be wearing their regional turbans.

"On February 24, 'Daman Virodhi Diwas' is announced in which the farmers and citizens will protest against overall suppression against the farmers' movement. On this day, memoranda will be given to the President of India via Tehsil and district headquarters," said Darshan Pal, a farmer leader

The Morcha said February 26 will be observed as 'Yuva Kisan Diwas' (youth farmers day) and February 27 as 'Mazdoor Kisan Ekta Divws' (farmer-labourer unity day).

"On February 26, honouring the contribution of youth in this movement, a 'Yuva Kisan Diwas' will be organised. On this day all the stages of SKM will be operated by the youth. Youth from various states are requested to join the protesters at Delhi Borders.

"On January 27, on Guru Ravidas Jayanti and martyrdom day of Shaheed Chandrasekhar Azad, 'Kisan Majdoor Ekta Diwas' will be celebrated. All the citizens are appealed to strengthen this movement by joining the protesters Delhi borders," Pal said.

Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav told the press conference, "The government is adopting all the repressive measures, mischief and manipulations including arrests, detentions and registration of cases against the protesters. The Singhu border has been fortified and appears to be an international border".

A long-term plan for movement will be discussed in view of the Parliament session from March 8, and the strategy will be shared in the next meeting of SKM, he said.

Darshan Pal, also alleged "repression" by the government.

He said around 32 people have got bail out of 122 arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with the violence and vandalism in the national capital during a farmers' tractor rally on Republic Day.

The three contentious agricultural laws were passed by Parliament last year with the government saying they will benefit farmers by freeing them of the clutches of the middlemen and ushering in new technology in the sector.

However, thousands of farmers have been protesting at Delhi borders against the laws for close to three months now, saying these legislations will remove the safety net of MSP and leave them at the mercy of big corporates.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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The Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE Covid-19 vaccine appeared to stop the vast majority of recipients in Israel becoming infected, providing the first real-world indication that the immunization will curb transmission of the coronavirus.

The vaccine, which was rolled out in a national immunization program that began Dec. 20, was 89.4% effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed infections, according to a copy of a draft publication that was posted on Twitter and confirmed by a person familiar with the work. The companies and Israels Health Ministry worked together on the preliminary observational analysis, which has not yet been peer-reviewed.

The results, also reported in Der Spiegel, are the latest in a series of positive data to emerge out of Israel, which has given more Covid vaccines per capita than anywhere else in the world. Nearly half of the population has had at least one dose of vaccine. Separately, Israeli authorities on Saturday said the Pfizer-BioNTech shot was 99% effective at preventing deaths from the virus.

The early results on lab-confirmed infections are important because they show the vaccine may also prevent asymptomatic carriers from spreading the virus that causes Covid-19, something that hadnt been clear so far. Stopping transmission in this way is a key factor as countries seek to lift contact restrictions and re-open economies.

Pfizer and BioNTech said they are working on a real-world analysis of data from Israel, which will be shared as soon as its complete. Spokespeople declined to comment on unpublished data.

Four-fifths of the virus cases in Israel during the time period of the study, from Jan. 17 to Feb. 6, were the more transmissible strain first identified in the UK Israels vaccination drive began just before the so-called B.1.1.7 variant emerged, fueling infections and leading to a third lockdown on Jan. 8.

Through Feb. 6, about 27% of people aged 15 and older in Israel were fully vaccinated, with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot the only vaccine available in the country at the time. People were considered fully vaccinated and included in the analysis if the data collected were more than 7 days after they received their second dose.

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The person found dead near the Broadway Bridge in Northeast Portland early Saturday died from stab wounds, authorities said.

Portland police identified the victim as 57-year-old James Setty.

Officers responded about 2:12 a.m. to a report of a medical check for a person on the east end of the Broadway Bridge. The officers discovered a dead person with suspicious injuries, police initially said.

The Oregon State Medical Examiners Office determined Setty died from stab wounds and ruled the death a homicide, police said Saturday night.

Police ask anyone with information about the incident to contact: Detective Jennifer Hertzler at Jennifer.Hertzler@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-1040; or Detective Rico Beniga at Rico.Beniga@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0457.

This is the 12th homicide in Portland in 2021, according to police.

-- Jaimie Ding

jding@oregonian.com; 503-221-4395; @j_dingdingding
The number of coronavirus vaccine doses administered worldwide passed 200 million Saturday, an AFP count showed, as wealthy G7 countries pledged to more than double aid to support access for the less well-off.

With 45 percent of injections so far among the rich club -- which accounts for just 10 percent of the global population -- the G7 on Friday said its aid to projects like the World Health Organization's Covax now amount to $7.5 billion.

The increased pledges from the US, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Japan and Canada came as permanent UN Security Council member Britain showed a draft resolution to other countries on the global body, calling for wealthy nations to share doses with poor and war-torn states.

Seen by AFP, the text "emphasises the need for solidarity, equity, and efficacy and invites donation of vaccine doses from developed economies to low- and middle-income countries and other countries in need."

Meanwhile Russia pressed ahead with its home-grown vaccination programme, saying 120,000 doses of its third authorised coronavirus vaccine, CoviVac, will reach people by March, following in the footsteps of the Sputnik V and EpiVacCorona shots.

The new vaccine, still in final stage clinical trials, was produced by the state-run Chumakov Centre based in Moscow and employed a different method of development from Sputnik and EpiVacCorona, using an inactive virus.

"Today Russia is the only country in which there are already three vaccines for the prevention of Covid infection," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

And New Zealand began what director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield called a "small but important step in a long journey" by launching jabs for high risk citizens and those returning from overseas, along with border and quarantine workers.

Neighbouring Australia is set to start its own scheme on Monday.

Jumping the queue

In Argentina, health minister Gines Gonzalez Garci resigned late Friday after it emerged that he had been helping friends skip the line for vaccine shots.

President Alberto Fernandez called on him to quit after a 71-year-old journalist, Horacio Verbitsky, announced on the radio that his longstanding friendship with the minister helped him get vaccinated in his office ahead of the general population.

Local media reported that other people close to the government were also vaccinated at the health ministry.

In Romania, the government pushed the country's thousands of homeless people up the priority list for vaccines, placing them on a par with the elderly and the chronically ill and reaching 300 in the first days of the drive.

"These people are among the most exposed to infection risk. It's hard for most of them to follow infection control measures," junior health minister Andrei Baciu told AFP.

Even as countries move forward with vaccinations, the death toll is ticking upwards, with an AFP tally reaching more than 2.45 million worldwide by 1100 GMT Saturday, with almost 111 million cases.

'How we beat the pandemic'

Despite the still alarming figures, it could be an uphill struggle to get some vaccinated as scepticism remains entrenched.

US President Joe Biden on Friday reassured people the shots were safe as he visited a Pfizer factory in Michigan.

"Please, for yourself, your family, your community, this country, take the vaccine when it's your turn and it's available. That's how we beat this pandemic," he said.

And with vaccines yet to reach the majority of people almost everywhere, countries continue to resort to familiar methods to limit infections.

Senegal's government said Saturday it would extend for a further month an overnight 9 pm to 5 am curfew, first introduced in early January in capital Dakar and the western Thies region.

Meanwhile French health minister Olivier Veran said he had asked a top local official to "toughen up" a curfew in southeastern city Nice and the surrounding Alpes-Maritimes department faced with rising cases -- or even return to a "partial or full lockdown".
U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan has warned that the United States will respond within "weeks, not months" to a suspected Russian cyberattack, discovered in December, that targeted branches of the U.S. government and other key institutions.

Sullivan was talking about the breach -- which began with malicious code slipped into updates of the SolarWinds software used by the government and thousands of businesses -- on CBS's Face The Nation program on February 21.

He said the response was likely to include "a mix of tools seen and unseen" and "it will not simply be sanctions."

"We're in the process of working through that, and we will ensure that Russia understands where the United States draws the line on this kind of activity," Sullivan said.

Experts have called the so-called SolarWinds breach one of the biggest and most sophisticated cyberattacks in history and suggested it could only have been pulled off by a state actor.

It targeted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for border security and protecting the country from online attacks, as well as the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments, in addition to thousands of other entities.

What I have said is that it will be weeks, not months, before we have a response prepared."

It was traced back to infiltrated network management software dating back to at least June.

Intelligence and industry sources have blamed it on Russian hackers.

Moscow has denied any involvement, saying in a statement on December 14 that Russia does not conduct offensive operations in the cyberdomain.

"First of all, we have asked the intelligence community to do further work to sharpen the attribution that the last administration made about precisely how this hack occurred, what the extent of the damage is, what the scope and scale of the intrusion is, and we are in the process of working through that now," Sullivan told CBS. "And then what I have said is that it will be weeks, not months, before we have a response prepared."

Suspected Russian government hackers behind the massive intrusion of government and private company networks discovered in December were able to gain access into Microsofts source code, a key building block for software or operating systems, the tech giant said on December 31.

Microsoft President Brad Smith in mid-February said the attack was "probably the largest and most sophisticated attack the world has ever seen."

A rise in U.S.-Russian tensions greeted the new U.S. presidency of Joe Biden but did not prevent his administration and Moscow from successfully negotiating a five-year extension of the New START arms-control treaty, their last remaining arms-control pact.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier this month that he had warned Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a phone call that the new U.S. administration will respond "firmly in defense of U.S. interests in response to actions by Russia that harm us or our allies."

Blinken cited Russia's ongoing detention of two former U.S. Marines, Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed, but the so-called SolarWinds cyberattack has also cast a long shadow over U.S.-Russian relations amid signals that a state actor like Russia was behind it.

But a State Department statement said Blinken also raised Russian interference in last years presidential election that brought Biden to the White House, Moscows military aggression in Ukraine and Georgia, the poisoning of jailed Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, and the SolarWinds hack of U.S. government systems.

FireEye, a prominent cybersecurity company that was breached in connection with the SolarWinds incident, said targets included government, technology, and telecommunications companies in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

France's cybersecurity watchdog said this month that it had discovered a hack of French organizations that bore similarities to other attacks by a group linked to Russian intelligence.

In a report released on February 15, the French National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI) said the hackers had taken advantage of a vulnerability in monitoring software sold by the Paris-based company Centreon.

The ANSSI said it discovered intrusions dating back to late 2017 and stretching into 2020.

It stopped short of identifying the hackers but said they had a similar modus operandi as the Russian cyberespionage group often nicknamed Sandworm and thought to have links with Russian military intelligence.
Emphasizing the influence of social media , BJP leader Ram Madhav claimed that it is so powerful that it can even topple governments , which then leads to anarchy and weakening democracy, according to the Minister. He also claimed that the solutions to tackle this are needed to be found within the constitutional framework.

The minister made the statement at the launch of his new book 'Because India Comes First'. Madhav further claimed that democracy is stressed and it is facing new challenges in the form of "non-political" and "non-state" forces.

"Social media is so powerful that it can even topple governments and regulating them is difficult as they are borderless. These forces can promote anarchy, which will weaken democracy but solutions should be within the constitutional framework," he said at the event hosted by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation on Saturday evening.

The existing laws are not adequate for this, he said.

"We require new rules and laws to tackle and manage. The government is already working in this direction," he added.

The comment from the minister comes at a time when the government is at loggerheads with social media platform Twitter which was recently rebuked at by Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad for treating US Capitol Riots in a different manner compared to the Red Fort breach on Republic Day.

Madhav's comments come amid a row between the government and Twitter over blocking of accounts with Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asking the micro-blogging site to follow the Indian law.

The Supreme Court has also issued a notice to the Centre and Twitter on a plea, seeking to regulate hate content and to make a law as per which action can be initiated against Twitter and their representatives in India for willfully abetting and promoting anti-India tweets and penalise them.

Madhav said that in his new book he has penned his observations on several decisions of the Modi government.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-22 04:05:59|Editor: huaxia

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ALGIERS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Sunday made a partial cabinet reshuffle, and signed a decree to dissolve the National People's Assembly (lower house of Parliament).

Tebboune signed a decree to partially reshuffle the cabinet, noting that Abdelaziz Djerad has been maintained as the prime minister, the official APS news agency quoted a statement of the President Office as saying.

Seven ministers have been discharged, including Industry Minister Farhat Ait Ali, Energy Minister Abdelmadjid Attar, Minister of Water Resources Arezki Barraki, Tourism Minister Mohamed Hamidou, Environment Minister Nassira Bengarrats, Minister of Public Works Farouk Chiali, and Minister of Statistics and Digitalization Mounir Khaled Berrah.

Tebboune has appointed Mohamed Bacha as the new industry minister, Mohamed Arkab, the minister of energy and mines, Kamel Nasri, the minister of transport and public works, Mustapha Kamel Mihoubi, the minister of water resources, Mohamed Ali Boughazi, the tourism minister, Tarek Belaribi, the minister of housing and urbanism, Dalila Boudjemaa, the environment minister, and Hocine Charhabil, the minister of statistics and digitalization.

Tebboune also signed a decree to dissolve the lower house of the parliament, the APS reported.

The president pledged a couple of days ago in a speech to the nation that he would reshuffle the cabinet and dissolve the National People's Assembly.

He added that early parliamentary election will be held within three months after the dissolution of the parliament.

Such changes came on the eve of the second anniversary of the popular uprising on Feb. 22, 2019, which forced former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign and led to the imprisonment of several top politicians and businessmen over corruption charges. Enditem
Morgan Godvin

Godvin is a student at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health and is based in Portland.

The tensions around policing are high nationwide but seem even more so in Portland. Back the Blue billboards can be seen along Oregon highways, running through suburban areas. The opposite message can be found, too, tagged around the citys center or tweeted into the ether. While some call for defunding of the police, others plead for law-and-order.

The controversy around policing has proved fertile ground for those looking to make money off those sentiments. At least two separate campaigns have targeted Portland-area residents, asking for donations for local law enforcement in the face of defund the police. There is just one problem: they are scams.

The first came in the form of a mailer from the US Deputy Sheriffs Association. Its title was straight-forward, if ominous. National Drive for Americas Police and Sheriffs Emergency Equipment Shortage, Portland Area. In painstaking detail utterly bereft of facts, the letter described an urgent equipment shortage and purported to be collecting money to buy bulletproof vests and riot gear for our desperately under-resourced officers. It blamed ANTIFA terrorists, Defund the Police, and COVID-19-related prison population reductions, playing off the tropes of right-wing media and exploiting the fears of a populace genuinely concerned about public safety.

While technically, the US Deputy Sheriffs Association is a 501c3 charity, its been called out by various law enforcement agencies for falsely claiming to raise money on their behalf. Last August, The Salem News in Massachusetts ran a story warning residents about the group and its fraudulent fundraiser, which the local sheriff and police chief called deceptive and a phony solicitation. The USDSA receives a terrible grade from Charity Navigator with 66.5% of all money raised going directly back into fundraising activities  more mailers. It is doubtful a single cent donated by Portlanders would be donated to Portland-area law enforcement.

The next came in the form of an early-morning phone call from a Gresham phone number. The stern-voiced caller proclaimed to be calling from the Police and Sheriff Support Alliance. Again, it was an urgent plea to support local law enforcement in the face of budget cuts. (Portland City Council reduced the Portland Police budget by 6.3% in June and rejected further budget cuts, failing to meet most definitions of defunded.) Again, it was a scam. Although the solicitor on the phone failed to mention this to me in his pleas for donations, the alliance doesnt even bother pretending to be a charity. It is registered as a political action committee, with donations supporting a political agenda, not law enforcement. Media scam alerts for this organization can be found crisscrossing the country from as far back as 2018.

These scams do more than defraud Oregonians of their hard-earned money. They make us less safe. They take legitimate concerns about public safety and detach them from facts, melding them into media rhetoric and fear mongering. The more fearful we are, the less likely we are to seek facts.

We are facing unprecedented and genuine problems; there is no need to fabricate, exaggerate, or fall back on tired media tropes. Mirroring a national trend, Portland is seeing a sharp uptick in gun violence. With a staffing shortage, police response times to 911 calls have lagged into unacceptability. There are huge racial disparities in who is arrestedand who is murderedby police. Discussions about policing and public safety reforms are mired in a toxic political climate. Financial stability and social cohesion are among the most powerful deterrents of crime we have as a society; both are lacking in todays America.

These are problems that require community collaboration to work toward a shared goal. Solutions benefit from deliberative analysis, data-driven interventions and a focus on outcomes. Instead, people think theyre helping solve the problem by throwing money at organizations that, if emotions werent so boiled-over, might be easily recognizable as the scammers they are. As much as people may want to, this complex and multi-faceted conversation about public safety cannot and should not be reduced to rhetoric or catchy soundbites.

The more mailers the US Deputy Sheriffs Association sends out informing people of the extreme danger the law enforcement officers of their towns are in, the more polarized (and less safe) we become. Their counterfactual ploys were never intended to aid law enforcement; they only want your money. Unfortunately, our constant emotional reactivity and entrenched identity politics has made it easy for grifters to swoop in.

Beware of anyone purporting to be fundraising for law enforcement. It may be a scam. Your donation could be fanning the very flames that are fracturing our country.

Sign up for our free weekly Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email:


The women who reached the venue of the movement from Rohtak said that they should not move in a tone till the return of the law. Image Source: IANS News

The women who reached the venue of the movement from Rohtak said that they should not move in a tone till the return of the law. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Feb 21 : More than two dozen women reached Ghazipur border from Haryana's Rohtak on Sunday to express their solidarity with the farmers protesting against the three farm laws enacted by the Centre from almost three months now.

They met Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait and extended their support. They said that will not go back till the farm laws are withdrawn.

Assuring Tikait about their support, the women said that "the women of Haryana will reach anywhere on his call".

The women who reached the protest site from Rithala village in Rohtak said that they will come there everyday and bring milk, ghee and buttermilk for their brothers protesting here.

One of the women said: "(The Manohar Lal) Khattar government in Haryana will not last long. They created too many hurdles for the farmers and our future generation will never forget this. Farmers have protested earlier also but no government has behaved the way this government has."
Police in Randolph are investigating the stabbing of a 30-year-old Boston man after he was discovered inside a car that had been shot at several times.

Police Chief William Pace said officers received a 911 call for a reported stabbing at 11 p.m. Saturday.

Police officers and first responders headed to the area of 84 North Main St. and found the Boston man inside a vehicle. The man had a wound to his upper back.

First responders initially believed that the wound was a gunshot wound, because there were five fresh-looking bullet holes in the vehicle, police said. However, it was later confirmed that the victim was stabbed.

The victim was taken to Boston Medical Center with injuries that are considered serious but not believed to be life-threatening, authorities said.

The crime scene was located about a quarter of a mile away on Nelson Drive.

Officers from Braintree and a K-9 unit from Weymouth arrived to assist with the investigation. The police dog located a suspect hiding in a pile of snow in a nearby wooded area.

The suspect, identified as a 28-year-old Boston man, was caught with a gun, Pace said.

Officers found a semi-automatic firearm in his possession as he was being taken into custody, police said. The firearm, an unregistered 9mm, was seized.

The suspect was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton for treatment for exposure to the elements and for treatment for a dog bite to his leg that he received while trying to elude the K-9.

Police did not release the suspects name Sunday morning. Authorities said he will likely face several charges including armed assault to murder. The suspect does not have a license to carry a firearm, police said.

Multiple shell casings were located on Nelson Drive, and police have collected evidence from the crime scene, according to the police chief.

The incident does not appear to be random, police said.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/20/2021



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star Paige Banks has revealed the rest of Season 12's cast members were also wondering if Chris Williams was the father of his ex-fiancee's baby, not just Virginia Coombs During Wednesday night's episode of : Unfiltered, Paige, Virginia and their co-star Briana Miles watched back a Season 12 clip of the entire cast gathering for dinner during their honeymoon in Las Vegas."Chris, what's going on, man? You doing good, dude?" Virginia's husband Erik Lake asks in the clip."Oh yeah, y'all are not aware of what's going on," Clara Fergus interjects."I got a call today from my ex-fiancee that she's pregnant," Chris reveals."Really?!" Erik asks."Like, it's for sure yours?" Virginia questions Chris, who clearly felt disrespected in the moment.After an awkward moment of silence, Erik adds, "If you want this person sitting right here, [Paige], you better start focusing on that right now."As Virginia goes on to crack a joke, Chris demands the group to change the subject.On Unfiltered, host Jamie Otis -- who starred on Season 1 of -- asked Virginia what it was like to watch that footage back."It's a lot!" Virginia admitted. "We were completely late to that sitdown. We had a prior engagement, so we really came in and had no idea anything was happening.""I think from me and Erik's perspective, we wanted them to feel supported and both really didn't know what to say. Obviously we just kept saying the wrong things that weren't helping the situation -- at all."Both Paige and Briana cracked up with laughter, and then Virginia continued, "So definitely could've handled that situation better, on both of our parts."Jamie pointed out how she probably would have acted awkward as well in that same situation and "hindsight is always 20/20."Paige said on Virginia's behalf, "You know, I feel like everybody was probably thinking similar sentiments. There's just always a time and place, so those comments, I was just like, 'Oh my, like I haven't even asked him that at that point."Virginia covered her face in embarrassment and Paige added, "We haven't even had that kind of dialogue [yet]."I don't think her intentions were bad, nor Erik," Paige clarified, "but I could feel Chris's energy, and it was a lot."When asked to reveal the vibes during the room during that conversation, Briana laughed and said, "It was very awkward, to be honest.""But like Virginia said, she was trying to make light of the conversation and it ended up going sour. But it's like, you don't know what to say."Tension only escalated from that point on between Chris and Virginia and Erik.Erik told Chris to "step up and man up" in Wednesday night's episode of , and Chris accused Virginia of having "fake concern" over his relationship with Paige.Virginia called Chris "arrogant" during an ATV outing and then Chris called Virginia "a drunk," to which Virginia replied, "Okay, I like to drink." Chris said if Virginia was going to throw shots, he'd throw shots back at her.After watching Virginia and Clara talk to Paige about Chris' pregnant ex, Chris flipped out on the bus ride back to the hotel.Virginia told Chris that he was being "disrespectful as f-ck to [her]," which made Chris yell back, "I don't give a f-ck about you!"Chris and Virginia started to scream over each other to the point where Paige had to hold Chris' arms down and tell him that she had enough. Paige apologized to Erik and Virginia and begged them to just leave her husband alone.During a subsequent group dinner for the cast members, Chris apologized to everyone for his outburst earlier that day, but Virginia and Erik -- who showed up to the dinner later again -- missed the apology."I can't allow you to ever talk to her like that again," Erik told Chris of Virginia. "From now on, we can go our separate ways or whatever you want to do, but if you need to say anything to her, you can go through me. So we'll just [be] man to man."Erik told Chris that he was borderline "scaring people," but Chris reminded Erik how he had asked the couple to respect his privacy and then Virginia made "inappropriate" jokes at his expense in front of the whole group."Today, I was fed up and tired of that bullsh-t," Chris said.Erik and Virginia decided to leave the table, but Chris insisted he wasn't finished talking yet. As the bickering continued, star Vincent Morales physically pushed his buddy Chris out of the room so things wouldn't get any worse."Unf-cking believable," Erik murmured, waving goodbye to everyone as he and Virginia left the dinner.Paige later told Briana that she understood why Chris had been so defensive, and Chris revealed he had lost all respect for Erik, who had "crossed [his] boundary line."Paige decided to continue her relationship with Chris despite an extremely rocky first week of marriage, including a shocking revelation from Chris that he still loved his ex-fiancee and briefly considered getting back together with her.Interested in more news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group or click here to view our newspage!And click here for more updates on former cast members and info on where they are now!
Selma Blair was seen passionately hugging her beau Ron Carlson this Saturday while they were out in Los Angeles.

The 48-year-old actress, who has multiple sclerosis, was wearing a stylish cream knit sweater as she and her man surfaced from lockdown.

They were apparently out to pick up some refreshments from Alfred Coffee as Selma was glimpsed with a paper bag from the establishment.

All that sweet affection: Selma Blair was seen passionately hugging her beau Ron Carlson this Saturday while they were out in Los Angeles

At one point she and Ron could also be spotted sitting on the stone rim of a planter and enjoying their hot beverages together.

Her latest sighting comes two days after she posted on Instagram about the first time she became aware of numbness in her leg because of her illness.

The moment came while she was on the runway for Christian Siriano during New York Fashion Week in February 2018 six months before her diagnosis.

Selma wrote in her caption: '3 years ago. My dearest two pals came to watch the Siriano show. I walked that day. In the show.'

Side by side: The 48-year-old actress, who has multiple sclerosis, was wearing a stylish cream knit sweater as she and her man surfaced from lockdown

She added: 'Noticing for first time, my leg was numb. When I first stepped out. I couldnt feel the ground or how to lift my left leg.'

The Cruel Intentions actress went on: 'My brain was trying to compute. As I walked the runway, stunned. It hardly dampened my day though.'

Her friends Art Tavee and Carolyn Griffin 'shot these favorite frames of mine,' she revealed, referring to an album of behind-the-scenes snaps.

'In that incredible space in nyc. After the show was done. And what a show it was. The greats,' Selma rounded off her caption.

On the move: They were apparently out to pick up some refreshments from Alfred Coffee as Selma was glimpsed with a paper bag from the establishment

The extravaganza was the 10th anniversary of the Christian Siriano brand and was held at the Freemasons Grand Lodge in New York.

Selma joined a star-studded runway including plus-size model Ashley Graham and Orange Is The New Black star Danielle Brooks.

The Anger Management actress shares a nine-year-old son called Arthur with her fashion designer ex Jason Bleick.

She has been hunkering down amid the ongoing pandemic with her son and her on-again beau Ron whom she is often seen out with in Los Angeles.

Relaxation: At one point she and Ron could also be spotted sitting on the stone rim of a planter and enjoying their hot beverages together

Selma announced that she had multiple sclerosis in 2018 so that the public would not see her symptoms and assume she had relapsed into alcoholism.

'I didn't want people to think that I was drunk, because I have a history of that. I'm sober and I'm so proud of that,' she said at the Time 100 Health Summit in 2019.

'So that's really the reason. I'd rather someone think: "Oh, she's going to be in a wheelchair," rather than that I'm up in the minibar.'

Remember when: Her latest sighting comes two days after she posted on Instagram about the first time she became aware of numbness in her leg because of her illness
Residents undergo Covid-19 tests at a makeshift testing center inside a residential compound in Shijiazhuang, in northern Hebei Province on Jan. 16, 2021.(STR/CNS/AFP via Getty Images)

Lockdowns Continue in China Despite Beijings Claims of No New COVID-19 Cases

The Chinese regime claimed there were no new domestic CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus infections in the country on Feb. 21, and that only one region, Wangkui county in Heilongjiang Province, would be a medium-risk region to contract the virus.

But people in Hebei and Jilin provinces told the Chinese-language Epoch Times in phone interviews that theyve been locked down at home since early January, calling the official narrative into question.

People who traveled from these provinces to other parts of the country were also required to be isolated at quarantine centers upon arriving at their destinations.

Residents complained that they couldnt go to work due to the restrictions. With no income, it has become difficult to buy increasingly expensive food products.

We are on the edge of death, said one resident of Shijiazhuang city in Hebei. His family has been stuck under lockdown for nearly 50 days without any income.

A health worker collects a nasal swab sample from a man to test for COVID-19 at a testing site outside Yichangdong Railway Station in Yichang, in Hubei Province, China, on Jan. 28, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Indefinite Lockdown

The Shijiazhuang city government announced on Feb. 21 that the city will be downgraded to a low-risk region for contracting the virus starting on Feb. 22.

The Chinese central government announced that only two regions in the country are considered at-risk for COVID-19 spread: Shijiazhuang and Wangkui.

The regime also claimed that China has no new domestic infections, and all newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients were people who arrived in China from other countries.

But local governments continued to keep people under lockdown as a method to curb the spread of COVID-19 and provided little updates on the outbreak situation.

Er Duo (pseudonym) lives in Gaocheng district of Shijiazhuang. She said that her residential compound has been on lockdown since Jan. 5. We are asked to take a nucleic acid test [for COVID-19] every three days. We have received 16 tests already. All results are negative. They [authorities] still lock us at home without giving us any explanation, she said.

She noted that many residents were feeling frustrated. Some were in desperate need of medication, or baby formula for their children. We dont see any hope.  Some really need to earn money to pay for their mortgages, Er Duo said. No government official is taking care of our needs.

Another Shijiazhuang resident, Bian Zhong (pseudonym), said that his aunt could not go to the hospital to have her baby due to the lockdown.

We kept on calling the hotlines of the provincial government and city government, but no government official provided any help. All of them asked us to wait, Bian said.

Finally, the family found a doctor who operated a small clinic at home. The doctor broke lockdown rules to open the clinic for Bians aunt, and the baby was delivered safely.

What kind of lockdown policy is this? Bian said.

Gu Min (pseudonym) and her husband are migrant workers in Nangong city, Hebei Province. Theyve been locked inside a rented room since Jan. 6.

On Feb. 12, the Nangong city government required that all residents be vaccinated for COVID-19. But Gu Min and her husband are currently getting treatment for in-vitro fertilization. The doctor told us that the treatment must be stopped if we take COVID-19 vaccines, she said.

But the official forced Gus husband to get the vaccine, threatening his employer that the company would get into trouble if any employee refused to get vaccinated.

All our efforts to have a child are now in vain, Gu said, adding that she and her husband will now have to wait at least four months before they can resume treatment.

After vaccination, all Nangong residents are still required to be locked down at home.

Villagers from Sanlizhuang village in Nangong, northern Chinas Hebei Province, are waiting to take shuttle buses to quarantine centers, on Jan. 13, 2021. (Screenshot/Video Provided to The Epoch Times)

Travel Restrictions

People traveling from Hebei and Jilin provinces are also required to be quarantined upon arriving at their destination.

A migrant worker surnamed Liu is originally from Hanzhong city, Shaanxi Province. He was dispatched to Shijiazhuang to build a makeshift hospital. After the project was finished and he returned to Hanzhong, authorities required that he be quarantined for 14 days, he told The Epoch Times in an interview.

The quarantine cost me over 1,200 yuan ($185), which is much more than the salary that I earned from the makeshift hospital construction job, Liu said.

Another migrant worker Wang said that officials in Hebei had promised they wouldnt be quarantined upon returning to their hometowns. But he was required to quarantine nonetheless. The quarantine center barely had hot drinking water. Not to mention taking a shower, he said.

Holland-based Chinese political columnist Jiang Fuzhen, who is in frequent contact with insiders in China, told the Chinese-language Epoch Times he believed it was impossible that the virus outbreaks in China had subsided, and that it was likely Beijings political need to announce zero new infections.

Millard Fillmore, the former Cayuga County native and 13th president of the United States, is being recognized in the form of a bobblehead figure.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum announced a limited-edition bobblehead of Fillmore. The release said it is the first bobblehead of the president and includes a bow tie, black suit and his name on the base of the bobblehead.

The Fillmore bobblehead, which is for sale through the hall of fame's online store, is one of 18 bobbleheads in its "Neglected Presidents" collection that the hall recently released, the news release said. A Fillmore bobblehead costs $30, in addition to a flat-rate $8 shipping fee per order.

"Born in a log cabin in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Fillmore rose from poverty through diligent study and became a successful attorney. He became prominent in the Buffalo area as an attorney and politician and was elected to the New York Assembly in 1828 and the U.S. House of Representatives in 1832. He was the Comptroller of New York when he was elected Vice President of the United States," the news release said.
It has been a memorable week or so for public figures committing misdeeds, and Saturday Night Live gave a few of them a forum to apologize on a fictional talk show called Oops, You Did It Again, hosted by the relatively blameless Britney Spears.

This weeks broadcast, hosted by the Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page and featuring the musical guest Bad Bunny, began as the cast member Chloe Fineman, playing Spears, reminded viewers that they knew her from my upbeat Instagram videos and the word conservatorship.

She added that she now had a show in which people could come on and apologize for things theyve done wrong, because after the Free Britney documentary came out, Im receiving hundreds of apologies a day.
Feb. 21Question : Like others you have written about, I got a tax notice for unemployment benefits I never sought or received. I tried to call the DLIR to report the fraud as instructed, but I never got through and I can't spend all day trying. Is there another way to report this ?

Answer : Yes, you can mail in a fraud report, according to the webpage for the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' Unemployment Insurance division. Here are the instructions :

If you received a 1099-G form from Hawaii's DLIR even though you never filed for or received unemployment benefits in 2020, you can fill out a Declaration of Identity Theft form at, download and print the form and mail it to UI fraud investigators. In your mailer, include a copy of the 1099-G form and any other documentation showing that a fraudulent claim for unemployment benefits was filed in your name. Mail the envelope to : Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Unemployment Insurance Division, Attn : Special Activities, 830 Punchbowl St., Room 324, Honolulu, HI 96813 In case the direct link to the declaration form changes, you can also find it on the division's home page at.

Or, if you prefer, you can keep trying to get through to the DLIR Call Center at 762-5751 or 762-5752. Choose Option 4 to report fraud, DLIR Director Anne Perreira-Eustaquio reiterated Friday.

As we've previously reported, the IRS says people in your situation should seek a corrected 1099-G from the issuing agency. "Taxpayers who are unable to obtain a timely, corrected form from states should still file an accurate tax return, reporting only the income they received, " according to the IRS guidance, which you can read at.

Bill Kunstman, a spokesman for the DLIR, said the department would issue a corrected 1099-G after you notify the department.

Imposter fraud like you and multiple other readers have described has been a problem in the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program since that federally funded program began early in the pandemic. Fraud was less common in the regular UI program, but as of November has become more pronounced, Perreira-Eustaquio said on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Spotlight Hawaii webcast Friday ().

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She said the department has new protocols in place to identify and halt fraudulent claims as early as possible. She urged employers, employees and members of the public to alert the department about fraudulent claims, as you've tried to do. The DLIR announced Friday that it had received $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to combat fraud.

The department wouldn't say Friday how many imposter fraud claims have been reported in Hawaii, or estimate their total cost. Instead, Kunstman offered an emailed statement from Perreira-Eustaquio, who said : "Unemployment insurance fraud remains an issue across the country and Hawaii is not immune. To protect the integrity of Hawaii's unemployment program, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations cannot discuss details involving on-going fraud prevention tactics, investigations, or the scope of potentially fraudulent activity. To do so would jeopardize system security and put the entire unemployment program at risk. The state continues to actively monitor potential fraud and utilizes both front-end and back-office fraud prevention measures, as well as coordinates with other states to stay informed about emerging fraudulent practices."

Mahalo A heartfelt mahalo to a kind physician at Kaiser Permanente, his neighbor, and a gentleman who helped my mom when she fell face forward while walking in Manoa. My mom is 88 years old and when she fell, I could not lift her. A gentleman saw me struggling and lifted her up as she was bleeding from her face and mouth. A woman wheeled over a chair for my mom to sit on and quickly went to get her neighbor, who is a doctor. The doctor examined my mom and even offered to drive us to emergency care. I was not able to get the names of those who helped me, but I want to sincerely thank them for all their help. My mom is doing much better and she, too, is truly grateful for the caring people who came to her aid. Thank you all so very much !K.H.------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813 ; call 529-4773 ; fax 529-4750 ; or email kokualine @staradvertiser.com.------
Prime Minister Florin Citu affirms that solidarity, respect, acceptance of diversity are among the social values that have consolidated the Romanian society where the minorities and the majority coexist and develop their joint patrimony.

"The health crisis, its social and economic effects show us again, as history has repeatedly proven, that we can overcome this period only together, but also highlights the vulnerabilities brought about by intolerance: hate and discrimination rhetoric, xenophobia and anti-Semitism. Through the governing program we have committed to respect the rights of national minorities, to encourage dialogue and continue to promote in Romania the European principle of unity in diversity. A safe environment for minority citizens is a safe environment for all the citizens of Romania. Today, on the 165th anniversary of the release from slavery of the last category of Roma in Wallachia, I send my best wishes to the country's Roma ethnics," Florin Citu wrote on the government's Facebook page on Saturday, on the occasion of Roma Emancipation Day, wishing the Roma to keep alive the community's past and traditions.
China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines arrived at Blaise Diagne International Airport, Senegal on Feb. 17, local time, making Senegal the first country in West Africa to receive massive doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Today is a historic day, said Senegalese President Macky Sall during the reception ceremony. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to China for the acquisition of these doses of vaccines.

To enhance the R&D, production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and make them accessible and affordable for all people is of huge significance for achieving a final victory over the pandemic. China is making concrete efforts to promote equal distribution of vaccines and advance international anti-pandemic cooperation, offering as much assistance as possible for other countries, especially developing countries regarding the acquisition of vaccines.

China has offered vaccines to over 50 developing countries, including Pakistan, and has exported and is exporting vaccines to more than 20 countries.

The vaccines donated by China to Pakistan have been officially delivered. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a launching ceremony in Pakistan of the COVID-19 vaccination drive with China-aided vaccines, and witnessed the administration of the first dose of the vaccine to a frontline healthcare worker. The prime minister expressed heartfelt thanks to China for providing vaccine aid to Pakistan, saying that the Chinese government took the concerns of Pakistan as its own and the Chinese team have acted swiftly and effectively.

On Feb. 15, a batch of COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa remarked that Zimbabwe was listed by China as one of the first recipients of the vaccine, which indicated that the two countries are good friends and partners. When China was also in need of the vaccines to fight the pandemic, it still offered assistance to Zimbabwe and other developing countries, which explained China's laudable role in the global fight against COVID-19, he said, adding that the doses will bring new hopes to his country.

Bolivian government inked an agreement with Sinopharm online on Feb. 11 for the latter's COVID-19 vaccines. Bolivia's President Luis Arce attended the signing ceremony and expressed sincere thanks for the timely assistance offered by the Chinese government and Chinese people. He said Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccine is widely recognized in the world, and it would help his country's massive vaccination and ensure the health of Bolivians.

A batch of China-donated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea on Feb. 10. Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo received his first dose of the Chinese vaccine five days later. China is the best friend of Equatorial Guinea and the African continent, he said, adding that the vaccines donated by China saved the lives of Africans. He also congratulated and hailed China for the good deed.

The first batch of China-aided COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Feb. 7. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen received the vaccines at airport. He said the vaccine aid is another example of the friendship and close cooperation between the two countries and their people, and will forcefully advance the development of their comprehensive strategic partnership and the building of a community with a shared future.

China-aided COVID-19 vaccines were shipped to Vientiane, Laos on Feb. 8. Vice President of Laos Phankham Viphavanh noted that China has been providing vaccine assistance to many countries including Laos, which fully demonstrates China as a responsible major country and its commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Serbia is the first European country to massively administer Chinese COVID-19 vaccines to citizens. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stressed China was the first country to assist Serbia after the outbreak of COVID-19, and the first to offer COVID-19 vaccines to his country. The vaccines are a proof to the great friendship between the two countries, he noted.

The first batch of China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines purchased by Hungary arrived at Budapest on Feb. 16. Tamas Menczer, state secretary from the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade remarked at the reception ceremony that the arrival of Chinese vaccines in Hungary was an important outcome of the two countries' cooperation in the fight against the pandemic and reflected the high level of bilateral friendship. He thanked China's timely support and assistance, saying the vaccines would help his country save more lives, accelerate work resumption and promote economic recovery.

Chile recently launched a mass vaccination campaign. According to Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, it is the largest national vaccination campaign in the country. The vaccines developed by Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech already shipped and will be shipped to the country are guaranteeing the execution of the campaign, he said.
A group of DUP members have engaged senior legal counsel to prepare for a series of challenges against the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The PA news agency understands that a senior DUP member, supported by a number of others in the party, have sought the legal opinion of constitutional law experts ahead of several potential High Court challenges in both Belfast and London against the Government over post-Brexit Irish Sea trading arrangements.

The move comes amid ongoing unionist and loyalist anger at new regulatory and customs processes required to bring goods into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

A party source involved in the initiative told PA that preparatory work on a series of very significant legal challenges is at an advance staged.

No stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of justice for the people of the Union, the source said.

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While the shape of the potential challenges has not yet been detailed, many unionists have argued that the protocol undermines both the Act of Union and the Northern Ireland Act, which gives legislative effect to the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement.

Another potential legal challenge against the Government over the terms of the protocol is being threatened by peer Baroness Kate Hoey, Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister and former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib.

It is understood the DUP leadership has not been directly involved in the legal bid initiated by the senior party member.

The party leadership has rolled out a five-point plan in recent weeks aimed at frustrating the operation of the protocol.

That campaign includes a boycott of North-South ministerial engagement on issues related to the contentious trading arrangements.

The party also initiated an online petition to secure a parliamentary debate on the protocol  the debate is due to take place at Westminster on Monday.

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The protocol was agreed by the EU and UK to overcome one of the main sticking points in the Brexit withdrawal talks  the Irish border.

It keeps that frontier free flowing by Northern Ireland remaining in the single market for goods and applying EU customs rules at its ports.

The protocol instead moved the regulatory and customs border to the Irish Sea, with a series of checks, certifications, inspections and declarations now required on many goods being shipped into the region from Great Britain.

This has led to some trading disruption since the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31.

It has also heightened political tensions in Northern Ireland, with unionists enraged with arrangements they claim drive an economic wedge between the region and the rest of the UK, undermining the constitutional integrity of the Union as a consequence.

Another layer of protocol red tape comes into effect on Monday, when health certifications will be required on sausages and other chilled meats entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain.
Samantha Armytage has been back in the news recently for various important reasons such as flaunting some jewellery, hating her Sunrise co-star Sam Mac and getting married.

Most of it has run on some obscure British blog that pretends it is a proper media outlet. As usual, not all the coverage of Channel Sevens breakfast television host has been positive - apart from the fact her dog Banjo was her best man. Every column inch dedicated to covering Armytages every movement tends to be met with a column inch taking her down.

Samantha Armytage at Rosehill in October. Credit:Getty Images

I have been covering Armytages career since she walked blinkingly into the sun that is the Sunrise studios in Martin Place. I interviewed her days into her tenure as the replacement for HRH Mel Doyle back in 2013.

Samantha Armytage doesnt understand the backlash she endured when she was announced as the replacement for Melissa Doyle on Channel 7s Sunrise, I wrote at the time.
Pipeline

21 February 2021

Mori Building Co., Ltd., Japan's leading urban landscape developer, announced today that it will partner with Aman, the operator of diverse world-class luxury hotels and resorts, in the Toranomon-Azabudai Urban Redevelopment Project, a massive urban renewal undertaking that will revitalize a large area of central Tokyo when completed in 2023. The two main outcomes of the partnership will be the branded residence Aman Residences, Tokyo and luxury hotel Janu Tokyo, Aman's sister brand, marking the debut of the Janu brand in Japan.

Aman Residences, Tokyo  incomparable urban residential experiences

Aman Residences, Tokyo will be located on floors 54-64 of the 330-meter A District Tower, will offer 91 hotel-branded residences with exclusive services, including a residents-only Aman Spa (some 1,400 m). Aman's signature hospitalityboth warm and unassumingwill enable residents to enjoy extraordinarily peaceful lifestyles while overlooking the vibrant Tokyo metropolis. The Tower's sophisticated architectural design is the masterful work of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects (USA) and interior design has been crafted by Yabu Pushelberg (Canada).

Janu Tokyo  Aman's sister brand debuts in Japan

Aman's luxury hotel brand Janu will make its Japan debut with Janu Tokyo on floors 1-13 in the B-2 District Tower. The hotel is designed by Denniston (Malaysia) under the leadership of Jean-Michel Gathy. In addition to approx. 120 luxury rooms, all offering excellent views of a central square filled with lush greenery, Janu Tokyo will boast Japan's largest spa (some 3,500 m) with spa treatment and a fitness center, six restaurants, and a cafe and bars for leisure and business gatherings. Janu Tokyo will welcome guests from around the world.
Photo: (Photo : Screenshot from Twitter)

The members of a California school board resigned after the controversial meeting that occurred on Zoom.

According to reports, the board of trustees was having a meeting when they started discussing parents' reactions to the prolonged school closures. The Zoom meeting was supposed to be a private one but was accidentally broadcast to the public.

The Oakley Union Elementary School District members have since apologized for what they have said during the meeting.

A portion of the meeting was uploaded on Twitter by one of the NBC New Bay Area reporters, Bigad Shaban.

ALSO READ: Ohio Teacher Starts Class with Heartwarming Affirmation Songs [Viral Video]

The supposed "private meeting"

According to an article published by TODAY, one of the school district board members, Kim Beede, checked first if they were alone in the meeting before she started ranting. She said, "Are we alone? B----, if you're going to call me out, I'm going to f--- you up.:"

Other members even implied that some of the parents are into using medical marijuana. This member was Richie Masadas, who shared a story about his brother's delivery service business.

Even the Oakley Union Elementary School District president, Lisa Brizendine, said, "They want to pick on us because they want their babysitters back."

After some time, one of the members realized that their meeting was not a private one.

Beede said, "We have the meeting open to the public right now."

ALSO READ: Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Playgrounds Are Closing; but Parents and Charities Oppose

Petition for resignation

As of writing, the names of the following board members have been removed from the district's website:

Kim Beede

Richie Masadas

Erica Ippolito

That is after a petition was launched to call for the ouster of the trustees. This petition has reached over 7,000 signatures. In the petition, the immediate resignation was called because of their "egregious behavior."

The petition also stated that these members are no longer the proper representation of the children, parents, and teachers of the Oakley Union Elementary School District.

ALSO READ: Effects of Frequent Use of Online Technologies to Children [Experts Explain]

The apologies after the school board disctrict resigns

Last Thursday, Brizendine resigned from her post. After her resignation, she apologized for her statements. She also explained that it was for the good of the children, "We were having a private conversation because we were really struggling at that moment with all the Board comments coming in."

Aside from Brizendine's apology, the board superintendent, Greg Hetrick, also issued an apology.

He said that he understands that they have lost the public's trust and that what they did and said was inexcusable. The apology goes, "I am truly sorry for what took place... I know that our students deserve better from us."

Hetrick also said that he is no longer planning to make any excuses about what happened.

ALSO READ: On-Screen Dance Parties: A Way to Keep Students Creative and Engaged During Remote Learning
Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help
His finely spun web has entangled the former Irish president, Mary Robinson, his estranged wife Princess Haya and the blue-bloods of the Irish Turf who tapped him for more than 5m for the redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourse.

Dubai, his middle-eastern emirate, also harbours Christy Kinahan, head of the notorious drugs cartel. And it is where Kinahan's equally ruthless son Daniel seeks to reinvent himself as a boxing promoter and gym owner, pictured last week in opulent surroundings with US promoter Peter Kahn.

"Dubai is a family-run business that happens to have an embassy in Dublin," says one observer of the 'city state' and its ruler. "We should be really talking to them about harbouring the Kinahans, who have wreaked havoc on Dublin and beyond."

But Ireland does not have an extradition treaty with Dubai, which is one of the reasons the Kinahans left Spain.

It is for other reasons that the spotlight of international attention has turned its unwelcome gaze towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (71), ruler of Dubai and vice president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) .

The ill-treatment of Princess Latifa, one of his 25 children, has also left one of Ireland's few international figures, Mary Robinson, looking very careless in her choice of friends.

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The incarceration of Latifa (35) simply because she didn't want to be part of the family "firm", and her abortive flight to freedom across the Indian Ocean, only to be "grabbed" by Indian commandos and returned to Dubai where she has since been kept in a "gilded cage", is the stuff of an international thriller.

Since then friends managed to smuggle a phone to her, where she described being taken from her posh "prison" for a bizarre lunch with human rights advocate Mary Robinson in 2018.

"The topics that we discussed during the lunch were sport, veganism, the environment and nothing outside of that, and Mary kept talking about her book as well," said the princess in a recorded conversation broadcast last week.

After the lunch, Mrs Robinson made a public statement saying the princess was "a likeable young woman but clearly troubled, clearly needs the medical care that she is receiving" and her family, "did not want her to endure any more publicity". Now she accepts that she was "tricked".

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As Princess Latifa's phone has now gone silent, her friends enlisted the BBC Panorama programme to broadcast prior dispatches from her that should make for uncomfortable viewing for Sheikh Mohammed's many associates in the world of horse-racing, at home and abroad.

As ruler he has taken the tiny desert state and weaned it off its oil riches by creating the metropolis of Dubai, with its soaring skyscrapers, opulent hotels, palm islands and its gold-plated lifestyle for the rich, the famous and the criminal.

Trim, with a hawk-like appearance, Sheikh Mohammed has been a familiar figure at the Curragh, near his principal Irish residence, the 1,500-acre Kildangan Stud in Co Kildare. As well as outlying stud farms, he owns Woodpark Stud near Dunboyne, Co Meath (now called Grough), and Ballysheehan Stud in Tipperary (renamed Altiva).

According to a recent filing in the Companies Office in Dublin, his holding company, Godolphin Ireland Ltd, has assets of 115m here and liabilities of 250m. The 200,000 he earned from the EU's single farm payment in 2018 will hardly put a dent in that, but debts of 250m are a mere trifle to a man whose wealth is conservatively put at 14bn and rising.

Before their relationship went sour, his racing colours carried the name of the youngest of his six wives, Princess Haya (46), a daughter of King Hussein of Jordan. As a glamorous 22-year-old, the princess learned her horse-riding skills at Paul Darragh's show-jumping arena in Tara, Co Meath, and competed in the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS.

But since that infamous lunch to which she invited Mary Robinson, Princess Haya has also defected from Sheikh Mohammed's household, fleeing to London with their two children where she has made damaging allegations about her powerful husband in the family courts.

Judge Sir Andrew McFarlane found that as well as Latifa, the sheikh kidnapped another daughter, Princess Shamsa, then 19, who disappeared from Cambridge back in 2000. What happened to Shamsa only became public when Princess Haya, (46), resisted the sheikh's attempts to get custody of the children.

Princess Haya, who had an affair with a bodyguard as the couple's relationship deteriorated, claims her husband was trying to marry their teenage daughter off to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Al Saud.

Sheikh Mohammed's behaviour demonstrated "a consistent course of conduct over two decades where, if he deems it necessary to do so (he) will use the very substantial powers at his disposal to achieve his particular aims", said the judge.

The kidnapping of his two daughters and the harbouring of criminals like the Kinahans has focused attention on the Emirate ruler's worldwide Godolphin international horse-breeding and racing operation. He bought the famous Kildangan Stud from the More O'Ferrell family in 1986. Godolphin Ireland Ltd, which employs 237 people, reported a loss of 10.7m in 2019.

This formidable bloodstock enterprise has only one real rival - Coolmore Stud Farms, based in Tipperary and run by the equally enigmatic John Magnier. Neither magnate has explained why Sheikh Mohammed stopped buying Coolmore-bred yearlings in 2005, a boycott that lasted until 2017, when he paid 1.2m at Goffs for a Galileo foal.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights now plans to raise the case of Princess Latifa with the UAE as publicity surrounding the case has dented the sheikh's image. Closer to home, the activities of the Kinahans in Dubai have caused equal concern.

In a letter to the UAE's embassy in Dublin two weeks ago, Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond told the ambassador: "It is the belief of many that Mr Kinahan relocated to Dubai and founded MTK in order to whitewash his reputation and portray himself as a legitimate businessman, which is very concerning given the misery the Kinahan cartel has caused in Ireland. After years of co-ordinating chaos, violence and even death in Ireland, Mr Kinahan should not be allowed to build a new reputation for himself abroad through sport."

He then asked if the UAE government was aware of Kinahan's reputation "and happy to allow him to continue his efforts in your country". As yet, he hasn't had a reply.

Yesterday the Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that the Government here plans to "engage" with Mary Robinson regarding the disappearance of Princess Latifa.

But maybe he's looking to the wrong person? Surely he should be talking to Sheikh Mohammed or the UAE embassy - not just about the princess, but about why his state is harbouring the Kinahans.

Despite its glamorous status, Dubai is a feudal state controlled by the autocratic Sheikh Mohammed and the wider Maktoum family. The question is, how long can they continue to have it both ways?
New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday said that India could successfully fight the social and economic challenges of COVID-19 because of the collective efforts of the 130 crore people.

The Speaker, who took part on the second day of the Basti Mahotsava, said the festival represents the diversity and cultural mosaic of India and it is a confluence of the country's arts, culture and economy.

He remembered freedom fighters of Basti who took part in India's freedom struggle and hailed their valour and their fight for protecting the motherland.

The Speaker said democracy in the country has a long history and did not come after Independence.

"Our democracy has successfully addressed aspirations of our people from all sections of the society," he said.

According to a Lok Sabha secretariat release, the Speaker said every citizen should make it a habit that whatever they do should contribute towards nation-building and for making democracy stronger and more accountable.

"Unlike several other countries, India could successfully fight the social and economic challenges of COVID-19 because of the collective efforts of the 130 crore people. Our motto should be to make our country and our democracy stronger and more vibrant," he said.

The Speaker also lauded the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India self-reliant.

The Speaker invoked Lord Ram, Guru Vashisth and Sant Kabir to describe the history, culture and heritage of Basti.

"He also remembered Raja Zalim Singh, Devraha Baba, eminent writer and historian of Hindi literature Ramchandra Shukla and recalled their contributions in strengthening the composite culture of the region," the release said.

Birla said the Mahotsava, besides being a socio-cultural event, "is also an opportunity to showcase our products and to expand the market for them".

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Rules forcing lorry drivers to pass a Covid test before being allowed to leave the UK and enter France are to be relaxed from tonight.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the measure, which has added a layer of bureaucracy to the cross-Channel journey, was being waived for drivers who have spent less than 48-hours in the UK.

It will come into effect from 11pm tonight.

Currently HGV drivers heading to France from the UK are obliged to take a Covid-19 test before arriving at outbound ports, such as Dover or the Eurotunnel.

Mr Shapps tweeted: 'I've agreed more flexibility in testing for hauliers travelling from the UK to France.

'From 11pm tonight, lorries returning to France from UK having spent less than 48hrs in the UK will NO LONGER require a Coronavirus test.'

Currently HGV drivers heading to France from the UK are obliged to take a Covid-19 test before arriving at outbound ports, such as Dover or the Eurotunnel.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the measure, which has added a layer of bureaucracy to the cross-Channel journey, was being waived for drivers who have spent less than 48-hours in the UK.

Cross-channel operators will give drivers evidence of the time of their trip to the UK, which can then be shown at check-in for the return journey.

French authorities will also recognise proof of a negative coronavirus test taken in Ireland if the test was taken less than 72 hours before departure from the UK for France.

Drivers will still need to test negative if they are travelling to Denmark, Germany or the Netherlands, or are going to France after spending longer than 48 hours in the UK, according to the Government website.

Meanwhile DUP leader Arlene Foster today has urged the Government to deal with the 'rupturing' of the east-west relationship between Ulster and Great Britain caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol.

On Monday a debate at Westminster triggered by her party's e-petition will ask the Government to take action to replace this 'flawed and deeply damaging' Protocol.

The DUP has vowed to overthrow the post-Brexit trade mechanism which has disrupted trade from the rest of the UK to Northern Ireland.

Mrs Foster said: 'There is no question of the public anger towards the Protocol. The petition demonstrated that.

'Brussels and London must work for a permanent solution. Temporary measures will not work.

'The Protocol is flawed and has ruptured the east-west strand of the Belfast Agreement.'

On Monday, Parliament will debate the e-petition she tabled calling for the triggering of Article 16 which allows the Government to override the protocol and ensure unfettered trade from GB-NI.

More than 140,000 have signed the petition, with the 100,000-signature threshold for a debate surpassed in just over 24 hours.

DUP leader Arlene Foster today has urged the Government to deal with the 'rupturing' of the east-west relationship between Ulster and Great Britain caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Mrs Foster said: 'The European Union and the Government must recognise that to press on with the Protocol with every single unionist party opposed to it will lead to failure.

'Every agreement involving Northern Ireland has always required the consent of all sides. Consensus has been our watchword.'

The EU moved to trigger Article 16 over the distribution of vaccines but quickly reversed its decision.

Mrs Foster said: 'The European Union claim their triggering of Article 16 was 'a mistake' but to close their eyes to unionist opposition to this Protocol will be another mistake.

'The Prime Minister must work for a permanent solution before the end of the grace periods when even greater disruption will become apparent.

'There needs to be unfettered trade from GB-NI.'
A Hanoi woman has been probed for torturing her own daughter, while her boyfriend investigated for raping the young girl.

Police in Ha Dong District, Hanoi on Sunday arrested and initiated legal proceedings against Hoang Thi Thu Huyen, 34, for torturing her daughter and Pham Thanh Tung, 31, for raping an under-16-year-old person.

The arrest was previously approved by the Ha Dong District Peoples Procuracy.

Tung was taken into custody for four months to facilitate the investigation, while Huyen was released on bail to be able to raise her young child.

The woman was also indicted for illegal trade of narcotics in a separate case.

According to preliminary information, Huyen lives with her 12-year-old daughter H.H.B. and a younger son at their home in Ha Dong District.

Tung is Huyens boyfriend and has stayed at Huyens place since early 2020.

The two recently had a son, who is currently about one month old.

Police officers probe the house of Hoang Thi Thu Huyen in Ha Dong District, Hanoi. Photo: Danh Trong / Tuoi Tre

From May 2020 to January 2021, Tung forced B. to have sex with him on multiple occasions when Huyen was not at home.

The man threatened to beat the young girl if she tried to resist or tell other people.

B. also said her mother often hit her with water pipes, electric wires, or bamboo sticks whenever she was disobedient.

Huyen was aware that B. was raped by Tung, but that was just another reason for her to continue torturing B., the victim stated.

On January 25, B.s aunt acknowledged the incidents and decided to take B. and her younger stepbrother home for further care.

The case was also reported to police officers.

According to B.s aunt, Huyen has had five children with five different men. She was only legally married to the first man.

Further investigation is ongoing.

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The researchers studied an important cytokine called interleukin (IL)-17A and found that chronic increase in the levels of IL-17A circulating in mouse blood can reduce the microglia activity in one part of the brain's hippocampus.regulate brain development, maintenance of neuronal networks, and injury repair and are related to several neurological diseases.The researchers mainly focused on IL-17A as it is known to be involved in neurological autoimmune disorders as well as disorders of the mind. Sasaki explains that it is multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder.In order to understand how chronically high levels of IL-17A can affect the brain, the team used their knowledge of how IL-17A is made naturally in the body and focused on immune cells called helper T-cells. It was found that with increase in the number of these helper T-cells, called Th17, the mutant mice produced more IL-17A in the gut, which spread throughout the body in the blood.IL-17A interacts with two kinds of glial cells in the nervous system, astrocytes and microglia. In one of the region of the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is needed for learning and forming memories, chronically high IL-17A led to reduced activity and density of microglia. On the other hand, astrocytes in the brain did not differ between the mutant and control mice.This led to believe that chronic IL-17A inflammation would affect cognition, specifically memory but had no effect on spatial memory.Takei said,Source: Medindia
The central importance of schools and teachers for the public good has been starkly revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly but not only for public schools, with their obligation to provide for all, no matter what their ability or background. Our teachers responded in multiple and creative ways to support the continuing learning of their students in very difficult circumstances. For their part, parents learnt a lot too about the realities of teaching today.

Simultaneously, the NSW Teachers Federation commissioned an independent panel of inquiry to examine all aspects of public school teaching and how it has changed, it being 17 years since the last comprehensive Industrial Relations Commission work value case. What is revealed is the dramatic increases in the volume, intensity and complexity of work generated by government decisions and heavily impacted by the social, economic and technological environment.

The public good that teachers provide was never more apparent than in the past year.

It is a finding of the panel that the interplay between the contextual variables and the myriad government expectations, policies and programs is of a scale and intensity that dwarfs the assessments found in earlier work cases in 1970, 1980/81, 1990/91 and 2003/04.

In relation to the challenges created by this mix, the panel noted that the funding, state and commonwealth, provided to public schools in NSW doesnt get them to the 100 per cent of the schooling resources standard deemed necessary, now or in the future. That is not an encouraging start.
A United Airlines flight with 241 people on board experienced engine failure over Broomfield, Colo., on Saturday afternoon, shedding debris across three neighborhoods before landing safely in Denver, the authorities said.

There were no injuries reported, officials said.

The flight, No. 328, took off from Denver International Airport at 12:15 p.m. local time, said Alex Renteria, an airport spokeswoman.

The F.A.A. said in a statement that the plane, a Boeing 777-200, experienced a right-engine failure shortly after takeoff and that it was aware of reports of debris in the vicinity of the airplanes flight path.

The flight was headed from Denver to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu when the episode happened.
Pakistani Rangers opened fire at forward posts and villages along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, officials said on Sunday.

The firing from across the border targeting Border Outpost Bobiya area of Hiranagar sector started around 10:25 pm on Saturday ,drawing strong retaliation from the Border Security Force (BSF), the officials said.

They said the cross-border firing between the two sides continued till 4:30 am but there was no report of any damage on the Indian side.

The latest by Pakistan broke several days of lull in the cross-border firing in the sector and forced the border residents to spend the night in underground bunkers, the officials said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Sydney council has asked the corruption watchdog to investigate the leaking of information to the media about millions of dollars in missing developer contributions.

But Georges River Council has stopped short of saying it asked ICAC to look into the actual missing millions.

Gail Connolly, the general manager of Georges River Council. Credit:John Veage

In December, the Herald revealed that $4 million that was meant to have been paid by developers for the communitys benefit has been discovered missing from the coffers of Georges River Council after a secretive internal investigation.

According to a confidential report obtained by the Herald, the auditors uncovered widespread undercharging of developer contributions, that must be paid when a project is approved to fund essential community infrastructure, by the former Kogarah council.
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TEHRAN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st February, 2021) US President Joe Biden has not changed the harsh policy of his predecessor, Donald Trump, towards Tehran despite his promises and pursues the same course in practice, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in an interview with the Press tv broadcaster on Sunday.

Biden has repeatedly vowed to return the United States to the 2015 nuclear deal, abandoned by Trump in 2018, but has not taken any steps so far. Earlier in February, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also said that the Biden administration's policy on Iran was no different from that of Trump's, as no changes in the US' approach have been seen so far.

"Nothing has changed. Biden claims that Trump's policy of maximum pressure was maximum failure ... But for all practical purposes, they are pursuing the same policy, they have not changed that policy," Zarif said, adding that the problem is that the US is "addicted" to sanctions, pressure and bullying.

Iran needs actions not promises, as well as guarantees that illegal measures taken by Trump will not be implemented again in the future, the minister added.

According to the diplomat, a soon as all parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) fulfill their commitments under the deal, negotiations on a nuclear deal with the participation of the United States will also take place. At the same time, the talks will not relate to changes in the agreement or any new provisions of the deal, such as regional issues and the Iranian missile program, Zarif noted.

In 2015, Iran signed the nuclear deal with China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, the US, Germany and the EU. It required the country to scale back its nuclear program and severely downgrade its uranium reserves in exchange for sanctions relief, including lifting the arms embargo five years after the deal's adoption. In 2018, the US abandoned its conciliatory stance on Iran, withdrawing from the JCPOA and implementing hard-line policies against Tehran.

Though Biden has expressed readiness to rejoin the deal, he has also called for negotiating a broader agreement with Iran that would cover outstanding issues, like Iran's missile program or its belligerent clientele across the middle East. Tehran, in turn, has rejected the possibility of expanding the nuclear deal.

Meanwhile, Iran passed a law in late 2020 to increase its uranium enrichment to 20 percent and stop UN inspections of its nuclear sites in response to the killing of nuclear physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. In January, Tehran began working on the production of uranium metal. Earlier this week, Tehran reaffirmed its intentions to limit the implementation of the Additional Protocol on the International Atomic Energy Agency's inspections of its nuclear sites starting Sunday. The ministry stressed that this would only concern additional inspections.
Industrial Bank of Korea CEO Yoon Jong-won / Korea Times file



By Lee Kyung-min



Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) may end up having at least one outside director recommended by its labor union, an easier task since the state-run lender has greater discretion in the appointment of such figures unlike their commercial counterparts that need approval from shareholders.



The labor-backed outside director will be able to serve in the same capacity as executive directors, deeply involved in overall corporate management including budget planning, revisions of rules and discretion over asset transactions.



KB Financial Group's union recommended two figures with expertise in environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) to be appointed as outside directors. But the attempt, which was the union's third, was voted down at the group's shareholders' meeting, Nov. 20, 2020.



This was because the recommendation failed to meet the requirement of a majority support following the attendance of holders of over a quarter of the number of the firm's voting shares.



The move by IBK's union is in line with attempts by unionized workers at other state-run and private financial firms to recommend outside directors to company boards, which is a stepping stone to the appointment of a "labor-friendly director" to ensure union participation in corporate management. That was also a campaign pledge made by President Moon Jae-in, but lost steam amid fast-souring public sentiment following the failure of several of the administration's policies, including its inability to tame soaring residential property prices.



The IBK union said it submitted a list of candidates to CEO Yoon Jong-won, saying the number and the identities of the recommended officials will remain undisclosed.



A group of candidates shortlisted by Yoon will be submitted to the Financial Services Commission (FSC) for confirmation before April.



The union said candidates it recommended have higher chances of confirmation, since the appointment requires a recommendation from only the IBK head and a subsequent go-ahead from the FSC chairman. Approval from the financial watchdog's chairman is considered almost a given.



The claim is based on the current law that does not bar unions from recommending certain candidates for the powerful positions, a reason why the union views would help facilitate the appointment of left-leaning figures with priorities on labor rights over effective corporate management.



Whether Yoon would choose a union-recommended candidate will determine the outcome of the politicized issue that has dragged on for a year.



Yoon said in a Feb. 18 press conference that the recommendation must be preceded by the revision of related laws, raising the possibility that he would not move forward with the union's request.



"We plan to recommend experts with excellent capabilities to the FSC. Candidates put forth by the union will not automatically make the list, with the key variable being their expertise and capabilities," he said.



This is a notable change in stance from about a year ago when he promised to let the union recommend a director in return for halting a strike organized to oppose Cheong Wa Dae appointing the President's former advisor for economic affairs as the lender's head.



"I think it will definitely help if one of our outside directors represents the interests of not only shareholders but also employees," Yoon said shortly after his inauguration, Jan. 28, 2020.




Ashley Diamond, a Black transgender woman, says she is being abused and raped while in prison. Diamond filed her second lawsuit against the Georgia Department of Corrections for not protecting her or providing the necessary health care she and other incarcerated trans people require. CBSN's Lana Zak spoke to Diamond's lawyer, Chinyere Ezie, about the lawsuit and the impact it could have on the trans community.

Video Transcript

LANA ZAK: The Department of Corrections in Georgia is facing a significant lawsuit claiming it fails to protect transgender inmates and provide adequate health care. Ashley Diamond filed the lawsuit. She is a Black trans woman who is currently in prison for a parole violation. This is the second lawsuit she has filed against the GDC.

In 2015, she filed a suit against the Department for, quote, "abusive conditions" facing incarcerated transgender people. Diamond settled with the Department, but her case made her a leader in the treatment of incarcerated trans people.

And joining me now is Diamond's lawyer, Chinyere Ezie, an attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights. Thank you for being with us, Chinyere. When was the last time that you spoke with your client? And how is Ashley?

CHINYERE EZIE: I spoke to Ms. Diamond earlier this week. As you could imagine, her situation is quite dire. She is flabbergasted, as am I, the lawyer and her original case, to be in the same circumstances, to see the same wanton indifference to her constitutional rights and her health and safety needs. And so, you know, Ashley is very determined to litigate this case, but is reluctantly a pioneer yet again for these critical issues related to trans right.

LANA ZAK: In a YouTube video the Southern Poverty Law Center posted in 2016, Ms. Diamond describes what she experienced during her prison sentence. I want to play that for our viewers.

ASHLEY DIAMOND: Because not only was it just, you know, me being raped and abused and mistreated medically, this was uniformed bigotry. It was regulated. I grieved it, and I wrote letters. I verbally said to you that I'm being raped and I'm being attacked, and I'm being harassed. And they're hurting me and help me.

Story continues

LANA ZAK: How are conditions now since she has returned to prison?

CHINYERE EZIE: I think what's particularly dismaying is that conditions are virtually identical to 2015 when Ashley Diamond was incarcerated in Georgia the first time when we began our initial lawsuit. You know, it's something that shocked even the cynic in me that so little would have changed-- despite our landmark lawsuit-- the ways that Georgia became under scrutiny even from the Department of Justice at the time; how there was almost universal condemnation for the ways that they were just leaving transgender women to the wolves both in terms of health care and safety.

And to find that the same cynical practices of denying medically necessary treatment to transgender women and all transgender people in prison, denying any sort of meaningful access to safety or housing placements that keep them reasonably safe, it's really been-- it's been a theme of this new lawsuit sort of how little has changed. But I can say that both as Ashley's advocate and as a lawyer, it's just-- it is dismaying, and it's kind of an unspeakably sad aspect of this case.

LANA ZAK: For someone not fully aware of the struggles of the community, can you explain why there's a growing number of incarcerated transgender inmates?

CHINYERE EZIE: Sure. You know, it's something that I often attribute to what I've termed the discrimination-to-incarceration pipeline. We live in a society where until just last year, there was no clarity through the Supreme Court about whether transgender people are protected in the workplace, where for decades, we've had histories of exclusion and education, in employment that have forced transgender people into underground economies into ways of survival that are often criminalized.

And so you know, Ashley Diamond is incarcerated because she wrote bad checks, [LAUGHS] $300 worth of bad checks. You know, that was enough to get her this 12-year sentence that she's currently still serving time on. And it really is an indication of what happens when we deprive people of their own means of survival because of the ways that we marginalize them in our society.

And unfortunately, we know that transgender people continue to be extremely marginalized. If any evidence is needed, just look at the number of deaths and murders that we have each and every year out of transgender women of color in this country.

LANA ZAK: Certainly a crisis. Chinyere, I want to also ask about transgender men because there has been more attention, rightfully, that our society is starting to recognize the high rates of murder of transgender women. But transgender men receive less attention. Have you heard of any cases like this ongoing for them?

CHINYERE EZIE: Absolutely. Important to raise those circumstances of transgender men. Many of them are incarcerated for their survival as well. Someone who also has spent time in Georgia Department of Corrections and really had a harrowing experience is Kai Peterson.

I lift up his story because he was incarcerated for defending himself against rapists, you know? And that was enough to-- notwithstanding the doctrines of self-defense and so forth that should have been available to him-- to give him a significant sentence of incarceration. And Kai's story was one of not necessarily the safety problems that Ashley experienced, because transgender men do tend to be housed by their sex assigned at birth, which means they tend to be in women's facilities, which are safer on the whole than men's facilities.

They still have the same challenges regarding access to health care, access to anything that affirms their gender. And so you have transgender women in men's facilities being told, you know, you're men. Act like men.

And you have transgender men and women's facilities being told, you know, stop acting like a boy. You're really a girl. And so it's really an additional form of torture an additional form of punishment to each and every day have your gender identity disaffirmed when you're in prison and jail.

LANA ZAK: I understand that there's not one solution. There's multiple things that need to be done. But I'm wondering, from your perspective, from your client's perspective, does the prison system need to build separate spaces for transgender inmates?

CHINYERE EZIE: I think at a minimum-- and it's one of our lawsuit's essential demands-- transgender people need to be housed with safety in mind. And so in the case of transgender women like Ashley, people who have a feminine appearance, who have a history and risk factors for victimization in men's prisons, there should be every effort to consider whether those are the proper placements, and whether, in fact, it would be better for them to be housed on the women's side in women's facilities.

You know, it's not going to be the solution that everyone needs or requires. But Ashley, 14 sexual assaults into her second stint of incarceration, absolutely needs and deserves consideration for placement in a women's facility.

LANA ZAK: If you do win your case, what will it mean for the transgender community as a whole?

CHINYERE EZIE: I think it will mean that although prisons are not a safe place for anyone, that transgender people will not have to have-- have rape, have forced detransition as part of the punishment for their crimes, which, again, in many cases, are economic, are survival-based.

And you know, hopefully for Ashley, it will be a vindication of all of the forced torture that she was experienced at the hands of Georgia. It'll be evidence that her struggle has not been in vain.

LANA ZAK: We did reach out to the Georgia Department of Corrections. We have not heard back.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 21:06:52|Editor: huaxia

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KATHMANDU, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Nepal received an additional 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from India on Sunday, as the country prepares to launch the second phase of the inoculation drive on March 7, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.

Nepal received 1 million doses of the Covishield vaccine provided by the Indian government as grant assistance on Jan. 21.

On Feb. 17, the Nepali government signed a procurement agreement with Serum Institute of India for 2 million doses of the Covishield vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.

"We have received 1 million doses of Covishield vaccine on Sunday in the first phase as per the procurement agreement signed with the Indian company," Jageshwor Gautam, spokesperson at Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population, told a press conference on Sunday.

"Additional 1 million doses of vaccine are also expected to arrive soon as per the timetable set by the health ministry."

It is the first time that the Himalayan country purchased the COVID-19 vaccines.

Gautam said the Nepali government used the vaccines provided by the Indian government to inoculate over 400,000 people under the first phase of the vaccination drive which started on Jan. 27.

Health workers, security personnel, people engaged in waste management, elected representative and journalists were inoculated in the first phase.

Nepal's health ministry said it would launch the second phase of vaccination drive on March 7 to inoculate people above 55 years of age with the vaccines that arrived on Sunday.

The government plans to vaccinate 72 percent of its population aged 15 years and above.

Nepal is also set to receive Chinese vaccine after the Chinese government announced early this month that it would provide Nepal with a batch of vaccines.

Earlier this week, Nepal's drug regulator granted approval to the COVID-19 vaccine developed by China's Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd, under Sinopharm, for emergency use in Nepal.

The approval of the drug regulator is a pre-condition for any vaccine to be eligible for use in the Himalayan country. Enditem
A regulatory agency thats responsible for the water supply for more than 13 million people is poised to take final action this week on a permanent ban on gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the Delaware River watershed.

The Delaware River Basin Commission is scheduled to vote on the proposal at a public meeting on Thursday, Feb. 25.

The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. and will be carried live via Zoom.

The commission, which regulates water quality and quantity in the Delaware and its tributaries, first imposed a moratorium on drilling and fracking  the technique that unleashed a U.S. production boom in shale gas and oil  more than a decade ago. It began the process of enacting a permanent ban in 2017. The ban would apply to Wayne and Pike counties in Pennsylvanias northeastern tip that are part of the nations largest gas field, the Marcellus Shale.

The agency has representatives including the governors of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the federal government.

Republican state lawmakers in Pennsylvania as well as a landowners group are challenging the commissions right to regulate gas development in court.

The Marcellus Shale Coalition, an industry group representing natural gas businesses working in Pennsylvanias production region, says the DRBCs proposal defies common sense, sound science, responsible policymaking and the authority of the commission.

In a 2018 letter to the basin commission, the coalition cites a study by Yale University researchers showing any increase in methane in well water supplies near fracking operations was related to natural variability, not to shale-related activities.

The New Jersey Sierra Club, in calling for the DRBC to enact the permanent ban, argues the fracking process is too dangerous a threat.

Fracking involves injecting huge amounts of water and chemicals in rock formations that can pollute surrounding aquifers and waterways, the Sierra Club chapter says. This requires mixing millions of gallons of water with toxic chemicals including volatile organic chemicals like benzene, methyl benzene, formaldehyde and others that are linked to cancer, according to the chapter. The process also releases toxic chemicals like arsenic and mercury that are naturally trapped in the shale. The average well uses 2.5 to 4.5 million gallons of water for fracking, (and) many wells are fracked two to three times.

Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware governors Tom Wolf, Phil Murphy and John Carney, respectively, signed a letter in 2018 calling for a full fracking ban in the watershed, the chapter says.

The DRBC needs to not only implement this ban but also be sure not to turn the basin into a dumping ground for fracking wastewater, New Jersey Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel said in a statement. The reason we want a fracking ban is to protect the waters from toxic chemicals from fracking.

This is a critical meeting coming up. We need to watch them to make sure that the governors keep their word and do the right thing.

The Delaware River Basin describes an area that provides drinking water to 13.3 million people across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and New York, the Delaware River Basin Commission says.Courtesy image | For lehighvalleylive.com

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The Associated Press and supervising reporter Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report. Reach him at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
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The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), an Aerospace and Defence Company, has invited called for online applications from eligible and interested candidates for filling Four Seventy-Five (475) ITI Trade Apprentices in HAL in multiple trades through direct recruitment to be posted at Aircraft Manufacturing Division in Nashik, Maharashtra in India on a fulltime basis. The application process towards the same started on February 20, 2021 and closes on March 13, 2021.

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts ITI Trade Apprentices posts in HAL Organisation Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Educational Qualification ITI in relevant trade Experience Freshers can apply Job Responsibilities null Skills Required null Job Location Nasik Salary Scale As per the apprenticeship norms Industry Aerospace and Defence Company Application Start Date February 20, 2021 Application End Date March 13, 2021

HAL Recruitment 2021: Age Criteria And Fees

Candidates interested in applying for HAL ITI Trade Apprentice Jobs 2021 through HAL Recruitment 2021 must meet the age criteria as per HAL Recruitment norms, with relaxation (upper age limit) for reserved categories as per the HAL norms as specified in the HAL Notification 2021.

For details regarding application fee for HAL ITI Trade Apprentice Jobs 2021 through HAL Recruitment 2021, refer to the official HAL Notification 2021 by visiting the HAL Careers sections.

Also Read: JK Bank Recruitment 2021 For Security Officer Posts, Apply Online Before March 10 On JKBank.Com

HAL Recruitment 2021: HAL Vacancy 2021 Details

Fitter - 210

Electrician - 78

COPA - 77

Turner - 28

Machinist - 26

Welder (Gas & Electric) - 10

Draughtsman (Mechanical) - 08

Electronics Mechanic - 08

Stenographer - 08

Machinist (Grinder) - 06

Painter (General) - 05

Sheet Metal Worker - 04

Mechanic - 04

Carpenter - 03

Total - 475

HAL Recruitment 2021: Education And Eligibility

Desirous candidates applying for HAL Apprentice Jobs 2021 through HAL Recruitment 2021 must possess an ITI in relevant trade from a recognised Board/Institute as detailed in the HAL Notification 2021.

HAL Recruitment 2021: Selection And Pay Scale

The selection of candidates to HAL Apprentice Jobs 2021 through HAL Recruitment 2021 will be done through Shortlisting, Merit and Certificate Verification as notified in the HAL Notification 2021.

Candidates selected to HAL Apprentice Jobs 2021 through HAL Recruitment 2021 will be paid stipend as per the apprenticeship norms as stated under careers in hal notification.

Also Read: UPHESC Recruitment 2021 For 2002 Assistant Professor Posts, Online Application Commences From February 25

HAL Recruitment 2020: How To Apply

Candidates applying for HAL Apprentice Jobs 2021 through HAL Recruitment 2021 must register online on the official NAPS portal and submit their applications on or before March 13, 2021.

Download HAL Recruitment 2021 Notification PDF for HAL ITI Trade Apprentice Jobs 2021
Boris Johnsons fiancee has effectively become his Downing Street chief of staff, a former colleague of hers claimed last night.

Carrie Symondss unelected and unaccountable role in Government is damaging to democracy, according to Nic Conner, who worked with Miss Symonds on the Brexit campaign.

He insisted last night that he has no grudge against the former director of Tory communications and was not being sexist, but is concerned she is acting unconstitutionally as friends are hired and rivals fired inside No 10.

Carrie Symondss unelected and unaccountable role in Government is damaging to democracy, according to Nic Conner, who worked with Miss Symonds on the Brexit campaign

Mr Conner said: In light of my experience working with Carrie Symonds, I am deeply concerned that she should have any role in governing the country without authority or accountability.

It is clear that Carrie is acting as more than just the Prime Ministers private confidante. If reports are true, which I believe they are, then her role in government is similar to that of the chief of staff.

This is of serious concern as Carrie has not been security-vetted and is not accountable to anyone. She does not answer to anyone with legal authority and cannot be fired or voted out.

Anyone holding so much unelected power, and who cannot be removed, is not only unconstitutional but is damaging to British democracy. Mr Conners comments came after the conservative think tank, the Bow Group  of which he is a research fellow  called for an independent inquiry into the role of Miss Symonds, 32, within government.

Bow Group chairman Ben Harris-Quinney added: No romantic partner of the PM has ever involved themselves to this degree. Its completely unjustifiable in a modern democracy, and calling me or the Bow Group sexist doesnt change that.

The Bow Group wants an inquiry into Miss Symondss alleged role in pushing out key Downing Street advisers. It also claims she was instrumental in appointing her close friend Nimco Ali as a Home Office adviser, and recruiting other allies to Downing Street.

Mr Harris-Quinney said: Failure to clarify Ms Symonds position and authority, and to ensure that Ms Symonds is not and cannot take any action in governing the United Kingdom, potentially has huge hazards for the Government, the Conservative Party, and the nation. The public take a very dim view of cronyism, democracy in Britain is and must always be sacred, and no one should be involved in running our country without accountability to the people.

The most prominent casualty of Miss Symonds alleged influence was Mr Johnsons right-hand man Dominic Cummings, who left in November after clashing with her.

Mr Cummingss ally, communications chief Lee Cain, soon followed him out of the door amid claims that Miss Symonds was calling the PM 20 times a day, and had been nicknamed Princess Nut Nut by her detractors.

The most prominent casualty of Miss Symonds alleged influence was Mr Johnsons right-hand man Dominic Cummings, who left in November after clashing with her

Mr Cummingss ally, communications chief Lee Cain, soon followed him out of the door amid claims that Miss Symonds was calling the PM 20 times a day

In their place, a new group has grown in Downing Street consisting of allies of Miss Symonds and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove. These include her friends Henry Newman and Baroness Finn. Brexit negotiator Lord Frost, who was close to Mr Cummings, is thought to have tried to quit in protest at their arrival but was persuaded to stay and has been rewarded with a place in Cabinet. Fresh battles became public on Friday when Oliver Lewis, another Cummings supporter, resigned as head of the Union Unit.

It was claimed that he had been briefing against Mr Gove and had been forced out as a result. But in a weekend of briefing and counter-briefing, it was also claimed Mr Gove had masterminded Mr Lewiss departure over fears he was being sidelined by the PM.

Meanwhile Miss Symonds has been appointed head of communications at conservation charity the Aspinall Foundation, which is run by gambling tycoon Damian Aspinall. Earlier this month it was revealed that the organisation is being investigated by the Charity Commission amid concerns about what it calls financial management and wider governance.

A spokesman for Miss Symonds  who has a nine-month-old son with the 56-year-old PM  declined to comment on the allegations against her last night.

ANDREW PIERCE: These feuding tribes have turned No.10 into a playground

By Andrew Pierce

Number Ten has long been a hotbed of gossip, intrigue and backstabbing as the power-hungry jostle for position at the court of the prime minister. But even by that yardstick, the events of recent days have been something to behold.

And the figure accused of being at the heart of the latest series of power struggles is not an MP, special adviser or civil servant. It is Carrie Symonds, fiancee of our Prime Minister and mother of his youngest son Wilfred.

Matters have become so fraught that, in the words of one former colleague  who now works for the influential Tory think tank the Bow Group  her unelected and unaccountable role in government is damaging to democracy.

To understand why the Conservative Partys 32-year-old former director of communications is attracting such attention, its important to appreciate the scale of the bloodletting that has occurred behind Downing Streets black door in recent weeks  and the feuding tribes who are driving it.

Special advisers, or Spads, the unelected train-bearers in the court of the prime minister, often wield more power and influence than seasoned Cabinet ministers.

But their machinations are normally conducted in the shadows. No longer.

To the horror of many Tory MPs, they have turned the Downing Street political operation into what appears to all intents and purposes a playground riven with bitter factional infighting.

In the past few weeks, the Government operation has been beset by leaks, rifts and resignations, leading to a spate of damaging headlines.

The unedifying turf war comes as the Covid death toll goes above 120,000, unemployment is rising fast, and the economy is a shattered ruin. What must the public think of us with all these self-indulgent personality clashes? asks one exasperated Whitehall source.

The saga has its roots in the departure of Boriss mercurial chief adviser Dominic Cummings, who was forced out following the axing of Number Tens truculent communications director Lee Cain.

Both were members of the Vote Leave camp which ran the 2016 referendum campaign  and they blame Symonds for their demise.

Their camp suffered another blow last week with the resignation of Oliver Lewis, the former deputy of Lord Frost, who was the Governments chief negotiator with the EU over Brexit. Lewis, nicknamed Sonic because of his likeness to the video game character Sonic the Hedgehog, was head of the Cabinet Office unit fighting to stave off Scottish independence.

Even some Tory MPs wouldnt know Lewis if they fell over him. But despite his low profile, his resignation matters. Nationalism in Scotland is on the march and Lewiss departure after only two weeks in the job is a gift for Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP First Minister.

Lewis clashed with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, who chairs the committee in charge of the Union.

Gove, who was born in Aberdeen and whose parents still live there, wanted to love bomb the Scots in a bid to persuade them to stay true to the 313-year-old Union. However, Lewis wanted to take a more aggressive approach.

So did Lewis walk out because of policy differences with Gove? Not a bit of it. After a testy meeting with Boris, and having threatened to resign on more than one occasion in the past, he quit accusing Carrie Symonds of briefing against him because she had taken sides with Gove on the Scottish question.

Lewis denies a report put about by his enemies that he had flounced out because he hadnt been given a knighthood for his role in the Brexit talks.

Its easy to see how his nose might have been put out of joint, however.

Lewis was close to Lord Frost, who was promoted to the Cabinet last week with responsibility for the EU and unfinished Brexit negotiations. While his boss got a peerage followed by a Cabinet job, there were no baubles for him.

But even Frosts appointment was mired in controversy. His supporters argued that Gove had been too soft with Brussels since Brexit took effect on January 1. Frost, they said, would be more hardline.

The Gove camp suspect that the hostile briefings were the work of Lewis, an allegation that he denies.

Goves supporters insist he first suggested Frosts elevation to the Cabinet. While the war of words raged over Frost and Gove, who is tipped for a big Cabinet promotion, the problems over goods going from mainland Britain into Northern Ireland since Brexit accelerated.

Carrie, who  as we have seen  has emerged as one of the most influential prime ministerial spouses of modern times, has her own group of loyalists.

They include Baroness Finn who last week became deputy chief of staff at No 10, and Henry Newman, who moved from advising Gove to working with Boris.

Carrie will be delighted with their arrival, but did she orchestrate it? Finn has known Boris since she raised funds for his 2008 mayoral campaign when Carrie was still at university.

Oxford and Harvard-educated Newman, meanwhile, worked closely alongside Boris and Gove on Brexit. They got there on merit, said one source.

Carries friends dont deny she is influential, but argue that the criticism of her role is rooted in sexism.

One fan says: Shes an important adviser to Boris in the same way Theresa Mays husband Philip was when she was prime minister. We should not be ashamed that Boris listens to his fiancee.

However, Philip May was only occasionally seen and absolutely never heard, while Carrie has become linked with hirings and firings.

Last year, her close friend Nimco Ali was appointed a Home Office adviser on tackling violence against women. The post was not advertised in the usual way. Carries influence was detected.

At this time of national crisis it is surely more vital than ever that the Government operates with determination and unity. Yet a Downing Street operation that should run like a Rolls-Royce has instead become a cauldron of poisonous rivalries. What must the voters think?
By Bart Biesemans and Johnny Cotton

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Brussels' cavernous basilica is one of the largest churches in the world but COVID-19 rules allow only 15 people at a time to attend mass there, the same limit applied to much smaller religious venues in Belgium.

Dozens of worshippers of different religions and clergy demonstrated in the centre of the Belgian capital on Sunday calling for a change to the rules.

"Here, more than in any other building in Belgium, this law is an incredible absurdity," said the Catholic basilica's priest Marc Leroy who joined the protests on Sunday.

Together with members of other faith groups he has launched an online petition for the restrictions to be made proportional to the size of buildings.

The national basilica, an 8,000 square metre (86,111 square feet) art deco masterpiece which tourist literature describes as the fifth biggest church in the world, towers over the western suburbs of Brussels and can host a congregation of hundreds for mass.

The 15-person limit for places of worship was set by the government in December as the country faced a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Religious ceremonies had been completely forbidden during the worst phases of the pandemic.

A spokeswoman for the interior ministry told Reuters the rules were meant to stop the spread of the virus in enclosed places which are often difficult to ventilate.

She added that a government meeting set for Friday would discuss restrictions.

"This house is so big in comparison to a bus, or an airport or a plane with 300, 400 passengers. I find it absurd to only allow in 15 people in a basilica," worshipper Jacques Jazz said.

Leroy said they had multiplied the number of services in an attempt to accommodate as many people as possible, but added he still had to turn parishioners away - a problem that could get worse as Easter approaches.

"It's completely ridiculous, they haven't thought about it. It's unjust. And if some people think we don't need to pray right now then they're wrong," worshipper Michel Beke said.

(Additional reporting by Francesco Guarascio @fraguarascio; editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
The International Space Station is expected to offer a prime naked-eye viewing opportunity as it passes over central Pennsylvania twice this week.

The ISS is expected to appear in our sky at 5:45 a.m. Monday, February 223, a bit less than twice the width of a fist at the end of an outstretched arms (27 degrees) above the west-southwest horizon. Over the next 5 minutes it will move toward the northeast, rising to a maximum height of 57 degrees before disappearing at 10 degrees above northeast.

NASA explains, The horizon is at zero degrees, and directly overhead is 90 degrees. If you hold your fist at arms length and place your fist resting on the horizon, the top will be about 10 degrees. Each additional fist-width above the horizon is roughly another 10 degrees of elevation.

NASA doesnt issue one of its Spot the Station alerts for anything less than 40 degrees, and the space station is not expected to meet or top that point again this week.

According to NASA, the space station looks like an airplane or a very bright star moving across the sky, except it doesnt have flashing lights or change direction. It will also be moving considerably faster than a typical airplane (airplanes generally fly at about 600 miles per hour; the space station flies at 17,500 miles per hour).

Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.

School district says email urging staff, students to lobby for pro-LGBT proposal 'not appropriate'

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An Ohio school district has acknowledged that an assistant principal's email directing teachers to encourage students to write letters to city council members in support of a local pro-LGBT non-discrimination proposal was "not appropriate."

On Thursday, Hilliard City Schools issued a statement after Hilliard Davidson High School Assistant Principal Kristen Clausen sparked controversy for sending an email to school staff last Tuesday that drew the ire of some teachers and a Christian conservative organization.

In the e-mail, Clausen announced that the school would be running an adjusted bell schedule to allow time to recognize Black History Month on the front end of our 3rd period classes.

The administrator at the Columbus-area school of nearly 2,000 students ordered the staff to follow a specific agenda during that 22 minute allotted block of time.

Clausen told teachers to tell students about an anti-discrimination bill crafted by two Hilliard City Council members along with a student at Hilliard Davidson High School. The city council members seek to expand existing anti-discrimination laws so that our city can protect people who are from communities related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, marital status and pregnancy because our current law in Hilliard does not include community members related to those classes.

Now, we need YOU. We need YOU to share with our elected officials in the form of a hard-copy letter why expanding the anti-discrimination legislation is necessary, the assistant principal wrote. If you have experienced discrimination because of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, marital status and pregnancy, please share your experiences as well so we can help the people who serve us understand why we need legislation that protects all people. There is a box where you can turn in your letter in the main office.

The email further instructed teachers to let students know that if they are interested in writing a letter to city council members in support of the proposal, they can do so and drop them off in the Main Office either in the designated box or to Mrs. Smith no later than next Wednesday, 2/24 as we will be in remote learning next Thursday and Friday.

Leading the charge against Clausens e-mail was the social conservative activist organization Center for Christian Virtue, which warned on its website that the anti-discrimination ordinance promoted by the assistant principals email has controversial provisions.

CCV President Aaron Baer argues that the ordinance would require homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters to allow men to bathe and bunk with women.

He said it would also require businesses and schools to allow men in womens locker rooms or showers. Baer elaborated on his concerns with the legislation in an interview with The Christian Post.

Baer contends that the ordinance would create situations where a private business owner could be forced to celebrate a religious ceremony that violates his conscience or her conscience or where a city employee could be fired merely for writing a Bible study that affirms a Christian perspective on marriage and sexuality.

For Hilliard public schools to turn students into lobbyists is bad enough, he said in a statement. But to pressure students to lobby for something as dangerous and controversial as a Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity law is wholly unacceptable.

The activist described Clausens e-mail as an unprecedented violation of the public trust. He explained that a number of teachers who received the email reached out to his organization because they were afraid of intimidation and bullying from the administration.

Whether or not you agree with this bad sexual orientation and gender identity law, this is still a  unprecedented request and an unethical request, Baer said. How we got this first and foremost was from the teachers.

In response to the criticism, Hilliard City Schools issued a statement stating that the assistant principals e-mail violated school district policy.

The Hilliard City Schools Board of Education and administration has been clear on their support of diversity and inclusion of all students and supports our students personal involvement in the political process as they choose, Director of Communications Stacie Raterman shared in a statement with local media. However, board policy sets clear expectations that literature promoting or opposing political figures, candidates or issues, not be distributed in the school setting.

Raterman acknowledged that students were not required to write letters in support of a political issue but stated that any distribution of political literature to our students was not appropriate and should not have occurred.

We have discussed this with all involved and set new guidelines to assure this type of situation does not occur, the statement added.

While Baer is grateful for the school boards corrective action, he maintained that it was a fundamental failure and breach of trust that enabled a communication like the original email to go out.

He added that it is a great responsibility public schools are entrusted with to sharpen young minds.

[T]o abuse that power by forcing dangerous political agendas on students is wholly unacceptable, he asserted.

However, he expressed gratitude for the strong community response to this disastrous email from the Hilliard Administration.

Because so many citizens and families rose up, your voice was heard, and teachers and students were spared from an unacceptable bullying and intimidation campaign, he stated.

Baer told CP that some of the teachers had not read the scripts yet.

Our organization is a pro-life organization. We lobbied hard for the Heartbeat Bill. If a public school would have pressured students to lobby for the Heartbeat Bill, I would have said thats wrong. That is not what taxpayer dollars should be used for, he said.

If theyre a private school, thats a whole other ballgame, Baer added. But for a public school to do this and use taxpayer dollars is wrong.

In addition to pushing for students to write letters advocating for the anti-discrimination legislations passage, Clausen ordered teachers to show a three-minute video promoting the effort.

We are at the crossroads of a great change in our country, in our state and our community, the narrator, a student at Hilliard Davidson High School, said as a picture of the Womens March San Francisco appeared on the screen.

Before us, there is a choice that every single member of our community has to make. Do we choose justice for all or justice for the few? Do we choose to look away from discrimination or do we choose to stand up and proudly carry the banner of anti-discrimination? the student asked.

As the narrator spoke, additional pictures of people engaged in social justice activism appeared on screen, followed by video footage of demonstrations in Hilliard. The narrator was later introduced as the student Clausen touted in her letter to school staff members earlier this week.

The Hilliard City Council will propose an anti-discrimination law. This law will benefit all people who live in the city of Hilliard. They need us, the students of Hilliard City Schools, to help persuade other council members to pass this law, the student said in the video.

He urged students to write and address a letter to the Hilliard City Council documenting your experiences with discrimination in this town. He stressed: If you dont have any, write one anyways. Share why you believe that this bill will be great for our community.

Baer told CP that the Hilliard City Schools has a history of pushing a political agenda in the classroom, especially related to LGBT issues.

Last year, Ohio passed a bill we backed called the Student Religious Liberty Act, that was in response to students, he recalled. One of the stories that we had was students in this district being discriminated against because of their religious beliefs.

Councilmember Omar Tarazi also pushed back against the attempt to use students to lobby for the proposed policy, which has not yet been introduced as a bill.

"However, if City Council members coordinated with the school administration to order a student letter-writing campaign, with taxpayer resources, in support of their 19-page draft law that nobody has read yet, then that would be completely irresponsible and unacceptable," he told ThisWeek Community News. "It is particularly unfortunate because it was done under the manipulative pretense of extending legal protections for groups in Hilliard for the first time when they already have protections in Hilliard under federal and state law and by (our) charter."
Egypt is actively supporting Sudan in fighting the Muslim Brotherhood and its ideology, as the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments, in coordination with its Sudanese counterpart, sent a convoy of imams and preachers to Sudan on Feb. 4, specifically to the Darfur region, where protests and acts of violence have recently broken out.

On Feb. 10, protests, acts of violence, and looting broke out in the regions of north Darfur, west Darfur, east Darfur and north Kordofan. The Sudanese transitional government accused supporters of ousted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Muslim Brotherhood members of fueling those protests and spreading their ideology in the region. Sudanese authorities consequently launched a crackdown against figures affiliated with the former regime and the Brotherhood.

On Jan. 23, the Sudanese authorities shut down 131 Muslim Brotherhood-linked associations in south Darfur, accusing them of receiving foreign funds to support terrorist activities, inciting violence and spreading extremist ideology in the region.

As part of efforts to counter extremist ideology and the influence of the Brotherhood in the region, the states of the Darfur region welcomed the Egyptian missionary convoy to spread moderate thought and fight extremism.

Ashraf Fahmy, secretary-general of training at the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments and head of the Egyptian imams delegation to Sudan, revealed the convoys objectives during a press conference upon arrival, saying, The Egyptian convoy  in cooperation with the imams of Sudan  is working to spread enlightened thought, reject division, violence and extremism, and focus on the issue of preserving the homeland and protecting its national institutions.

On Feb. 5, Fahmy delivered a Friday sermon at the Nyala Mosque in the state of south Darfur on the need to promote tolerance among people and reject tribalism.

The missionary convoy organized a training course Feb. 6 for Egyptian and Sudanese female preachers in north Darfur, which dealt with extremist ideology among Sudanese citizens.

Egyptian Minister of Endowments Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa said in a Feb. 14 press statement, The convoy was very welcomed by the Sudanese, as it had a role in supporting cooperation in spreading moderate thought and combating extremism. The goal is to spread moderation, confront terrorism and put an end to what is happening in Egypt and Sudan.

Religious cooperation between Egypt and Sudan has improved since the Sudanese revolution that overthrew Bashir.

Sudanese Minister of Endowments Nasruddin Mufreh visited Egypt in December 2020. The Egyptian Ministry of Endowments and its Sudanese counterpart also organized a training course for Egyptian and Sudanese imams on Dec. 21, 2020, on the cooperation in combating extremism and confronting the ideologies of extremist groups and the Muslim Brotherhood in both countries.

The Egyptian parliament praised the results of the missionary convoys visit to Sudan, as the parliamentary African Affairs Committee issued a statement Feb. 13 calling on the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments to organize more religious convoys in Sudan to spread the enlightened moderate thought and confront terrorist and extremist ideologies.

Amani al-Tawil, director of the Africa program at Al-Ahram Center for Strategic Studies, told Al-Monitor, The Darfur region in Sudan suffers from the spread of extremist ideology and jihadist movements and the proliferation of arms, especially in light of armed clashes between the [locals] in the region and [supporters of] the Bashir regime, the high poverty rate and the Brotherhoods power there.

She said, Egypt is working to assist the Sudanese government in fighting Brotherhood and extremist ideology, especially in the Darfur region, by sending convoys and organizing training courses for Sudanese imams on dealing with the Brotherhoods ideology.

Tawil noted, Fighting extremism in Sudan is a strategic goal for Egypt because the turmoil and acts of violence caused by the Brotherhood affect the security of Egypt that shares borders with Sudan.

She added, More Egyptian missionary convoys must be sent to Sudan in addition to supporting the new Sudanese government in eradicating poverty in the Darfur region.

In a Feb. 15 press statement, Fahmy said, The Egyptian missionary convoy that headed to Sudan achieved all its desired goals of promoting the common interests between the two countries on the religious level.

Fahmy continued, The convoy also aimed to spread enlightened thought, to support common interests and strengthen Egyptian relations with neighboring countries. The Sudanese show great participation and positive interaction with Egyptian imams and preachers, in terms of exchanging experience and information.

Sherif el-Gabaly, head of the parliamentary African Affairs Committee, told Al-Monitor, Egypt has a unique experience in confronting the Muslim Brotherhoods narrow-minded ideology, and this is why Sudan wanted cooperation to confront extremism.

He said, The Egyptian missionary convoy targeted the Sudanese regions where Brotherhood ideology is widely spread, and the Egyptian parliament encouraged the Ministry of Endowments to send such missionary convoys to other African countries.

Gabaly noted, Sudan is trying to cleanse its regions from the effects of the Muslim Brotherhood rule by spreading enlightened thought and removing all Brotherhood members from decision-making centers in conjunction with removing Sudan's name from the list of terrorism. For this purpose, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi instructed all state institutions to support Sudan in achieving its legitimate goals.

Gabaly concluded, Cairo is cooperating with Sudan on the security and religious levels to put an end to the Brotherhood's schemes because Egypt wants to preserve Sudan's stability.
Two days after a terrorist attack in Srinagar's Baghat area of Barzulla in which two policemen were killed, Inspector General of Kashmir Police has directed an increase in the security deployment at all vital locations in the area, sources told ANI.

"IG Kashmir has directed increased security deployment at all vital locations, snipers to be placed on high-rise buildings, relocating permanent bunkers and anti-terrorists operations to be enhanced," said the sources.

Jammu and Kashmir Police had said the preliminary investigation on the basis of CCTV footage and other evidence indicates the involvement of two terrorists in the attack in Srinagar's Baghat area of Barzulla on February 19 in which two policemen were killed. One of them has been identified as Saqib, a local terrorist, and another as a foreign terrorist, affiliated with proscribed terror outfit LeT. Police have launched a manhunt to nab the terrorists

In another encounter on February 19, three terror associates affiliated were also killed in the Budgam area of the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir.

On the same day, one police personnel of Jammu and Kashmir lost his life and one another was injured in an encounter that broke out between the security forces and terrorists in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Mystery continues to surround the eruption of violence in a Canberra street that left a man dead and three other people seriously injured.

Multiple locations were cordoned off on Braine Street in suburban Page on Saturday morning after police arrived to find the man's body, two injured men and an injured woman.

Officers went to the neighbourhood about 9am after reports of a disturbance, where they found a seriously injured man and provided initial treatment.

One man has been killed and three people have been injured after violence erupted in the suburb of Page in Canberra. Pictured: stock image of police tape

Soon after they were 'rushed' by another man, forcing them to subdue him with a taser. He was arrested, and police then found the body of a man and a woman with 'significant injuries'.

The woman and the two men were all taken to Canberra Hospital, where one of the men and the woman underwent surgery.

When contacted by AAP on Sunday, police were offering no new information about the case including what sparked the violence and the type of weapon or weapons that may have been involved.

Multiple locations were cordoned off on Braine Street (pictured) on Saturday morning after police arrived to find the man's body, two injured men and an injured woman.

Detective Superintendent Scott Moler told reporters on Saturday the task of processing the crime scenes was likely to take some time.

'This incident stretched over a number of properties,' he said.

Asked about the pair in surgery, he said: 'They are in a very serious condition.'

Supt Moller said there was 'no ongoing risk to the public' and it was not yet clear exactly what happened.

'We're still working through all the issues in relation to the incident. We're still piecing together the circumstances,' he said.

'I believe we'll probably be here throughout the night and into tomorrow before we are really able to process all of the evidence at the scene.'
British 21-year-old Jasmine Harrison has become the youngest female to row across an ocean after completing the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Ms Harrison, from Thirsk, North Yorkshire, completed the 3000-mile journey in 70 days, three hours and 48 minutes, event organisers, Atlantic Campaigns, said in a statement.

She set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12 and arrived on Saturday into Antigua in the West Indies.

Jasmine Harrison celebrates after arriving in Antigua (Handout/Atlantic Campaigns/PA)

A total of 21 international entrants  including four-man crews, all-female boats and solo competitors  rowed in this edition of the annual Atlantic Challenge, which raises money for charity.

Ms Harrison supported charities including Shelterbox, which helps provide emergency shelter to families around the world, and which she was inspired to support after witnessing hurricane damage on an earlier visit to the Caribbean.

Its the best experience a young person could ever want or have, Ms Harrison said.

I would do it again but at the same time I would rather have other people regardless of age doing it so if I have inspired some one out there  Im happy!

Jasmine Harrison arriving into Antigua on Saturday (Handout/Atlantic Campaigns/PA)

Carsten Heron Olsen, CEO of Atlantic Campaigns, said Ms Harrison had shown incredible strength and endurance.

Every year we are amazed by the grit and determination shown by teams that take on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge and this year is no different, he said.

Ms Harrison was moved to compete in the challenge after visiting Antigua and witnessing the finish of the event in 2017.
The United States on Saturday (local time) condemned the firing on pro-democracy supporters by the Myanmar security forces in Mandalay, which led to the death of two people.

"We are deeply concerned by reports that Burmese security forces have fired on protestors and continue to detain and harass demonstrators and others in Burma. We stand with the people of Burma," said Ned Price, US State Department Spokesperson.

The Myanmar police opened fire on pro-democracy protesters in the city of Mandalay on Saturday, killing two people and wounding dozens, according to witnesses.

The New York Times citing witnesses reported that the shootings occurred as the authorities were trying to force workers back to their jobs at a local shipyard. They were among hundreds of thousands of workers across Myanmar who have walked off their jobs to protest the military.

The Bangkok Post citing local media reported that at least five people were injured by rubber bullets, a photographer at the scene reported, while emergency medical staff treating the injured confirmed at least six others were shot with live rounds.

Over 1,000 demonstrators gathered at the shipyard to block the police, leading to a tense standoff that lasted Saturday afternoon. The authorities used water cannons, rubber bullets, tear gas, slingshots and ultimately live ammunition to break up the crowd, witnesses said.

A volunteer with a local medical charity, Ko Kyaw Lin, said he had been rescuing some of the wounded in Mandalay but could not get close enough to some of them because the police and soldiers were shooting at people in the crowd.

"When we picked up the patients on the street, they had been shot by a sniper," he said as quoted by NYT. "They shot everyone no matter who they were." A video was taken at the scene showed one man lying in a pool of blood, apparently dead from a gunshot wound to the head.

The condemnation of the violence has been fierce, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held talks with allied countries in recent days to press for a firm international response.

"We condemn any violence against the people of Burma and reiterate our calls on the Burmese military to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters... the United States will continue to lead the diplomatic effort to galvanize the international community into collective action against those responsible for this coup," spokesman Ned Price said in a press briefing on Friday.

On February 1, Myanmar's military overthrew the government and declared a year-long state of emergency hours before the newly-elected parliament was due to convene. State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, along with other top officials accused of election fraud, have been placed under house arrest. The coup triggered mass protests across the country.

According to Sputnik, at least 150 people have suffered injuries during intense demonstrations across the country.

(ANI)

Also Read: Myanmar coup: UN chief condemns use of deadly violence in Mandalay
The younger brother of Hollywood superstar Zac Efron has sparked fury after flying into Australia from the United States over the weekend.

Dylan, 29, who is currently competing a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine, has left many Australians outraged after the government granted him entry into the country.

'Can someone please explain why Dylan Efron is able to travel to Australia while 40K stranded Aussies are still locked out of their own country due to arrival caps and quarantine limitations?' one person tweeted.

'How essential was his entry?' Australians are left outraged after Zac Efron's younger brother Dylan, 29, (left) was able to fly to Sydney while thousands remain stranded overseas

'Okay so you can travel to Australia all good, but people from NZ can't even go visit dying relatives?' a second questioned.

Meanwhile, another asked: 'Why is [Zac's] brother able to come in as a non-Aussie and we can't see our parents for two-three years? Great..'

Australians in a private hotel quarantine group asked the same question, with one woman writing: 'How essential was his entry?'

How? Since arriving into Sydney, Dylan has been sharing his experience in quarantine to his 607,800 Instagram followers

Not fair! Currently competing mandatory 14 day hotel quarantine, Dylan has left many Aussies outraged with the government for allowing him entry into the country

'Can someone please explain why Dylan is able to travel to Australia' one person tweeted

Since arriving into Sydney, Dylan has been sharing his experience in quarantine to his 607,800 Instagram followers.

'Pretty uneventful day, I got a great workout in which was my goal coming in ... I'd say the weirdest thing that has happened is that they keep sending me milk, I don't really know what to do with all this milk,' he says in one clip.

'I also hardly wore clothes today, which felt great but isn't great if you're shooting content or because there's a big office building across from us and I'm sure they all know me by now,' Dylan said in another.

Last month, the vlogger told BroBible that he had planned a trip Down Under to help produce the second season of Zac's Netflix series, Down to Earth

Last month, Dylan told BroBible that he had planned a trip Down Under to help produce the second season of Zac's Netflix series, Down to Earth.

'Zac's Netflix show Down to Earth is filming season two, so I'm going to go out and produce that again,' he said at the time.

It comes as thousands of Australians remain stranded overseas and desperate to come home.

'Zac's Netflix show Down to Earth is filming season two, so I'm going to go out and produce that again,' he said at the time. Pictured: Zac (left) with his brother Dylan (right) and a friend

An Australian Border Force spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au that travel exemptions may be granted for a number of purposes.

'Stimulating the Australian economy is an important part of post-COVID-19 recovery, which is why the ABF is committed to keeping the economy moving as much as possible, while at the same time ensuring our borders remain strong and protected from the transmission of COVID-19,' the spokesman said.

On January 8, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the number of permitted international arrivals would be slashed for New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, dashing hopes for the 40,000 Australians languishing in limbo abroad.

The reduction was made in a bid to stamp out the UK's new mutant strain of COVID that appears more transmissible than the original strain, although numbers of infections have dropped sharply in Britain since.
Gardai rushed to Dundalk town on Friday night and closed off a street after reports of a gun being fired.

Mill Street was temporarily closed as officers and garda vehicles swarmed the area.

Gardai arrived after a video was circulated on social media reportedly showing a man firing a gun.

However, the video is understood to have been taken late last year and gardai say they are probing an "alleged discharge of a firearm that is believed to have occurred in December 2020."

LMFM reports the footage shows a man firing a pump action shotgun onto a footpath.

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The clip appears to show a man in a face mask loading the gun with a single cartridge before it is fired from a window at an object across the street.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana told Sundayworld.com: "Gardai are investigating an alleged discharge of a firearm that is believed to have occurred in Dundalk in December 2020. No arrests at this time, investigations ongoing."
President Donald Trump addresses a campaign rally on the eve of the run-off election to decide both of Georgia's Senate seats in Dalton, Ga., on Jan. 4, 2021. (Leah Millis/Reuters)

Vast Majority of GOP Voters Say Leaders Should Be More Like Trump: Poll

A new poll found that 73 percent of likely Republican voters said that the partys leaders should be more like former President Donald Trump.

The survey from Rasmussen Reports also found that 42 percent of likely voters said that the recent impeachment proceedings against Trump didnt make much difference in their opinion of the former president. Meanwhile, 29 percent of all voters said the impeachment made their opinion of Trump worse, while 28 percent said they have a better opinion of Trump after his second impeachment, according to the poll.

Rasmussen, which some have termed Republican-leaning, was often cited by Trump during his term in office.

The Rasmussen poll was conducted between Feb. 16 and Feb. 17, surveying 1,000 likely voters. It has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

The polls findings, however, echo results from other surveys that found that Republicans still view Trump quite favorably.

Earlier in the month, a CBS News poll found that around 70 percent of Republicans would join or consider joining a new political party if the former commander-in-chief started one. In addition, 46 percent of respondents identified as Republicans said they believe it is very important for the party to remain loyal to Trump, with 27 percent saying it is somewhat important. Fifteen percent said the Republican loyalty to Trump is not too important and 12 percent said it isnt important at all.

Meanwhile, another poll several days later revealed that 36 percent of Republicans called Trump the best president ever, while 18 percent called President Ronald Reagan the same, 13 percent called President Abraham Lincoln the best, and 11 percent said the same for President George Washington.

The change in GOP rankings since 2018, when the last survey was conducted, is striking. In 2018, Republicans ranked Reagan first (36 percent), followed by Trump (10 percent). Now, the positions are reversed, with the percentage of Republicans who name Trump as the best President ever having tripled to 36 percent, twice the number who still choose Ronald Reagan (18 percent), according to a survey from the Economist/YouGov.

Republicans who went against Trump during the impeachment trial are facing blowback from their own party. Five of seven GOP senators who voted to convict Trump have been censured by members of their party.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who voted to acquit Trump, received severe criticism from Trump last week. He also suggested that Republicans reject McConnells leadership, arguing that the Senate wont be recaptured by the GOP with the longtime Kentucky senator at the helm.

GQ Pan contributed to this report.


American researchers have a new theory about how an object struck the Earth and caused the dinosaurs to die off.

Scientists mostly agree on where the impact happened about 65 million years ago. They say a huge object struck an area off the coast of what is now Mexico. Astronomers have said the most likely cause of the strike was either an asteroid or a comet.

In recent years, researchers have presented evidence that the impact was caused by an asteroid. The theory suggests the asteroid came from an area between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

But a study by two astronomers from Harvard University presents a new theory: that the crash was caused by a comet. The researchers say the comet came from an area containing icy debris on the edge of the solar system. The area is known as the Oort cloud.

Their theory states that the comet was pulled into the solar system by Jupiters gravity. The comet then came very close to the sun, whose tidal force caused it to break up into pieces. The researchers believe one of the pieces crashed into the place that scientists have identified in Mexico.

The team based its theory on a model created to predict the probability that a long-period comet from the Oort cloud would hit Earth. Long-period comets take more than 200 years to orbit the Sun.

Because comets come from frozen areas of the outer solar system, they are icier than asteroids. They are known for leaving long trails of gas and dust as they melt.

The new study was recently published in Scientific Reports. The lead author was Amir Siraj, an astrophysics student at Harvard. "Jupiter is so important because it's the most massive planet in our solar system," he told the French press agency AFP.

Siraj said the findings showed that Jupiters large influence pushes these incoming long-period comets into orbits that bring them very close to the sun. The comets experience such a large tidal force from the sun that the most massive of them would shatter into about a thousand fragments, he said. Each of those fragments would be large enough to produce a crater the size of the Mexican site, he added.

That massive impact is estimated to have been equal to the strength of about 10 billion nuclear bombs. The U.S. Space Agency NASA has estimated the strike created a huge crater about 180 kilometers wide and 900 meters deep.

The event is believed to have caused widespread wildfires, earthquakes and ocean waves. It also released chemicals into the atmosphere, leading to severe cooling. Scientists blame the event for destroying more than 70 percent of plant and animal life. In addition, all dinosaurs that were not bird-like died out.

The researchers say their theory can be tested by further studying the crater in Mexico, as well as possibly those on the moon. In addition, space explorers might also be sent to collect comet material for examination.

The study also suggests that similar impacts can be expected to strike Earth about once every 250 to 730 million years. But the other lead researcher on the project, Harvard professor Avi Loeb, noted that that is just an estimate.

You never know when the next one will come, he said. The best way to find out is to search the sky.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for Learning English, based on reports from Agence France-Presse and The Harvard Gazette. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

Quiz - Scientists Have New Theory for What Killed the Dinosaurs Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

impact  n. an act or event in which something strikes another thing

asteroid  n. a space rock, that can be small or the size of a large moon, that orbits the sun

comet  n. an outer space object that is made of material like gas and ice which is left behind in its orbit as it approaches the sun

debris  n. pieces that are left after something comes apart

tidal force  n. a secondary force of gravity involving two objects

shatter  v. to suddenly break into many pieces

fragment  n. a broken piece of something that was once larger

crater  n. a round hole made by an explosive force such as a bomb or an object falling from the sky
New Delhi, Feb 21 : Just reduced to one seat from the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress is looking to gain ground in Uttar Pradesh with party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's campaigns for various sections seeking to change equations and make the party emerge as main challenger to the ruling BJP on the streets.

She is trying hard to make Congress a serious challenger to the BJP, by seeking to woo marginalised sections of society. Having raised the issue of farmers in western UP, she is now championing the cause of fishermen in eastern UP. Her target is a big chunk of the OBC Nishad community, which has stood by the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party, and is now with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Priyanka Gandhi had recently taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on 'Mauni Amavasya' and had travelled in boatman Sujit Nishad's boat who informed her of the "atrocities" being committed on local boatmen.

She had assured that the Congress would fight legally for the rights of the boatmen and when the party comes to power, boatmen would be given land holdings.

After her Prayagraj visit, Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam said: "Only Congress understands the pain of poor." Priyanka Gandhi has to start from scratch, be it the panchayat polls or the local body elections and the Assembly elections next year. The Congress leader is working hard to make inroads in the most populous state, which it has been out of power for three decades now.

The farmers' agitation has given a boost but sustaining it till elections is difficult task and countering the BJP's aggressive Hindutva is also a major challenge for the party.

But, Priyanka Gandhi is fighting on, and hitting out at the BJP.

In a speech on Saturday, she had said: "In our old stories, kings and queens became arrogant after they won power. After becoming Prime Minister twice, the PM is also showing arrogance." "The Central government should respect the farmers. Why is Modiji not talking to the farmers who elected him as Prime Minister? Dialogue should be initiated with the farmers and their problems must be solved," she had said.
A 27-year-old New Orleans man sparked the gun battle that left him and two others dead inside of Jefferson Gun Outlet in Metairie on Saturday afternoon, according to law enforcement sources.

LATEST: After 3 dead in Jefferson Gun Outlet shooting, sheriff doesn't know 'if we'll ever know the why' | JPSO shares details, video footage Monday

The sources said Joshua Jamal Williams carried a pistol with an extended magazine into the gun store and indoor shooting range at 6719 Airline Drive about 3 p.m. Saturday when staff told him to unload his weapon. Rules prohibit people from having loaded guns out while away from the range.

Williams subsequently fired a warning round before fatally shooting a store clerk, 47-year-old Herbert "Noah" Fischbach, who was married and was a father, one of the sources said. Several armed people at Jefferson Gun Outlet then began exchanging gunfire with Williams.

Williams and a woman were both hit and mortally wounded during the melee. He died after running out to the parking lot, and the woman died near the stores glass front door, which was shattered. Two other people were wounded and brought to the hospital, and their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening, the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office has said.

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Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich confirmed Williams and Fischbach's names Sunday morning. He identified the slain woman as Veronica Billiot, 59, of Belle Chasse.

A relative of Williams on Saturday wondered what might have provoked the first shots to be fired. The relative doubted Williams, who had gone to the store for target practice while spending time with his brother and some children, would have shown up spoiling for a gun fight at a place known to be a hangout spot for off-duty law enforcement officers and ex-military personnel.

That would be a death sentence, said the relative, who declined to give his name.

A woman on social media identifying herself as Williams' mother posted a similar message, saying, "My son did not go into that gun range shooting!"

The message added: "Joshua ... was fired at by ... employees of the gun range and other folks in the gun range! He was murdered! (Rest in peace) my love, you will be forever in my heart!"

A social media profile under Fischbach's name describes him as a special effects technician and armorer  or someone who handles weapons  for film and television productions. Besides Metairie and New Orleans, he had lived in Portland, Oregon.

Photos on social media show him with his wife and children. Other information on social media shows Fischbach and his wife had their 14th wedding anniversary less than two weeks before his slaying.
The lawyer for Princess Latifa has claimed that guards placed a bag of razor blades in her room and gave her an electronic stopwatch to chart each passing day in an attempt to 'break her spirit'.

This month, Princess Latifa, 35, the daughter of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum, 71, accused her father of holding her hostage in a villa in Dubai after she tried to escape in 2018.

In secretly filmed videos, the princess described how her attempts to flee saw her handed straight back to her billionaire father who has held her against her will ever since.

Now, her British lawyer David Haigh, of the Free Latifa campaign, has revealed how the princess was handed a stopwatch to count her time in the 'jail villa', which sits beside the seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel, and also told she would have to stay there for another year.

Princess Latifa, 35, the daughter of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum, 71, described how her 2018 escape attempt saw her handed straight back to her father

The princess is one of 30 children Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum has with his six wives

Mr Haigh told The Sunday Express: 'Latifa was first held in a remote desert jail called Al Awir.

'But in May 2018 she was moved to a jail villa - beside the tourist beaches and seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel - guarded by Dubai police, cameras and bars, and in solitary confinement.

'Every day, the 30 or so police that held Latifa hostage would do their best to break her spirit.'

The human rights lawyer went on to describe how he had to call NHS 111 for advice after Princess Latifa fell ill with suspected coronavirus last year and was denied medical attention by her guards.

It comes as the best friend of Princess Latifa dismissed claims from Dubai's ruling family saying she was being cared for at home, and accused them of imprisoning her.

Tina Jauhiainen claimed she was with the princess during her escape and said her friend was now being imprisoned.

Princess Latifa's friend Tina Jauhiainen (pictured together) claimed she was with the princess during her escape

This month the princess accused her father of holding her hostage in a villa in Dubai after she tried to escape in 2018

She told The Telegraph: 'My best friend Princess Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum had been imprisoned by her own family - confined to one room.

'It's ridiculous that her family think they can put out this kind of statement and provide no actual proof of life. I'm shocked and upset that this is their official response.

'I would also like to see tourists boycott Dubai. It's easy to live in a bubble there.'

This month Princess Latifa released a video in which she described in vivid detail how her dramatic 2018 escape attempt ended in her recapture.

In the video, Latifa accused her father of jailing her for three years in 2002 when she tried to escape and once again in 2018.

The princess said she was drugged and tortured on the orders of her father.

In the video, the princess said: 'I'm a hostage. And this villa has been converted into a jail. All the windows are barred shut.

'There's five policemen outside and two policewomen inside. I can't even go out to get fresh air. So basically, I'm a hostage.'

The sheikh has denied all abuse claims made by his daughter, who is one of 30 children he has with six wives.

The sheikh has denied all abuse claims made by his daughter

The sheikh (pictured at the Royal Ascot in 2019) denied all abuse claims made by his daughter

This week the UN asked the United Arab Emirates for evidence that the princess was still alive.

Liz Throssell, spokeswoman for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, told an online briefing in Geneva: 'We raised our concerns about the situation in light of the disturbing video evidence that emerged this week.

'We requested more information and clarification about Sheikha Latifa's current situation.

'Given the serious concerns about Sheikha Latifa, we have requested that the government's response comes as a matter of priority.

'We did ask for proof of life.'

Much to the chagrin of most of his former investors, fund manager Neil Woodford is on the comeback trail. Or so he hopes.

Seven days ago, 60-year-old Woodford broke cover to reveal his plans to launch a new investment business based in Jersey.

This is some 16 months after being fired from running Woodford Equity Income  a multi-billion pound fund that was initially suspended in June 2019 because of acute liquidity issues, but has since been wound up, leaving hundreds of thousands of investors nursing big losses.

Chutzpah: Neil Woodford has plans to make a comeback

While Woodford said he was 'very sorry' for what he had done 'wrong'  and shed the odd crocodile tear along the way  it did not appear that the former investment star of the 1990s (when he was employed by Invesco Perpetual) was overwhelmed by contrition.

Far from it. For every sorry, there was an accompanying dose of self-pity as he talked about the 30million Cotswolds home he was forced to sell as a result of a break-up of his business (Woodford Investment Management)  and being confronted by angry investors on the beach near Devon where he now lives.

(Neil, where did all the money go that you withdrew from WIM by way of dividends  estimated as being 50million between 2017 and 2019? Fast cars? Yes. Horses? Yes. But what about the rest?)

Certainly, judging by the contents of my mailbag over the last few days, there is little love left for the investment manager who turned a traditional equity income fund into one horribly exposed to risky unlisted securities and illiquid stocks. A wolf in sheep's clothing.

'How can this tearful clown be allowed to be a fund manager again?' asked one. 'He is still treating his former investors with a degree of contempt,' said another. 'No amount of crying to the press is going to change the opinion of those poor investors who in some instances have lost a fortune, albeit not in the sense of how Woodford would define a fortune.'

Most appositely, given the campaign we ran on this issue, one investor said that any return of brand Woodford should not be allowed to happen until he repays the fees (some 65,000 per day) that he earnt from the time the Equity Income fund was suspended to the day he was sacked. Fees that added to the losses of investors.

He is treating investors with contempt

It remains to be seen whether project Woodford Reinvention happens. Judging by the regulatory mood music coming out of both London's Stratford (home of the tardy Financial Conduct Authority) and Jersey, there is every chance that he could be scuppered in his wish to set up Woodford Capital Management Partners  a business aimed at 'professional' investors only.

Certainly in the immediate future.

While former investors have every right to be angry over Woodford's chutzpah, they should also be venting their spleen at the Financial Conduct Authority. For 20 months, it has been investigating the events leading up to the suspension of Woodford Equity Income.

Yet apart from an unexpected late-night statement (presumably forced by the open letter from the True & Fair Campaign) issued last week by its director of (non) enforcement and market oversight on how its investigation is progressing (slowly), it has shown little sign of wanting to get the job done.

Maybe it's because the regulator is as culpable as other parties involved in the Woodford Equity Income debacle  Hargreaves Lansdown (the fund's greatest supporter right up until the day its shares were suspended); Link (the fund's authorised corporate director, responsible for ensuring Woodford was not breaching any rules); and of course Woodford himself.

The Treasury Select Committee ramped up the pressure on the FCA by asking it to confirm when it expects its investigations to be completed

The regulator knew that Woodford Equity Income had liquidity issues as early as 2018, but failed to take decisive action, leading ultimately to the fund's suspension in 2019.

A document seen last week by The Mail on Sunday casts further doubt on the regulator's robustness. Dated January 2018 and drafted by Woodford, it addresses concerns raised by Old Mutual Wealth about shares traded between the fund Woodford ran for them (Old Mutual Woodford Equity Income) and the flagship Woodford Equity Income.

It states that on 230 occasions, Woodford traded between his main fund and this sister fund because of 'significant inflows into and out of' Woodford Equity Income. In the words of Woodford, 'there was a challenging backdrop of progressive outflows in 2017'.

In 2017 alone, there were 93 sales from the flagship fund to this other fund. In other words, shares were sold from the Woodford Equity Income fund and bought by the Old Mutual Wealth fund to free up cash to meet redemptions.

Alan and Gina Miller of the True & Fair Campaign called for an independent investigation to be set up into the Woodford scandal

There is nothing illegal about trading between funds managed by the same manager. Indeed, Quilter, owner of Old Mutual Wealth, confirmed to The Mail on Sunday last week that the integrity of its fund was not compromised by such trades. But the scale of them looks unusual to say the least.

Also, and crucially, it reveals that Woodford Equity Income was facing liquidity issues as far back as early 2017  way before the regulator started to take an interest in the fund. Surely it is now time for the regulator to pour more resources into its investigation into Woodford Equity Income. The longer its probe goes on, the greater the suspicion that it is overseeing a whitewash.

The Mail on Sunday understands from a source that up until Christmas last year, key former staff at Woodford Investment Management had not been approached by the regulator about the suspension of the fund.

One of those key staff  the former head of risk  refused to answer our questions last week (over the phone and by email). If this is the case, it is a terrible indictment of the amateurism of the FCA's investigation.

Late last week, the Treasury Select Committee ramped up the pressure on the FCA by asking it to confirm when it expects its investigations to be completed. The FCA responded by saying that it would update the committee by the end of May. Not good enough.

Meanwhile, Alan and Gina Miller of the True & Fair Campaign  an organisation dedicated to ensuring a fairer financial services industry  called for an independent investigation to be set up into the Woodford scandal. The Millers are rightly angry that the FCA is 'marking its own homework'.

Until such time that investors get financial justice and those involved in the Woodford debacle are fully held to account, Neil Woodford should not be allowed to step back into investment management.

Special Commission of Georgian Parliament to investigate possible election violations

By Veronika Malinboym

On February 17, the Georgian Parliament announced the creation of a temporary commission that will investigate the conduct of the October 2020 Parliamentary Elections and assess whether any of the alleged violations took place.The bill to create a special commission, authored by the member of the ruling Georgian Dream party Mamuka Mdinaradze, was passed with 78 votes. The commission is created for three months, and, according to Mdinaradze, members of the opposition bloc are welcome to join the commission to clear out any questions regarding the election results as the door to participate in the committee 'remains open'.As of now, the only members of the opposition bloc who expressed their readiness to participate in the investigation are the former members of the Alliance of Patriots party and the founders of the new European Socialists party Davit Ziplimani and Prison Injia. Members of the Citizens party, Levan Ioseliani and Aleko Elisashvili, attended the plenary hearing during which the bill to form a commission was discussed but refused to join the committee without other politicians, including the members of the United National Movement.Speaker of the Parliament and a member of the Georgian Dream Archil Talakvadze said that according to the international observers, the Parliamentary Elections of October 2020 were both competitive and carried out with the respect for fundamental freedoms. He added that it is in everyones interest to determine the shortcomings of the past elections that the international observers cited in their reports, and to find out the truth together.A large number of opposition parties believe that the parliamentary elections of last year were rigged, and, to this day, boycott their mandates and demand the repeat elections to be held. Last year, the ruling party promised to satisfy the repeated calls for re-elections if the investigation of the special parliamentary commission determines that at least 1% of votes were rigged or falsified.The current Chairman and a former Executive Secretary of the Georgian Dream Irakli Kobakhidze announced in December last year that he is confident that not even 0.1% of votes received by the ruling party are illegal. Despite the efforts of the diplomatic corps who mediated the talks between the ruling party and the opposition, the agreement to end the ongoing political crisis has not been reached yet.
Workers of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) assemble the first prototype of the nation's indigenous fighter jet program KF-X at a plant in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Jan. 22. / Korea Times file



By Kang Seung-woo



Speculation is again mounting over Indonesia pulling out of participation in Korea's KF-X fighter project, with the Southeast Asian country reportedly seeking to buy aircraft from the United States and France despite its snowballing arrears from the joint development program.



Some say Indonesia is leveraging the envisioned fighter acquisition to renegotiate the terms of a contract it signed with Korea, while others claim the Southeast Asian country is pulling out of the deal altogether.



The KF-X project aims to produce 120 advanced multi-role fighter jets to replace the Korean Air Force's aging fleet of F-4s and F-5s by 2032. Seoul and Jakarta signed a deal in 2010 to cooperate on the KF-X project, under which Indonesia would fund 20 percent of the total development cost of 8.8 trillion won ($7.9 billion), or about 1.7 trillion won, in exchange for 50 planes that would be manufactured there for the Indonesian Air Force, and technology transfers.



However, Indonesia has paid only 227.2 billion out of the 831.6 billion won it promised as of this month, citing financial problems.



While Indonesia has been falling behind on its payments, local media there reported recently that the country's Air Force was planning to acquire multiple warplanes, including Boeing's F-15EX and Dassault Rafale fighters, as part of the modernization of its aircraft fleet by 2024. Last year, the country was reportedly close to an agreement to purchase 48 Rafale jets.



"Its payment delay and plan to buy new aircraft are regarded as a gambit to renegotiate the terms of payment, or lower its financial commitment," a government official said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.



Officials from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Korea's arms procurement agency, visited Jakarta for renegotiations last September; but the talks ended without a deal.



However, Shin Jong-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Defense and Security Forum, said the overdue payments were a sign Indonesia was quitting the program, adding that its Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has shifted his focus to procuring weapons that can be operational immediately. Subianto took office in October 2019.



"We cannot wait blindly until Indonesia pays the agreed-upon sum for the pivotal project. Since the appointment of a new defense minister in 2019, the two countries have made little progress on the KF-X project," Shin said.



"Given that its defense budget is limited, it seems almost impossible to continue working with Indonesia on the KF-X and we need to seek ways to independently proceed with the project."



Shin also said Indonesia's calls to renegotiate the terms "make little sense."



"Indonesia joined the KF-X program on favorable terms. After paying over 1 trillion won, it can produce aircraft on its home soil and receive and benefit from technology transfers," he added.



In response to the media reports, DAPA said Saturday, Indonesia's procurement plan was separate from the KF-X project, adding that the two sides have held multiple working-level negotiations in a mutually beneficial manner.



Amid growing uncertainty over the KF-X, there are growing calls for Korea to end the program partnership with Indonesia.



"Both countries are not talking about parting ways out of concerns over causing diplomatic problems. If DAPA brings up the issue first, Korea will fall into Indonesia's break-up strategy," Shin said.



"That's why DAPA keeps saying negotiations are still under way although it looks like an almost done deal internally."


White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has revealed the United States had begun to communicate with Iran over the country's detention of American citizens.

Sullivan made the announcement Sunday during an interview on CBS' Face The Nation, less than two weeks after Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the Biden Administration was committed to seeking 'the release of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad'.

There are currently at least five Americans being held in Iranian custody. Some of those US citizens have been detained in the Middle Eastern country since 2015.

Asked if the Biden administration had started hostage negotiations with Iran, Sullivan told CBS News' 'Face the Nation' that the issue was a 'complete and utter outrage'.

'We have begun to communicate with the Iranians on this issue,' Sullivan said.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has revealed the United States had begun to communicate with Iran over the country's detention of American citizens. President Biden is pictured left, Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei is pictured right

'We will not accept a long term proposition where they continue to hold Americans in an unjust and unlawful manner,' he stated.

Ailing 85-year-old Baquer Namazi and his son, Siamak Namazi, are two of the US citizens currently being held in Iran.

In 2016, the pair were sentenced to ten years in prison for spying and cooperating with the United States.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have been escalating since 2018, when the Trump Administration pulled the US out of a 2015 nuclear deal that had been brokered with the Middle Eastern country by President Obama.

Trump has accused both Biden and Obama of being too soft on Iran, but Sullivan said Sunday that the new President believes diplomacy is the best way to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

The US is now willing to start talks on a return to the 2015 nuclear deal agreed between Tehran and several world powers.

Ailing 85-year-old Baquer Namazi and his son, Siamak Namazi, are two of the US citizens currently being held in Iran. In 2016, the pair were sentenced to ten years in prison for spying and cooperating with the United States

Sullivan made the announcement Sunday during an interview on CBS' Face The Nation , less than two weeks after Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the Biden Administration was committed to seeking 'the release of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad'

The State Department, led by Secretary Anthony Blinkin, said Thursday that the US would accept an invitation from the European Union to attend a meeting of the participants in the 2015 original agreement.

Such an invitation has not yet been issued but one is expected shortly, following discussions between Blinken and his British, French and German counterparts.

'The United States would accept an invitation from the European Union High Representative to attend a meeting of the P5+1 and Iran to discuss a diplomatic way forward on Irans nuclear program,' State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

Earlier Thursday, Blinken and the foreign ministers of Britain, Germany and France urged Iran to allow continued United Nations nuclear inspections and stop nuclear activities that have no credible civilian use.

They warned that Irans actions could threaten delicate efforts to bring the U.S. back into the 2015 deal and end sanctions damaging Iran's economy.

The State Department, led by Secretary Anthony Blinkin, said Thursday that the US would accept an invitation from the European Union to attend a meeting of the participants in the 2015 original nuclear agreement

The 2015 accord is aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran denies it is seeking such an arsenal.

In Iran, President Hassan Rouhani expressed hope Thursday that the Biden administration will rejoin the accord and lift the U.S. sanctions that Washington re-imposed under Trump, according to state television.

Tehran has been using its violations of the nuclear deal to put pressure on the remaining signatories - France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China - to provide more incentives to Iran to offset the crippling sanctions.
Jessica Watkins, 38, leader of far-right 'Oath Leaders' group charged with conspiring to storm the Capitol claims she was in Washington D.C. on January 6 to provide security for the Trump rally before the riot

A leader of the far-right 'Oath Keepers' group who was charged in the Capitol riots said she was in Washington, D.C. last month to provide security at the Trump rally and meet with Secret Service agents.

Jessica Watkins, a 38-year-old transgender woman, is one of nine associates of the far-right anti-government group charged for conspiring to storm the Capitol to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden's election victory.

She has been detained since mid-January.

Court filings revealed Saturday that Watkins is claiming she was only in D.C. on January 6 to help with security for speakers at the Trump rally that took place right before the Capitol storming.

She is also claiming the United States Secret Service was aware of her assisting in security efforts near the White House that day.

Prosecutors allege Watkins, an Afghanistan war veteran, entered the Capitol building illegally.

Her attorney appears to acknowledge this fact in a petition filed Saturday claiming that 'Ms. Watkins did not engage in any violence or force at the Capitol grounds or in the Capitol.'

The 'Oath Keeper' leader pleaded not guilty to the conspiracy charges.

According to the indictment, Watkins arrived at the Capitol with communication devices, reinforced vests, camouflage helmets and goggles. Prosecutors claim she forcibly entered the Capitol 'with a line of individuals wearing Oath Keeper clothing, patches, and insignia.'

Watkins (pictured here during the Capitol siege last month, is one of the nine 'Oath Keepers' charged with planning the attack. She claims Secret Service were aware of her helping with security at the Trump rally before the riots

Watkins, a trans woman and Afghanistan war veteran, has been detained since mid-January  and her lawyers are arguing for her release until trial

But her attorney said 'Ms. Watkins was present not as an insurrectionist, but to provide security to the speakers at the rally, to provide escort for the legislators and others to march to the Capitol as directed by the then president, and to safely escort protestors away from the Capitol to their vehicles and cars at the conclusion of the protest. She was given a VIP pass to the rally. She met with Secret Service agents.'

The Secret Service could not immediately be reached for comment.

Prosecutors allege members of the 'Oath Keepers' conspired as early as November to storm the Capitol and had extensively planned for a military-style attack. More than 200 people have been charged so far for their roles in the Capitol riots that left five people dead.

Watkins is asking for the court to release her to home confinement pending trial, noting she is at risk for 'harsh treatment' as a transgender woman.
(Natural News) Just two months ago, a whos who lineup of C-list Hollywood celebrities participated in a circus event celebrating New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was awarded an Emmy for best actor in the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) drama. The butt-kissing parade aged incredibly poorly, however, after it was more recently determined that Cuomo is directly responsible for the murder of tens of thousands of seniors whom he needlessly exposed to the Chinese virus through his horrible policies.

Chris Fredo Cuomos brother infamously sent infected elderly folks into nursing homes where non-infected seniors were living. The consequence was that many of the non-infected ended up getting infected and not long after dying from the spread of Chinese germs, which would not have happened had the Cuomo of politics  Chris works at CNN  not insisted that they all be lumped together.

Now, Queens Councilman Robert Holden, a Democrat, is demanding that Cuomos Emmy Award be rescinded for not only killing grandma but also trying to cover it up and shift blame. Many are also calling on Cuomo to be federally investigated for murder.

Cuomos actions, Holden says, have been an insult to every New Yorker who lost a loved one to the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19). We now know that his TV appearances and clout were used to mislead the public regarding how their loved ones died  Please rescind the governors award immediately.

Celebrities really are the stupidest people alive

As some may recall from the Emmy event, names like Spike Lee, Robert DeNiro, Rosie Perez, Ben Stiller, Billy Crystal, and Billy Joel had nothing but praise to heap on Cuomo for his WuFlu performance. All of them now look like the morons they are for pretending as though Cuomos acting helped to save lives.

To my governor, the governor of the Empire State, Andrew Cuomo  daily I was watching his press conferences informing us, telling us what to do  thank you, governor, Lee stated during the event.

Congratulations, Andrew, to your much-deserved Founders Award  thank you for your leadership during these trying times. We are New York tough, smart, disciplined, united, and loving, added DeNiro.

Stiller tried to make jokes about how Fredo was jealous that his brother was getting an Emmy and not him. Stiller went on to make a crude joke about the elder Cuomo being a national sex symbol and will probably get more dates than boats, or some such nonsense.

Governor Andrew Cuomo, you are the man, what?  You did your thing during Covid. New York was suffering. We were the epicenter, added Perez.

We were all in a crisis, in a panic, and every single day you came on the airwaves and you offered your strength, your leadership, and your direction, and your caring, and your heart  and you set the example for the rest of the nation, the rest of the world, how to be a leader during the time of crisis.

Crystal heaped praise on Cuomo for his daily press briefings, which during the darkest stage of the pandemic  gave us hope, gave us clarity, gave us the truth, and gave us something that we were not getting from Washington: leadership  You are the epitome of New York tough.

And finally there was Billy Joel, who referred to Cuomo as the nations governor for his leadership  in the midst of this storm.

People across the country tuned into his press conferences every day, Joel falsely claimed, adding, Stay safe and please wear a mask.

More of the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

CitizenFreePress.com

Breitbart.com
(Reuters) - Facebook on Sunday deleted the main page of the Myanmar military under it standards prohibiting the incitement of violence, the company said, a day after two protesters were killed when police opened fire at a demonstration against the Feb 1 coup.

"In line with our global policies, weve removed the Tatmadaw True News Information Team Page from Facebook for repeated violations of our Community Standards prohibiting incitement of violence and coordinating harm," a Facebook representative said in a statement.

The Myanmar military is known as the Tatmadaw. Its True News page was no available on Sunday.

The military spokesman did not respond to a Reuters phone call seeking comment.

Two people were killed in Myanmar's second city Mandalay on Saturday when police and soldiers fired at protesters demonstrating against the overthrow of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, emergency workers said, the bloodiest day in more than two weeks of demonstrations.

Facebook in recent years has engaged with civil rights activists and democratic political parties in Myanmar and pushed back against the military after coming under heavy international criticism for failing to contain online hate campaigns.

In 2018, it banned army chief Min Aung Hlaing - now the military ruler - and 19 other senior officers and organisations, and took down hundreds of pages and accounts run by military members for coordinated inauthentic behaviour.

Ahead of November elections, Facebook announced it had taken down a network of 70 fake accounts and pages operated by members of the military that had posted either positive content about the army or criticism of Suu Kyi and her party.

(Reporting by Reuters staff; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
QARAGHANDY, Kazakhstan -- Sabinella Ayazbaeva has her hands full with her five young children, psychology courses at a university, and a part-time job at a youth center in her hometown in central Kazakhstan.

But she makes time to take part in the state-backed, anti-extremism campaign to warn young people against the dangers of terrorist groups that use religion to recruit new members online.

A widow of an Islamic State (IS) fighter, Ayazbaeva is one of around 600 Kazakh citizens the government in Nur-Sultan repatriated from Syrian refugee camps in 2019.

Ayazbaeva, 31, spent five years in Syria, where she says she witnessed brutal killings and terrible injustices committed by IS, while living in constant fear of deadly air strikes.

In media interviews, speeches, and meetings, Ayazbaeva talks about the horrors of life under the IS and her disillusionment, hoping her words will stop others from making the mistakes she and her husband made in 2014.

How It All Started

Describing her life before Islamic State, Ayazbaeva says that she and her husband had a happy marriage, successful business, and a private apartment in Qaraghandy.

Both were practicing Muslims who attended a local mosque and led a quiet life. That is, until her husband made friends with untraditional Islamic groups online, she recalls.

In 2014, he convinced Ayazbaeva that they should move to Syria to live and raise their children in an Islamic state.

The couple took their three children -- aged between 1 and 6 years -- and left Kazakhstan, telling their relatives they were going on a family vacation.

Within weeks, the young family arrived in Raqqa -- the main stronghold of the self-styled caliphate -- where reality struck the couple almost immediately.

Her husband was made a fighter and wouldnt come home for days. There were near-daily air strikes that forced her and others to hide in the basement of the building she lived in, thinking, Is it my turn to get killed?

She said she would see the bodies of women and children without limbs being pulled out from under the rubble after air strikes, or someone's insides coming out.

The couple wanted to leave Syria, but they knew there was no way home anymore, as IS members would kill anyone who wanted to flee, she says.

And from Kazakhstan there was the bad news caused by their decision to move: Ayazbaevas mother suffered a stroke after she found out that her daughter had gone to Syria.

Ayazbaeva went on to have two more children in Raqqa before her husband was killed in an air strike in 2017.

She and her five children were left at the mercy of IS fighters who were increasingly losing ground to the Syrian Army and Kurdish forces.

Then a period of big hunger began in [IS-controlled areas] in 2018. It was difficult to explain to children why we don't eat. I would make soup from grass, she says.

Ayazbaeva and the children eventually ended up in the village of Baghuz, the last area IS still controlled. In early 2019, just weeks before the final defeat of IS in the village, Ayazbaeva made her way to a Kurdish-controlled refugee camp.

It was a turning point in her life.

New Beginnings

In the refugee camp, Ayazbaeva was told by Kurdish officials that Kazakhstan will send a plane to take its citizens home. Waiting for the imminent repatriation, Ayazbaeva spent only a few weeks in the camp.

It was cold, but we now had food and there were no air strikes. Besides, it was a lot easier to endure because we knew that its temporary and were going home, she says.

The plane came on May 6, 2019, and took us all back to Kazakhstan, Ayazbaeva recalls.

I understand that some people see us as a security time bomb, but its not true. Ive witnessed those horrors firsthand. I understand more than anyone else that we shouldnt follow [radical] ideas.

Ayazbaeva says she felt emotional when a Kazakh woman in "a military uniform" told her at the airport: Let me carry your baby. Youre barely standing on your feet.

The Kazakh government returned nearly 600 of its citizens in the so-called Operation Zhusan that took place in three stages between January and May 2019.

In a similar operation this year, the government announced on February 4 that 12 more people -- four men, one woman, and seven minors -- had been brought back from Syria.

Authorities says at least 800 Kazakh nationals had left for Syria and Iraq to join militant groups there.

Kazakh officials said in May 2020 that 31 men and 12 women from among the returnees had been jailed on terrorism-related charges after their return, while a handful of others were under investigation.

Ayazbaeva and other returnees were taken to a rehabilitation center in the city of Aqtau, where they underwent a medical checkup and were offered counseling sessions with psychologists and other specialists.

The next step was a stint at the Shans rehabilitation center in her hometown, before being told she was free to resume her normal life.

Mixed Feelings In Society

For about two months I would still think it was just a dream, Ayazbaeva said in one of her public speeches. It was my dream to sleep on a soft bed, under a roof.

As Ayazbaeva began a new chapter in her old home in Qaraghandy, her priority was to ensure her children made a smooth transition to life in Kazakhstan -- going to school, making friends, and reconnecting to grandparents and other relatives.

She hopes her children will eventually overcome the trauma they suffered in their five years in the war zone.

She lives near her parents and maintains close relationships with her late husbands relatives, too.

"The reaction from society [toward me] was mostly positive," she says. "For example, I never heard anyone call me a terrorist. But some of my old friends are afraid of being in touch with me again."

But Kazakhstan -- a Central Asian country of some 18.5 million people that is 70 percent Muslim -- is wary of the threat of homegrown terrorists.

The government blamed Islamic extremists for deadly violence in the city of Aqtobe in 2016 when a military unit came under attack. Officials said the assault was carried out by some 20 Islamists who raided two gun stores before targeting the soldiers.

Ayazbaeva seeks to reassure society that people like her are not security threats.

I understand that some people see us as a security time bomb, but its not true, she insists. Ive witnessed those horrors firsthand. I understand more than anyone else that we shouldnt follow [radical] ideas.

Ayazbaeva says she is grateful to the Kazakh government for giving her a second chance and believes that all of the countries that have citizens stranded in Syrian camps should do the same. That topic was the focus of a speech she made at the European Parliament in 2019.

Another planned meeting in Switzerland was canceled because of the pandemic, but she continues to participate in anti-terrorism projects and gatherings at home.

Asked about religion, Ayazbaeva said she is still a practicing Muslim who goes to mosque and wears the hijab.

Im not disillusioned in my faith, she says, adding that she doesnt blame the religion for her wrong decision to go to Syria.

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on an interview conducted by RFE/RL correspondent Yelena Veber
Gilbert Cardin, owner of the ice road connecting the towns of Pointe-Fortune and Saint-Andre-d'Argenteuil, uses his chainsaw to check the depth of the ice in Pointe-Fortune, Quebec on February 17, 2021

Canadian Gilbert Cardin worries about the future of the ice road he maintains every winter on a frozen river west of Montreal.

"At some point, it is certain that we will no longer be able to open if these mild winters continue," he tells AFP.

Since February 14, the 900-meter-long path, cleared of snow and marked with fir trees, has allowed motorists to travel between two villages on opposite sides of the Ottawa River without having to drive 40 kilometres (25 miles) roundtrip to the nearest bridge.

Such ice roadsor "winter crossings" as they're called by Quebec localswere once commonplace in these parts.

In the 1800s one even carried the weight of locomotives on a temporary rail line across the Saint Lawrence River between the island of Montreal and South Shore communities on the mainlandalthough one steam engine sank into the river.

In southern parts of Canada, seasonal ice roads are now increasingly scarce due to wide swings in winter temperaturesfrom deep freeze to balmythat make it harder to maintain them.

Only a few dozen of these vestiges of winters of yesteryear remain today in all of Canada and just a handful in Quebec.

Cardin's ice road between Pointe-Fortune and Saint Andrew d'Argenteuil is the only one of three in the Montreal area to open this year.

"This winter we opened a month late," he laments, pointing to global warming and a very mild start to winter this year as the cause.

An "Open" sign is seen as a car drives onto the ice road connecting the towns of Pointe-Fortune and Saint-Andre-d'Argenteuil, in Pointe-Fortune, Quebec on February 17, 2021

14 inches thick

Under a bright blue sky, the 54-year-old big rig truck driver plunges a chainsaw into the ice in the middle of the frozen river. A stream of ice shavings burst out as he cuts out a block of ice and measures its thickness against markings on the blade: 14 inches (35 cm).

It is thick enough to allow cars to drive across the frozen river, but not trucks. In past winters the ice has usually been as much as one meter (three feet) thick.

"At this time of year, we should be seeing 26 inches (65 cm) of ice," he says.

He doesn't expect to make a profit this year, given his late start and forecasts of an early spring, which will likely force him to close the ice road in a few weeks.

In the meantime, he must continually plow it over, as snow cover would keep the ice from thickening (acting as insulation from the cold) at a rate of about an inch per day in cold weather, Cardin explains.

"Having an ice bridge open for two months would be an excellent operating season, one month would be very good," comments Claude Desjardins, owner of another ice road further downstream on the river.

He was unable to open his two-kilometre (1.25-mile) ice road between Hudson and Oka this year, he says, due to "really unsafe" ice conditions. The situation was the same in 2017 and 2018.

In southern parts of Canada, seasonal ice roads are now increasingly scarce due to wide swings in winter temperaturesfrom deep freeze to balmythat make it harder to maintain them

Pandemic restrictions curb travel

"Each year, it's different and you never know what to expect," comments Cardin. His crossing, which he's been operating for 25 years, also remained closed in 2018.

The last decade has seen more frequent warm spells, reducing the average length his ice road is open to an average of five weeks, down from a record 12 weeks in 1997.

He hopes a recent Arctic cold snap will stretch into early March so he can stay open a bit longer, but acknowledges it's a long shot with the current ice thickness at the bare minimum.

"If the ice is not thicker than that, as soon as the warm weather comes, it's all over," he said.

Compounding his weather woes, he said there have been fewer drivers on Canadian roads this year due to public health restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

"Customers haven't been there because of Covid-19. There's no one on the highways, everyone who can has been teleworking," he explains.

"Who's using the bridge? Construction workers and housekeepers going from place to place, that's it," he said.

These days, barely 30 motorists per day use it, down from 100 normally.

"When I found out it was open today... I said to myself, this is where I'm going," says regular ice road user Eric Deschamps.

He paid Can$7 (US$5.55) to use Cardin's ice road, avoiding adding 50 kilometres (31 miles) to his trip. "It costs less than gasoline, especially with a pickup," he concludes.

Explore further Heavy snowfall, gales as winter storm hits Middle East

 2021 AFP
SNL cast member Pete Davidson as New York governor Andrew Cuomo ((NBC))

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has mocked New York governor Andrew Cuomo for allegedly covering up Covid-19 nursing home deaths.

During Saturdays episode of SNL, hosted by Bridgerton actor Rege Jean Page, the New York governor was mocked in two separate segments.

Mr Cuomo was first mentioned in the shows cold open, which featured cast member Chloe Fineman as Britney Spears giving celebrities the chance to give lame apologies, after she received multiple following the airing of the documentary Framing Britney Spears.

Finemans Spears first interviewed Texas senator Ted Cruz, who is under fire for flying to Cancun, Mexico, while millions were without power in his state, before then bringing out Mr Cuomo.

The governor, played by cast member Pete Davidson, has faced criticism recently for allegedly covering up the amount of nursing home deaths caused by Covid-19. Mr Cuomo has denied the claims.

He has also been accused of trying to convince New York assemblyman Ron Kim to cover it up, with the official alleging that Mr Cuomo told him that he would feel his wrath and destroy me if he did not.

After Finemans Spears asked what happened with the nursing homes, Davidsons Cuomo claimed that the state was just moving the bodies in the way they do at Disney World.

Some of the people who died in the nursing homes were not counted as nursing home deaths, they were counted as hospital deaths, Davidsons Cuomo said.

Which is basically what happens at Disney World okay? People die and they move the bodies, they say oh I guess Brenda died in the parking lot, not on the tea cups, he added.

After trying to get away without apologising, Davidsons Cuomo eventually said sorry, while looking extremely uncomfortable doing so.

Davidsons Cuomo then flew into a rage describing how he would bury New York City mayor Bill de Blasio in the tallest grave this city has ever seen because he recently called for him to be investigated over the scandal.

Story continues

He then apologised again, telling Finemans Spears: I get a little angry now and then - and always.

Later on in the show, during the Weekend Update segment hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che, the governor was once again mocked for his role in the nursing home scandal.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, who looks like all three Goodfellas at once, said he hopes to legalise marijuana next month, Che said.

He added: Cuomo is hoping marijuana will provide New Yorkers a safe, effective way to forget about the nursing-home stuff.

Later in the segment, Che mocked the governor again, saying: Researchers studying the remains of a woolly mammoth have uncovered the worlds oldest DNA sequence.

In fact, its so old Andrew Cuomo is covering up its death.

Read More

Hot water... a thing that nobody in Texas has: Ted Cruz relentlessly skewered by SNL over Cancun trip

Britney Spears fans react as SNL addresses Free Britney movement
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EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Catherine Begayes name.

Seven new judges joined the 2nd Judicial District Court in January, including six who were appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Two of the seven were appointed to newly created positions in the Childrens Court, according to a news release.

The Childrens Court appointees are Catherine Begaye, who is a member of the Navajo Nation and is the states only Native American district judge, and Alma Roberson, a former attorney in the Law Offices of the Public Defenders Juvenile Division.

Four were appointed to the Criminal Division: Bruce Fox, who most recently was the chief judge for Laguna Pueblo; Britt Baca-Miller, a public defender in Albuquerque since 2013; Joseph Montano, who spent the past 10 years as a prosecutor for the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office in Albuquerque; and Jennifer Wernersbach, who has practiced as a criminal defense and civil rights lawyer for 16 years.

The seventh new judge is Courtney Weaks, a Democrat, who beat sitting Judge Daniel Gallegos, a Republican, in the November general election. She is a former Metropolitan Court judge.

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................................................................

Two other openings occurred when Judges Christina P. Argyres and Jacqueline Flores did not receive enough votes in the general election to be retained.

Also, Judges Cristina Jaramillo and Charles Brown retired from the criminal bench at the end of 2020.
Boris Johnson and his senior ministers will meet this afternoon to finalise his roapmap for getting the nation out of lockdown before it is unveiled to the public tomorrow.

Senior Cabinet figures will join the Prime Minister on a call this afternoon to hammer out the last details of the plan that will shape the next few months in England.

Mr Johnson and top ministers including Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Chancellor Rishi Sunak will meet to sign off the final details, with the wider Cabinet rubber-stamping the plan tomorrow morning.

The Prime Minister will then present the roadmap to the Commons before addressing the nation in a televised press conference in the afternoon.

The long-awaited move will provide some certainty for a county that has been wilting since the new year under its third lockdown in a year.

It is expected that children will return to school on March 8, just two weeks' time, with further measures in the following weeks and months.

It came amid reports that former Prime Minister Tony Blair has been lobbying on behalf of the travel industry to get 'vaccine passports' for foreign travel into the plans.

LBC radio reported that the ex-Labour leader has been working on behalf of BA, Heathrow and Saga on the plans, which ministers have accepted will be required for Britons to visit many countries in the future.

In other developments:

Prof John Edmunds said the vaccine rollout should turn to children 'as fast as we can', saying there will 'continue to be major disruption in schools until we have vaccinated our children'.

An announcement on the vaccine priority order for under-50s is expected to be made this week, Professor Adam Finn, a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said.

Mr Hancock declined to apologise amid calls for greater accountability after the High Court ruled that the Government unlawfully failed to publish details of billions of pounds' worth of coronavirus-related contracts.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said the pandemic has 'stripped the paper off the cracks' in society and people need to have confidence that the 'road map' out of lockdown will be delivered.

Surge testing is to be rolled out in Brentwood, Essex, after a case of the South Africa coronavirus variant was found. People living in the area are 'strongly encouraged' to take a test when offered, whether or not they have any symptoms of the virus.

Senior Cabinet figures will join the Prime Minister on a call this afternoon to hammer out the last details of the plan that will shape the next few months in England.

Mr Johnson and top ministers including Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Chancellor Rishi Sunak will meet to sign off the final details, with the wider Cabinet rubber-stamping the plan tomorrow morning.

While speculation is rife about when various straps on the straitjacket stifling life will be lifted, ministers have so far provided little insight into what can be expected.

Apart from schools, Matt Hancock today confirmed plans to speed up the vaccination programme so all adults have received at least one does by the end of July.

But asked about further measures on Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday he replied: Well, it's very tempting, Sophy, to say more about what the Prime Minister is going to announce tomorrow but it hasn't been fully signed off yet.

'After this I'm going to go and keep working on the details of that and you'll understand why I'll reserve what I say on that until the Prime Minister sets out the full details tomorrow.'

It came as it was revealed Matt Hancock has 'stopped talking' to Tony Blair amid accusations that the former Prime Minister pinched Government anti-Covid ideas to pass them off as his own, it was claimed last night.

The Health Secretary is said to be livid after two key proposals allegedly mentioned in private conversations  an initial priority one-jab vaccine policy and mass testing  later emerged as Mr Blair's own suggestions.

A well-placed Government source told The Mail on Sunday that Mr Hancock had now broken off contact with the 67-year-old ex-premier  who yesterday posted a picture of himself receiving his Covid jab on Twitter  over the breaches.

The source said: 'Matt was briefing Blair as a courtesy to a previous Prime Minister. But he cottoned on that Blair was milking these conversations.

'And that's when Hancock said, 'I'm not going to talk to you any more.' '

Tory MPs have also privately complained at the way 'Tony Blair appears to be going round still pretending he is PM'.

Mr Hancock side-stepped the issue today, telling Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: 'I talk to all of the former Prime Ministers, as you would imagine, because these are very difficult circumstances we're in. I talk to all of them and try to get advice from wherever I can.'

The Health Secretary is said to be livid after two key proposals allegedly mentioned in private conversations later emerged as Mr Blair's own suggestions. Pictured: Blair getting his vaccine

A third of all adults in England have now been vaccinated against coronavirus, Mr Hancock revealed today - as he insisted that the lifting of the lockdown must be done carefully.

The Health Secretary revealed that one-in-three people over 16 had now been given on of the life-saving jabs, a boost to the country ahead of Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown that will be unveiled tomorrow.

Mr Hancock confirmed this morning that every adult in the country will be offered at least one dose of a Covid vaccine by the end of July.

The Government previously said it hoped to reach all those aged 18 and over by the autumn, but Mr Johnson aims to greatly accelerate the successful campaign.

Mr Hancock also confirmed that everyone over 50 will be offered at least a first dose by April 15, rather than by May, as previously suggested.

But he warned that the Government would take its time lifting the coronavirus lockdown, saying it was 'right to be cautious' with 20,000 people still in hospital.

Speaking to Times Radio today he said coronavirus restrictions will be eased with 'weeks between the steps', suggesting that after schools reopen on March 8 there may be few other changes before April.

Mr Hancock also said social distancing measures and the wearing of face coverings is likely to remain for a while.

Asked earlier bout the speed of the lockdown lifting, he told Sky's Ridge on Sunday: 'It is right to be cautious, it is incredibly important. There are still almost 20,000 people in the hospital with Covid right now. Almost 20,000.

'The vaccination programme whilst clearly going very well, will take time to be able to reach all people who have significant vulnerability, especially because we also need to get the second jab to everybody.

'So we have got time that needs to be taken to get this right, the PM will set out the roadmap tomorrow and he will set out the full details, taking into account that we need to take a cautious but irreversible approach, that's the goal.'

However, former Tory chief whip Mark Harper, who leads the Covid Recovery Group, this morning repeated his call for all restrictions be lifted by the end of April, once the most vulnerable groups had been vaccinated under the new timetable.
As many as 767 autorickshaw drivers were booked on 19 and 20 February for violating Covid-19 precautionary norms such as physical distancing and plying with more than two passengers.

Over 3,80,000 has been collected in fines from the offenders, said the deputy commissioner of Police of the Thane traffic department.

This comes in the backdrop of the state reporting over 6,000 Covid-19 cases for the last two days. At least 6,281 people tested positive for novel coronavirus in Maharashtra on Saturday. The number was 6,112 on Friday.

The total number of active Covid-19 cases in the state stands at 48,439.

Mumbai saw a sharp jump in the count with 897 people testing positive in the last 24 hours. With this, the tally of infected people in the metropolis has reached 3,18,207.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) mayor Kishori Pednekar on Saturday said that authorities will take strict action against those not following Covid-19 guidelines.

"Ward officials with their teams will monitor Covid situation in their areas. Action will be taken against those not following SOPs," she said. "Asymptomatic patients will be admitted to quarantine centres."

To curb the virus spread, several districts in Maharashtra have announced lockdowns.

While Mumbai's mayor had earlier stated that a lockdown will not be implemented in the state, BMC had released a new set of stringent guidelines in view of the spike.

Buildings sealed in Mumbai

As many as 1,305 buildings were sealed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday after the city recorded 2,749 Covid-19 cases.

A total of 71,838 households reside in these buildings, the BMC said.

As part of its measure to control the spread of the virus, the civic body has said that any residential buildings with over five active cases of coronavirus would be sealed.

Further, flyers coming to Mumbai from Brazil will have to remain under seven-day institutional quarantine, which is mandatory.

BMC has decided to resume stamping of the hands of people who are placed under home quarantine.

In a meeting with ward officers and health department officials, BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal ordered the deployment of additional marshals on suburban trains and also directed to ramp up testing.





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An Offaly woman and her sisters are holding a raffle to sell their family home, and they are donating a portion of the proceeds to a cause very close to their hearts.

Originally from Donegal, Susan Ryan now lives in Birr and she is organising the raffle with her sisters Johanne, Marcia and Dorothy

Tickets for the traditional farmhouse in Bruckless in Donegal with an adjoining hostel and outbuildings are only STG10 each. Furthermore, the winner also gets STG50,000 cash to help them get started in their new home.

But this is about much more than the property.

Susan Ryan explained why she and her sisters made the decision to donate up to STG75,000 from the proceeds to the Beaumont foundation.

My Mum and Dad died within eight weeks of each other in 2018, she said. Mum had a brain tumor and Dad had lived with a spinal injury for a lot of his life. He had an accident in Australia many years ago and had to totally learn to walk again.

It was normal to us, growing up knowing what it was to live with a spinal injury. It was part of our lives.

When Mum got the brain tumor the team at Beaumont were able to extend her life by 18 months. We want to support the work of the neurological department there. It is amazing what they do. They are geniuses. Give them the right equipment and they perform miracles.

One such miracle was the highly skilled procedure that gave Lyndall an extra 18 months of life, and gave her family that precious time with their beloved mother.

The procedure is called Asleep/awake/asleep stealth guided craniotomy and sonowand guided and 5ALA guided debulking of a left frontal glioma with intra operative monitoring.

In order for the tumors to be cut away without incurring brain damage that would have left Lyndall mute, she had to be awake and in conversation during surgery.

She was very brave to do it, said Susan. It is incredible what they can do.

The family are immensely grateful to neurosurgeon Dr Stephen Nally, neurophysiologist Dr Ronan Kilbride, anaesthetist Dr E Duggan and the now-retired nurse Mary Heffernan.

When Lyndall got the bad news in 2018 that the tumor had returned and she had between six and twelve weeks to live, her husband Ben was already ill. He died a week later.

In what was a very tough time for the family, Lyndall went into hospice care because of the complexity of her illness. She passed away just eight weeks later.

The family will never forget the care received by their parents at Beaumont Hospital.

They gave so much care and empathy and support to all of us, said Susan.

A story she read on the Beaumont Foundation website and Facebook page set her plans to raise money in motion.

I read that a family had donated 100,000. They used that money to buy a piece of equipment that saved the life of a 16-year-old girl. I thought, that could have been my 16-year-old daughter.

I knew that I wanted to do something to help but we are just ordinary people and we dont have that kind of money.

I spoke to my sisters. The house was sitting empty and we decided that we could raffle it and donate some of the money to Beaumont. STG750,000 when changed to euro and with the gift benefits would work out at 100,000.

It means so much to us that our family home where we grew up could be used to save someones life.

The siblings have also decided to include in the prize the sum of STG50,000.

The house is lying empty at the moment, said Susan. We all have our own homes. The money from the house raffle would help the four of us to pay off our mortgages.

And we really like that idea that our home could be the start in life for some other family and we didnt want that to be a burden to them so we felt it was the right thing to do to include the cash.

It is a risk. We could end up losing money but we really hope people will want to win the house. They could start a nice business there with the hostel and the campsite.

Ben and Lyndall met at a dance in Australia. They fell in love with each other and on moving to Bens native Donegal, fell in love with the farmhouse that was to become their family home.

It gave Mum and Dad a start, and now it could give some other family a start, said Susan.

Tickets and further details are available at https://raffall.com/193700/enter-raffle-to-win-donegal-coastal-property-50k-hosted-by-susan-ryan
State university medical students to be vaccinated soon: UGC Chairman Third and fourth year medical students will be vaccinated first View(s): View(s):

Around 6000 medical students, attached to state university medical faculties and the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) who receive clinical training at state hospitals will be given the COVID-19 vaccine, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Sampath Amaratunge said recently.

Prof. Amaratunge said they will be the first group in the higher education sector to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine.

Medical students who are doing clinical work at hospitals can be considered as frontline workers and are more vulnerable than any of us. Even I declined the vaccine until medical students who work in hospital environments are vaccinated against the virus, he said.

He said President Rajapaksa intervened in instructing health authorities to prioritise medical students receiving clinical training. By the end of this month vaccination would begin for the medical students, with those in the third and fourth year to be vaccinated first.

Foreign students who are in state university medical faculties will also receive the vaccine as they are equally exposed, just like their local colleagues, Prof. Amaratunge said.

According to him vaccinations would take place in the hospitals where they receive training.

Discussions between the UGC, university and health authorities are underway about vaccinating university students, he added.

About 200,000 persons, including frontline health care workers, military and police personnel, prisons officers, Colombo Municipal Council workers and politicians had been vaccinated since January 29.

The country received 500,000 Covishield vaccine doses from India under its Vaccine Maitri initiative.

(Nadia Fazlulhaq)
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A Lagos State Mobile Court in Oshodi on Saturday sentenced a 25-year-old man, Kabiru Mohammed, to six weeks in a correctional centre with an option of a fine for impersonation and assault.

Mr Mohammed was arrested at the airport area of Lagos riding a motorcycle painted with the colour of the Nigerian Army and parading himself as a soldier.

In a statement by Taofeek Adebayo, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce), the suspect was arrested along with his commercial motorcycle painted in camouflage after assaulting members of the enforcement team of the agency with other miscreants at Airport Bus-stop along Lagos-Abeokuta Express-way.

Operatives of the agency were coming from a monitoring and enforcement operations with over 150 impounded motorcycles loaded into three of the Agencys trucks before the fake Soldier, whose commercial motorcycle was among those impounded on restricted routes, mobilised other miscreants and attacked the team with dangerous weapons such stones, bottles and iron-rod.

The fake soldier was subsequently arrested after the attack and during investigations at our office it was discovered that he was an impersonator, the statement said.

The agency said following an investigation, the arrested man confessed that he only claimed to be a soldier in order to retrieve his impounded commercial motorcycle and that he painted his motorcycle with Nigerian Army camouflage in order to evade arrest from security agents while engaging in commercial activities on restricted routes.

He was, thereafter, charged to a mobile court in Oshodi on a three-count charge on impersonation, assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Mr Mohammed reportedly pleaded guilty before the magistrate, Oyebimbola Adelakun, who sentenced him to six weeks in jail with an option of N40,000 fine.
SUV

There's a lot of debate as to which company built the first crossover. Most enthusiasts credit the AMC Eagle, introduced in 1979 as a station wagon with a suspension lift. Some say it was the Matra Rancho, launched in 1977. But the Willys Jeepster , which first debuted in 1948, is also eligible as an early forerunner of the modern crossover.Built by Willys-Overland Motors, the company that eventually became known as Jeep , the Jeepster was designed in an attempt to offer a passenger car alongside the-like vehicles based on the early Jeep CJ. The Jeepster still looked like a CJ, but it featured a proper windscreen and side windows, proper doors, and a retractable soft top. It offered seating for four and sat closer to the ground. But its ride height was still greater than most automobiles of the era, so Willys unknowingly delivered the first commercial crossover. Or a primitive version of it.It was produced from 1948 to 1950, so it wasn't exactly popular. Kaiser Jeep revisited the idea in 1966 with the Jeepster Commando, the spiritual predecessor to the Cherokee.Although it featured whitewall tires, chrome trim, a glovebox, and a friendlier interior, the Jeepster was as spartan as the Willys CJ under the shell. It was offered with the same four-cylinder engine (with 63 horsepower) that Willys had been using during World War II, and all-wheel-drive was not available. The Jeepster was also notably more expensive than some V8-powered convertibles of the era, so it didn't catch on.Jeep eventually introduced inline-six engines and lowered the price, but the Jeepster went into the history books without leaving a big mark on the industry with only 19,000 units built.Seventy years later, the Jeepster is getting more attention from Jeep enthusiasts and classic car collectors. This red-painted example from the 1950s, for instance, was thoroughly restored and fitted with a big 5.7-liter Oldsmobile engine. It also features extra like front disc brakes, a radio, and a heater. There's no word on how much power the V8 delivers, but a Jeepster with such a big engine is most likely a proper hot-rod. Fancy a classic sleeper? It's going at auction via Mecum in late March 2021.
Paul Nicholls has reportedly been dumped by the lapdancer girlfriend he was recently accused of 'coupling up' with while she was engaged to his best friend.

The former EastEnders star, 41, is said to have dated Hemma Kathrecha, 29, for eight months, before she decided to end their romance, according to The Sun.

His onetime pal Robert Selby, who said he was engaged to Hemma before their relationship, told the publication: 'Hemma was sick of Paul acting out and being lazy. Hes pathetic and shes well shot of him.'

Accusations: Paul Nicholls has reportedly been dumped by Hemma Kathrecha, who he was recently accused of 'coupling up' with while she was engaged to his pal. Pictured in December

Just one week earlier, Robert branded the '90s EastEnders heartthrob, who played troubled Joe Wicks in the BBC soap, a 'back-stabber'.

Robert accused Paul of pursuing a romance with his partner of four years, who is also the mother to his two-year-old son, after moving into their home last year.

Talking to The Sun, he alleged: 'Paul's a back-stabber. I wish I'd never met him. I can't get to see my son. He's scared about Hemma coming back to me because he has nowhere else to go. He moved into our council house last year.

'Hemma and I were rowing so I left for a few days to clear my head. I thought we'd get through it, then he got together with Hemma. I heard they were a couple through friends, then she told me.'

Claims: In a recent interview, Robert Selby claimed that the former EastEnders heartthrob, 41, is a 'back-stabber' (Paul pictured in December, left, and in 2003, right)

Paul was pictured with Hemma in London's Primrose Hill in December, enjoying a post-Christmas stroll. There was nothing to suggest they were in a romantic relationship.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Paul Nicholls for comment.

Paul's love life has remained undisclosed since he split from wife Chantal Brown. The pair were married from 2008 until 2015, and did not have children.

Since the marital split, Paul has appeared on TV series Death In Paradise, Grantchester, In the Club and Ackley Bridge.

Former couple: Robert Selby is pictured with his former partner Hemma in happier times

His personal life has not been short of struggle - having publicly battled a drink and drugs addiction as well as depression, following his EastEnders role, which ended in 1997 after one year.

After recovering, he said of his battles in 2008: 'People said I had too much too soon when I was playing Joe Wicks, and maybe they were right. I didn't want to be a heart-throb, and I could not handle the attention.'

He then revealed on Loose Women in 2016 that he had been left unable to speak for a few months, after discovering a benign tumour on his throat.

He explained: 'It's nerve-racking to be back on stage. I didn't speak for a couple of months. It was a tumour rather than a nodule, in my vocal cords.'

Lost love: Paul's love life has remained undisclosed since he split from wife Chantal Brown. The pair were married from 2008 until 2015, and did not have children (pictured in 2010)

In 2017, Paul hit headlines when he was found with severe injuries at the bottom of a waterfall on the Thai Island of Koh Samui - three days after he left his accommodation to go for a ride on his scooter.

Speaking on Loose Women afterwards, Paul explained: 'I was on a scooter, no one knew where I was. I came around the corner, there were about 15 wild dogs. One pack had made a kill and the blood attracted the rest of them.'

He added: 'I pulled into the waterfall and thought the only way I can go is down but I didn't realise how much I was bleeding. As soon as I touched the rock, I just went over. It was a 20 ft drop and my knee hit something on the way down.

'It looked like something just flew out of my knee - part of my knee cap - and then I hit the water. Where my knee cap should have been, there was just a hole and I was holding it.'

Role: Paul's EastEnders character Joe Wicks, pictured with his mother Lorraine (Jacqueline Leonard), was praised in the 1990s as being a realistic portrayal of schizophrenia

And the actor's distress was only exacerbated when the waterfall setting began to resemble somewhat of a horror scene as legions of leeches and crabs appeared from no where.

Emergency crews found the actor after a three-day search of the wilderness when the alarm was raised after he failed to return his rented bike.

The star was semi-conscious and suffering from hypothermia as well as a tropical infection picked up from his untreated wounds and a broken leg.

Speaking of the near-death experience to from hospital, Nicholls told The Sun: 'I am lucky to be alive. It took such a long time to find me. It's an understatement to say it wasn't a great situation.'
The headliner of the iGaming industry - Slotegrator - is going to give a lecture at Ukrainian Gaming Week that will take place in Kyiv on February 24. The participants will have a chance to know how to hire top specialists all around the world.

In light of the legislation, UGW is entirely dedicated to issues regarding the newest country to enter the gambling market. New markets mean new horizons to reach and new opportunities to grab. Hundreds of participants and partners will visit the conference and introduce their latest findings within the industry. They will also give their expert opinion on the viability and sustainability of the Ukrainian market, its risks, and strategies on the path to success.

Head of HR of Slotegrator Marina Zapolskaya will be a speaker at the conference with the presentation Looking for the best: how to attract professionals to the gambling industry on February 24. Its a well-known fact that each success of the company goes to the team. In a rough 2020 portfolio of companys game developers and providers greatly expanded with such brands as CT Gaming, Belatra, Skywind and Booming Games.

Besides that, Slotegrator will be represented by the team of sales managers at booth B10 on March 23-24. All the visitors may take a closer look at new solutions and products, which have been designed for boosting gambling platforms.

Participants of Ukrainian Gaming Week may also book a meeting with companys managers to get more profound insights into the Ukrainian market and learn more about new products and services that will be crucial - and profitable - for online casino business.
Ricki Lake is engaged to marry her third husband.

The 52-year-old talk show icon announced on Instagram this Saturday that her boyfriend Ross Burningham is now her fiance.

'Friends, Im so so so excited to share some good news! Im engaged!' gushed Ricki next to a selfie she posted with Ross.

'He is my person': Ricki Lake announced on Instagram this Saturday that her boyfriend Ross Burningham is now her fiance

'This is Ross. He is my person. He is wonderful. I love him very much and I am so grateful I get to love and be loved so deeply by this stellar human,' she added.

'Our next chapter is sure to be a good one. #heartopen #lifeisbeautiful #ibelieveinlove #thisis52 #selflove #nofilter #justhappy.'

She also shared with People magazine: 'Ross and I literally pinch ourselves that we have found each other at this time in our lives.'

Ricki noted: 'Both of us, newly empty-nesters, we feel as if we are kids again. We are filled with gratitude and joy for what is to come.'

Side by side: Ricki told People: 'Both of us, newly empty-nesters, we feel as if we are kids again,' adding: 'We are filled with gratitude and joy for what is to come'

The Hairspray actress shares her two recently adult sons - Milo, 23, Owen, 19 - with her first ex-husband Rob Sussman who is an illustrator.

Rob and Ricki got married in Las Vegas in 1994 and remained together for a decade during which they welcomed their children before getting divorced.

Then in 2012 she tied the knot with jewelry designer Christian Evans after a three-year romance - but that marriage was doomed to tragedy.

With her children: The Hairspray actress shares her two recently adult sons - Milo, 23, Owen, 19 - with her first ex-husband Rob Sussman who is an illustrator

She filed for divorce in 2014 and it was finalized in 2015, but the romance between them lingered until the autumn of 2016.

However early in 2017 he committed suicide, prompting Ricki to reveal to that the collapse of their marriage had been due to his bipolar disorder.

When he was in manic flight he would become convinced that he was able to 'cure cancer with his hands' or 'fly,' she told People.

Throwback: Rob and Ricki got married in Las Vegas in 1994 and remained together for a decade during which they welcomed their children before getting divorced

She explained that during the period after their divorce when they were still a couple 'He wasnt stable, and he was so fragile.'

Ricki, who last saw Christian just three days before his death, said: 'But I was still in love with him, so there was something romantic about it. I wanted to save him.'

Although she only went Instagram official with Ross a couple of months ago, they have reportedly been together for upwards of a year.
A year after his interview with RTL, a return to Luxembourg still looks highly unlikely for Steve Duarte.

Duarte is still being held in a Kurdish prison in Al-Hasakah, a city located in northeastern Syria. His wife Fatoumata Diallo and their two children, a four-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl, are being detained not far away from him. In 2020, she attempted an escape, but was eventually recaptured by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). She has been held together with her children in a camp in Al-Hasakah ever since.

Duarte was captured in March 2019 by Kurdish forces near Al-Baghuz Fawqani, a town close to the Syrian-Iraqi border. He has since disputed ever joining IS forces. Born in Luxembourg, the Portuguese national travelled to Syria via Turkey back in 2014. Despite their low chances of success, Duarte and his family want to return to Europe.

During his interview with RTL last year, Duarte was asked about the lessons he had drawn from his five-year spell in Syria, to which the young man replied the following: "Never again travel to a self-declared state where major conflicts are taking place, it never ends well."

 RTL

The northeastern parts of Syria remain a tinderbox, both politically and militarily. Turkey has taken control over the border region and intends to push back Kurdish forces. Ankara further actively supports Islamic groups that pressure the Syrian Army and president Bashar al-Assad in an attempt to destabilise the region even more. The Syrian border to Iraq also remains in a precarious situation. For several weeks now, the Iraqi army has been requesting international support in the fight against IS forces.
Staff have only five minutes between opening the lids of the thermal shippers filled with the vaccine and storing the vials in the ultra-cold freezers. Removing the vials needed for that day must be done within three minutes. It needs to be very precise to ensure there are no temperature breaches, Dr Tong said. Her team at The Alfred has been timing every step of the process; at first they were relying on their phones but now they have a stopwatch attached to the ultra-cold freezer. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The vaccines will be prepared in the pharmacy department on the lower ground floor, where staff will reconstitute the vaccine by adding saline to vials, draw 0.3 millilitres into the syringes and then take them up to the vaccination clinic on the ground floor for nurses to administer jabs.

When the Pfizer vaccine is prepared, it cannot be taken away in a motor vehicle. So vials will be delivered to hotels housing returned travellers, where pharmacists on site will go through the process of reconstituting the vials and drawing the liquid for nurses to inoculate people. Loading Each vial has about five doses, and pharmacists need to ensure they are preparing the right number of doses needed for that day to prevent wastage, Dr Tong says. Once the vials are thawed, they can stay in the fridge for about five days only. Its a logistical nightmare and every hospital has been desperately working behind the scenes to ensure the mass vaccination program is rolled out smoothly. Monash Healths director of infection control, Rhonda Stuart, will be among the first Victorians vaccinated from 7.30am on Monday, along with 100 Monash Health staff working directly with coronavirus-positive patients.

Professor Stuart says her organisation has been preparing for this moment since about Christmas, when it was told it could become a vaccine hub. Unlike the regular flu vaccination program, in which people wait in line for their turns, the process for the COVID-19 jab will be more regimented. Professor Stuart said people receiving their first dose needed to be booked into the clinic, complete their paperwork in a dedicated room, head to the clinic where the vaccines are being administered, then wait for 15 minutes in another room. We hopefully will begin to see COVID in a different way, she said. Its not going to go away, we need to be clear about that, but we can begin to manage it in a different way, and hopefully it will become like the common cold. Dr Sumi Bhaskaran, from Monash Health, will be among the first Victorians vaccinated. Credit:Penny Stephens The head of Monash Healths general medicine unit, Sumi Bhaskaran, will get the jab on Monday and says Australia has come a long way since last year, when footage of Italian and American hospitals overrun with coronavirus patients hit our screens.
Pakistan is unlikely to exit the 'grey list of the FATF as some European countries have taken the stand that Islamabad has not fully implemented all the points of a plan of action set by it, a media report said on Sunday, on the eve of the plenary meeting of the global watchdog for money laundering and terror financing.

The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force had placed Pakistan on the grey list in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The virtual FATF plenary will be held in Paris from February 22 to 25 to consider cases of various countries on the grey list, including Pakistan, and a decision will be made at the conclusion of the meetings, Dawn newspaper reported.

In the last plenary held in October 2020, the FATF concluded that Pakistan will continue in its grey list" till February 2021 as it has failed to fulfil six out of 27 obligations of the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog that include failure to take action against two of India's most wanted terrorists  Jaish-e Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar and Jamaat-ud-Dawah head Hafiz Saeed.

Azhar and Saeed are most wanted terrorists in India for their involvement in numerous terrorist acts, including 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and bombing of a CRPF bus at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir last year.

An official source close to these developments told the paper on Saturday that Pakistan had complied with the six recommendations and also submitted details to the FATF secretariat.

The members would now evaluate Pakistans responses during the meeting, the source said, adding that the decision would be taken after a consensus among the members.

The paper, quoting a journalist covering the FATF said that some European countries, especially the host France, had recommended to the FATF to continue to keep Pakistan on the grey list and had taken the position that not all points had been fully implemented by Islamabad.

Other European countries are also supporting France, he said.

France was not happy with the recent response of Islamabad on the cartoon issue, he said.

Pakistan has not even posted a regular ambassador in Paris, he said, adding that diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries were not up to the mark.

The US has also expressed concern over the acquittal the accused in American journalist Daniel Pearls kidnapping and murder case.

It is feared that the US may also lobby for continuation of Islamabad on the grey list at least until June this year.

Pakistans Supreme Court last month ordered release of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides in the 2002 Pearl murder case, a judgement denounced by the American journalist's family as "a complete travesty of justice.".

An official, who is not willing to be quoted, told the paper that Pakistan had submitted a compliance report to the FATF.

We cant say what will be their response to it; lets wait for the day," he said.

The official said Pakistan had already done major legislation regarding punishment of terror financing, which was around one year in the old legislation.

In October 2020, Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar, who is the governments point man on the FATF, announced that Pakistan had made progress across all action plan items and had now largely addressed 21 of the 27 action items.

When the minister was approached for comments on the implementation status of the remaining six recommendations, he said he would make no comment until the plenary was over.

There is a strict confidentiality rule," he said.

With Pakistan's continuation in the 'grey' list, it is increasingly becoming difficult for Islamabad to get financial aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the debt-ridden nation which is in a precarious financial situation. PTI SH RUP ZH AKJ RUP RUP

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VIJAYAWADA: Minister for endowment Vellampalli Srinivas Rao alleged that Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu and BJP leaders Somu Veerraju, and G.V.L. Narasimha Rao, a Rajya Sabha member, are trying to create communal disturbances despite Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy initiated measures for the protection of religious places. He stated that YSRC government had constructed the Antarvedi chariot within 90 days after it was commissioned by the Chief Minister, which shows the government's respect for all religions.

He alleged that Telugu Desam and BJP are misleading people in the name of religion for achieving political gains. However, the public seeing through such vindictive politics gave a befitting lesson to them by electing YSRC supporters in the gram panchayat elections.

Srinivas Rao visited various areas in the city under municipal election campaign in support of YSRC candidates. He stated that people had no trust in Naidu and hence had defeated Telugu Desam-backed candidates in his native Chandragiri constituency. He alleged that Naidu was levelling baseless allegations on the issue of protection to temples and claimed that the government had initiated strong measures for the safety and protection of religious places. He further alleged that Naidu, Narasimha Rao and Veerraju were trying to accuse the YSRC government in the Antarvedi issue despite Reddy asking for a CBI probe.

The minister refuting the allegations against Kesnineni Srinivas alias Nani about the absence of development, he said that Nani never visited areas of Vijayawada city and did not know their civic issues. He alleged that in view of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation elections, Nani was trying to provoke people. Responding to the claims of Jana Sena chief K Pawan Kalyan about their party-backed candidates winning in the gram panchayat elections, the minister stated that Pawan showed false statistics about Jana Sena wins and termed him as part-time politician who occasionally comes out with vindictive politics.
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Following the use of violence against pro-democracy protesters in by the military, Facebook has deleted the main page of the Tatmadaw, another name for the country's military.

Al Jazeera quoted a representative for Facebook as saying on Sunday that the page of the military's True News Information Team Page was taken down for "repeated violations of our community standards prohibiting incitement of violence and coordinating harm".

This comes following the worldwide condemnation by leaders including United Nations Security General Antonio Guterres.

"I condemn the use of deadly violence in The use of lethal force, intimidation and harassment against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable. Everyone has a right to peaceful assembly. I call on all parties to respect election results and return to civilian rule," Guterres said in a tweet.

The police opened fire on pro-democracy protesters in the city of Mandalay on Saturday, killing two people and wounding dozens, according to witnesses.

The New York Times citing witnesses reported that the shootings occurred as the authorities were trying to force workers back to their jobs at a local shipyard. They were among hundreds of thousands of workers across Myanmar who have walked off their jobs to protest the military.

The Bangkok Post citing local media reported that at least five people were injured by rubber bullets, a photographer at the scene reported, while emergency medical staff treating the injured confirmed at least six were shot with live rounds.

Over 1,000 demonstrators gathered at the shipyard to block the police, leading to a tense standoff that lasted Saturday afternoon. The authorities used water cannons, rubber bullets, tear gas, slingshots and ultimately live ammunition to break up the crowd, witnesses said.

A volunteer with a local medical charity, Ko Kyaw Lin, said he had been rescuing some of the wounded in Mandalay but could not get close enough to some of them because the police and soldiers were shooting at people in the crowd.

"When we picked up the patients on the street, they had been shot by a sniper," he said as quoted by NYT. "They shot everyone no matter who they were." A video was taken at the scene showed one man lying in a pool of blood, apparently dead from a gunshot wound to the head.

The condemnation of the violence has been fierce, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held talks with allied countries in recent days to press for a firm response.

"We condemn any violence against the people of Burma and reiterate our calls on the Burmese military to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters... the United States will continue to lead the diplomatic effort to galvanize the community into collective action against those responsible for this coup," spokesman Ned Price said in a press briefing on Friday.

On February 1, Myanmar's military overthrew the government and declared a year-long state of emergency hours before the newly-elected parliament was due to convene. State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, along with other top officials accused of election fraud, have been placed under house arrest. The coup triggered mass protests across the country.

According to Sputnik, at least 150 people have suffered injuries during intense demonstrations across the country.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NEW DELHI : Variants of the novel coronavirus carrying two specific mutations in their spike protein may evade antibodies and make vaccines less effective, according to eminent virologist Shahid Jameel, who says the need of the hour is to improve surveillance for "homegrown" lineages of the virus.

Jameel, Director of the Trivedi School of Biosciences at Ashoka University in Haryana, said these two mutations would lead to a "drastic change" in the structure of the part of the spike protein that binds with antibodies, making vaccines less effective against such variants.

The spike protein of the coronavirus enables it to bind to the ACE2 receptor on host cells -- a process which studies have show to be crucial for the virus to enter the cells and cause infection.

According to the noted virologist, currently, the data is consistent with poor activity of neutralising antibodies against the South African lineage of the coronavirus, which carries both these mutations on the spike protein.

At GYANTEEKA, an online presentation-discussion series hosted by the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), New Delhi to spread awareness and bust myths on vaccines, Jameel said these mutations are in the 501st and 484th amino acid building blocks that make up the virus spike protein.

In his presentation on Saturday, the noted virologist said both these mutations happen at the interface where antibodies bind to the virus spike protein.

"At the interface, there are a couple of key amino acid residues. One is the N501Y mutation. Another emerging mutation is the E484K mutation, and if you notice, the 484 changes negatively charged amino acid into positively charged amino acid," he explained in his presentation, citing studies.

"If you have both 501 and 484 mutations happening at the same time in the same virus, that virus is likely to either evade antibody response, or it is going to make the antibodies less effective. That's the take-home," he added.

On Tuesday, the Health ministry said four people in the country tested positive for infection with the South African variant, and one for the Brazil variant -- a first for India.

While in India, there have not been reports of community transmission of these virus, Jameel believes the need of the hour is also to look out for homegrown variants.





"Remember India already has about 11 million infections now, so there could easily be homegrown variants and I think for that it is very important to have genomic surveillance, which is done at scale," the virologist said.

"And for that government of India has set up an inter-ministerial Group which is called INSA COG which brings together 10 different National Laboratories to start sequencing at a density of about 5 per cent," he added.

Currently, the virologist said India is sequencing at a density of about 0.05 per cent.

"So essentially, the plan is to upscale sequencing about a hundredfold in the country," Jameel added.

A recent study by the scientists of CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad analysed over 5,000 coronavirus variants, describing how the virus has evolved over the course of the pandemic.

It found that a variant carrying the N440K mutation is spreading a lot more in the southern states of India.

"We now have emerging evidence that the N440K variant is spreading a lot more in southern states. Closer surveillance is needed to understand its spread properly," CCMB Director Rakesh Mishra said in a statement.

While variants with immune-escape such as the South African variant have been identified with only a low prevalence in India, Mishra believes this could be because not enough sequencing has been done.

"More coronavirus genomes need to be sequenced across the country to accurately identify the emergence of these and other new variants," he added.

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New Delhi, Feb 21 : Navin Gurnaney, CEO, Tata Starbucks spoke to IANSlife along with The Label Life's style editors, Sussanne Khan, Malaika Arora and Bipasha Basu on their recent collaboration 'The Starbucks India Optimist Series', a limited edition merchandise collection.

The team also reveals the rationale of the association, Role of Srishti Charitable Trust + contribution of the differently gifted children at DARE School (Developmental Activities in Rehabilitative Education) and more: Excerpt:

What is the inspiration behind the collaboration and the rationale behind terming it as 'The Optimist Series'?

Malaika, Bipasha, Sussanne: The launch of 'The Optimist Series' reflects Starbucks' deep grounded mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit -- one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time. In the current times, it is pivotal for brands to be a beacon of hope and joy. Inspired by a design movement representative of hope and characterised by opulent flourishes of sun-bursts, star-lights, prisms and golden glamour, 'The Optimist Series' celebrates the coffee making routine -- the familiarity of the flavour, the warmth of the mug in our hand and that first delectable sip. The series is an ode to joyous mornings, encouraging Starbucks and The Label Life consumers to indulge in every opportunity to be optimistic.

Having collaborated with global brands like Kate Spade, Rachel Zoe, Vera Wang etc, what brings you to tie up with a homegrown fashion brand like 'The Label Life'? Navin: At Tata Starbucks, we are always scouting for partners and opportunities which catalyzes our humane connections with our customers in a fun and engaged fashion. Very much like our global associations, this collaboration with The Label Life leverages and promotes the local entrepreneurs by coming together for an amalgamation of creative expansion and expression. The thoughtfully curated collection of elevated lifestyle essentials provides an opportunity for our joint consumer base to enjoy their cherished morning ritual of drinking coffee while reflecting on the treasured joys of life.

Elaborate a little about the #HereIsToJoy philosophy? Malaika, Bipasha, Sussanne: The inspiration for this idea germinated from our larger goal of spreading positivity, hope and optimism in people's lives. The engraved inscription "Here's to Joy", on the inside of the mugs is a conscious decision as it is a reinforcing reminder for our customers to take a quiet moment and choose joy before they kickstart their busy routines every day. The philosophy further strengthens our connection with our customers as this collaboration gives us an opportunity to be a part of their personal morning rituals.

Role of Srishti Charitable Trust, DARE and Athulya? Navin: We at Starbucks are committed to being a neighbourhood store and a catalyst for change by bringing together our partners, customers and their communities to take positive action around the world. The joint association with Srishti Charitable Trust, supported by TATA Consumer Products & TATA Trusts, a centre for the education and empowerment of the special children and young adults of Munnar has helped us to develop a range of handcrafted essential accessories.

The differently gifted children join DARE School (Developmental Activities in Rehabilitative Education) between three and five years and when they are 18, get rehabilitated into one of the many different units at Srishti. The pouches from the collection are a beautiful rendition of the Optimist series and are an outcome of the efforts put in by the young adults at DARE. Athulya - the handmade paper unit, has helped create some beautiful notebooks for the Starbucks and The Label Life collaboration. The association with Srishti Charitable Trust, DARE & Athulya reinforces our commitment to help inspire our partners (employees), customers and the community we serve to create a positive change and to ensure that as a brand, we, ourselves and the lives we touch can continually flourish and thrive.

Future plans for the collaboration and introducing a wider range of merchandise? Malaika, Bipasha, Sussanne: We are truly humbled by the heartwarming response to this immersive collection and more importantly by the reactions to the philosophy behind the collaboration. As part of Phase I of the launch, our collection features an assortment of drinkware and lifestyle accessories like mugs, notebooks and pouches bringing peace & joy to the everyday morning ritual of coffee aficionados. In terms of future prospects, considering the adulation, we are excited for what's in store.

What are the touch points/avenues for consumers to purchase these accessories? Malaika, Bipasha, Sussanne: Customers can brighten their mornings and make these handcrafted collectibles a part of their daily rituals by purchasing them at their nearest Starbucks store in India or by placing an order on The Label Life website.

(N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in)
House Bill 133 aims to extend Medicaid coverage to eligible new mothers. The House version of the bill calls for a one-year extension, whereas the Senate version calls for a six-month extension. Advocates say the bill could reduce the states maternal mortality rate. Currently, the state offers Medicaid for two months after giving birth. Should Texas extend Medicaid for eligible new mothers for six months or one year?

You voted:
Montreal-based publisher Joseph John wanted his comic book "Citizen Canada" to reflect the country's diverse history by having the titular hero speak English, French and Cree.

Montreal-based publisher Joseph John wanted his comic book "Citizen Canada" to reflect the country's diverse history by having the titular hero speak English, French and Cree.

But when he started entering the Indigenous superhero's dialogue into Google Translate he found that Cree, the most common First Nations language in Canada, is not an option on the app.

John then took it upon himself to create an online petition urging Google to make Cree available on its translation app. A user-experience designer by trade, the publisher said he wants to help preserve the Indigenous language.

"I'm not an activist, I'm just a ... designer," said John. "Making comics has always been my passion (but) I want my comic to be especially helpful to Indigenous people, I want to help First Nations peoples."

The preamble to John's petition points out that Maori, the language of Aboriginal people in New Zealand, is available on Google Translate. New Zealand government data suggests there are approximately 50,000 Maori speakers there, but data from Statistics Canada's 2016 census shows there were more than 96,000 Cree speakers in Canada when information was gathered.

Simon Bird  the creator of Cree Simons Says, a Facebook group with more than 20,000 followers that teaches people how to speak the First Nations language  said he would welcome the addition of his native language to Google Translate as a tool for beginner or intermediate speakers.

"Once there's a common understanding of the language between a fluent speaker and someone that doesn't know the language at all, I think that's going to be the real benefit," said Bird, who is also the director of education for Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan.

Cree, part of the Algonquin language family, has nine dialects that are spoken in a vast geographic region that stretches from Labrador to Alberta and the Northwest Territories, according to figures from the territorial government.

Bird said although there are certain modern words that differ between the various Cree dialects, the heart of the language is the same across Canada.

Molly Morgan, a spokeswoman for Google, said that Cree is among the many Indigenous languages included in the company's Noto font project but added incorporating it into the Translate app is a more complicated process.

"We're gradually adding languages over time but our system needs lots of examples to learn from," said Morgan. "Unfortunately we dont have a timeline for that specific language. The process of adding a language to Translate takes a big concerted effort from contributors."

John, who emigrated from Bangalore, India, in 2007, said he hopes that his comic will help his fellow immigrants better understand First Nations people. He hopes that "Citizen Canada' will help them understand the difference between First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.

"I don't want people to think of Indigenous people as tragic or victims or any of that, I want them to think of them as superheroes," said John.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 21, 2021.
Laura Whitmore has revealed she has no plans to give up working when she becomes a mother.

The TV presenter, 35, is expecting a baby with husband Iain Stirling in the coming weeks and told how her mother Carmel having a child 'out of wedlock' in 1980s Ireland taught her 'there's nothing you can't do'.

Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: 'All my friends from school are doctors or teachers. The fact that I even thought it was possible to go off and work at MTV came from my mum because her attitude was: "If you want to, then why not?"

Career: Laura Whitmore has revealed she has no plans to give up working when she becomes a mother

'When people ask if I'm going to give up work this year because of the baby, I'm like, "Why? Mum did it in '80s Ireland!"'

Laura has documented some of her pregnancy on social media and previously said she is due in 'early 2021'.

The Irish beauty is hoping to be back at work this summer for the next series of Love Island which was pulled off air last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Laura insisted she has been told the show is coming back this year and is 'praying' the vaccine will have kicked in to allow the series to go ahead.

Mother-to-be: Laura is expecting a baby with husband Iain Stirling in the coming weeks and told how her mother Carmel having a child 'out of wedlock' in 1980s Ireland taught her 'there's nothing you can't do'

The former MTV host replaced Caroline Flack as host of the dating show after she stepped down while facing charges for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton.

Caroline tragically took her own life in February of last year, with Laura saying she 'always admired how strong' her friend was.

She said: 'When I was asked to do Love Island, my only concern was whether I could cope with the scrutiny that comes with it. She was so good at accepting that. And so that scared me, because I realised that it did affect her.'

Laura added that lockdown has treated her well and has allowed her to spend more time with husband Iain, who would normally be travelling back and forth to stand-up gigs.

She said: The fact that I even thought it was possible to go off and work at MTV came from my mum because her attitude was: "If you want to, then why not?" (pictured with her mother in 2013)

Asked if she would like to work with Iain again in the future, Laura insisted they barely saw each other on Love Island as Iain worked from 1pm to 9pm while she would deliver the voting results around 1am.

The star admitted the couple would be cautious about working together properly in the future as it would be 'a lot' to handle.

It was revealed in November that Laura and Iain had secretly married in Dublin and they announced they were expecting a baby the following month.

Taking to Instagram to celebrate the start of 2021, Laura finally confirmed the nuptials and said they 'loved having it to ourselves' - while sharing a beautiful snap from the couple's big day.

Tragedy: Former Love Island host Caroline Flack tragically took her own life in February of last year, with Laura saying she 'always admired how strong' her friend was

Sharing some details about their wedding, Laura penned: 'Entering 2021 like... A year ago Iain asked me to marry him and we had the most magical, perfect ceremony. We loved having it to ourselves.

'We had been planning the perfect celebration and I will forever be so thankful thats what we got. We have never spoken publicly about our engagement or wedding.

'Back at the time we never felt the need to say anything as its all such a personal experience. We also were too busy enjoying it!

'Weve never shared this picture before now but a lot of people have contacted us and congratulated us the last month with good intentions so heres to good news!

Laura finished up her post by wishing her fans a happy New Year and 'sending love to you and yours'.
The dictionary defines resilience as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

That sounds pretty straightforward. But our friends at the Sierra Club employ the term to describe actions that would lessen the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

The first such reference came from that cold snap in Texas that caused all those power outages. It affected all sources of electrical generation, but the head of the Texas chapter of the Sierra Club was quoted as saying he wants to phase out conventional power sources so the state can be more resilient in a future crisis.

The dictionary disagrees. The way to become more resilient is to have more options, not fewer.

The same goes for sand. The more sand a beach has, the more resilient that beach is.

The cold spell in Texas is dominating the news, but there has been a weather pattern at the Jersey Shore that has created a problem with resiliency. A recent spate of noreasters has stripped sand from the beaches in nine locations.

Shore mayors are calling for the Army Corps of Engineers to pump more sand onto beaches that were replenished after Hurricane Sandy but eroded in a recent spate of ocean storms.

The Sierra Club opposes any more sand replenishment, again on the grounds of resilience.

In order to protect our coast and homes from storms and sea level rise, New Jersey needs to implement a holistic approach, the club said in a September press release opposing a replenishment project in Monmouth County. Unfortunately, the DEP has been dragging its feet on any action when it comes to resiliency and dealing with sea level rise and climate impacts.

Toms River Mayor Mo Hill disagrees. He told me the beaches need more sand in the Ortley Beach section of town, a perennial trouble spot.

I dont agree with the Sierra Club that we should just back off and let nature take its course, Hill told me. People have invested in that area and in reality its a cheap expenditure compared to the return.

And then theres the alternative, said township engineer Robert J. Chankalian.

What are you gonna do? asks Chankalian. Back off and let the entire barrier island go back to the bayside?

In the case of Ortley Beach its on the spot of the old Cranberry Inlet, which closed a couple of centuries ago but keeps wanting to come back. But as we saw in Sandy, any breaches on the oceanfront lead to catastrophic flooding inland. Thats why the Army Corps built an extensive dune network running from Point Pleasant Beach to Seaside Park.

The good news is the dunes did what theyre supposed to do, said Chankalian.

Even as they eroded a bit, the dunes protected the property behind them. Thats the point of having a dune system, said Stewart Farrell, who is a professor at the Coastal Research Center of Stockton State University.

When I asked him about the Sierra Clubs opposition to beach replenishment, he replied, I wont say its nonsense talk but it doesnt make a lot of sense. Not putting the sand there means that what happened in Sandy would happen again.

Then theres the contention from the Sierra Club that the state should buy up beachfront properties, which can cost as much as $5 million each.

What are you gonna use, Bitcoin? Farrell joked. (Acquiring beachront property is a great idea, but just one oceanfront lot, the one occupied by the Surf Club before it was destroyed in Sandy, could cost the township upwards of $8 million.)

But the most nonsensical attack on the sand replenishment, he said, is the argument that sand will just be washed out into sea, as the press release states,

It doesnt go out to sea. It goes north and south, he said.

In the case of Bay Head, most of the sand migrated south to the Mantoloking beaches, he said.

Anyone who visits the ocean, which I do almost daily, can easily observe that the sand movement is seasonal. A lot of that sand will drift back by summer. Beachgoers will barely notice theres been a problem. Farrell had a colorful way of explaining that movement.

If I painted the Bay Head sand green, wed have green sand in Mantoloking, he said.

And when it comes to resilience, he said, the lesson of the recent storms is We had zero damage. That was resilience.

It certainly looks that way to me, and I saw up close what happens when the beaches dont have sufficient sand.

When I walked down the beach the morning after Hurricane Sandy, I soon came across a new inlet that the storm had formed when the ocean broke through in Mantoloking.

Hundreds of houses were gone, many without a trace.

Maybe in the high Sierras they call that resilience.

But here in Jersey well stick with the dictionary definition.

ALSO - HOUSTON, YOU HAVE A PROBLEM:

In this article about the roots of the power shortage we come across one very obvious problem:

Cyrus Reed is the interim director of the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter, and he sits on ERCOTs reliability operations subcommittee.

ERCOT is the Electric Reliability Committee of Texas. The way to achieve reliability - or resiliency if you prefer - is to have as many sources of power as possible. But the Sierra Club is committed to eliminating the most reliable forms of energy transmission, fossil fuels and nuclear power.

Its a good thing they didnt get their way in Texas. According to the federal Energy Information Administration, renewables make up just 21 percent of the states electrical generation. But they were responsible for about 38% of the outages.

Meanwhile the Biden administration had to resort to sending Texas generators powered by oil.

Now imagine the entire state had to rely on renewables. There would be a crisis every time the wind died down at night. Germany announced a desire to get off nuclear and fossil fuels, but resorted to burning lots of coal in a recent cold snap.

That should tell you whats really going on here with the radical environmentalists. They claim they want to use renewables to meet consumer demand. But they oppose the construction of infrastructure needed to get that electricity to consumers.

Heres an excellent piece by Alex Berezow that exposes the enviros fake concern for the consumer.

Its headlined Environmentalists Want Renewable Energy, But Not Power Lines.
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The U.S. nears 500,000 virus deaths

More Americans have died of Covid-19 than on the battlefields of World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War combined. No other country has counted so many deaths in the pandemic.

As of this writing, the U.S. toll stood at 498,033, about a fifth of the known global toll  roughly one year since the countrys first confirmed Covid-19 death. The coronavirus has reached every corner of the U.S., devastating dense cities and rural counties alike, and has killed about one in 670 people in the country. Virus variants are an increasing threat and grief is widespread.

When I go inside, its a surreal moment and theres always this hope, said Ignacio Silverio, who lost his sister, a restaurant owner, to Covid. You know, maybe its all a dream and she would greet me and we would sit down together and drink coffee.

The harrowing milestone nevertheless comes at a hopeful moment. New virus cases are down sharply, deaths are slowing, and vaccinations are picking up after a week in which much of the country was staggered by winter storms. President Biden said the U.S. could near normalcy by years end, though Dr. Anthony Fauci, the countrys top epidemiologist, said that mask-wearing might be necessary into 2022.
Los Angeles: A settlement agreement has been reached in a lawsuit that alleged James Franco intimidated students at an acting and film school he founded into gratuitous and exploitative sexual situations.

A status report jointly filed by the two sides in Los Angeles Superior Court said a settlement had been reached in the class-action suit brought by former students at the now-defunct school, Studio 4, though elements of the lawsuit may live on. The document was filed on February 11, but the settlement has not previously been reported.

James Franco has reached a settlement deal over a lawsuit that alleged the Hollywood star intimidated students at an acting and film school he founded into exploitative sexual situations. Credit:AP

Actresses and ex-students Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal, who first filed the lawsuit in 2019, have agreed to drop their individual claims under the agreement, according to the court filing. Their lawsuit said Franco pushed his students into performing in increasingly explicit sex scenes on camera in an orgy type setting that went far beyond those acceptable on Hollywood film sets.

It alleged that Franco sought to create a pipeline of young women who were subjected to his personal and professional sexual exploitation in the name of education, and that students were led to believe roles in Francos films would be available to those who went along.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP)  Chris Duarte and LJ Figueroa scored 15 points apiece and Oregon beat Utah 67-64 on Saturday night for the Ducks' fifth straight win.

Eugene Omoruyi added 13 points for Oregon (14-4, 9-3 Pac-12) before fouling out with 3:29 to play.

Duarte, who had 11 points in the second half, and Figueroa hit 3-pointers 21 seconds apart to give the Ducks a 64-61 lead with 1:55 to play. Alfonso Plummer answered with a 3-pointer before Duarte made 1 of 2 free throws to give Oregon the lead for good with 1:20 remaining. Utah went 0 for 2 from the field with two turnovers from there, and Duarte made two free throws with three seconds left to cap the scoring.

Plummer hit four 3s and finished with 17 points, and Timmy Allen scored 15 for Utah (9-10, 6-9). Branden Carlson and Pelle Larsson added 13 points apiece. Carlson had nine rebounds, and Larsson had seven boards and five assists.

Neither team led by more than five points, and there were nine ties and 19 lead changes.

Oregon, which made just four of its first 14 second-half shots and went without a field goal for more than three minutes midway through the period, made 8 of 15  including four 3-pointers  to close it out.

___

For more AP college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Algerian authorities freed an imprisoned journalist and more than 30 other pro-democracy activists Friday, in a conciliatory gesture ahead of the second anniversary of their Hirak protest movement.

Chanting Free and Democratic Algeria, dozens of people gathered at the prison where journalist and activist Khaled Drareni had been held in Kolea, west of the capital Algiers. Standing behind a police cordon, they cheered his release.

Im brought to tears, Khaled has just been freed! said Mahrez Rabia, a friend and radio journalist.

Drareni was imprisoned for inciting an unarmed gathering and endangering national unity, charges linked to his coverage of the protest movement. His arrest drew criticism outside Algeria as a threat to press freedom.

Drareni founded the Casbah Tribune news site and worked for French TV channel TV5 Monde, among others, as well as for the international media watchdog Reporters Without Borders.

The Hirak movement helped push out Algerias long-serving former president in 2019 and inspire new efforts to fight corruption. But protesters demand deeper change to Algerias secretive power structure, and new demonstrations were expected Monday to mark two years since the birth of their movement.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced this week he was pardoning 33 prisoners, reshuffling the government and dissolving parliament to hold early elections, partly in response to protesters demands.

The justice minister said on Ennahar television that Drareni was released as part of an outreach by the president on the anniversary. The Justice Ministry said the activists were all being pardoned for their activities on networks or public gatherings.

Tebboune said that up to 56 or 57 activists would be released overall.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Yellowstone star Kevin Costner isnt a cowboy in real life, but he does play one on TV. For three seasons, the Oscar winner has portrayed John Dutton on the Paramount Network series.

Hes the sixth-generation patriarch of the Dutton family and they own a large ranch that borders Yellowstone National Park.

But is this high-rated drama and popular character inspired by reality? And, if John Dutton is inspired by a real person, would he have a higher net worth than Costner?

Yellowstone star Kevin Costner (John Dutton) | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Of course, the Yellowstone ranch isnt real

As fans know, Yellowstone follows the Dutton family, a ranching dynasty in Montana who have lived on their property for generations. Their valuable land is touted as the largest ranch in America, which makes it an extremely valuable piece of property.

Located in Big Sky country, the Dutton ranch shares a boundary with a local Native American tribe. Theres also another border with Yellowstone National Park. Its the perfect place for everything from casinos to condos, and everyone knows it.

John and his kids Kayce (Luke Grimes) and Beth (Kelly Reilly) are committed to keeping the land in their family despite the best efforts of their enemies. Even Johns son Jamie (Wes Bentley) has plans for the land. But, as the states Attorney General, he wants it in the governments hands.

As Looper points out, though, all of this is far from reality. There is no sprawling Dutton Ranch near Yellowstone, and there is no John Dutton. But, creator Taylor Sheridan may have found some inspiration from real people and places.

The Dutton Family Ranch has a lot in common with the North Texas Waggoner Ranch

John Dutton may be fictional, but he does have a couple real-life counterparts. Montana ranch kingpin Bill Galt has been known to fly around in a helicopter so he can attend all of his important meetings with the rich and powerful. The Galt family owns the third-largest plot of land in Montana, approximately 248,023 acres in White Sulfur Springs.

Theres also Texas ranching legend W.T. Waggoner. He owned the 525,000-acre North Texas Waggoner Ranch, which is actually the largest ranch in the United States. It was most likely the inspiration for Yellowstones Dutton ranch. And, like John Dutton, W.T. Waggoner was successful for years when it came to keeping the land in his family.

RELATED: Yellowstone Season 4: Kevin Costner Hints John Dutton May Not Have Survived the Season 3 Finale After All

The Waggoner Ranch was first established in 1849, and it was under the control of W.T.s descendants up until 2015 when it went on the real estate market. According to Bustle, Los Angeles Rams and Denver Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke bought the Waggoner Ranch for approximately $725 million. Hes now the fifth-biggest real estate owner in the country.

As for the shooting location of the Dutton Ranch, that is actually the Chief Joseph Ranch. Its located in the Bitterroot Valley in the heart of Darby, Montana. Which is an eight-hour drive from the Montana-Wyoming border, where the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park end.

Kevin Costner has a massive net worth, but nothing compared to Yellowstones John Dutton

If purchasing the largest ranch in the United States requires nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars, then Kevin Costners got nothing on John Dutton. But, Costners net worth is still quite massive.

The 66-year-old has been in Hollywood for four decades, and hes got the paychecks to prove it. Costner earned millions starring in movies like Bull Durham, Dances with Wolves, Field of Dreams, The Bodyguard, JFK, and Man of Steel, just to name a few.

Celebrity Net Worth reports that Costner is worth $250 million as of 2021. According to Express, Costner is earning $500,000 per episode of Yellowstone. Which means that number will continue to rise quite rapidly.

Costner is currently shooting season 4 of Yellowstone, which is expected to premiere on the Paramount Movie Network this summer.
All Schuylkill County school districts would see an increase in funding for the 2021-22 school year under Gov. Tom Wolfs proposed changes in school funding.

Wolf wants to have all basic education funding run through the fair funding formula, with an additional $1.15 billion investment from the state. If the General Assembly, with Republican majorities in both houses, approves the plan, it will fix one of the most unfair school funding systems in the country, Wolf, a Democrat, said.

Some Republican legislators have called Wolfs budget dead on arrival, as it relies on a 46% increase of the personal income tax from 3.07% to 4.49% for the top one-third of wage earners in the state.

The fair funding formula became law in 2016. Last year, 11% of state funding went through the formula. The remaining 89% was distributed based on 1992 student enrollment, which did not account for changes in student populations or actual expenses. Kendall Alexander, press secretary for the state Department of Education, said the purpose of the fair funding formula is to direct resources to school districts equitably, predictably and transparently across different demographics.

Factors that play into the formula include average daily membership, poverty (based on federal census data), charter school population, English learner population and high tax/low capacity. Districts with higher populations in these demographics will receive more funding when money is put through the formula, Alexander said.

Gregory Koons, Ed.D., executive director of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, said he is pleased to see a focus on education in the governors budget with the proposed change to the fair funding formula.

Specifically, I am hopeful that the formula creates more equitable funding amongst the Pennsylvania school districts, Koons said.

If the proposal passes, Schuylkill County districts will receive increases in funding ranging from 1.61% for Tri-Valley School District to 22.84% for Shenandoah Valley School District.

For Shenandoah Valley, the districts funding would increase by $1,853,772 for basic education. Superintendent Brian Waite said the district could use the funding in a variety of ways to better ready our students for college and/or their career paths.

Among the districts needs are providing technology for students and staff; supporting English language acquisition; supporting students emotional and social needs; offering courses that would meet college entry standards, such as AP and STEM courses; offering opportunities to expose students to career paths; providing students with special needs with skills to prepare them for college and/or the workforce.

As an underfunded district, it is important to provide our students access to similar basic educational opportunities as their peers across the state and country, Waite said. This proposal is a step in the right direction.

Shenandoah Valley is one of six school districts in the state that filed a lawsuit in 2014 with the Public Interest Law Center, the Education Law Center and law firm OMelveny & Myers asking for a court order to force the Legislature to comply with the state constitution and ensure all students receive access to a high-quality public education.

As stated in the Pennsylvania Constitution, The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth.

The case, which was remanded to Commonwealth Court by the state Supreme Court in 2017, could go to trial this year. Regardless of how the governors proposal fares, the case will continue so the plaintiffs can ensure funding is equitable and adequate, according to Maura McInerney, legal director for the Education Law Center.

For North Schuylkill School District, Business Manager Robert Amos said the increase in funding would be appreciated, but it would not be enough to cover the districts expenses.

North Schuylkill would receive an increase of 2.37%, or $217,488. Amos said this increase is the equivalent of the normal funding increase for two years, since funding was not increased for the current school year.

While the increase in funding is appreciated, it is still not enough to pay the increase in state mandated expenses, Amos said. I believe the formula needs to provide a larger weight for the ability to generate local revenue.

Amos said those expenses include a projected $32,000 for retirement and $400,000 for charter school costs.

If these increases remain the same for next year that would be an increase of over $860,000 in two years, while receiving an increase of basic education funding of only $217,488, Amos said.

Amos said he thinks the funding formula needs to put a larger weight on a districts ability to generate local revenue in order to provide more equitable funding compared to other parts of the state.

Many schools in Schuylkill County are spending between $9,000-$11,000 per student for education, while other areas of the state that have growing industry and commercial spaces are able to spend up to $22,000 per student due to their ability to generate more local revenue, Amos said.

(Staff Writers Sarah Hofius Hall and Kent Jackson contributed to this report)
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Northeast Ohio militia members publicly say they oppose the actions of Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol. They believe that rioters should be punished and worry that their actions will hurt their own organizations.

Theres no way to match the statements with any sentiments spewed on dark parts of the Internet. But heres what members of several Ohio militias said on the record.

Irregulars

Col. Anthony Gaugler, commander of the Irregulars of Ohio Reserve Militia, calls Capitol attackers terrorists: Theyre not patriots. Patriots understand that you cannot break the law, you uphold the law. There was so much wrong with that whole scenario, it aint even funny.

Gaugler said the groups mission of community protection in the event of disaster, and related training, hasnt changed since the Capitol attack.

He isnt concerned about heightened government scrutiny, as it applies to his own militia, but does worry about the negative image of militias resulting from extremists. Dont lump the rest of us in there just because you think you understand the stereotype, he said.

The Irregulars chaplain, 1st Lt. John Campbell, a Desert Storm Army vet, said no one in the group went to Washington for the Jan. 6 rally or the attack. We have jobs, we have families, and we stayed home. We live under the rule of law, we obey the law and thats how it works. Thats what we are, he said.

Irregulars Cmd. Sgt. Maj. William Horn, an Army veteran, said his group is a constitutional militia with rules, bylaws and common sense. We are not going to sit around and make plans to kidnap people and hold them hostage, he said. There are always going to be bad militias because theres no regulatory anything. We both know there are extreme groups out there. If the government oversteps its bounds, well deal with it. If civilians overstep their bounds and the government cant handle them, I will. Thats my responsibility as a militia member.

Horn said he has shared the FBIs most-wanted list of Capitol assault suspects with others. I have no problem turning these people in. You have violated my Capitol. You did nothing legitimate, he said.

He further suggested that Ohio militias could join forces with state-sanctioned forces like the National Guard to weed out these extremists. If you start getting extreme, were going to get rid of you.

Reapers Constitutional Militia

Lt. Col. Joshua Braff, commander of the Reapers Constitutional Militia, is worried about his group being misunderstood. After the Capitol attack, the group suspended its program of making trips to the U.S./Mexico border to unofficially assist in border patrol and drug interdiction efforts.

Braff described the Capitol attackers as domestic terrorists, no better than the Taliban or any hate group around the world. You violated something. Its like you raped the United States.

Braff said the group lost members since the Capitol attack who feared retaliation from the extreme left. One member lost his job because of a Reapers decal on his vehicle.

Another Reapers member, fearing reprisal, would comment only anonymously.

In describing his reaction to the Capitol attack, he said, I was disgusted. Literally in tears. 100 percent appalled. It was a complete disgrace. A militia should never act like that in any way, shape or form.

As a result, hes concerned. I am very much worried about being discriminated against because Im in a militia. Im a Constitutional person. I uphold the law and try to do my part to make Ohio and America great.

As far as our militia goes, we do everything to a T. If a member tries to do otherwise, there are repercussions. We cant, we wont, have a radical in our group.

Heartland Defenders

The Heartland Defenders, a militia group that says it concentrates on disaster preparedness and supporting the Constitution, has not changed its philosophy or activities since the Capitol attack, said Mike Cosper, council president.

Our message doesnt change because the president changes, he said. Were probably a bit more alert, but its not like were hunkering down in a bunker and loading guns.

He shares the opinion of other area militias regarding the Capitol attack, saying, The minute you go to violence and property damage, your message is lost.

Cosper believes groups should involve themselves more in the political system, to support a candidate or find one to run.

My mantra is stop waiting for the voice. Be the voice, he added. Its easy to buy magazines and guns and sit at home and prepare for the worst. But what have you done to fix the problem?

See more on Ohio militias.
Pfizer on Friday announced that its COVID-19 vaccine can be stored at regular temperatures in normal freezers. In new research, the pharmaceutical firm found that the vaccines were stable even when it was maintained at standard freezer temperatures - between -25 degrees and -15 degrees celsius, for approximately 2 weeks. As of now, the Pfizer vial can be kept at normal refrigeration temperatures for up to 5 days. When stored in the ultra-cold freezer, the vaccines can last up to six months, according to the firms release. Furthermore, it was found that Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine may be more effective after just one shot than it was previously anticipated. Its first-dose efficacy report was published in the Lancet, and it was found that a delay in the second dose due to limited supplies might not impact the first dose shots protection from the coronavirus disease.

Today we shared new data with @US_FDA demonstrating the stability of our #COVID19 vaccine when stored at -25C to -15C (-13F to 5F), temperatures more commonly found in pharmaceutical freezers and refrigerators. https://t.co/IYwHmXrtHz  Pfizer Inc. (@pfizer) February 19, 2021

Pfizer can be transported at -25C to-15C (-13F to 5F), vaccines COVID-19 stability data submitted to the US FDA stated. The new research indicated that the vaccine can be stored at temperatures more commonly found in pharmaceutical freezers and refrigerators. Therefore, Pfizer can be kept in a normal pharmacy that can allow for vaccine vials to be stored at these temperatures for a total of two weeks as an alternative or complement to storage in an ultra-low temperature freezer. The analysis was made after a study of samples from the past nine months of COVID-19 vaccine from the batches that supplied the earliest clinical trials, through the commercial-scale batches currently in production.

Read: Zimbabwean VP Gets COVID-19 Vaccine

Read: US Military: Thousands Of Service Members Refusing COVID-19 Vaccine

We have been continuously performing stability studies to support the production of the vaccine at commercial scale, with the goal of making the vaccine as accessible as possible for healthcare providers and people across the U.S. and around the world, said Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer.

Expiration date could be extended

We appreciate our ongoing collaboration with the FDA and CDC as we work to ensure our vaccine can be shipped and stored under increasingly flexible conditions. If approved, this new storage option would offer pharmacies and vaccination centers greater flexibility in how they manage their vaccine supply," the Pfizer boss said. Currently, the labels for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, including the EUA label in the US states that the vaccine must be stored in an ultra-cold freezer. The vials have to be shipped in a thermal container that can be used as temporary storage for a total of up to 30 days. Storage has to be refilled with dry ice every five days. As the firm established the additional stability data, Pfizer and BioNTech now anticipate that its shelf life and the expiration date could be extended.

Read: UN Chief Guterres Welcomes India's Gift Of 200,000 COVID Vaccine Doses For Peacekeepers

Read: 'Quick Action Is Crucial': WHO To Send Over 11,000 Ebola Vaccine Doses To Guinea

(Image Credit: AP)
Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy's legal battle may not be heard in a High Court until 2022, it was claimed on Saturday.

According to reports from The Sun, the WAG, 34, and Jamie Vardy's wife, 39, may have to wait another year for their case to be heard because of backlogs amid the coronavirus crisis.

It was claimed that because of the delays Coleen and Rebekah can only expect to have their case brought to the High Court in the winter at the earliest.

Delays: Coleen Rooney (pictured in November 2020) and Rebekah Vardy's costly legal battle 'may not be heard in High Court until 2022 due to backlogs', it was reported on Saturday

A source speaking to the publication claimed: 'It's looking more likely this will end up in court. But their legal teams have been warned about the massive backlog.

'The earliest they might be able to get to court is the winter but there's a very good chance it could go into 2022.

'It's a nightmare because no one really wants this to drag on and it is already costing a small fortune in legal fees. Coleen, in particular, just wants to move on.'

MailOnline has contacted Coleen and Rebekah's representatives for comment.

A while to wait: It was claimed that Coleen and Rebekah (pictured in February 2020) can only expect to have their case brought to the High Court in the winter at the earliest

Concern: A source claimed, 'No one really wants this to drag on and it is already costing a small fortune in legal fees. Coleen (pictured in October 2020), in particular, just wants to move on'

The claims come after Coleen had a Zoom mediation have with Rebekah earlier this month, which saw herself and the Dancing On Ice star attempt to settle their dispute in a bid to avoid a High Court showdown.

However, they failed to come to a resolution after the Liverpudlian accused her former friend of leaking stories about her to the press.

Zoom proceedings began with both sides reading out a statement and then breaking off into separate virtual rooms as the mediator spoke to them and their legal representatives independently.

The former columnist reportedly tried to reach out to the brunette after another round of failed talks to avoid a costly legal battle.

Talks breaking down: Earlier this month Coleen and Rebekah (pictured) attempted to settle their dispute in a bid to avoid a High Court showdown, but failed to come to a resolution

However it's thought that she saw the mediation as a 'waste of time' as TV star Becky continues to demand she apologise for her fierce accusation.

Coleen's attempts for a peace deal with Rebekah are said to have been denied as the mother-of-five continues to demand she apologises for accusing her of leaking stories to the press.

A source told The Sun: 'Nothing's changed. There's been no progress, no chink of light at the end of the tunnel  and no prospect of avoiding court. As far as Coleen's concerned mediation was a waste of time.

'Coleen won't apologise. She's convinced she's right about Becky leaking stories to the press and thinks she's made a reasonable offer. She refuses to do another mediation meeting and is now preparing for court.'

Where it all began: Rebekah was accused by her former friend of leaking false stories about her personal life to the media in 2019, something she vehemently denies

It's thought that lawyers for both stars have reported to the court with an update on the mediation talks.

Coleen is reportedly being pressed by her inner circle to apologise and say she regrets accusing Rebekah of leaking stories about her to the press.

She has already offered a make or break offer to 'agree to disagree' over the pair's row.

A source told MailOnline: 'Rebekah is digging her heels in and wants Coleen to say sorry.

Drama: Passions remain high between the two Wags, with Rebekah adamant that Coleen should delete her accusatory post (pictured with husband Jamie in 2017)

'But Coleen has refused and she has been told by her best friends that if she does say sorry, it could lead to a resolution and bring the dispute to an end.

'A judge has to be told after the weekend whether the peace talks they had in mediation meetings has worked.

'If they haven't  and Coleen has been told she holds the key  then the two women's lawyers will have a case management conference on March 26 which will be a big step towards it all going to the High Court.'

Earlier this month, Rebekah and Coleen met in an intense face-to-face mediation on Zoom as they attempted to settle their high-profile dispute, but failed to come to a resolution.

Ongoing: Coleen (pictured with Wayne in 2016) said she discovered the alleged betrayal by carrying out a months-long 'sting operation'

Proceedings began with both sides reading out a statement and then breaking off into separate virtual rooms as the mediator spoke to them and their legal representatives independently.

However the meeting ended with both sides failing to come to a resolution.

If they remain in deadlock, then the matter will be settled at a full trial expected to take place later this year.

Rebekah launched a 1m High Court libel action after Coleen accused her in an October 2019 Instagram post of being the source of leaks to the media, something she vehemently denied.
I think of James Baldwins words: This is the crime of which I accuse my country and my countrymen, and for which neither I nor time nor history will ever forgive them, that they have destroyed and are destroying hundreds of thousands of lives and do not know it and do not want to know it.

When it comes to Asian-American grief, do Americans want to know?

These past few weeks, it seems as if Americans have opened to a kind of knowing. As I saw these recent incidents of anti-Asian violence unfold in the news, I felt a profound sense of grief. But I also experienced something akin to relief. Maybe, I thought, now people will start to respond to anti-Asian violence with the same urgency they apply to other kinds of racism.

But then I started to feel a familiar queasiness in the pit of my stomach. Is this indeed what it takes? A political imagination (or, really, lack thereof) that predicates recognition on the price of visible harm?

There is something wrong with the way Americans think about who deserves social justice  as though attention to nonwhite groups, their histories and conditions, is only as pressing as the injuries that they have suffered. Racial justice is often couched in arcane, moralistic terms rather than understood as an ethical given in democratic participation.

It seems crazily naive to suggest that we ought to learn, value and want to know about all of our countrymen out of respect rather than guilt. Yet while legitimizing racial and cultural differences exclusively in terms of injury may motivate reform in the short run, in the long term it feeds a politics of tribalism that erupts over and over again.

Two decades ago, I wrote in my book The Melancholy of Race that we are a nation at ease with grievance but not with grief. We still are. In the desire to move past racial troubles  in our eagerness to progress  we as a nation have been more focused on quantifying injury and shoring up identity categories than doing the harder work of confronting the enduring, ineffable, at times contradictory and messier wounds of American racism: how being hated and hating can look the same; how the lesson of powerlessness can teach justice or, perversely, the ugly pleasures of power; how the legacy of anger, shame and guilt is complex.

Unprocessed grief and unacknowledged racial dynamics continue to haunt our social relations. The discourse of racial identity has obscured the history of American racial entanglements. And why is entanglement important? Because the challenge of democracy is not about identifying with someone like yourself (thats easy to do) nor about giving up your self-interest (thats hard to ask). Its about learning to see your self-interest as profoundly and inevitably entwined with the interests of others.
In his first month in office, President Biden has positioned the federal government squarely at the front of the battle against Covid-19, tapping the military to staff mass-vaccination centers, joining with state and local officials to accelerate the pace of vaccinations, and requiring masks on buses, planes and federal property.

Were doing everything we can within the power of the presidency to make sure that people are taking the right public-health measures," said Natalie Quillian, the White Houses deputy coordinator of the Covid-19 response.

Mr. Biden has also called for Congress to pass a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, which would provide $130 billion of additional funding to schools, stimulus checks of $1,400 to most households and $50 billion to expand testing.

But Mr. Bidens efforts to use his bully pulpit to pressure states to take actions the federal government doesnt controlsuch as keeping mask mandates in placehave had mixed results, and many school districts across the country are still grappling with how and when to return to in-person instruction.

Governors and state public health officials said that under the Biden administration they have more regular communication with, and access to, senior officials in the White House than they did before. The Trump administration deferred many decisions on how to fight Covid-19 to states.

And in recent weeks, the pace of vaccinations has increased to an average of 1.6 million a day, above the roughly one million vaccines administered each day in the waning days of the Trump administration.

I applaud the Biden administration for having a regular line of communication with the governors," said Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican who attended a bipartisan meeting with Mr. Biden at the White House earlier in February. Theyve been very responsive to us and have listened to us. Every week, we get some good news about the increased supply and allocation to the states."

Some of Mr. Bidens progress has built on work by the previous White House and Operation Warp Speed, a public-private partnership to create and begin distributing vaccine doses. The Moderna Inc. vaccine was partly developed under that program. States are also getting more vaccine doses because of manufacturing contracts signed by the Trump administration.

Two former senior Trump officials said the current administration isnt giving its predecessors enough credit for efforts such as jump-starting the production of vaccines. They like to criticize our strategy, but boy are they embracing it," one of them said.

The White House has said Mr. Trumps vaccine distribution plan was more chaotic than they had expected, and Mr. Biden has said his team lost valuable time when the Trump administration refused to authorize the presidential transition for more than two weeks and initially left his aides in the dark.

My predecessor, to be very blunt about it, did not do his job to get ready for the massive challenge of vaccinating hundreds of millions of Americans," the president said.

Here is a look at the White Houses goals for its Covid-19 response and its progress on them.

Vaccines

Mr. Biden said during the presidential transition that his goal was to administer 100 million doses by the end of his first 100 days. After taking office, he said he hoped to reach a pace of 1.5 million vaccinations a day, a mark the U.S. has now passed.

The administration has helped increase the pace of vaccinations by working with state and local officials to set up mass-vaccination sites and provide vaccines to community health centers in minority and underserved communities. It has started deploying hundreds of active-duty troops to help accelerate vaccinations.

Still, in many states, people who meet requirements to receive the vaccine have struggled to get appointments in the midst of overwhelming demand and limited supply. And the storm that brought extreme weather in much of the U.S. has disrupted the delivery and rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations across the country.

This week the administration said it would increase weekly vaccine supply to states to 13.5 million doses, up more than 50% from 8.6 million weekly doses when Mr. Biden took office.

Officials said they are doubling the amount shipped to pharmacies to two million doses a week. That plan has raised some concern among Republican and Democratic governors, who said in a Feb. 15 letter that not involving them in federal vaccine distribution to pharmacies and community health centers could lead to redundancy and inefficiency. White House spokesman Kevin Munoz said the administration is discussing data and reporting with the governors.

Mr. Biden said earlier this month that the U.S. had struck deals with Pfizer Inc. and Moderna for an additional 200 million doses, which his administration said would provide enough total supply to inoculate most of the population by the end of the summer.

The fact that Biden has made it such a priority, like a war, will be seen as a positive by people," said Robert Blendon, a political analyst and health-policy scholar at Harvard University. He said it would be important politically whether peoples lives were getting back to normal before the 2022 elections.

Schools

Mr. Biden said he wanted most K-8 schools reopened at the end of his first 100 days in office. The White House has recently faced criticism for its interpretation of what it meant to return to school.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said this month that the target was to have in-person instruction at least one day a week in most schools by then, which Republicans and some parents said wasnt enough. Mr. Biden later said that he expects a significant percentage of K-8 schools to reopen five days a week within his first 100 days and that there had been a miscommunication.

Mr. Biden said he believed teachers should be moved up in the hierarchy" and vaccinated as quickly as possible to help pave the way for in-person instruction. But the White House has also agreed with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that vaccinating teachers wasnt a prerequisite to reopening schools. The CDC recommends that teachers be vaccinated in the same priority group as people age 75 and older, but in many states they are lower down the list.

Meanwhile, school districts across the country are enveloped in reopening battles, as many schools and teachers unions have said they lack adequate funding for Covid-19 testing or facilities upgrades required to make schools safe.

The White House has said Congress should pass its coronavirus relief package, which includes funding to help schools adopt mitigation measures that the CDC said are necessary for safe reopening.

Testing and PPE

During the campaign, Mr. Biden said he would expand testing and scale up the supply of personal protective equipment.

Actions so far have included a $231.8 million deal with Ellume USA LLC, a unit of an Australian company, to produce at-home, over-the-counter Covid-19 tests that had previously been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The company is expected to produce 19 million tests a month by the end of the year, 8.5 million of which will be guaranteed to the U.S. government, according to the Biden administration.

Mr. Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to further boost manufacturing of at-home tests and other personal protective equipment and supplies, such as masks and surgical gloves. Administration officials said more than 61 million such point-of-care tests would be available in the summer.

This week the administration also announced a $1.6 billion investment in testing and sequencing of the virus. The funding will go toward expanding testing opportunities for schools and settings such as homeless centers and increasing the making of testing supplies.

Communication with states

Mr. Biden promised shortly after taking office to boost transparency about the vaccine with state and local authorities. This is something weve heard over and over again from both Democrats and Republicans, state and local leadersthey didnt know what they had to plan on," he said.

The administration began early on giving states three weeks of advance notice to help them better predict the number of vaccine appointments they can schedule. And it launched a flurry of communications with state and local leaders, drugmakers and others involved in fighting the coronavirus.

The Biden administration has put White House Covid-19 coordinator Jeffrey Zients and Anthony Fauci, the governments top infectious-diseases expert, on weekly calls with governors. Officials also regularly brief the heads of public-health organizations, and the administration is releasing weekly reports on community spread and vaccination progress that werent previously made public.

Ive spoken to the president and the vice president more times in the short time that they have been in office, and prior to their being in office, than I had spoken to the prior administration in their entirety," Francis Suarez, the Republican mayor of Miami, said after a meeting between Mr. Biden and a bipartisan group of mayors and governors last week.

Some disagreements remain about the path forward. Gov. Hutchinson of Arkansas said he told Mr. Biden the administrations proposed $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief package was too large and needed to be more targeted. He also urged the president to secure bipartisan support for the plan, which appears increasingly likely to be passed by Democrats with little or no Republican support.

And some states are ignoring Mr. Bidens plea to maintain social-distancing rules and require masks until vaccinations are widespread. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, both Republicans, recently lifted statewide mask mandates. Some Democratic and Republican states have eased restrictions on restaurants and other businesses, despite the warnings of public-health experts about the newer and highly transmissible variants.

Mr. Biden has sought to temper expectations.

I believe we will be approaching normalcy by the end of the year," Mr. Biden said Friday. God willing, this Christmas will be different than the last. But I cant make that commitment to you."

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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The Cubs have designated outfielder Phillip Ervin for assignment. The move opens up a roster spot for Jake Marisnick, whose signing is now official.

This is the third DFA in less than six months for Ervin, who was first designated by the Reds at the end of August and then claimed by the Mariners. The Cubs then claimed Ervin off Seattles waiver wire in December. Since Ervin is out of minor league options, its possible he could be a frequent visitor to DFA limbo over the course of the 2021 season.

Selected 27th overall in the 2013 draft, Ervin didnt blossom into an everyday regular in Cincinnati but he did contribute a solid .262/.326/.438 slash line over 571 plate appearances from 2017-19. He badly struggled last season, however, hitting just .149/.292/.189 over 89 PA with the Reds and Mariners. This included a brutal coda to Ervins tenure in Cincinnati, as he collected only three hits in his last 42 PA in a Reds uniform.

Ervin has hit well against left-handed pitching in his career and he can play all three outfield positions, though the Cubs seem to have tabbed Marisnick (who signed a Major League contract) as their top choice for the fourth outfielder role. With Cameron Maybin also back on a minor league deal, Ervin looks like the odd man out of the right-handed hitting outfielder mix.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 22:08:46|Editor: huaxia

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DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Sunday urged the public to continue taking preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic as directed by health experts, including wearing face masks.

Speaking after he attended the Sunday church prayers in the capital Dodoma, Magufuli said the government has not prevented people from wearing masks as one of the preventive steps against the viral disease.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications at State House, said the president encouraged the use of locally made face masks.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, released a statement also urging people to continue taking precautions against the deadly disease.

The statement issued by the ministry's head of public relations unit, Gerard Chami, a few hours after President Magufuli urged people to wear face masks, said the ministry was continuing to monitor the situation.

The statement mentioned other preventive measures as as hand washing and use of sanitizers. Enditem
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In a message sent on February 20, on Roma Liberation Day, President Klaus Iohannis stressed the importance of eliminating prejudice and discrimination, noting that they are still "all too common" in the access of Roma communities to education.

The President reminds that the liberation of the Roma 165 years ago had a major role in changing the profile and values of the Romanian society of the mid-nineteenth century, preparing the country for the encounter with European modernity.

"This was one of those moments of a very special relevance for the Romanian society's course towards renewal and westernization in the middle of the 19th century. Like the Union of the Principalities, which happened shortly afterwards, or the reforms that followed, the liberation of the Roma had a major role in changing the profile and values of the society of that time, preparing our country for the encounter with European modernity," Iohannis wrote on the occasion of the Roma Liberation Day.

He added that the hundreds of years of deprivation of liberty have left "deep and difficult to heal scars" on the members of the Roma community.

"The law that set them free did not solve the enormous economic and social gap the Roma were victims of, and in the decades that followed, their existence was tragically marked by a host of expressions of discrimination, hatred and racism," the head of the state notes.

According to him, the liberation that took place in 1856 was a great challenge for the Romanian society as a whole.

"Overcoming the consequences of this past is a great challenge. In a social Europe, a resilient Romania must increasingly capitalize through strategies and projects on the identity, potential, capabilities and energy of its Roma citizens. It is extremely important that we eliminate prejudice and discrimination, which are still all too common in the access to education of Roma communities. Therefore, I want the 'Educated Romania' program to be the spearhead of our effort for equality, inclusion and tolerance," Klaus Iohannis wrote.

The President urged the deterrence and sanctioning of racist, anti-Semitic and xenophobic demonstrations, but also of hate speech.

"The last year, dominated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has shown how difficult it is for society to remain immune to hate speech, generalizations and mass blame in times of crisis. Entire communities, such as the Roma ones, become the targets of such attacks. These behaviors and attitudes are unacceptable in a democratic society! The prompt deterrence and speedy sanctioning of hate speech, racist, anti-Semitic and xenophobic demonstrations are in the power of all citizens, but fall in the special responsibility of those who, by the nature of their activity, give real content to the citizens' rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution," the head of the state remarked.
At least 58 people died in storm-affected areas stretching to Ohio, victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, car crashes, drownings, house fires and hypothermia, New York Times reports.

In Galveston County, along the Texas Gulf Coast, the authorities said two residents had died from exposure to the cold and one person from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Four other deaths remained under investigation and were possibly linked to the frigid weather.

Judge Mark Henry, the countys top elected official, said he would have evacuated some of his most vulnerable residents in advance of the winter storm had he known that power outages would plunge the county into darkness for a few days. He said the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the states power grid, had warned only of rolling blackouts. Instead, most residents were without power for at least 48 hours.

We would have been happy to order an evacuation if wed been told Sunday the power was going to go out and stay out for four days, he said, noting the county is more accustomed to ordering evacuations in advance of hurricanes.
Bidens National Security Adviser: China Hasnt Made Sufficient Original Data Available on CCP Virus Spread

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has not provided the United States with enough data on the spread of the CCP virus inside China in 2019 and 2020.

We do not believe China has made available sufficient original data into how this pandemic began to spread both in China and then eventually around the world, Sullivan said on CBS News Face the Nation on Feb. 21.

The CCP has been criticized for its unwillingness to provide information about the origins of the virus and its moves to silence whistleblowers, doctors, and others when the virus spread through Wuhan last year.

We believe both the WHO and China should step up on this matter, Sullivan said, referring to the World Health Organization, while adding that a scientifically based investigation is required in order to have access to all of the data and to not merely know what happened in this pandemic but to be able to prevent future pandemics as well.

It came as WHO adviser Jamie Metzl stated that the WHOs investigation into the origins of the virus was in fact conducted by Chinese authorities.

The investigation itself was very short, he said in an interview with Fox News. It was two weeks of quarantine and two weeks of meetings, but the actual investigation was done by Chinese authorities. And so, the WHO investigators were basically receiving reports from the Chinese officials.

Members of the World Health Organization team depart from the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital after a field visit in Wuhan, China, on Jan. 30, 2021. (Ng Han Guan/AP)

As I see it, the big failure is that they outlined four possible ways that COVID could have begun.

One was direct bat to human. Second, bat through an animal, intermediate host. Third, through shipping or some kind of frozen food from somewhere else. And four, the accidental lab leak.

In his remarks, he said that the fourth option, or the lab leak theory, should be investigated by the WHO.

Another investigator with the WHO, Peter Ben Embarek, suggested that the virus was circulating widely in Wuhan in December 2019, which suggests that the CCP engaged in a coverup, as the regime didnt report the COVID-19 outbreak to Chinas WHO office until Dec. 31, 2019.

And on Jan. 14, 2020, the WHO passed on a CCP-backed declaration that there was no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus, triggering criticism against the United Nations-backed health organization.

Separately, a report from The Associated Press noted that Embarek and other WHO officials were tightly controlled by the CCP when they visited Wuhan for their investigation.
Victoria has recorded no new local Covid-19 cases for the third consecutive day.

No new cases were reported in the community or in hotel quarantine from 8,277 tests conducted in the past 24 hours, the state's Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday morning.

There are still 25 active cases across the state.

Victoria's last positive cases were confirmed on Thursday after three people in the same family contracted the deadly respiratory illness.

Fans pictured returning to the Australian Open last week after the end of Victoria's snap five-day lockdown. Victoria recorded no new local cases of Covid-19 overnight

The state emerged from a five-day snap lockdown that ended on Wednesday after an outbreak of cases linked to the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel at Melbourne Airport.

Twenty-two cases have been traced back to a family-of-three staying on the third floor of the Holiday Inn who caught the UK strain of the virus.

Authorities believe the outbreak began when one of the family members used a nebuliser medical device that caused the virus to spread through the air.

Health Minister Martin Foley told reporters on Saturday the crisis is 'far from being over' but low figures indicate the situation is under control.

He said low case numbers give authorities 'increasing confidence' remaining restrictions could be eased next Friday.

Some rules, including mask-wearing inside and limits of five people per household, would remain.

Masked pedestrians in Melbourne on February 18. Victoria has now gone three days without any local cases of Covid-19

Pictured: People crossing the lights on Lonsdale Street in Melbourne CBD on February 18

But residents across Carrum Downs, Langwarrin and Skye in Melbourne are on high alert after fragments of the virus were found in sewage.

Health bosses said the traces could be a result of person with Covid in the infectious phase of the illness, or as they continue to shed the virus after the infectious period.

'When we get detection in sewage it might mean that it is a recovered case but it can also mean that we missed someone because they are positive because they haven't been tested yet,' Mr Sutton said on Saturday.

Anyone with symptoms is urged to get tested.

Ahead of Monday's vaccination rollout in Victoria and across Australia, 20 protesters were arrested in Melbourne on Saturday after rallying in opposition to mandatory inoculation.

Pictured: Police attempt to put a mask on an arrested protester during an anti-vaccination rally in Melbourne on Saturday, February 20

Pictured: Pete Evans addresses fellow protestors on February 20 in Sydney in a rally against the Covid vaccine

Fifteen of the people arrested were fined and five others were charged with offences including resisting arrest.

Protests were also held in Sydney, Cairns, Coffs Harbour and Albany.

Before protesters undertook rallies, Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley told reporters that while a Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport cluster was 'far from being over,' the numbers indicated it was 'increasingly under control'.

Austin Health, Monash Health and Western Health hospitals will distribute Victoria's first doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Mr Foley said workers who are most likely to come into direct contact with Covid-positive people will be first in line for the jab from Monday.

Pictured: Protesters rally against 'mandatory' Covid-19 vaccinations on February 20

This includes hotel quarantine workers, airport and port workers, high-risk frontline health staff and aged care staff and residents.

The federal government has allocated 12,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to Victoria in the first week of the vaccination program.

'People will over time see that the vaccine is working, that it's protecting individuals, that we're not seeing issues of quality or safety and there will be increasing confidence,' Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told reporters.

Six other hospitals will also become vaccination hubs as more jabs become available. They are Albury-Wodonga Health, Ballarat Health, Barwon Health, Bendigo Health, Goulburn Valley Health and Latrobe Health.

The San Antonio Water System has restored service to 98 percent of its customers, according to a statement Sunday morning. Still, many areas continue to be under the boil-water notice.

SAWS lifted the voluntary boil-water notice for half of its customers Saturday evening.

Most of the safe areas are on the West and North Sides of San Antonio. Residents can type in their addresses at https://WaterStatus.SAWS.org/Map to see whether the notice has been lifted for their area.

And a section of the Southeast Side should be able to obtain tap water safely without boiling by tomorrow, according to SAWS President and CEO Robert Puente.

On ExpressNews.com: Left in the dark: The polar vortex was expected, but the calamity wasnt

The entire city will have the boil water notice lifted likely by Tuesday, he said at Saturdays city-county briefing.

Residents whose boil-water notice was lifted need to flush out the pipes before consuming tap water again. Run faucets for at least a minute before using to get out any leftover, stagnant water, officials said.

The notice was issued Wednesday in an abundance of caution. Since then, the water authority has administered hundreds of tests on its water and found on contamination.

No shortcuts are ever taken when we talk about testing because were dealing with public safety, Puente said at the briefing.

Less than 10 percent of SAWS customers are still without water, most which are outside of Loop 1604 on the Northwest Side.

On ExpressNews.com: Live Updates  Bottled water distribution, all roads now open and more

SAWS closed two of its bulk water distribution centers Saturday, one at 254 Seale Road, and the other at Sea World, or 10349 W. Military Dr.

The remaining five water distribution sites are:

NACO (Drive-Thru)  13655 OConnor Road

Mission  615 Theo Parkway

Maltsberger (Drive-Thru)  8910 Jones Maltsberger Road

University (Drive-Thru)  7172 W. Hausman Road

S.E. Booster (Drive-Thru)  1208 S. Loop 1604 W.

liz.hardaway@hearst.com | Twitter: @liz_hardaway
The Good Doctor Season 4, Episode 10 is sure to have you on the edge of your seat. This week, Lea is put in a tough position when she must help the hospital figure out how to stop a cyber attack. Here are the details of what happens this week on The Good Doctor.

Lea is front and center on this weeks The Good Doctor

Paige Spara and Freddie Highmore on The Good Doctor | Jeff Weddell via Getty Images



After hackers get into the hospitals network, its up to Lea to find a quick solution. And by quick, we mean 24 hours. Early in The Good Doctor Season 4, Episode 10 (titled Decrypt), we hear Claire ask, Whats going on?

Much to Claires dismay, she learns from one of the nurses that the computers are down. Making matters worse, the hackers are demanding $2 million from the hospital in exchange for reversing the hack.

Lea, head of the hospitals IT department, lays out how dire the situation is. She tells Glassman that if the hospital doesnt pay up, the hackers will delete their data. He looks worried, and rightly so.

Lea must act fast because patients lives are hanging in the balance. If Im wrong, these attacks could kill someone, she tells Shaun. Lea is in a unique situation in that instead of the doctors saving lives, shes the one in a position to save lives by resolving the hacking issue.

Shaun provides Lea with moral support

During one scene, Shaun sits with Lea and tries to show support. She tells him about her worries and he responds by saying, Something could go wrong, but you always know how to fix things. This might be the confidence booster Lea needs to power through and quickly figure out what the problem is.

Its interesting how Lea is the problem solver in this episode. Shaun is usually the one with all the answers, but this time Lea is the person everyone is looking to for help. Were confident Lea will rise to the occasion.

What happened the week before on The Good Doctor

In The Good Doctor Season 4, Episode 9 (titled Irresponsible Salad Practices), Shaun develops a crush on a colleague. He feels guilty about his crush and worries that it means he doesnt want to be with Lea anymore.

Shaun decides to talk to Park and Allen about his dilemma. When he tells them he wants to let Lea know about his feelings for someone else, they advise him against it.

Shaun goes against their advice and proceeds to tell Lea about the feelings he has been having. She lets him know its OK and confesses she has a crush on a colleague, too. Lea reveals she has been crushing on a guy who works in physical therapy.

Lea figures out a way to help Shaun get over his crush. She follows the woman around the salad bar to see what she eats and how she behaves. She gives Shaun a list of some things she does that might be off-putting to him. However, it doesnt seem to work. Lea and Shaun later discover his crush likes to eat pickles, a food Shaun hates. This is enough to change his mind and help him focus on Lea.

The Good Doctor airs Mondays on ABC at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

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Centre writes to states reporting spike in daily COVID-19 cases

India

pti-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 21: Amid a spike in daily new cases of COVID-19 in some states including Maharashtra and Kerala, the Centre has advised them to increase the proportion of RT-PCR tests and regularly monitor mutant strains besides refocusing on strict surveillance and stringent containment in selected districts.

In a letter to the states, the government has also stressed that all negative rapid antigen test results should be mandatorily followed by RT-PCR test.

India has been witnessing a rise in the COVID-19 active caseload over the past few days which is pegged at 1,45,634 as on date and now consists of 1.32 per cent of India's total infections.

"More than 74 per cent of the active cases of the country are in Kerala and Maharashtra. Of late it is seen that there has been a spike in the daily cases in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh also. Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir too are witnessing a surge in daily new cases," the ministry said.

In the last four weeks in Kerala, the average weekly cases have fluctuated between a high of 42,000 and a low of 34,800. Similarly, in the last four weeks, the weekly positivity in Kerala has ranged from 13.9 per cent to 8.9 per cent.

Daily Covid-19 cases up for 4th consecutive day as India records 14,264 new infections

In Kerala, the district of Alappuzha is a cause of special concern where the weekly positivity rate has increased to 10.7 per cent and weekly cases have increased to 2,833, the ministry underlined. In Maharashtra, in the last four weeks, the weekly cases have shown a rising trend and have increased from 18,200 to 21,300; while the weekly positivity has also increased from 4.7 per cent to 8 per cent. The areas of concern are the Mumbai suburban areas where the weekly cases have risen by 19 per cent.

In Nagpur, Amravati, Nashik, Akola and Yavatmal the weekly cases have increased by 33 per cent, 47 per cent, 23 per cent, 55 per cent and 48 per cent, respectively, the ministry underscored. Punjab is rapidly assuming critical dimension in respect of the spread of COVID-19 infection, the ministry highlighted adding in the last four weeks, the weekly positivity rate in the state has increased from 1.4 per cent to 1.6 per cent, while the weekly cases in the last four weeks have seen a rise from 1300 to 1682.

In one district of SBS Nagar alone, the weekly positivity rate has become 4.9 per cent from 3.5 per cent and the weekly cases have more than doubled from 165 to 364. Five states and UTs have weekly positivity rate more than the national average of 1.79 per cent.

Maharashtra has the highest weekly positivity rate with 8.10 per cent, the ministry said The Centre has advised all these states to work on five major areas. They have been advised to improve the overall testing numbers by focusing on increasing the proportion of RT-PCR tests. It has asked them to refocus on strict and comprehensive surveillance as well as stringent containment in selected districts and conduct regular monitoring of the mutant strains through testing followed by genome sequencing, as well as monitoring of the emerging cluster of cases, the ministry stated.

They have also been asked to focus on clinical management in districts reporting higher deaths.
Sex education should begin in kindergarten and focus on healthy relationships instead of solely on sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, according to a monumental new study from Montclair State University that reviewed three decades of sex ed data.

Weve never had research, ever, thats looked at the impact of sex education other than pregnancy reduction and STI reduction, Montclair State public health professor Eva Goldfarb told NJ Advance Media, referring to sexually transmitted infections.

Comprehensive sex ed, the focus of the study by Goldfarb and faculty colleague Lisa Lieberman, can prevent child sex abuse and partner violence, increase appreciation for sexual diversity, improve environments for LGBTQ+ students and help students form lifelong healthy relationships.

The researchers pored over 30 years of research on comprehensive sex ed  they started with 8,058 articles, then whittled the list down to 80, excluding those that just focused on pregnancy and disease. For that reason, sex ed experts are cheering on their work.

[The study] goes into the wider breadth of what does this mean for sexual abuse prevention, what does this mean for sexual orientation and gender identity, it gives us all of these pieces that have not been a part of or a focus of research around sex education, Dan Rice, Executive Director of Answer, a sex ed organization based at Rutgers University, told NJ Advance Media. So I think having the literature review to capture all of that really does make it a landmark piece.

Montclair State University Public Health Professors Lisa Lieberman (left) and Eva Goldfarb (right)Courtesy of Montclair State University

Most previous research has focused heavily on pregnancy and disease reduction as thats what federal funding has prioritized, even though the most important lessons revolve around healthy relationships, communication skills, consent, sexual diversity and other less taught topics, the researchers said.

And because unintended pregnancies and STIs are easier to quantify, almost all of the research stops there.

We tend to see sexuality in this country as problematic, and so were looking for ways to prevent those problems, Goldfarb said. We have never been particularly good at looking at sexuality in a more positive, more holistic way, and so its been narrowed down to behaviors.

Comprehensive sex ed aims to help students develop healthy skills and relationships, and a healthy sense of self beginning in kindergarten, according to Lieberman.

Though some may flinch at the thought of introducing kindergarteners to the birds and the bees, thats not at all what comprehensive sex ed entails. In fact, New Jersey required K-12 sex education back in 1981, the first state in the nation with such a sweeping mandate.

The intent of starting in kindergarten is to establish a basis and then scaffold the curriculum with content thats developmentally appropriate, the researchers said.

If someone had suggested to us: lets not introduce any math concepts at all  addition, subtraction  until 8th grade algebra and then start teaching everything, we would say thats ridiculous, and the same is true of sex education, Goldfarb said.

And just as algebra lessons wouldnt start in kindergarten, neither would talk of contraception or sex. Instead, a lesson plan would focus on ideas like how to treat friends or setting boundaries around personal space.

While conversations around sex ed tend to evoke images of protesting parents and controversy, sex ed being a contentious subject is largely a misconception, the researchers said.

Polls show sex ed programs are popular nationwide with dissenters representing a small but vocal community.

Were talking about the kinds of things everybody wants: Everybody wants their children to be able to build healthy relationships and end unhealthy ones, everybody wants their children to be safe from sexual abuse and sexual assault, everybody wants their children to be safe from homophobic bullying and to be able to explore and accept who they are, everybody wants their children to have healthy social-emotional skills, Lieberman, who is also the chair of Montclairs Department of Public Health, said.

New Jersey is already a national leader in sex ed, Rice said, and the states standards, which he helped to update in 2020, already closely mirror the National Sexuality Education Standards endorsed by the study.

However, Rice thinks the problems with New Jerseys sex ed lie at the local level, with subpar teacher training and no enforcement mechanism for the standards. Currently, all New Jersey students, including kindergarteners, must receive 150 minutes per week of health and physical education instruction, though beyond that the school-to-school specifics can range drastically.

The researchers hope their study will provide advocates and families the ammunition they need to make the case for comprehensive sex ed.

What our research is going to do is provide the evidence and support for those who want to do this, to be able to go to school districts, to go to school boards, and say, not only do we have these standards, but now look at this research that has the evidence that this works, said Goldfarb.

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Josh Axelrod may be reached at jaxelrod@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
Loading The Scot has a finely tuned political and business antenna following stints as editor of Rupert Murdochs The Sunday Times, chairman of The Spectator and in the presenters chair at the BBC. He also helped Murdoch launch Sky TV in Britain in 1989. He will chair the new channel but also host a primetime show which Frangopoulos hopes will usher in a new era of appointment viewing in British news. Unlike the BBC and Sky, GB News will not be a rolling service but news intertwined with opinion-led shows. People have found other ways to get their breaking news  that changed many, many years ago, Frangopoulos says. The old news on the hour every hour format has been totally disrupted by digital media. In a twist, Frangopoulos and Neil are in a race to launch before Murdoch  their former boss  beats them to it. The moguls own channel, News UK TV, will also go live this year, although its initial offering will be more limited.

Loading The new entrants and their potential to disrupt the established media landscape have the industry on high alert. Talent is being poached and audiences are up for grabs. We are a speedboat in an ocean of supertankers and quite frankly that is a terrific, empowering position to be in, Frangopoulos says. Neil has likened GB News to a David among Goliaths, the underdog in a crowded market. Critics of GB News and its News Corp rival claim the new players will end Britains reputation for impartial broadcasting. While the countrys newspapers are shouty and tribal, TV news has largely shunned opinion-based programming because of impartiality rules set and policed by the regulator Ofcom. Frangopoulos says GB News will easily adhere to the rules: The impartiality rules here in the UK are a lot more overt and a lot more watched than what they are in Australia. The regulations are very strict and that is something we will embrace at GB News. But we are really confident that the impartiality rules actually are there to encourage debate and discussion.

Those reassurances are not enough for Stop Funding Hate, an activist group which applies public pressure to advertisers and is opposed to GB News. Richard Wilson, a director of the group, says its supporters have studied the content aired by Sky News Australia and do not want the model exported to Britain. Its examples like Sky News Australia that make people very, very worried, he says. Our whole approach is to challenge the business model. The thing we are most concerned about is that this toxic business model which has been implemented in Australia and the US would come here. And I think its probably the case that a lot of brands are asking themselves big questions about whether they want to be defined as anti-woke brands. Frangopoulos isnt fazed by the campaign and could be forgiven for wondering it might actually be good for publicity.

Sky News Australia is an incredibly successful media business and under [Frangopoulos successor and former editor of The Australian] Paul Whittaker has grown even more, he says. But GB News will not be a Sky News Australia and it will not be a Fox News. It will be GB News, because the UK is a different market and we have a very different dynamic here. And the more noise there is, the more it justifies the fact there is actually a case for that debate and conversation to be had. And we will be inviting these voices onto GB News to have these debates with us. Frangopoulos and his executives have been culling 2000 applications for 140 new positions as executive producers, producers and journalists and have ruffled feathers by poaching some big names. Dan Wootton, a New Zealand-born executive editor at The Sun who broke the news that Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, would split from the royal family, has jumped ship from the Murdoch empire. Wootton has been a prominent opponent of woke culture and critic of Boris Johnsons coronavirus lockdowns. Acclaimed journalist Colin Brazier has defected from Sky to anchor a daytime show, while respected Euronews political editor Darren McCaffrey will lead political reporting at the new station.

Behind the scenes Gill Penlington, a former director of news programming at CNN and editor of the BBCs equivalent of the ABCs Q&A, will be a senior executive producer. The one thing that is really exciting about this venture is that we are hiring 140 people during a really tough time in the media and these are all jobs for reporting on Britain, by Britons, Frangopoulos says. Neil, though, will be the biggest drawcard; viewers on the left and right of politics have long taken great delight in watching politicians self-destruct under his questioning. Andrew Neil interviews then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn during the 2019 election campaign. Boris Johnson refused to be interviewed by the veteran broadcaster. Credit:BBC In a nod to Brexit and debate over the governments handling of the pandemic, Neil recently wrote in an opinion piece that the appetite for gloom, doom, blame and division is waning and that the public feels battered and exhausted by it.
Squeeze in a read with Louth Library Service on February 25 and help to celebrate Ireland's first ever national reading day and reading campaign, Ireland Reads.

The campaign encourages everyone young and old to 'squeeze in a read' to help their mental well-being and to get back into the habit of reading.

The campaign is running throughout February.

A website is available at www.irelandreads.ie where visitors can pledge to read on Ireland Reads Day.

Ireland Reads is funded by the Department of Health as part of the national Keep Well programme which urges the importance of taking time for yourself to relax and do things that you enjoy (like reading) to look after your mental well being.

A number of campaign ambassadors from the worlds of writing, science, sport and broadcasting are helping to promote the campaign including local ambassadors in Co.Louth such as Marian Clarke and Drogheda Creative Writers, Jamie Staudt, Kevin Branigan, Emer Conlon, Nicola Pierce, Grace Tierney, Ruth Campbell, Anthony Murphy to name but a few.

While our libraries are not open for browsing or borrowing due to Covid restrictions, library members can use the Library BorrowBox service online and choose from more that 44,000 e-books and 33,000 audiobooks. The Library service continues to offer its Housebound delivery service to those cocooning.

All of the Ireland Reads resources, tips and online events can be found on Facebook @LouthCountyLibraries and at www.irelandreads.ie.

Let's all squeeze in a read on February 25!
India and China on Saturday held another round of military talks with a focus on taking forward the disengagement process at friction points like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, two days after concluding the withdrawal of troops and weapons from North and South banks of Pangong Tso in the high-altitude region, official sources said.

The tenth round of Corps Commander-level talks began at 10 AM at the Moldo border point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control and it was continuing till around 9:45 PM, the sources said.

In the talks, India is learnt to have insisted on a faster disengagement process in areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang to bring down tension in the region that has witnessed a standoff between the two militaries for over nine months.

"The focus of the talks is on carrying forward the disengagement process. Both sides have met to discuss modalities for it," said a source.

The sources said bringing down the tension was the broad priority of the talks.

India has all along been maintaining that disengagement at all the friction points was necessary to de-escalate the situation in the region.

On February 11, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced in Parliament that India and China reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong lake that mandates both sides to "cease" forward deployment of troops in a "phased, coordinated and verifiable" manner.

Under the agreement, he said, China will pull back its troops to the east of Finger 8 areas in the northern bank of Pangong lake while the Indian personnel will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3 in the region.

Similar action would take place on the southern bank of the lake as well, he said.

The sources said troops of both sides have retreated to positions that were agreed upon.

The disengagement process began on February 10.

The Indian delegation at Saturday''s talks was being led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps. The Chinese side was to be headed by Maj Gen Liu Lin, the commander of the South Xinjiang military district of the People''s Liberation Army (PLA).

In his statement in Parliament, the defence minister also said that it was agreed to convene the next meeting of senior commanders of both sides within 48 hours of completion of the disengagement in the Pangong lake areas so as to resolve all other remaining issues.

Days later, the defence ministry said other outstanding "problems" including in Depsang, Hot Springs and Gogra will be taken up at the upcoming talks between military commanders of the two countries.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry even as the two sides continued military and diplomatic talks.

Last year, the Chinese military built several bunkers and other structures in the areas between Finger 4 and 8 and had blocked all Indian patrols beyond Finger 4, triggering strong reaction from the Indian Army.

In the nine rounds of military talks, India had specifically insisted on the withdrawal of Chinese troops from Finger 4 to Finger 8 on the North bank of Pangong Lake. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers.

On its part, the Chinese side was insisting on the withdrawal of Indian troops from several strategic peaks on the southern bank of the lake.

Around five months back, Indian troops occupied these strategic heights in the Mukhpari, Rechin La and Magar hill areas around the southern bank after the Chinese PLA attempted to intimidate them in the area.

Also Read: Galwan valley clash: After accepting casualties, China releases confrontation video ahead of military talks
Military-level talks between India and China continued for de-escalation in the Galwan region of eastern Ladakh on Friday with top army commanders from both sides meeting to resolve the face-off. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Feb 21 : India and China have agreed to push for a mutually acceptable resolution of other friction points at Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh in a steady and orderly manner.

A joint statement, about the tenth round of the China-India Corps Commander level meeting, said that the meeting was held on the Chinese side of the Moldo/Chushul border meeting point on February 20.

"The two sides positively appraised the smooth completion of disengagement of frontline troops in the Pangong Lake area, noting that it was a significant step forward that provided a good basis for resolution of other remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control in Western Sector," it said.

Both the countries had candid and in-depth exchange of views on other issues along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector, according to the joint statement.

The two sides agreed to follow the important consensus of their state leaders, continue their communication and dialogue, stabilise and control the situation on the ground, push for a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues in a steady and orderly manner, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas, the statement said.

The Corps Commander level meet started at 10 a.m. on Saturday and ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday. During the 16-hour-long dialogue, the Indian military delegate led by Lt General P.G.K. Menon, Commander of 14 Corps based in Leh, discussed disengagement at friction areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and 900 square km Depsang plains.

The build-up in Depsang was not being considered part the current standoff that started in May last year as escalations here took place in 2013. India has, however, insisted during recent military commander meetings that all issues across the LAC be resolved.

"The initial attempt will be to resolve Gogra and Hot Springs. Finding a solution to Depsang might be tricky and take longer," said an official.
Many knew Alex Seeley for his boundless creativity, but it was his character that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Seeley, 32, an award-winning local photographer and former Times-Tribune colleague, died Feb. 11 after a long fight with cancer.

Incredibly talented and a staple of the local art and music scenes, its difficult to find someone who wasnt touched by Seeleys artistic vision and kind spirit. Seeley, who lived in Scranton, was a photography intern with The Times-Tribune in 2012, shooting portraits, news events and live concerts, all of which he excelled at. He also was the subject of a profile in 2015 after his second battle with cancer. Seeley was first diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a type of tumor that forms in bone or soft tissue, at age 12 and then again at 27.

He is survived by his parents, Richard Jr. and Susan Carney Seeley; sister, Melissa Seeley; paternal grandfather, Richard Seeley Sr.; extended family members and friends, according to his obituary.

Throughout his career, he showed his fine art photography in galleries in Scranton and beyond but was best known for his impeccable eye when it came to shooting pictures of live musical performances. He also covered concerts for various online and print publications.

I think theres not one single thing that makes a good concert photo, Seeley said in his 2015 interview. Its a hunt for me. A lot of it is about emotion or defining a character. Skill and experience is 50%, the rest is luck. Being in the right place at the right time.

Keith Perks of 1120 Studios shot photos at many of the same events and concerts as Seeley, and they became friends through their mutual love of music, Halloween, action figures and more. Seeley beamed when he was photographing live music, and Perks talked about the Seeley grin, or the smile Seeley would make when he knew he got a great photo. Others have noted this too, Perks said, and it was apparent to everyone around him how much Seeley loved it.

Im so fortunate to be able to shoot with him as much as I did, Perks said. What a huge loss. Its not going to be the same in the photo pit without him there.

Seeley graduated from Western Wayne High School in 2007, earned a bachelors degree in visual arts with a concentration in photography from Keystone College and worked as a photographer for Saks Fifth Avenue at its Pottsville studio, according to his obituary. It also noted that art was Alexs passion from a young age.

He was a well-respected event photographer in the Scranton area, and his favorite thing to photograph was concerts, the obituary said. He loved listening to records, horror films and Halloween. He lived his life to the fullest and always had something clever to say.

Clarks Summit resident Nick Van Wagenen met Seeley in 2011 when Seeley began taking promo photos and live shots of Van Wagenens former band, Silhouette Lies. Though he and Seeley both had quiet personalities, they shared a dry sense of humor and eventually became close friends. He knew Seeley was one of the best at what he did, but he also was impressed by Seeleys genuine spirit and strength.

Even if he was getting treatments, he was never focused on being sick, Van Wagenen said. He would talk about it, but then start talking about where he wanted to go next summer or his plan for his business. He was always looking toward the future and living for the moment. Some of my favorite memories with Alex are talking about anything and everything.

Rafael Pimentel, a Scranton native now living in the Austin, Texas, area met Seeley more than a decade ago when they interned together. Pimentel, who also was a member of Silhouette Lies, found a common bond with Seeley through their musical tastes and eventually became close friends. He said Seeley was always up for grabbing coffee and catching up or heading out on a spontaneous road trip to New Jersey, listening to their favorite albums on the way. They could talk for hours or just sit in silence together. And whenever Pimentel, who moved away about three years ago, returned home for a visit, Seeley was one of the first people he would call. Seeley showed up for the people he cared about because that was the kind of friend he was, Pimentel said.

Seeleys family will hold a private funeral service, and he will be laid to rest in East Canaan Cemetery. James Wilson Funeral Home, Lake Ariel, is handling arrangements. The public can share memories of Seeley and condolences on its website, james wilsonfuneralhome.com. Memorials can be made in Seeleys name to Make A Wish Foundation Gift Processing, 1702 E. Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Even more than his art and kindness, Pimentel remembers Seeley for how he fiercely fought each day to live on his own terms.

He bet on himself and just kept pushing through, focusing on his art and doing what he loved and just focused on living, Pimentel said. Anyone else would have given up, but that wasnt him. That was never him. I love Alex. Hes my best friend, and were all better people for having known him.
The Louisiana Department of Health reported 947 more confirmed coronavirus cases and 20 more confirmed deaths in its noon update Sunday.

The number of hospitalizations decreased by 50, and the number of patients in need of ventilators decreased by nine.

There are also 58,317 total "probable" coronavirus cases in Louisiana, according to the agency's dashboard.

These are another few key statewide statistics as of Sunday:

Total confirmed cases: 365,859

Total "probable" cases: 58,317

Total confirmed deaths: 8,798

Currently hospitalized: 756

Currently on ventilators: 120

Vaccine series initiated: 541,746 (updated twice weekly)

Vaccine series completed: 271,216

Presumed recovered: 396,834 as of Feb. 15 (updated weekly)

Note: The Advocate and The Times-Picayune staff calculates daily case count and confirmed death increases based on the difference between today's total and yesterday's total of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. The Louisiana Department of Health releases a daily case count on its dashboard that includes probable cases as indicated by a positive antigen test. That case count can be different than the one listed here.

Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Here are some of the parishes with the highest single-day increase in confirmed coronavirus cases, based on the Sunday report:

Jefferson: 131

St. Tammany: 99

Orleans: 82

East Baton Rouge: 77

You can view more graphs and charts breaking down the data by clicking here.

Louisiana began reopening for Phase 1 on May 15-16 then moved to Phase 2 on June 5. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards extended Louisiana's Phase 2 restrictions twice in August before moving the state to Phase 3 on Sept. 11. The governor then moved the state back to a modified Phase 2 near the end of November.

This is a developing story. More details and analysis to come.
Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert was adopted by Paul Gilbert and Barbara Crane shortly after she was born. When the Laura Ingalls actor was in her 20s, she began the search for her birth parents. Finally, she found them. Her mother had died in 1980 and her father wasnt what she expected.

Melissa Gilbert | William Franklin Mcmahon/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty Images/Getty Images

Melissa Gilberts first conversation with her birth father

After years of searching, Gilbert finally found her birth father, David Darlington, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also learned that the woman who gave birth to her was named Kathy.

Gilbert called Darlington a few days after she received his number. It took some time for her to get a handle on her nerves. She told him who she was and he was excited to meet.

As if the conversation wasnt already weird, it got weirder when he asked me about work, Michael Landon, and other celebrities, she wrote in her memoir, Prairie Tale. He was like any person on the street.

When Melissa Gilbert met her father for the first time

Not too long after their conversation, Gilbert boarded a plane to Vegas. She stayed in a hotel with her then-husband, Bo Brinkman, and their son off the Strip to avoid any chance of the press getting wind of this very personal moment in my life.

After arriving, she paced nervously across the room, checking my watch and waiting for David Darlington, my birth father, to show up. When he did, he greeted her with a big hug.

It was an incredible moment, though it was also one of the strangest I had ever experienced, she wrote. The whole time I was looking at him, hugging him, and saying Oh my God, a voice in my head was saying, Dont be crazy. Youre not related to this man. He looks nothing like you. I was also saying to myself, This is the man who gave you away. No, he didnt give you away. He just couldnt keep you.

What the Little House on the Prairie actor learned about her family history

Gilbert and Darlington got a drink at the bar. It was noon.

I learned that David Darlington was a sign painter in Las Vegas, not a Rhodes Scholar as my mother had always told me, she wrote. As for Kathy being a prima ballerina [as her mother had also told her], I found out over the course of the afternoon that she had indeed been a dancer, but not a ballerina, and like David, shed had three kids of her own when they got together.

RELATED: Little House on the Prairie: Why Melissa Gilbert Stared at Ronald Reagan While She Delivered Michael Landons Eulogy

Gilbert also learned that Kathy had died in 1980 after years of complications stemming from a serious motorcycle accident she was in with Darlington that took place shortly after Gilbert was born.

Later that night, I ate dinner at Davids house, where his daughter Bonne shed more light on the family history, which included an unsettling amount of alcoholism and cancer, she wrote.

The visit disappointed the Little House on the Prairie star

Sadly, it was not the warm, loving,weve-been-waiting-for-you-to-show-up fantasy I had entertained ever since initiating the search for my birth parents, she wrote. There wasnt any meaningful discussion about my origins, my first twenty-four hours in this world, or whether, despite giving me up for adoption, either one of my parents had ever wanted me.

When the actor got back to her hotel room, she cried like a hysterical, inconsolable fiver-year-old. Brinkman called Gilberts mother and handed the phone to his wife.

She got on the phone and listened to me recount what had happened and how terribly disappointed I was by the outcome, she wrote. Then she let me cry until I ran out of tears.

Gilberts mother told her that finding out about her family was just a part of her story. Now she could move on in peace. She knew her mother was right.


Australia's first Covid vaccine was given to an aged care resident who survived World War II, followed by Scott Morrison ahead of the full launch on Monday.

There was cheering and clapping as Jane Malysiak, 84, who emigrated to Australia from war-torn Poland when she was 13, received the Pfizer vaccine shot.

The prime minister, donning an Australian flag face mask, also received his vaccination on Sunday morning at Castle Hill Medical Centre in Sydney's north.

Mr Morrison sat next to a gleeful Ms Malysiak as she received her jab, which she described as 'lovely'.

While posing for photos, Mr Morrison encouraged Ms Malysiak to give a peace sign for the cameras, telling her it means 'V for vaccine'.

But Ms Malysiak hilariously botched the peace sign, and inadvertently threw up the universal sign for 'up yours' by turning her hand the other way around.

Ms Malysiak hilariously botched the peace sign, and inadvertently threw up the universal sign for 'up yours' by turning her hand the other way around

Photographers, health workers and reporters erupted into laughter, before Mr Morrison quickly pushed Ms Malysiak's hand down, jokingly telling her 'always front, always front'

Mr Morrison sat next to a gleeful Ms Malysiak as she received her jab, which she described as 'lovely'

Photographers, health workers and reporters erupted into laughter, before Mr Morrison quickly pushed Ms Malysiak's hand down, jokingly telling her 'always front, always front'.

Ms Malysiak was in good spirits throughout the process of getting her jab, telling nurses she was happy to be receiving the vaccine.

Mr Morrison said today's vaccine rollout shows Australians they can rely on the nation's medical experts.

'It is an exciting day for Australia. We have been planning and preparing for many, many months and now we have got to this point where we can kick it all off today,' Mr Morrison told reporters.

'We need to start with those who are most vulnerable and are on the frontline and that's why they will be taking the first vaccines today.'

Mr Morrison joined the Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly and the Chief Nursing Officer Alison McMillan in getting the Pfizer jab on Sunday, along with a small group of aged care staff.

The prime minister, donning an Australian flag face mask, also received his vaccination on Sunday morning

Jesse Li (right), the doctor who gave Mr Morrison his injection, said it was the 'honour and privilege of my life'

Mr Morrison joined the Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly and the Chief Nursing Officer Alison McMillan in getting the Pfizer jab on Sunday, along with a small group of aged care staff

Mr Morrison heaped praise on Ms Malysiak, telling the press she is a 'great Australian' who is now a part of Australian medical history.

'Jane Malysiak has seen many historic days in Australia over the course of her more than 80 years of life,' he said.

'She grew up in Poland in the Depression ... she went through the Second World War, she came to Australia, she built a wonderful life here and is still living it gloriously today.

'She's seen more things than most of us have, and she's taking part in what is a very historic day for our country, and I want to thank you, Jane, for being with us here today.'

Before getting their jabs, Mr Morrison and Ms Malysiak chatted about her love of gardening.

'I've started doing some gardening in the nursing home,' she proudly told the prime minister.

Mr Morrison thanked the 84-year-old for getting vaccinated before meeting another aged care resident who was also receiving his jab.

John Healy, 86, told reporters: 'It's alright, you hardly know you're getting it.'

'It's just a little prick and that's it,' he said. 'It means I now can go out, without any worries.'

An elated Mr Morrison was the last of 12 people to receive the jab on Sunday.

A small group of aged care residents, staff and frontline health care workers are also set to get the jab today

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits the CSL vaccine manufacturing facility which will make the AstraZeneca vaccine

'You all thought there's be tatts there, didn't you?' he quipped as the arm of his T-shirt was lifted by a doctor to deliver the vaccine.

'I'm ready to go, just like the country.'

Jesse Li, the doctor who gave Mr Morrison his injection, said it was the 'honour and privilege of my life'.

'I'm glad I got the job done, I was a bit nervous inside. You know, my heart was pounding,' Dr Lee told said.

'But at the end of the day, he's one of the first recipients of hopefully everyone in Australia.

'I'm glad he was happy to do it in front of the cameras and inspire confidence (in the vaccine)'.

From Monday, the main roll out will begin and will see 678,000 Australians on the frontline of the pandemic getting their first round of vaccinations.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australia's highest leaders being among the first people to get vaccinated will instill public confidence in the vaccine.

'There was a very strong focus on the need for key leaders, not the parliament, not the cabinet, not even the leadership group, but a cross-party group, to provide that confidence (to Australians),' he told ABC's Insiders program.

Everything Aussies need to know about the vaccine roll out * What about Australians under the age of 16? The Pfizer vaccination approval does not cover people under the age of 16, but it has no upper age limit. The medical regulator says the benefits of the vaccination for people over the age of 85, or those who are frail, should be weighed against potential risk of even a mild response. Age limits for the AstraZeneca vaccination will be outlined in the Therapeutic Goods Administration's approval. * How many do we get? Both vaccines are two doses - so Australians will get two at least 21 days apart. They will need to be from the same company. * Where will they be administered? General practitioners and pharmacies have put their hand up to be involved, and there's expected to be pop-up clinics at current COVID-19 testing centres and hospitals. * How can Australians prove they've been vaccinated? Jabs will be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register. Certificates proving vaccinations will then be available either digitally or in hard copy. The government says this might be needed for interstate and overseas travel. * How many vaccines has Australia ordered? Australia has secured more than 150 million doses of various vaccines, including almost 54 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, with the vast majority to be manufactured in Melbourne. As well as more than 51 million from Novavax. WHICH VACCINES AUSTRALIA HAS SECURED: Pfizer: 20 million doses - enough to vaccinate 10 million Australians Novavax: Australia has ordered 51 million doses but it is still in the trial phase University of Oxford: 53.8 million doses COVAX Facility The Australian Government has joined the COVAX Facility as part of a global effort to support rapid, fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. This participation enables us to purchase vaccine doses for Australia as they become available This includes the Moderna vaccine, CureVac, Inovio and others University of Queensland: Australia had ordered 51 million doses. However, the deal has been scrapped after trial participants returned false positive results for HIV Advertisement

From Monday, 678,000 Australians on the frontline of the pandemic will get their first round of vaccinations. Pictured: a man getting the jab in Ireland

'Research shows that people want to see that if we believe it's safe, then that will give them greater confidence. That has been a view in many places around the world.'

Mr Hunt said Australia is 'about to embark on one of the most important public health initiatives' in the nation's history.

'I am very emotional because a year ago we did not know that this would be possible,' he told 7News.

He confirmed that he and the head of the Department of Health and former chief medical officer Brendan Murphy will get the alternative AstraZeneca jab at a later date.

Mr Hunt wants as many as people as possible to be vaccinated, but declined to put a figure on what percentage he wanted to see.

'We've provisioned so that ... every Australian has access to vaccines. We've secured 150 million doses of a range of vaccines,' he said.

Two doses are required at least three weeks apart and the vaccine must be stored and transported at -70C.

A flying squad of 500 nurse immunisers will be dispatched around the nation to vaccinate aged care and disability residents.

Mr Morrison says federal and state health officers are monitoring whether to make shots compulsory for some workers.

The roll out comes a day after thousands of protesters attended anti-vaccination rallies in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Simultaneous protests were also held in Cairns, Coffs Harbour and Albany.

Victorian police used pepper spray on some protesters when they moved beyond cordons and at times, appeared to lose control of the crowd, an AAP photographer on scene said.

While some people were covered in pepper spray, crowds chanted, 'freedom, freedom'.

Two doses are required at least three weeks apart and the vaccine must be stored and transported at -70C. Pictured: a simulation of the COVID-19 vaccine process in Sydney on February 19

The rally started peacefully but as speakers addressed the crowd 'people started getting pretty fired up', the photographer said.

Speakers made comments such as 'God's on our side' and 'it's a fight between good and evil'.

At Sydney's Hyde Park, controversial celebrity chef and conspiracy theorist Pete Evans was among the hundreds of protesters.

Evans, who has recently been banned from social media, addressed the crowd in Sydney.

Protesters marched with placards with slogans such as 'herd immunity of vaccines is a scam' and 'your body, your choice'.



At the end of December, coronavirus case numbers and hospitalizations were increasing in Portland, Oregon.

Doctors and nurses caring for the most seriously ill at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) were growing extremely tired just when they were needed the most. Then, some of the citys most popular restaurants began delivering meals to the hospital.

For workers who only took off their protective face coverings once to eat during a 12-hour work day, the meals were more than just food. Its almost like having a weight lifted. Its like getting a surprise dozen roses or something, nurse Alice Clark said. Were so grateful.

The meals also served another purpose: They kept struggling restaurants in business. Eateries were closing after a months-long indoor dining ban. The hospital sometimes orders 150 or 160 meals at a time. So their business was a huge help to restaurants.

Kiauna Floyd is the owner of Amalfis, a Portland restaurant that has been serving Italian food for 62 years. She said, Its kept the doors open and a small workforce employed.

Workers at the restaurant prepared around 500 meals for OHSU. That permitted Floyd to keep a number of her people working after dismissing 75 percent of her employees. The restaurant is currently struggling to stay in business with limited outdoor seating, orders for carry out and pre-prepared meals-to-go.

Amalfis meals brought to the hospital proved to be among the most popular with the health workers at OHSU.

Floyd said, We want to do something as comforting as possible so when they are on their break and do get that lunch, it warms their soul.

For now, though, meal deliveries to OHSU have stopped because the program paying for them ended on January 19. Leaders are hoping to find more money to get meals running again soon. The three-week effort paid local eateries a total of $39,000.

A similar effort was paid for by private donations through the nonprofit organization Frontline Foods PDX. The group connected restaurants with Portland-area hospitals and clinics early in the pandemic. But then donations began to decrease, and the effort slowed and then stopped.

That effort provided about 13,800 meals over three months to six health services, including a veterans hospital and a homeless clinic. It was important support for 14 restaurants.

Shannon Tivona organized meal orders and delivery for OHSU and volunteered for Frontline Foods in its earlier work. To be able to call and say, Hey, I have $2,000 of business for you is just the most incredible feeling, she said.

The times where were not doing anything are really tough. The restaurant owners call me and say, Do you have anything yet? Do you have anything? And its heartbreaking to have to say, No, I dont.

But many of the same restaurants were called upon to deliver 2,600 meals to OHSU health workers. For nurse Henry Valdez, the meals were a necessary break.

Ive never been more tired, mentally, physically and emotionally, he said. When these meals started, I was just in awe. One or two times it brought a tear to my eye, the generosity of people, because it has not been an easy year  and the food provided comfort.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Gillian Flaccus reported on this story for the Associated Press. Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

dozen n. a group of twelve people or things

grateful adj. feeling or showing thanks

comforting adj. describing something that makes people feel less upset, worried or scared

soul n. the spiritual part of a person

delivery n. the act of taking something to a person or place

clinic n. a place where people can get medical help that is not as large as a hospital

generosity n. the quality of being kind, understanding and not selfish
Richwood, TX (77531)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.
The long Mardi Gras weekend was amazing. With the New Orleans bar shutdown and the French Quarter lockdown imposed by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Mother Nature pitched in with some blustery cold weather to dampen desires to head outdoors to knock down a few and to shake some booty feathers.

According to a New Orleans City Hall spokesperson, the New Orleans Police Department responded to a few calls about large crowds. Those were resolved on the spot. One naughty business got shut down.

The spokesperson said the calm and cooperation that came with the weather shows that most chose safety over creating a super-spreader event.

Dr. Joe Kanter, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards COVID point health official, was delighted with what he saw and hes hopeful. If we mask and distance now, and focus on as efficient and equitable a vaccine rollout as possible, well be able to Mardi Gras mambo like normal next year, he told me.

Rex Organization official James J. Reiss III, who also serves as a co-chairman of the Mayors Mardi Gras Advisory Council, said hes thankful, too. Hes hoping well follow public health guidelines so we can all get back to celebrating Mardi Gras in the ways we know and love next year. Much of our Mardi Gras 2022 depends on how we handle the rest of 2021, and Im concerned.

Too many are opting out of taking the vaccine created to save lives, including thousands of soldiers, some educators and even some health professionals. Thats a shame, and their decisions are hurting the rest of us. We need more people getting vaccinated when they can.

President Biden said well have 600 million vaccine doses available by the end of July. Getting those vaccines into arms will take 2 to 3 months. That means September or October before that happens. That doesnt take into account the possibly severe impact of the U.K., South African and Brazilian variants that have entered the country. Just the other day, Dr. Anthony Fauci used available science and data to suggest 70-85% of the population must be protected to reach herd immunity.

It was mid-November when we got word that there would be no parades in New Orleans in 2021. Many were stunned, mouths dropped and there was more criticism about hurting businesses and the economy. Clearly we made the most of this parade-less season. City Park hosted a stationary parade, so popular it had to be extended. We went online, and to our radios and television. There was Mardi Gras for All Yall. The Krewe of Bacchus had a Throw Me Something Bacchus app. Rex had Salute to the People of New Orleans on Mardi Gras 2021 on Mardi Gras morning. We enjoyed house floats.

Megan Boudreaux, an insurance liability claims manager by day, made things happen where we live: in the neighborhoods, at home. She moved to the area in 2004 and enjoyed her first Mardi Gras parade experiences Uptown in 2005 when she lived near St. Charles Avenue and Milan, where New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood sits today. She made every Uptown parade but missed the most celebrated Mardi Gras morning parades because, well, she had a great Lundi Gras time and she was sleeping it off. She caught some of the truck floats. She was hooked.

It was only a notion when she suggested the house float idea. Working with new krewe captains and cartographers, she got help from her husband, Allen Boudreaux, Charmaine Cooper Hussain, Joy Bruce, Claire Cummings and Morgan Johnstonbaugh to see a vision nugget become reality in her Algiers Point neighborhood then across the city, the region and the world. There were house floats all over the place.

Rex is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2022. Theyre planning some special surprises that include getting together. I want them to celebrate, and be celebrated. I want to be there. As it is, I hate that I missed the Krewe of Zulu Lundi Gras.

Call me Donald or Debbie Downer if you wish, but Im putting on my best Eagle Scout hat and I want to Be Prepared. Were likely to have another Carnival season like this one if we cant control ourselves as we did Mardi Gras weekend.

Im with Megan Boudreaux, who's planning more house floats for next year: I think there is room for the old and the new.

Ill hope to see some of you, masked, at a distance and at less-crowded Mardi Gras balls, parties and some smaller parades. We know how to have a good time. What thatll look like is up to us.
By Jordi Rubio and Luis Felipe Castellija

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Protesters threw bottles, stones and rubbish containers at police in Barcelona on Sunday in a sixth night of clashes after a rapper was jailed for glorifying terrorism and insulting royalty in his songs.

The nine-month sentence of Pablo Hasel, known for his virulently anti-establishment raps, has prompted debate over freedom of expression in Spain and sparked protests that have at times turned violent.

"You have taught us that being peaceful is useless," read a banner carried by protesters.

Five people were arrested for robbing shops and a police officer was injured, according to a Twitter post by the Mossos d'Esquadra, the Catalan regional police force.

About 1,000 demonstrators gathered in the city, local police said.

Protesters had looted shops on Saturday on Barcelona's most prestigious shopping street, Passeig de Gracia, while also smashing windows in the Palau de la Musica concert hall

On Sunday, a lone man outside the concert hall shouted at protesters: "You don't touch the Palau."

Five nights of trashed shops and burned containers has caused 900,000 euros ($1.09 million) in damages in Barcelona, the city council said.

"Apart from the economic damage, we have suffered damage to the image of Barcelona as a welcoming and peaceful city, Luis Sans, president of the Association of Friends of Passeig de Gracia, told El Pais newspaper.

More than 95 people have been arrested across Catalonia and in other Spanish cities since Hasel was arrested and jailed on Tuesday. One woman lost an eye during clashes in Barcelona, triggering calls from politicians to investigate police tactics.

Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem was among artists, celebrities and politicians who called for a change in the law covering freedom of expression.

The Spanish government said last week it would scrap prison sentences for offences involving cases of freedom of speech.

($1 = 0.8255 euros)

(Writing by Graham Keeley; Editing by Edmund Blair and Bernadette Baum)
Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, head of the Vietnamese mission in Geneva extended congratulations to Durant, expressing her belief that she will drive the UNCTAD to new success.

Vietnam supports priorities given by Durant in promoting more inclusive and greener international trade through the greater concentration on socio-economic aspects such as social equality, human rights protection and the sustainability of the environment.

The diplomat underscored that Vietnam highly values the role of the UNCTAD in boosting international cooperation and giving multilateral solutions to a series of issues related to trade and development in the past 65 years, especially in completing Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Amid the complicated development of COVID-19 in the world, Vietnam hopes that the UNCTAD will continue supporting developing countries through technical cooperation, capacity improvement and ensuring the equal access and reasonable prices of COVID-19 vaccine as well as other medical bio-products, and support in transforming to digital economy and e-commerce, she said.

Vietnam will actively engage in the preparations for the UNCTAD-15, the diplomat said, highlighting that Vietnam is attentive to the session.

At the meeting, held only three days after the new UNCTAD leader took office, Durant underlined the significance of the opinions from G77 and China, while committing to continue strengthening the role of UNCTAD in promoting sustainable development and respond to COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries.



Regarding priorities in the future operation of the UNCTAD, she said that the UNCTAD will focus on preparations for the 15th session and the fifth UN session on least developed countries (LDCs) in Qatar in January 2022, as well as the mobilisation of resources and tools for member countries to engage in activities of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Other priorities include promoting innovation and digital economy, post-pandemic recovery and the organisation of the G7 Summit, she said.

With 195 members, UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964.

The 15th UNCTAD quadrennial conference is the highest decision-making body of UNCTAD at which member states assess current trade and development issues and formulate global policy responses. It also sets the organisations work priorities for the next four years. The conference presents an opportunity to rethink development solutions and build a new solidarity among nations.
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516 Arts explores the passage of time in an exhibition on the chaos and tumult engulfing us.

The two solo shows star works by Corrales resident Neal Ambrose-Smith (Confederated Salish/Kootenai Nation of Montana) and Afton Love of Ojo Caliente.

Ambrose-Smith combines cartoon imagery with humor to create a complex reflection on an unstable world.

Love offers contrasting imagery in large-scale rock drawings with a geological sense of time across the millennia.

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Ambrose-Smith captures the seismic shifts erupting across the last four years with The (Present) Tense. He introduced the show through a large-scale neon sculpture inspired by a sketch of random lines. He placed the work on a 516 wall normally devoted to mammoth murals.

I dont do murals, he said. And Im not about to learn, so I thought I could do a large painting.

At the time, he had been creating woodcuts of knots. Realizing that everybody loves glass, he decided to transfer those designs into 15-by-20-feet four-color neon. The work is fully three-dimensional, changing as viewers move around it. He titled it Where Are You Going? in Salish, a language he is just now learning.

The arrest of former movie mogul and convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein inspired much of his current work.

Harvey Weinstein kind of pushed me over the edge, Ambrose-Smith said. I thought, We need to enact change here. I have a daughter and a wife and I have a strong mother and two nieces.

The artist was particularly upset at what he called the push back of some mens reactions to the Me Too movement, saying any change in their behavior toward women offended their manhood.

A tangle of lines surrounds the figures of coyote and Max (from the childrens book Where the Wild Things Are) in his 2019 drawing Coyote Explains to Max.

I like the idea that coyotes always doing something mischievous, Ambrose-Smith said. Max is the protagonist in Where the Wild Things Are. So he puts his arm around Max; culture is whats around you. Do you want to be angry all the time? Or do you want to go to the beach all day.

In If I have to listen to the news one more time, 2019, a cartoon cat appears to be drowning in an orbiting whirlpool.

Ambrose-Smith clipped the surrounding text from SkyMall magazine.

It makes this run-on sentence, he said. It makes a checkerboard pattern.

As chair of the studio arts department at Santa Fes Institute of American Indian Arts, Ambrose-Smith tells his students, You dont have to finish art; people will finish it for you.

As for SkyMall, Half of (the ads are) dedicated to hair loss and erectile dysfunction and the need for toys, he said. The other half is who has to deal with them  bath salts, massages and spas. The clear reality is that men are so dysfunctional.

The Story Teller, 2017, monoprint, is a direct reflection of the artist, encircled by all manner of buildings and structures, many of them trailer homes. Ambrose-Smith grew up in a reservation trailer.

Thats me as an artist, he said. I need to listen to the work. Theres a blank canvas and I have to start the conversation, so I make a mark. At some point I have to listen to what the painting says to me.

Love moved to New Mexico in 2018 from northern California after residencies in both Taos and Santa Fe beckoned her here.

Once I made it to Taos, I felt almost like having the rug pulled out from under you, she said. I felt almost out of my body during the three months I was there. I was bombarded with inspiration. I was absorbing the landscape and translating it.

She produced a series of graphite drawings of rock formations dipped in beeswax.

She has always been drawn to paper. Graphite is a mineral extracted out of the ground in chunks or as powder. Love draws her work using the powdered form and a stubby paintbrush. She approaches her work as grids of several sheets of paper, installing each panel as she works.

It makes the graphite luminous, she said. You could hold it up and see through it.

Center Stone is a rock formation near Abiquiu. The composition can be seen as an abstraction, because the viewer cannot see the whole rock.

Love grew up near a river canyon near Chico, California. She has always been fascinated by volcanic formations.

Theres a power to rocks and especially erosional landscapes that speak to the impermanence of time, she said. Theyre sort of evolving just like we are.

If you go

WHAT: Neal Ambrose-Smith: The (Tense) Present and Afton Love: Perfect Union

WHERE: 516 ARTS, 516 Central Ave. SW

WHEN: Opens Saturday, Feb. 27 through May 24; virtual reception 6-8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27

HOURS: 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday by appointment only

HOW MUCH: Free, pre-register at 516arts.org/eventregistration
M

otherhood is said to be its own reward. You learn to give of yourself, and this will stretch you, as a person. But you may also learn to put yourself in the background, which will shrink you  and even make you disappear.

History does this to us anyway, argues scholar Anna Malaika Tubbs. Black women in particular are largely erased from the American historical trajectory  marginalised, at best. Tubbs tries to remedy this with a new book about women who gave birth to extraordinary men, women who have been hidden not only behind their sons but also behind their husbands ... presented as footnotes that are out of context. In The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation, Tubbs resurrects these women and shows them to be players with agency and influence.

The women have much in common: They were born within a few years of one another; they all married men trained in the church; their lives spanned the 20th century; all three outlived their sons. And yet they were very different from each other.

Louise Langdon Little, who became the mother of Malcolm X, was Caribbean and biracial. Born in 1897, the exact details of her conception have been lost to history, Tubbs notes, but it is believed that her mother was raped by a white man. Sadly, this was not uncommon, Tubbs reminds us: The effects of slavery ... the constant control of black women's bodies through sexual violence, was universal, far after emancipation.

Louise emigrated to Canada in 1917. She met Earl Little, a Baptist minister, at a Universal Negro Improvement Association meeting. The UNIA was founded by activist Marcus Garvey, a fellow West Indian. Louise and Earl married and worked as field organisers, promoting Garvey's call for black independence in American cities. The Littles had seven children together. Louise served as branch secretary and wrote for the Negro World newspaper and spoke at least three languages: English, French and Patois. Louise Langdon Little died in 1989 at age 92.

Endurance and resilience are the themes here. In the face of racism, sexism and tremendous violence, these three mothers survive

Emma Berdis Jones Baldwin, who became the mother of James Baldwin, was born on Maryland's Eastern Shore in 1901. She left the Jim Crow South for Philadelphia, and later, New York, during the Great Migration. In 1924, she had a baby, out of wedlock, named James Arthur Jones. She married David Baldwin, a preacher in the Pentecostal tradition and the two of them had eight more children together.

Of these three women, Berdis had the least in terms of money and education, Tubbs points out. Her husband was paranoid and abusive and had trouble supporting his family. Berdis committed him to a mental institution, while she was pregnant with their ninth child, and he died shortly thereafter, in 1943. Emma Berdis died in 1999 at age 95.

Alberta Williams King, who became the mother of Martin Luther King Jr, was born in Atlanta in 1904. Her family had resources. Her father, the Rev Adam Daniel Williams, was one of the founders of the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP and the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Alberta was the most educated of the three mothers, attending Spelman Seminary, the Hampton Normal and Industrial Institute, and Morris Brown College. She married Baptist preacher Michael King, and they had three children together.

Alberta was not allowed to make the most of her education. At the time, there was also a law that kept married women from teaching, writes Tubbs. This marriage bar ... lacked any logic; it was simply in place to restrict middle-class, educated women and it was not fully terminated until 1964 with the passing of the Civil Rights Act. Alberta focused, instead, on tutoring her husband, establishing women's coalitions and directing the children's choir. Alberta King died in 1974 at age 84.

(Handout)

All three women lived through the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Migration, the Great Depression and the civil rights movement. They knew the consequences of the women's suffragist movement, when white suffragists rejected black women in 1920. They walked in the shadows of other great black women, Tubbs asserts, including Harriet Tubman, Ida B Wells, Rosa Parks, Mary McLeod Bethune and Mamie Till, Emmett Till's mother. They endured sociologist Edward Franklin Frazier's assertion that black women in the 1930s resisted subordination and male authority, emasculating their husbands and failing to fulfil their womanly duties. They were subject to insulting distortions of black people, including the Mammy, the Jezebel, the Pickaninny and the Welfare Queen, in popular culture. They survived white sociologist Daniel Patrick Moynihan's 1965 claim that households run by black mothers were inadequate compared to white families.

Each woman endured tremendous personal loss. The Little marriage was tumultuous, and Earl Little died in a suspicious streetcar accident in 1931. Louise was forced to go on welfare, certified insane and committed to the Kalamazoo State Hospital for more than 25 years. She was released just before the assassination of her son Malcolm X. Alberta lost not one but two sons: after Martin Luther King Jrs assassination in 1968, her other son, AD King, died in a mysterious drowning the following year. Emma Berdis's son, James Baldwin, became an amazing artist and activist and lived into the 1980s, but died of cancer of the oesophagus.

Endurance and resilience are the themes here. In the face of racism, sexism and tremendous violence, these three mothers survive. They are honoured, in these pages, as the extraordinary women they were, in their own right. This ambitious book reframes African American history, supplying the female black experience as a much-needed perspective.

The Three Mothers by Anna Malaika Tubbs, HarperCollins, 18.99

 The Washington Post
Imperial Valley News Center

Federal Contractor Agrees to Pay More Than $6 Million to Settle Overbilling Allegations

Baltimore, Maryland - Virginia-based Information Innovators Inc. (Triple-I) has agreed to pay the United States $6.05 million to resolve allegations that a predecessor company, Creative Computing Solutions Inc. (CCSi), violated the False Claims Act by knowingly overbilling the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for work performed by CCSi employees who lacked required job qualifications.

Triple-I, which provides IT services and solutions to federal agencies, acquired Maryland-based CCSi in 2015. CCSi formerly provided IT services to DHS pursuant to an Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for Leading Edge Solutions Contract (EAGLE Contract). The settlement resolves allegations that, from October 2007 to April 2014, CCSi knowingly submitted claims for payment to DHS for work performed by CCSi employees who lacked required job qualifications. CCSi allegedly violated the terms of the EAGLE Contract by using under-qualified personnel who were billed to DHS at higher rates reserved for more qualified employees.

Contractors that knowingly overcharge the government will be held accountable, said Acting Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Departments Civil Division. The department will ensure that that those who do business with the government, and seek taxpayer funds, do so fairly and in accordance with their contractual commitments.

Defense contractors are required to bill for costs actually incurred, and to be truthful in the claims they submit to federal agencies, said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner for the District of Maryland. The U.S. Attorneys Office and our partners are committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring integrity and compliance with federal agency standards.

DHS OIG remains committed to protecting government programs, and American taxpayers who contribute to them, from fraudsters, said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari. Our agency, working closely with our law enforcement partners, will continue to root out these unlawful contracting fraud schemes.

The settlement was a result of a joint investigation by the Civil Divisions Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section), the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Maryland, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector Generals Major Frauds and Corruption Unit. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
A total of 21 new locally-transmitted COVID-19 cases were reported over the weekend, including 15 on Sunday.



A truck driver gets tested for COVID-19. More than 500 truck drivers in the province had their samples taken for testing over the weekend

All the cases reported over the weekend were in the northern province of Hai Duong

The six cases reported on Saturday were all previously quarantined at two field hospitals in the province.

Fourteen of the 15 cases on Sunday were first contacts of a previously reported case so were already in quarantine. The fifteenth case was detected in a previously locked down area in Nam Sach District.

Viet Nam's caseload now stands at 2,383.

Hai Duong is currently Vietnams epicentre of the pandemic with more than 600 positive cases.

The provinces centre for disease control also reported a new cluster in Kim Thanh District connected to a patient confirmed positive on Friday.

Five new patients related to this patient were reported on Saturday night, his family members and friends. More than 250 people who had contact with these five patients have been traced.

Kim Thanh Districts chairman Pham Quang Hung said the entire Kim Lien Commune in the district with 8,000 residents had been isolated. All first contacts of the new patients had been taken into centralised quarantine.

More than 2,500 samples had been taken from the district for testing as of Sunday.

Chairman of Hai Duong Peoples Committee Nguyen Duong Thai on Saturday ordered all public employees in the province who use smartphones to install Bluezone  a contact tracing application  and fill out the health declaration form provided with it.

He also ordered all public agencies to keep a record of all people coming in and out of their organisations, ask them to install the application and keep it open at all times by turning on the Bluetooth feature on their phones.

He also ordered chairmen of districts and communes to instruct local residents to use the application.

Ninety patients in Hai Duong were released from hospitals on Sunday, making the provinces total recoveries 204.

Meanwhile, road transport and inland waterway transport in Quang Ninh Province were resumed at midnight on Sunday except in Dong Trieu Town, a COVID-19 cluster of the January 27 outbreak.

Transport was suspended in the province on February 8 to prevent infections.

By Saturday morning Quang Ninh had gone four days without any new cases and 11 days without community infections.

Only 20 out of the provinces 43 patients remain positive for COVID-19 as of Friday.

Also on Saturday morning, barriers were lifted for an isolated residential area in the southern province of Binh Duongs Thuan An City after 14 days without new cases.

Two other residential areas in the provinces Thu Dau Mot City and Phu Giao District had also been freed from isolation previously.

VNS

LA mayor urged to rent 15,000 hotel rooms for homeless residents (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

Los Angeles business leaders have called on the city to obtain 15,000 hotel rooms to take homeless people off the streets.

The Los Angeles Business Council has urged Mayor Eric Garcetti to act and take advantage of the federal governments pledge to pay 100 per cent of housing homeless people until September.

The call has been taken up by online activists, too, causing #SeizeTheHotels to trend on Twitter.

More than 40,000 people are homeless in Los Angeles and the death rate among the group is up 74 per cent in 2021, according to activists. In January this year, they died at a rate of five a day.

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The LABC, which represents 500 city businesses and civic leaders, says the citys 100,000 hotel and motel rooms are only at 50 per cent of capacity because of the pandemic.

Opportunities like this dont come along often. We must take full advantage of it, the LABC said in a letter to Mr Garcetti.

Thus, we urge you to act fast to explore options for renting vastly more hotel and motel rooms and bringing our unhoused Angelenos safely indoors.

The citys Project Roomkey started in march 2020 as coronavirus spread, but the city only leases three hotels with around 1,200 rooms.

And Mr Garcetti has authorised funding to extend the leases until September 30.

It was aimed at providing short-term shelter for homeless residents over the age of 65 or with serious health issues.

The city is also under pressure from federal judge David Carter to provide housing for 6,500 living under Los Angeles freeways by April 1.

And if we cant hit the 15,000-room goal, lets know that our mayor and other city leaders did everything in their power to reach it, said LABC president Mary Leslie.

Five years from now, we can either look back and say we missed a golden opportunity, or be grateful that Los Angeles answered the magnitude of the moment and housed a majority of its homeless population.

Read More

Coronavirus: Hotels shut doors to LA homeless

Audit: California should track homeless spending, set policy

Judge calls for meeting at LA shelter on homeless crisis

In UK, roving teams bring COVID-19 vaccine shots to homeless
Delhi: Four more arrested in Rinku Sharma murder case

India

pti-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 21: Four more people have been arrested in connection with the killing of 25-year-old Rinku Sharma in Mangolpuri area, police said on Sunday. Deen Mohd (40), Dilshan (22), Fayaiz (21) and Faizan (21), all residents of Mangolapuri, were arrested by a team of the Delhi Police's Crime Branch, which is probing the case currently.

So far, nine men have been arrested in connection with the killing of Sharma, police said. Additional PRO (Delhi Police) Anil Mittal said after examining witnesses and analysing the CCTV footage, the Crime Branch team probing the case has arrested four more men.

The accused were identified and arrested on the basis of a CCTV footage in which they were seen attacking Sharma, he said. On the night of February 10, when the victim and the accused were attending a birthday party, an argument broke out between them over their food joints in Rohini. They also allegedly slapped and threatened each other at the party, following which they left.

Congress leader and Gandhi loyalist Capt Satish Sharma dies

The two parties had similar tussles over the same issue sometime back as well, police had said. Later, the four men went to Sharma's house where the victim, along with his elder brother, was already standing outside with sticks.

A scuffle broke out between the two sides again during which the accused stabbed Sharma and fled from the spot, a senior police officer had said.

The victim's brother Mannu (19), however, had alleged that Rinku was killed as he was actively participating in the donation drive for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. However, the Delhi Police had denied any communal angle to the murder and said the fight at the birthday party took place over a business rivalry.
The phrase, taxation without representation sparked violence over whiskey and rum, spurred colonists in 1773 to dump 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor and ignited Americas revolution.

But for Mike McKenzie, the phrase represents a modern-day frustration that affects his business. The owner of a mom-and-pop produce market south of Fairhope, McKenzie cannot vote in city elections even though he is assessed permit fees and must abide by zoning ordinances issued out of Fairhope City Hall. Not long ago, a city employee told him to remove a sign because it was in violation of a city ordinance.

Its been one thing after another, said McKenzie. But we are not in the corporate limits. We have no vote and no say.

McKenzie is in Fairhopes police and planning jurisdictions, which extend three and five miles from the city limits respectively. Because of this, he must abide by city rules and regulations, and must pay Fairhope city taxes and building license fees.

State legislation passed recently passed in the Alabama Senate that could change all of that. But the previous versions have, in the past, faced difficulties getting through the House. A hearing before a House committee is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday in Montgomery.

If approved, the legislation would be the first step in what could be a gradual upending of decades of Alabamas unique system that allows cities regulatory and law enforcement reach to extend miles beyond the city limits.

Few states have the complicated combination of police and planning jurisdictions sprawling for miles beyond city boundaries. A research paper on the issue, written almost 45 years ago, suggested only four states  including Alabama  had polices in place granting municipal police authority to nearby unincorporated areas. But in those other three states  Idaho, North Dakota, and South Dakota  the geographic reach was limited to one-mile or less. In Alabama, the police jurisdictions have lone been set at three miles while the planning jurisdiction extend five miles.

I have a hard time explaining to my constituents why they are being taxed, policed and governed by folks they cant vote for when you have perfectly competent county commission, county building official and count sheriff who can provide an awful lot of these services, said state Senator Chris Elliott, R-Daphne.

Elliott is sponsoring the legislation, SB107, which aims to reign in Alabamas extraterritorial jurisdictions. Its the third time hes pitching the bill that, among other things, freezes the police jurisdictions boundaries in every city so they cannot expand as a city grows through future annexations. The planning jurisdictions, which can sprawl up to five miles and can give cities leeway to enact ordinances and adopt city plans on non-residents, would be limited to 1.5 miles.

Alabama law says cities with 6,000 or more residents have police jurisdictions that extend three miles beyond city limits. The Legislature, in 2016, gave cities over 6,000 residents the option of pulling back the jurisdictions to 1.5 miles through city ordinance.

For cities and towns with a population less than 6,000, the jurisdiction extends 1.5 miles.

This is something that plagues the state, Elliott said. There are countless news stories about problems between municipalities and each other fighting back and forth over a police jurisdiction. Its confusing for businesses who dont know who they pay taxes to. There are lawsuits. Were trying to end that and pass all of that in a slow and methodical way, realizing we need a public policy change to get this back on the right line.

The legislation also includes other points:

-Prohibits cities from collecting building permit fees from outside the municipal limits.

-Prohibits cities from enforcing municipal ordinances  such as a sign ordinance, or other non-law enforcement ordinances  outside municipal boundaries.

-Allows cities to reduce its police jurisdictions by half-mile increments. Cities right now do not have a choice: They either must expand their police jurisdictions three miles or 1.5 miles.

-Clarifies audit requirements for cities to ensure that sales taxes raised within the police jurisdictions is spent within the jurisdiction for public safety purposes.

City versus rural

Alabama state Senator Chris Elliott, R-Daphne, speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony outside a new high school and middle school that officially opened in Orange Beach, Ala., on Monday, August 10, 2020. Elliott is the sponsor of legislation that would reign in Alabama's police and planning jurisdictions. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

The legislation, as it has in the past, is pitting rural interests against cities. While Elliott said hes individually working with cities to garner support, the Alabama League of Municipalities remains the biggest opponent.

Greg Cochran, the leagues director, said his agency is opposed to the legislation out of concern over providing public services to people living just outside the cities. He has said in the past that only a small minority of Alabama residents feel as if they are being unfairly taxed if they live within the jurisdictions but outside the citys incorporated limits.

We view this as protection for citizens who live in police and planning jurisdictions to make sure their roads are built to standards that will easily allow them to assimilate into a municipality if they so choose, said Cochran. We see this a lot when a developer comes in and builds a property on the city jurisdiction line. When they do that, we have to make sure the citizens who come into the city via annexations, can do so in an easy way.

He added, Its important for the infrastructure, the stormwater mitigation and the roads meet the specifications of the city that they are neighboring and that it can be done so in a way that is proper.

Cochran said inclusion in a police jurisdiction, where municipalities provide public safety protections, helps lower insurance ratings. It also helps establishes city building codes enforced by city code enforcement officers, he said.

Elliott argues that the legislation does not rid the state of police jurisdictions. He also does not buy into arguments that it poses a public safety risk for cities.

He accuses the League of opposing the legislation due to power and money.

That is taxing people through fees and business taxes and enforcing municipal ordinances outside of municipal limits on people who dont have the right to vote for (municipal candidates), Elliott said.

There are cities that remain opposed to the legislation, including in Elliotts own backyard.

Elliott is a former member of the Baldwin County Commission, representing the fastest growing county in Alabama where high growth over the years has led to city annexations of rural areas. The growth has also led to backlash: In November, voters created two areas of Baldwin County  one near Loxley, another south of Fairhope that includes McKenzies produce market  as landmark districts which gives landowners within their boundaries the option on whether they want to be annexed into an adjoining city. Before the November ballot measure, the landowners had no say on annexations.

The landmark districts do not exclude properties from police or planning jurisdictions.

Some mayors are worried that the legislation could curtail their ability to plan for growth around them. In Foley, which has grown by over 32% since the 2010 U.S. Census, subdivision rules and regulations apply for five miles outside the corporate limits and the city believes the planning jurisdiction allows us to better plan for the municipal infrastructure needs of our city that the nearby growth contributes to and affects, said Mayor Ralph Hellmich.

He said that residents residing outside Foleys city limits but within the police jurisdiction, receives fire coverage, availability for children to participate in recreational leagues, public library access, senior programs, etc.

We currently do not treat people in the (police jurisdiction) any differently than people in the city with regard to availability of those services, even though what we collect in the (police jurisdiction) does not offset the added costs, said Hellmich. We collect no property tax in the (police jurisdiction) and what taxes we do collect, are at 50% the rate within the city limit.

In North Alabama, Decatur is also worried about an extraterritorial jurisdiction rollback.

For most of my life, our community has enjoyed the benefits of major employers that provide wonderful career opportunities for our residents, said Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling. It might surprise many of our residents to learn that a large percentage of employers established along, or near the banks of the Tennessee River are in a police and planning jurisdiction, not in the city of Decatur. However, they are an integral part of our community.

He said that removing police jurisdictions  which the legislation does not do  will not suspend the need to protect residents from the chemical plants located within the jurisdiction.

Bowling said the planning jurisdictions rollback removes our ability to issue building permits and associated inspections.

He said he hopes the opposition will gear up in the Alabama House.

Elliott said he is concerned about the misinformation and confusion over the legislation. Previous incarnations of the legislation abolished the police jurisdictions, but the latest one is a negotiated proposal that only freezes them in place. He said plans to do away with them are no longer under consideration.

This bill does not do anything to police jurisdictions, Elliott said. Decaturs police jurisdiction will remain.

Rural support

In support of the current legislation is the Association of County Commissions of Alabama and other rural interests, including groups like the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA).

Jeff Helms, spokesman with ALFA, said the legislation protects farmers, businesses and landowners within the police jurisdictions from ordinances enacted at City Hall and by officeholders who are not elected by voters in outlying areas.

Senator Elliott has worked in good faith to develop a bill which addresses the needs of growing municipalities while safeguarding the rights and representation of farmers threatened by urban encroachment, Helms said.

Sonny Brasfield, executive director with the ACCA, said his agency agrees with the League in not wanting to outright abolish the police jurisdictions. He said he supports the elimination of police jurisdiction creep, which means the police jurisdictions boundaries expand as the municipal boundaries expand through annexation.

We have a constant misunderstanding from most citizens on who is responsible for what services in those areas, Brasfield said. We have cities and counties conflict all the tie in working out issues like subdivision regulation and who responds to police calls.

The legislation, if it becomes law, will not apply everywhere. In Huntsville, there are no police or planning jurisdictions outside the citys boundaries. The does not levy fees or taxes outside the city limits and, the legislation would not impact our city, spokeswoman Kelly Schrimsher said. Madison and Limestone counties long removed police jurisdictions through constitutional amendments.

The Mobile City Council is contemplating whether to eliminate police and fire protection services for people living outside the city limits and in the police jurisdiction. Approximately 70,000 people live outside the city limits but within the police jurisdiction. (file photo).

In Mobile, a debate continues over whether to rollback existing police jurisdiction that encompasses subdivisions both old and new. The city estimates it costs $26.5 million to patrol the police jurisdiction annually, and more than 40 police officers are assigned to the area outside the city limits.

Alabama cities can opt to rescind its police jurisdiction, which would then place the responsibility and costs of patrolling the area with a county sheriffs office. In Mobile County, Sheriff Sam Cochran has said he would have to add an additional 50 deputies to patrol the extra territory if Mobile decided to relinquish it.

The issue in Mobile is whether to annex areas west of the city limits. In 2019, the City Council voted along racial lines (four white members voted to support it, three Black members were against) on the annexation plan. A super-majority of the council was needed to move the annexation plan forward, leaving a long-held status quo remaining: The citys police jurisdiction is wide-ranging and encompasses approximately 70,000 residents.

The city of Mobile spends far more providing services within its three-mile extended police jurisdiction than it recovers collecting business license fees and taxes in those same areas, said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Those costs are one of the reasons we have attempted, in previous years, to roll back the boundaries of our existing police jurisdiction.

He added, As written, SB017 would not impact any future plans we have to grow the city of Mobile.

In Fairhope, where the police jurisdiction is three miles and the planning jurisdiction is five miles, Mayor Sherry Sullivan echoed similar concerns as other city officials: City revenues will take a hit if the legislation becomes law.

She is also worried about ensuring new homes popping up in the adjacent unincorporated areas  if they are someday annexed into the city  meeting more stringent city building codes. She said the city receives a little more than $100,000 in business license revenue from outside the city limits.

Fairhope is Alabamas fastest-growing city in Alabama since 2010.

But Sullivan believes compromise can be reached that will reduce the confusion from rural residents over which ordinances they must follow, and who is policing them.

In the mayors opinion, the citys five-mile planning jurisdiction is a bit much, though she said she has not discussed that matter with the council.

McKenzie, who owns and operates the produce market south of Fairhope on U.S. 98, said he appreciates the effort by lawmakers to reduce the confusion even though he is seeking some answers himself.

He has no idea how far hes from the citys corporate limits, which have continued to expand as Fairhope has grown to the south and west.

To be honest, he said. We really dont know where the city limits are anymore.
The prince is the first member of the royal family to visit the Duke of Edinburgh in hospital. Photo: PA Media.

The Prince of Wales has visited his father the Duke of Edinburgh in hospital.

Philip, 99, was admitted to King Edward VIIs hospital in London on Tuesday evening as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell and walked unaided into the medical centre.

Charles arrived at the hospital at around 3.20pm on Saturday in a grey Tesla car, and exited the vehicle wearing a face mask, before leaving around 30 minutes later.

It is understood the prince travelled from his home in Highgrove, Gloucestershire, to the hospital in central London, a journey of around 100 miles.

He is the first member of the royal family to visit Philip during the dukes four-night stay in hospital.

It is thought Charles had not seen his father since before Christmas because of the nationwide coronavirus restrictions, with the duke staying at Windsor Castle.

The visit comes the day after Charless son the Duke of Sussex and his wife the Duchess of Sussex were stripped of their prestigious patronages as the couple confirmed Megxit was permanent.

The duke, who turns 100 on June 10, is in hospital for an undisclosed reason, although it is not coronavirus-related.

The hospitals website states visitors will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Regarding the visit, the palace said it had nothing to add to its previous statement on the dukes admittance to hospital.

Philip is known for his no fuss attitude.

Royal author Penny Junor told PA: We do all know he doesnt like fuss, and he would regard a visit as fuss.

She said she did not know the reason for the visit but added: Momentous things are happening in the family at the moment and I suppose its perfectly possible that Charles wanted to go and talk to his father and reassure him about Harry.

Charles spoke last year of not being able to see his father as coronavirus restrictions persisted.

The prince, who spent much of the first lockdown at Birkhall in Scotland with the Duchess of Cornwall, said in June 2020: Well I havent seen my father for a long time.

Hes going to be 99 next week, so yes, or my grandchildren or anything. Ive been doing the FaceTime, is all very well but

It isnt the same, is it? You really want to give people a hug.

At Christmas, Buckingham Palace confirmed the Queen and Philip spent the holiday period together at Windsor, apart from the rest of the royal family.

In early December, the Queen had a socially distanced royal reunion with William, Kate, Charles, Camilla, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Anne at Windsor at an outdoor Christmas carol concert at the end of the Cambridges royal train tour.

But there was no sign of Philip at the festive gathering.

Ahead of Christmas, the duke released a rare public message praising teachers and school staff for their efforts teaching the nations children during the pandemic.

On Friday, sources told the PA news agency: Following consultation with his doctor, the Duke of Edinburgh is likely to remain in hospital for observation and rest over the weekend and into next week.

As we have said previously, the doctor is acting with an abundance of caution. The duke remains in good spirits.

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, 10-year-old Twanna Saleh, from Camden, north London, wished the duke a quick recovery outside the hospital with a home-made sign.

Twanna said: When I was little I used to have chemotherapy for five years and I felt sad for Philip so I wrote this letter so he can feel better.

My sister helped me to draw the heart and the flower.




A Michigan woman contracted COVID-19 and died last fall two months after a double-lung transplant, doctors have said.

Researchers have suggested in a study that the woman, who was not named, is the first proven case of transmission from an organ transplant in the United States, raising questions on appropriate COVID screenings for potential donors.

The researchers who conducted the study noted that one of the surgeons who handled the donor lungs was also infected, proving 'donor origin of recipient and health care worker infection.'

A surgeon became sick and tested positive for COVID-19 four days after handing the donor's lungs but recovered, according to the study - which was published in the American Journal of Transplantation.

A Michigan woman contracted COVID-19 and died last fall two months after a double-lung transplant at University Hospital in Ann Arbor, pictured

Dr. Daniel Richard Kaul, pictured, suggested in a study that health care workers perform COVID tests on samples taken from deep within donor lungs

The case, being the only confirmed transmission among nearly 40,000 transplants in 2020, appears to be an isolated occurrence, according to Kaiser Health News.

The donated lungs came from a woman from the Upper Midwest who died after suffering a severe brain injury in a car accident.

The donor's lungs were then transplanted into a woman with chronic obstructive lung disease, known as COPD, at University Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Dr. Daniel Richard Kaul, director of the Transplant Infectious Disease Service at the University of Michigan Medical School, said nose and throat samples routinely collected from organ donors and recipients tested negative for COVID-19.

'We would absolutely not have used the lungs if we'd had a positive COVID test,' Kaul told Kaiser Helath News.

He added: 'All the screening that we normally do and are able to do, we did.'

By the third day after the transplant, the woman 'developed worsening fever, hypotension, and ventilator requirements' and imaging showed a lung infection, according to the study.

When the patient started presenting with septic shock, doctors decided to send samples from her lungs for coronavirus testing - which came back positive.

Doctors returned to samples from the transplant donor's nose and throat, which had tested negative for COVID-19.

'History obtained from family revealed no history of travel or any recent fever, cough, headache, or diarrhea,' the study reads.

'It is unknown if the donor had any recent exposures to persons known or suspected to be infected with SARS-CoV-2.'

Doctors then tested a sample of fluid taken from deep within the donated lungs before they were implanted, which later came back positive for the virus.

Researchers said that genetic screening revealed that 'both the transplant recipient and the surgeon acquired SARS-CoV-2 from the donor lungs.'

The woman's health quickly deteriorated and she was not considered a candidate for re-transplantation. Doctors said support was withdrawn and she died on 61 days after the transplant.

The study concluded that donor-derived infection from COVID-19 'has significant implications for the health of the recipient,' but also for health care workers who may be exposed prior to the recipient's diagnosis.

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, which oversees transplants, does not require organ donors to have been tested for COVID-19, according to Kaiser Health News.

'Transplant centers and organ procurement organizations should consider the possible perform SARS-CoV-2 testing of lower respiratory tract specimens from potential lung donors, and consider enhanced personal protective equipment for health care workers involved in lung procurement and transplantation,' according to the study.
GREENWICH  Restaurateurs K Dong and Chef Steve Chen, the owners of Miku Sushi on Greenwich Avenue, last year donated over $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations, including Kids in Crisis, Neighbor to Neighbor, Breast Cancer Alliance, Metro New York North Red Cross, the Bruce Museum, Lights to the Avenue and more.

This month, Miku Sushi has relaunched its campaign to support nonprofits by helping St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

Each month a special menu is created by the Miku team, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of these dishes benefit the selected partner.

Last year was so challenging, my team and I worked so hard to stay afloat, and aside from still being open I feel so fortunate that we had the ability to continue our community impact campaign that launched last February, said K Dong.

My team really enjoys being able to share our nonprofit partners with customers, weve learned so much about the community and what really matters to our customers. Greenwich is truly unique and were grateful for being a part of the community. Especially during a time like this.

The nonprofit partnership menu features several dishes, including Miracle, which is spicy toro with oshiko inside, topped with avocado and ikura; Dish of Hope, which is live scallops baked with butter garlic, mushrooms and corn, topped with cheese and tobiko; Gratitude, which is a wagyu beef sandwich, light tempura, A5 wagyu beef with chefs special sauce and served on a compact smoking cloche; and for dessert, the Miku matcha layer cake served with vanilla ice cream titled, Sweet.

Customers nominate the nonprofit partners for the fundraising campaign, and this months nomination came from Tina McCann.

We have been loyal customers since MIKU first opened in Greenwich, said McCann. Weve always admired their commitment to giving back. Were thrilled to see them supporting the life-saving work at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital during the month of February. While visiting the hospital we had the opportunity to see first-hand the importance of our fundraising efforts.

McCann introduced the organization to the Miku team last summer.

The research taking place at St. Jude is helping to increase survival rates for pediatric cancer here in our community and around the world. No family ever pays St. Jude for treatment, housing or travel, making support like Mikus critical to the work at the hospital, said Marilena Greig, a St. Jude advisory board member.

To learn more about Miku, visit mikugreenwich.com.

St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. For more information, visit stjude.org.

Greenwich student earns degree at Georgia Tech

George Germanakos of Greenwich has earned a bachelor of science in computer engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

Germanakos was among 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students who earned their degrees during the Fall 2020 semester.

Local students earn honors at colleges

Alice Belshaw of Greenwich has been named to the Deans List at the University of the South for the Fall 2020 term. To earn this distinction, a student must earn a grade point average of 3.625. The University of the South, known as Sewanee, is located in Sewanee, Teen.

Willow Wolfe from Riverside was named to the Deans List for the fall 2020 semester at Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y.

Gloria Maria Guardado of Greenwich was named to the Fall 2020 Deans List at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, N.Y. To qualify for this academic honor, a student at New York Tech must earn a GPA of at least 3.5.

Grace DeLoe of Greenwich excelled during the Fall 2020 semester, achieving a GPA of at least 3.5 to earn a spot on the Deans List at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

Lily Lombardi of Greenwich, a marine science major, earned a spot on the Presidents List at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C., by achieving a 4.0 GPA for the fall semester.

Williston Northampton School announces local students on Honor Roll

The Williston Northampton School, a coeducational boarding and day school in Easthampton, Mass., announced that two local students made the Honor Roll for the first trimester of the 2020-21 academic year.

The honored students are Stephen Sergio of Greenwich, a post-graduate student who achieved Honors; and Sonia Whitman of Greenwich, a Grade 12 student who achieved High Honors.

Students earning High Honors are required to earn a grade point average of 92. Students earning Honors are required to earn a grade point average of 87.
Police are investigating a social media comment that encouraged physical violence against officials in a Sussex County town over schools not being fully open due to the coronavirus pandemic, the district said Sunday.

Sparta schools are currently on a hybrid schedule and will soon be announcing a reopening plan for the spring.

Last week, the district was informed of a Facebook comment that said, in part: If (schools) dont open soon, it will be time for physical violence against the people keeping the schools closed. The commenter also wrote that parents should be knocking down the doors of the (board of education) members and union leaders.

Sparta School District Superintendent Patrick McQueeney said district administrators were informed of the comment via a screenshot, and Sparta police are investigating.

In a letter sent to parents, the districts board said the post was made because the individual is dissatisfied with the pace at which the return to in-person, full day learning is occurring.

This is outrageous and unacceptable. We would never accept such conduct from our children and we certainly will not accept it from frown adults. The Board of Education welcomes peaceful discourse and healthy debate on our reentry plan, the letter said.

...Nevertheless, we will not tolerate those who try to take matters into their own hands or incite violence as an intimidation tactic, simply because they are dissatisfied with the Board, Administration and our teachers who are doing their best in these very trying circumstances, the letter says.

Sparta police did not immediately respond to NJ Advance Media.

A majority of districts in New Jersey are not yet holding fulltime in person learning. As of last Monday, 512 districts in New Jersey were hybrid, 164 remote, and 98 were fully in-person.

Theres many logistics that going into making a normal school day happen. Layer on top of that the health and safety guidelines from the department of health and CDC, theres a lot of moving pieces. This is not something that you rush to protect the health and safety of everybody, especially our students and staff, McQueeney said.

Gov. Phil Murphy has said educators are next in line to receive the coronavirus vaccine, but has not specified when that will be. Healthcare workers, first responders, those over 65 years of age and people with certain health conditions are the groups currently eligible for the vaccine.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo2@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AvalonZoppo.
A man accused of kidnapping a 14-year-old from North Carolina died Sunday in Arkansas, police say.

On Saturday night, two officers from Lonoke, Arkansas, spotted a Dodge SUV believed to be connected with the kidnapping in a McDonalds parking lot, according to a news release from Arkansas State Police. The officers, who saw two people inside the car, ordered the driver, 38-year-old William Robert Ice of Pennsylvania, to get out.

When he did, he began shooting at the officers, critically injuring one of them, the release says. Ice then drove off as the other officer returned gunfire.

An Arkansas state trooper saw the vehicle leaving the parking lot and chased it until it became disabled in a snowbank at which point the 14-year-old ran from the car before being secured by a state trooper, police say.

Inside the SUV, the trooper found Ice critically injured from what preliminarily appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the release says.

Ice died at a Little Rock hospital Sunday, officials say. The injured officer is in stable condition.
SAN FRANCISCO  Nearly a year into a life-altering pandemic, many Americans are fed up with wearing masks, desperate for a return to normalcy and numb to the relentless stream of grim numbers, such as the 500,000 COVID-19 deaths the USA surpassed Monday.

Health care workers dont want to hear any of that.

They have been working endless hours amid constant death and suffering, forsaking time off and exposing themselves to the disease, leaving them exhausted and with no real indication of when the pandemic will relent.

Theres definitely some tangible fatigue on the health care workers side, being sick of COVID and sick of people disregarding public health guidance, getting sick and expecting us to defer another vacation or put off something else, said Eric Cioe-Pena, an emergency room physician running a COVID-19 field hospital in Staten Island, New York.

Ive been telling people who thank me for this, Just tell yourself and everyone you know to wear a mask when youre out in public places. Dont clap, dont give me baked goods. I dont need any of that. I need you to wear a mask and not get COVID.

The toil has taken a toll. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded more than 409,000 coronavirus cases and 1,442 deaths among health care personnel nationwide, but the agency acknowledges its data is incomplete. A report in late December by Kaiser Health News and The Guardian said the number of fatalities was closer to 3,000.

The arrival of vaccines in mid-December has removed some of the worry for medical workers, who were at the front of the line for inoculations.

Health care worker Pam Peter, right, prepares to receive her second dose of COVID-19 vaccine last month in Pompano Beach, Fla. Medical workers and long-term care patients and staff were at the front of the line for inoculations.

Michael Daignault,an emergency physician in Los Angeles and chief medical adviser for Reliant Health Services, recalls the joy and relief among his co-workers when they got vaccinated. Several posted online photos of themselves getting the shot, which he said may have helped convince some people that the vaccine is safe.

But Daignault also remembers the exasperation he felt watching his fellow residents ignore health advice as infections piled up and turned Los Angeles County into the center of the COVID-19 calamity over the winter.

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Last year was super frustrating for me because I worked most of the major holidays  July 4, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving  with the exception of Christmas, Daignault said. Listening to the radio driving to work, theyre saying, Please dont congregate over the holidays, or were going to contribute to the spread. And it seemed like Los Angelenos celebrated every holiday last year.

L.A., by far the most populous county in the nation, has recorded 1.18 million coronavirus cases and almost 20,000 deaths, more than double the totals for any other county. That has raised concerns about the long-term mental health effects on medical workers there and in other highly affected areas.

Burnout, leaves of absence among medical workers

Julita Mir, an infectious disease physician and the chief medical officer at Community Care Cooperative in Boston, said she and her colleagues draw strength from their commitment to serving the community at a clinic with a large percentage of low-income patients.

She has seen a significant number of nurses, medical assistants and physicians take leaves of absence to care for family members who got sick or for children who couldnt attend school in person. Amid the COVID-19 burnout she has noticed, Mir wonders what life will be like afterward, and when well get there.

Thinking about new variants that may be so different that maybe the vaccine I got a month ago is not going to work in six months, it makes me want to cry, she said. We have to hope that at least it provides some protection.

Even as the USA becomes the first country to reach half-a-million COVID deaths  the actual figure was 500,071 as of Monday at 4:40 p.m. EST  there are signs the pandemic may be abating, from the decreasing number of cases, hospitalizations and fatalities to the improved vaccine rollout and production.

Amid this hopeful scenario, the emergence of coronavirus variants scrambles the picture of what the near future may look like.

Will most students be able to return to schools in the coming weeks, or will a proliferation of infections fueled by variants keep them learning remotely? The CDC has reported nearly 1,700 COVID-19 cases caused by variants, the majority of them by the one that originated in the United Kingdom.

When will vaccines be readily available to all Americans? The answer has been a moving target, shifting from as early as April to late July, the timeline mentioned by President Joe Biden.

The CDC projects the highly transmissible variant first identified in the U.K. could become the dominant U.S. strain by the end of March. Variants first found in South Africa and Brazil, both believed to be somewhat more resistant to vaccines, have also been detected in this country, along with domestic variants.

Some public health experts worry the variants could prompt a spring surge that may negate many of the gains made since the nation endured a post-holiday spike that peaked with a one-week average of nearly 250,000 new infections per day in early January. That figure is now around 67,000, still considerably higher than the averages in the 40,000 range during parts of August and September.

Closing in on the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus outbreak being declared a pandemic  March 11, 2020  its still not clear when the United States, which has reported more than twice as many cases and deaths as any other country, will have a hold on the health crisis.

The curveball is the variants, but I dont think its a big enough curveball that we cant hit the pitch, said Dr. Robert Wachter, who chairs the Department of Medicine at the University of California-San Francisco. Theyre coming, theyre growing, but the good news is the main one were seeing and are worried about is the British one, and the vaccines work essentially as well as they do for the old virus. So its just a matter of whether we can get enough people vaccinated quickly enough to stay somewhat ahead of the variants.

Reasons for optimism amid the reality

After a slow and troubled start to vaccination programs, the United States has picked up the pace and inoculated more than 44 million people, 19.4 million of them with both of the required shots. At the distribution rate of 13.5 million doses a week, Bidens promise of 100 million shots in his first 100 days in office looks easily achievable and, in fact, may be too conservative. Critics said that won't be enough to stay ahead of the variants and that 2 million-3 million shots a day should be the goal.

Public health specialists draw optimism from the likelihood a new Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be authorized soon, providing a valuable tool that requires only one shot and normal refrigeration, major benefits when trying to reach distant communities. Another vaccine from the Maryland firm Novavax may be next in the pipeline, and the discovery that the Pfizer vaccine is 85% effective weeks after the first dose could increase the supply as well.

Workers at Pfizer's manufacturing site in Kalamazoo, Mich., fill buckets with dry ice that will be poured into thermal shipping containers holding the company's COVID-19 vaccine, which needs to be kept at minus-94 degrees. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, expected to be authorized by late February, won't have that requirement.

Daignault said vaccines other than those produced by Pfizer and Moderna were not given their day in the sun by the media because of decreased effectiveness against the variants. But what they missed was that all the vaccines reduced serious illness and death from all the variants.

Wachters also bullish on the findings, still preliminary, from studies that indicate those who have been infected need only one shot of the vaccines to get complete protection. That could free up millions of the scarce doses.

Though the reported number of Americans who have contracted the coronavirus is upward of 28 million, some researchers said the actual amount is four times that many, about 110 million, largely because so many cases are asymptomatic and lots of infected people never got tested.

People who have had COVID-19 are presumed to have a high level of immunity, based on the small number of known reinfections. Between the 110 million who might have contracted the virus and the 44 million with at least some protection from the vaccines, you have enough non-susceptible people to create enough down pressure that the variants may not take off in the way that we fear, Wachter said.

Regardless, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky and other members of the Biden administration emphasize the need for vigilance and adherence to well-known practices such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance.

Ken Thorpe, a professor of health policy at Emory University in Atlanta, said the importance of a consistent message from the federal government in times of crisis cant be overstated.

Thats seemingly simple, but its a dramatic departure from last year. You now have a clear message, Thorpe said. The Biden administration has said this is real, the problems going to get worse before it gets better. Just making sure people understand this is not to be underplayed, its not a hoax, the numbers are real, but we can do things with social distancing and masks to mitigate the transmission.

Reaching out to underserved communities

At the state and local levels, experts see danger signs in some governments lifting restrictions and mask mandates. The influential model of the University of Washingtons Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation projects 589,000 deaths by June 1, a gloomy reminder of the damage COVID-19 continues to inflict.

That forecast takes into account the impact of vaccines, which will need to reach distant and reluctant populations for the USA to achieve the approximately 80% protection required for herd immunity.

Cioe-Pena and Mir, both of whom speak Spanish and tend to diverse patient populations, say the best way to connect with hesitant communities is through their trusted leaders, such as pastors, teachers and doctors from local clinics. Conducting vaccine education sessions in the native language of immigrants would also help.

You cant just throw up a vaccination center in a poor area and say, Come in, well do it, Cioe-Pena said. You really have to engage the leaders, explain the process, facilitate registration. Without doing that, youre not going to engage them as well.

Dr. Victor Peralta, left, examines Sundar Surujmohan's vaccination card before giving him his second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in New York City on Feb. 5.

Mir said most of her patients dont own a computer or lack the skills to make a vaccination appointment online, so theyre liable to be left behind without outreach. Some are distrustful of vaccines, including an 85-year-old Puerto Rican man who suggested she find someone older to be the first in line at her clinic. She explained in Spanish why he should get the shot, and he agreed.

Mir learned of some aversions she wasnt aware of while giving a talk to the staff members of a nursing home that employs a high number of immigrants.

I got questions like, Does the vaccine have any pork or any animal products? My religion doesnt let me eat or take anything thats animal-related, so Im not going to take the vaccine, Mir said. These are things I had not come across. They dont trust their government, and they think this government is hiding something.

Those are some of the challenges the United States faces as it conducts the largest vaccination campaign in its history, hoping to arrest the march toward 600,000 COVID-19 deaths. Its too late to avoid getting to 500,000, more than twice as many as reported in Brazil, a distant second on the somber list.

Daignault called the 500,000 milestone heartbreaking, thinking back to his grandfathers participation in the D-Day invasion during World War II, a conflict that claimed the lives of about 405,000 U.S. service members.

I have a bunch of pictures of him on my wall, Daignault said, and when I go into work every day, I look at those pictures and feel like, This is my D-Day. This is our generations D-Day here. This is our fight.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 500,000 COVID deaths in US: Health care workers exhausted, frustrated
Stribog BHPian

Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chennai Posts: 499 Thanked: 2,052 Times

re: Jawa 42 vs Honda Hness CB350 Quote: gkveda Originally Posted by Have you decided to go with purchase of bikes? Or are you asking us to decide on that too?



If you have already decided to purchase and asking only for choice between CB350 and java 42, I would go with CB350. Java has lost its trust and have heard many negatives.



If you are asking for decision whether or not to purchase, please answer below questions



1. How many kms have you done with Activa in its life time and last 6 months?

2. What kind of trips have been majority in Activa in last six months?

3. What would be your trips in next 2 years?



If you have extensively covered more than 6000 kms per year in Activa, may be you need a bike



If your majority trips in Activa are for milk, vegetables and medicines, better continue with Activa. CB350 or java won't be as useful as Activa for these trips.



If you are planning to have long trips in bike minimum to cover 500 kms in month, then you may consider bike(my recommendation: CB350)



Quote: Grease_Monkey Originally Posted by I am in a similar dilemma/ situation too. Have a 150 Apache, later converted to 180, but run about 1.1 l kms. Even I am of a similar height 5'5".

For city, the Apache still is a brilliant bike with its ability to close gaps quickly though the suspension is on a stiffer side. Maybe, that is causing discomfort. Otherwise, try some luggage management - saddle bags/ top box etc if the laptop bag is heavy.

If you want to buy a new bike, CB350 might not be your style due to its lower rev band. I mean the RTR engine just loves to rev beyond it 10k limit while the CB350 is more of a retro cruiser, plus the power increment will be quite less ~ 2 bhp.

I would look beyond these two, maybe look at the interceptor or the Dukes, or maybe the Dominar at around 3L.

If your budget is 2.5L, I would also look at Meteor or the Gixxer 250.

As for the height point of view, I have ridden all these including the Jawa but feel most confident in the Dukes.

The interceptor is quite heavy and the footpegs ergos are weird for us with short legs especially while pushing out of parking, but the engine is glorious. I had booked a Grey Jawa classic, but cancelled due to its quality and delivery issues.

Even the Himlayan is quite doable with Pillion and luggage for our height, despite its heavy weight and higher CoG.



Do ride all the bikes in your budget, and let us know your thoughts. Do not reject a bike just because of its seat height. I was pretty comfortable with the Adventure 390 too even though it's a tall bike. Weight balance and CoG plays a big role too.



Let us know your riding style, usage - (highway/city), what you consider important in your next bike which will help narrow down options. As for city /market chores, can be done in a superbike as well, my neighbour does that in a Ninja 1000, while I never felt the need of a scooter and any bike can do the city circuit pretty easily, so don't keep that as a parameter.



Quote: aargee Originally Posted by



Before heading to Jawa's showroom, try to find out where their service center is located, otherwise, you'll land up riding much more than anticipated every month for weekly service calls



PS - All offence meant towards Mahindra for toppling the reputation of Jawa without a considerate towards poor owners Bike or not to bike is left to your choice. But if you choose Jawa, then you will be forced not to bike. This much I can predict.Before heading to Jawa's showroom, try to find out where their service center is located, otherwise, you'll land up riding much more than anticipated every month for weekly service callsPS - All offence meant towards Mahindra for toppling the reputation of Jawa without a considerate towards poor owners



Quote: TrackDay Originally Posted by

On the other hand, are you really sure you need a bike ? Since you mentioned this is a bug that has recently bit you, why not try renting out a similar bike for a week or two. Once the novelty dies off it might be better to get a scooter like the Jupiter or Access. Even the TVS N Torq is quite a puller I hear. However, if you are absolutely sold on a bike go ahead and get the Honda ! Between the two I would go for the Honda if the main factor was reliability, strong brand value and presence here in India. It also assures peace of mind.On the other hand, are you really sure you need a bike ? Since you mentioned this is a bug that has recently bit you, why not try renting out a similar bike for a week or two. Once the novelty dies off it might be better to get a scooter like the Jupiter or Access. Even the TVS N Torq is quite a puller I hear. However, if you are absolutely sold on a bike go ahead and get the Honda ! Activa was used by my late father, and without him using the bike, in the past 6 months, KM done would be 10 (to the service centre and back for a general service last week), Apache would be less than 200 kms in 3 months. 2 Wheeler trips mostly are for local shops, gym, and occasionally the office - but my back starts to hurt (am also oldish) and I never take it to office again for a month.My riding style would be about 80% city (50% of this in peak traffic) and balance short jaunts outside the city. Very interesting points raised though, certain bikes like Himalayan I look and just go "nah, would need a stool to reach the ground", but yeah, won't hurt to TD all of them.Is the reliability that bad? Sadly TBHP does not have too much of threads on Jawa 42 (just 2 iirc) so I cant really form a judgement from it.Good idea, will look up this option
Egypt will organise the second edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development under the title Shaping Africas New Normal: Recovering Stronger, Rebuilding Better.

The forum, which will be held virtually from 1-5 March 2021 under the auspices of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, will bring together leaders from governments, regional and international organisations, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society, as well as visionaries, scholars, key experts and practitioners for a context-specific discussion on the new risks, threats, and challenges, as well as opportunities that lie ahead.

Grounded in Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the forum will develop action-oriented recommendations for a strong recovery that advances sustainable peace and development with prevention and resilience at its core.

Owned by Africa, and supported by international and regional partners, the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development seeks to advance a broad and ambitious agenda for addressing the peace, security and development challenges facing Africa.

The first edition of the forum, which was held between 11-12 December 2019, brought together more than 600 participants from 70 countries and emphasised the imperative of a paradigm shift in Africa from crisis management to achieving sustainable peace and development.

Since then, the COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching impacts on societies and economies across the world.

While Africa has shown strong leadership in addressing the health impacts of COVID-19, pre-existing vulnerabilities that were further magnified by the pandemic have destabilised lives and livelihoods on an unprecedented scale.

Youth, women, and forcibly displaced populations continue to be disproportionately impacted. The crisis also threatens to erode the hard-won gains of decades of economic and human development.

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Since commercial 5G services were launched in China in 2019, the technology has become extensively used, going far beyond mobile phones into sectors as diverse as e-commerce and healthcare. Its versatility was particularly apparent last year when it was deployed in a specialty hospital in Wuhan in central China for epidemic prevention and control, and also used to measure the height of Mt. Qomolangma, the highest peak in the world. Wang Zhiqin, vice president of China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, talked about its development to Guangming Daily. This is an edited excerpt of the interview:





Guangming Daily: What is the current state of China's 5G development?





Wang Zhiqin: Commercial deployment of 5G made solid progress in 2020, with more than 718,000 base stations built nationwide, accounting for 70 percent of the global total. Today, the domestic network covers all cities at and above prefecture level, with more than 200 million terminal connections. Telecom enterprises, manufacturers and other related companies are all promoting its integrative development.





What are the challenges that it faces?





Despite a good start, there are still many challenges regarding future development. For core components including chips, mobile operating system and other basic software and hardware, Chinese companies still depend on imports, which has restricted the development of the technology.





Also, 5G-related construction, operation and maintenance costs are higher than 4G. The technology needs to be upgraded and optimized for various application scenarios. It's also necessary to boost cross-industry application.





What is 5G's role in promoting high-quality development and stimulating new growth drivers?





The technology can drive economic growth directly. And the combination of 5G and traditional industries will generate a spillover effect, improving the efficiency of production and transforming economic growth models. The technology's contribution to economic development can be explained from the following three perspectives.





Its commercialization will boost investment. Wider commercial application of 5G will drive up the demand for new infrastructure investment. With the explosive growth in data traffic, the demand for data storage, processing, computing and analysis is on the rise. This will stimulate investment in new infrastructure including data centers and cloud computing.





Additionally, it will upgrade users' consumption. The data consumption by 5G users is higher than that of other network users. The large-scale shipment of 5G terminals indicates its role in stimulating consumption. In 2020, the shipment of 5G mobile phones in China exceeded 160 million, accounting for half of all mobile phone shipments in the country. Also smart wearable equipment and intelligent Internet of Things products are getting more attention, which will remarkably spur terminal product consumption.





Besides, 5G plays a role in altering the mode of production, promoting high-quality development. Its application in traditional industries will enhance productivity greatly as it can bolster effective gathering of production and management statistics and realize low-cost remote control.





How can network construction be promoted?





It's crucial to be moderately forward-looking in the construction of 5G network. "Moderately" means taking into consideration the specific characteristics of 5G technology and products. China is among the first countries to use 5G commercially, so there is no previous experience to learn from. Therefore, it will take time to explore this sector.





It is essential to set a proper pace for the deployment of 5G so that resources will not be wasted to excessively hasten deployment. Network construction is the foundation of 5G deployment just as road building is important to transportation. So network should be developed first just as road should be paved first.





Popular applications, such as social media platform Weibo in the age of 3G, and short videos in the 4G era, emerged two to three years later after the commercialization of the network. By that time the network had been complete, ready for the launch of innovative applications.





Similarly, in the age of 5G, it's necessary to speed up network building in an appropriate way. With this principle, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology plans to build 600,000 5G base stations this year.





What progress will be made in 5G technology research and development (R&D) this year?





This year commercial 5G networks will become large-scale and further integrated with related industries. To better meet the industrial demand for applications, 5G wireless-enhanced design and international standards will continue to evolve. China will enhance its 5G design and shore up weak links in the industrial chain.





How will application of 5G be expanded?





Currently, we are at the preliminary stage in developing 5G industrial applications, as supportive technologies, ecosystem and business models are being explored and innovated. We will focus on major fields and demonstration models will be set up. Efforts will be made to accelerate 5G application in major fields such as the industrial Internet, medical care, energy and port and expand its role in other sectors such as education and logistics.





There are still weaknesses in technologies and industries that support the integrated application of 5G, and it is important to address their common problems. The supply of chip and module products should be increased and domestic manufacturers should be encouraged to develop 5G chips.





The telecom industry should coordinate with other industries to establish a 5G application standard system and industrial barriers should be broken down.





The commercialization of key supportive technologies should be promoted, so should be its integration with other new generation information technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing.





What new breakthroughs can we expect for the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period?





The R&D of new base station products will be strengthened, and an advanced, sound and safe industrial and supply chain will be built.





It is predicted that by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the 5G network in China will cover both urban and rural areas, indoor and outdoor areas, and individuals and industries to become the world's largest standalone 5G network.





Innovative applications will be encouraged, including high-definition videos, virtual reality, augmented reality and cloud games. At the same time, they will also be used in key industries such as coal mines, ports, manufacturing and medical care to create replicable industrial solutions and application standards. In this way, 5G will empower thousands of industries.





China will continue to deepen international cooperation and establish a unified global standard for 5G in collaboration with the International Organization for Standardization. It will also share new applications, new models and new formats.




Dr Kwaku Afriyie, the Minister-Designate for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, has proposed a national conversation on the use of solar energy to provide impetus to the national electrification drive.



He said Ghana, being in the tropics, had a huge potential for solar energy generation.



Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for vetting for the portfolio, for which President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has nominated him, Dr Afriyie said a national conversation would guide the citizenry on the configuration and where to place wind vanes and solar panels.



The dependence on more solar energy resources, he said, would also boost the nations rural electrification drive.



His proposal was in response to a suggestion by Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minority Leader and Deputy Chairman of the Appointments Committee, who wanted to know what measures he would adopt to increase the use of wind vanes to boost solar energy supply in Ghana.



If approved, Dr Afriyie, a Medical Doctor and Farmer, will take over from his predecessor, Prof Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, who handled the ministry in the first term of Akufo-Addo's administration.



Dr Afriyie, Member of Parliament for Sefwi Wiawso, who turns 67 on July 7, this year, was once the Minister of Health under former President John Agyekum Kufuor's administration.



He also served as the Western Regional Minister and later Minister of State in Charge of State Enterprises in the first term of President Akufo-Addo's Government.



Dr Afriyie announced that a draft policy to guide the exploitation of Ghanas oil and gas resources was being worked on, promising to bring that legislation to the House if approved.



He agreed to champion the application of research findings to the growth of sweet potatoes, which had very high nutritional values and could be applied in making confectioneries.



Furthermore, he advocated growing more sweet potatoes and the development of taste buds for consumption and export to attract foreign exchange and reduce poverty.



On genetically modified plants, the Minister-designate said existing laws allowed for research for improved varieties of crops, and that the Ministry would encourage research into such plants.



On the moral issues, the Minister-designate said there were moral issues on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and cautioned that the adoption of GMOs might lead to dependence on foreign organisms alien to the nations genetic pool.



It would also change the flora and fauna landscape.



On the encroachment of lands belonging to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research under the Ministry, Dr Afriyie said the Ministry would apply the law to retrieve encroached lands and protect the rest.

Source: GNA









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Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, left, Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo / Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



Hyundai Motor Group Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo will vacate his board membership at Hyundai Mobis, loosening his control over the management of Hyundai Motor Group companies.



According to industry officials, Sunday, Chung won't be renamed as an internal director on the Hyundai Mobis board of directors during the component maker's annual general meeting slated for March 24.



Chung's current term expires in March, and the honorary chairman has already passed over the majority of Hyundai Motor Group companies' managing rights to his son, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun.



When Chung Mong-koo ends his term, the 82-year-old will no longer hold board memberships at Hyundai Motor Group, meaning he won't be involved in managing the auto giant in the future.



In February last year, the Hyundai Motor board did not put giving Chung another term on its agenda, and replaced its board chairman with Chung Euisun. Since then, the senior Chung had remained as Hyundai Motor Group Chairman and CEO of Hyundai Mobis. In October, when his son became the chairman, he resigned as Hyundai Mobis CEO and stayed on as a non-standing member of its board.



He dropped his board membership at Hyundai Steel in 2014 and Hyundai Engineering & Construction in 2018.



When the honorary chairman leaves the Hyundai Mobis board, the company is expected to name an R&D vice president as his successor. This will be the first time the company naming a vice president as an inside board member.



Hyundai Motor Group is expected to launch a program to overhaul its cross-shareholding structure between affiliates "soon" in order to protect its governance from hostile activist funds and enhance Chairman Chung Euisun's control.



Industry officials anticipate the specifics of the upcoming overhaul are set to be announced sometime this year, because a new regulation on unfair trading between affiliates will compel the Chung family members to lower their stakes in logistics unit Hyundai Glovis from 29.9 percent to 20 percent from 2022.



Revenue from sale of the 9.9 percent is projected to be used to increase Chairman Chung's stake in Hyundai Mobis and Hyundai Motor, given their importance in the governing structure of Hyundai Motor Group. Chung has a 0.32 percent stake in Hyundai Mobis and a 2.62 percent stake in Hyundai Motor.





New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the petition to review wrong questions in UPSC Civil Services Exam 2017. The result has been announced and we do not want to open the Pandora's box, the court said.



Petitioner has alleged that some wrong questions in the paper set up by UPSC have put the fate of lakhs of candidates in jeopardy. Petitioner demanded from Court to direct the UPSC to release the answer key to the prelims examination. The petitioner had requested the court to set up an expert committee to examine this years papers and suggest needful actions on ambiguous questions.



The Union Public Service Commission on Thursday declared the result of the civil services preliminary examination. The test was conducted on June 18.



Suggested read | UPSC Civil Services exam 2017: SC to hear plea on wrong questions, main exam in October

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[February 20, 2021] NASA Science, Cargo Launches on 15th Northrop Grumman Resupply Mission to Space Station

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A Northrop Grumman Cygnus resupply spacecraft is en route to the International Space Station with approximately 8,000 pounds of science investigations and cargo after launching at 12:36 p.m. EST Saturday from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. About three hours after launch, the spacecraft's solar arrays successfully deployed to collect sunlight to power Cygnus on its journey to the space station. NASA Television, the NASA app , and agency's website will provide live coverage of the spacecraft's approach and arrival beginning at 3 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22. Cygnus is scheduled to arrive at the space station around 4:40 a.m. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi will use the space station's robotic Canadarm2 to capture Cygnus upon its arrival, while NASA astronaut Michael Hopkins monitors telemetry during rendezvous, capture, and installation on the Unity module's Earth-facing port. Northrop Grumman's 15th cargo flight to the space station is the fourth under its Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract with NASA. Cygnus launched on an Antares 230+ rocket from the Virginia Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport's Pad 0A at Wallops. The resupply flight will support dozens of new and existing investigations. Included in the scientific investigations Cygnus is delivering to the space station are: Using worms to learn about muscle loss

Tiny worms could help us determine the cause of muscle weakening that astronauts can experience in microgravity. Thanks to a new device for measuring the muscle strength of tiny C. elegans worms, researchers with the Micro-16 study can test whether decreased expression of muscle proteins is associated with this decreased strength. Results of this experiment may provide a better understanding of the links between gene expression and muscle strength, support the development of countermeasures to help maintain crew member health, and support new therapies to combat the effects of age-related muscle loss on Earth. I dream of space

The ESA (European Space Agency) Dreams experiment will take a closer look at astronaut sleep. The investigation serves as a technology demonstration of the Dry-EEG Headband in microgravity, while also monitoring astronaut sleep quality during a long-duration flight mission. Raw data will be available to scientists for their analysis, while the crew also can input direct feedback on their sleep with a tablet application. Sleep is central to human health, so a better understanding of sleep in space provides a more comprehensive understanding of human health in microgravity. A life support upgrade

The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) is a system of regenerative life support hardware that provides clean air and water to the space station crew. The system will get an upgrade thanks to the Exploration ECLSS: Brine Processor System . This investigation demonstrates technology to recover additional water from the Urine Processor Assembly using a membrane distillation process. Long-duration crewed exploration missions require about 98% water recovery, and this technology demonstration in brine processing will help achieve this goal. This Brine Processor System plans to close the gap for the urine waste stream of the space station.



Testing the manufacturing of artificial retinas in microgravity

Millions of people on Earth suffer from retinal degenerative diseases. Artificial retinas or retinal implants may provide a way to restore meaningful vision for those affected. In 2018, startup LambdaVision sent its first experiment to the space station to determine if the process used to create artificial retinal implants by forming a thin film one layer at a time may work better in microgravity. LambdaVision's second experiment evaluates a manufacturing system using a light-activated protein that replaces the function of damaged cells in the eye. This information could help LambdaVision uncover whether microgravity could optimize production of these retinas and assist people back on Earth. Preparing for the Moon

The International Space Station serves as a testing ground for technologies we plan to use on future missions to the Moon. The A-HoSS investigation puts tools for the crewed Artemis II mission to the test. Built as the primary radiation detection system for the Orion spacecraft, the Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor (HERA) was modified for operation on the space station. By verifying that HERA can operate without error for 30 days, it validates the system for crewed Artemis mission operations.

Identifying new targets for disease treatment

Each of the more than 100,000 proteins in the human body has a unique and complicated structure, which is closely related to its function. Revealing protein structure can lead to an understanding of its function, but it is difficult to grow protein structures here on Earth where gravity interferes with optimal growth. Previous research has shown that high-quality protein crystals can be produced in microgravity that can be analyzed to identify possible targets for drugs to treat disease. The Real-Time Protein Crystal Growth 2 study plans to produce up to eight high-quality protein crystals at time, which will undergo detailed analysis back on Earth. This investigation allows for real-time adjustments through the run of the experiment. High-performance computing aboard the space station

Improved high-performance computing will be required for space missions as humans prepare for additional exploration throughout the solar system. Currently, computing capabilities in space are reduced compared to capabilities on the ground because they prioritize reliability over performance, creating challenges when transmitting data to and from space. Launched in 2017, the Spaceborne computer study ran a high-performance commercial off-the-shelf computer system in space, successfully performing more than 1 trillion calculations (or one teraflop) per second for 207 days without requiring reset. Now launching on Northrop Grumman's CRS-15 mission, Spaceborne Computer-2 explores how commercial off-the-shelf computer systems can advance space exploration by reliably processing data significantly faster in space, speeding scientists' time to data access and analysis from months to minutes. These are just a subset of the hundreds of investigations currently being conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory in the areas of biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science. Advances in these areas will help keep astronauts healthy during long-duration space travel and demonstrate technologies for future human and robotic exploration missions as part of NASA's Moon and Mars exploration approach, including lunar missions through NASA's Artemis program. The lead NASA flight director for the mission is Adi Boulos. "I am humbled to be the International Space Station Flight Director for the Northrup Grumman CRS-15 mission," Boulos said. "This spacecraft has the honor of being named the S.S. Katherine Johnson. As a Black woman, Katherine Johnson shattered race and gender barriers to live out her dreams and become a pivotal part of this country's young space program. Fifty-nine years ago today, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth after personally asking for Katherine Johnson to verify his Mercury missions' orbital trajectory calculations. Katherine Johnson was an asset to our space program, and I am honored to work for a mission that expands her legacy even further." The Cygnus spacecraft will remain at the space station until May before it disposes of several thousand pounds of trash through its destructive re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Learn more about Northrop Grumman's mission at: http://www.nasa.gov/northropgrumman/ Get breaking news, images and features from the space station on Instagram, Facebook, and @space_station and @ISS_Research on Twitter. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-science-cargo-launches-on-15th-northrop-grumman-resupply-mission-to-space-station-301232039.html SOURCE NASA

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A big family wedding may be off the cards for most of us during the pandemic, but Netflix's new show is set to offer some inspiration for when we can plan extravagant nuptials again.

The Big Day takes viewers behind the scenes of the prodigal world of Indian weddings, exploring the lavish and historical traditions.

The new series follows 12 couples as they plan and put together all the details for their special celebrations.

From Jaipur to New Delhi, the series shows teams of wedding planners pulling out all the stops to create the perfect day, from stunning locations, over-the-top sets and bespoke parties.

The Big Day takes viewers behind the scenes of the extravagant world of Indian weddings. Pictured are California-based couple Nikhita Iyar and Mukund Chillakanti, who opted for a very lavish ceremony

Power couple Ami Pandya and Nithin Zacharias (pictured) plan their big day together on the show

From Jaipur to New Delhi, we see teams of wedding planners pulling out all the stops to create the perfect day

Pictured is one of the lavish venues which was used for a wedding, complete with long decorated tables

Ami and Zacharias got married on the show and their story shows them learn the value of progression and togetherness

The series looks at two couples every episode and starts with the most lavish which was created for California-based couple Nikhita Iyar and Mukund Chillakanti.

Their wedding in Chennai is all about the details, as they aim to create a big day that honours their cultural heritage.

The show follows the pair as they fly back to India from the US to plan, whilst also enjoying a series of glamorous parties during the lead up to the wedding.

The episode shows guests enjoying their lavish rehearsal dinner which was set up as an outdoor ball - complete with the couples' initials projected in lights onto a giant wall.

The venue also boasted a superimposed waterfall running behind a large Buddha statue printed with the hashtag 'MuksGotNiked'.

The episode featuring Nikhita and Mukund's wedding shows guests enjoying their lavish rehearsal dinner which was set up as an outdoor ball - complete with the couples' initials projected in lights onto a giant wall (pictured)

Nikhita and Mukund's wedding (pictured) in Chennai was all about the details, as they aimed to create a big day that honoured their cultural heritage

Nikhita and Mukund also threw an Alice in Wonderland tea party (pictured) with flowers flown in from China in the lead-up to the actual wedding

Nikhita and Mukund also threw a 'Victorian' dinner (pictured) with the tables adorned with Faberge-style eggs and waitresses dressed in ballgowns

Nikhita and Mukund set up a carriage for people to take photos in at their flamboyant tea party

Another evening, Nikhita and Mukund laid on a Bollywood movie night (pictured) with paparazzi snapping pictures of the guests as they made their way into the venue

During the pre-wedding event guests were treated to performances from flame throwers, musicians and traditional dancers.

Explaining why she spent so much money to create such a special evening Nikhita says: 'It's about making them happy so that they can then bring a nice camaraderie sort of feeling to the event and you can celebrate together.'

The couple also threw an Alice In Wonderland tea party with flowers flown in from China in the lead up to the actual wedding as well as a 'Victorian' dinner with the tables adorned with Faberge-style eggs and waitresses dressed in ballgowns.

Another one of the couples featured on the show are Aman Kapur and Divya Khandelwal (pictured). The eco-conscious pair threw a sustainable wedding in Jaipur, where everything was locally sourced

The location for Aman and Divya's big day was at Bishangarh Fort (pictured) with dramatic views over the surrounding countryside

Nikhita is pictured in her extravagant wedding gown during one of the ceremonies

Aditya Wadhwani and Gayeti Singh's modern ceremony shows how different religions can come together in marriage (pictured together)

Aditya and Gayeti's wedding celebrated their wedding and gave viewers a glimpse behind the scenes

Another night the couple laid on a Bollywood movie night with paparazzi snapping pictures of the guests as they made their way into the venue.

Another one of the couples featured on the show are Aman Kapur and Divya Khandelwal.

The eco-conscious pair threw a sustainable wedding near Jaipur, where everything was locally sourced.

The actual location for the big day was at Bishangarh Fort with dramatic views over the surrounding countryside.

Perfectionist Divya's wedding consultant explains in the episode how the planning was a 'logistical nightmare'.

The series finishes with Tyrone Braganza and Daniel Bauer's same sex marriage which is held at a German-style church (pictured)

Tyrone and Daniel (pictured) experienced the first same-sex Indian wedding to be aired on Netflix

Episode two of the Conde Nast India-produced show follows the modern Indian 'millennial' bride Pallavi Bishnoi and her husband Rajat Swarup (pictured together)

Pallavi Bishnoi (pictured) strove for more equality within the tradition of her celebrations

Episode two of the Conde Nast India-produced show follows the modern Indian 'millennial' bride Pallavi Bishnoi and her husband Rajat Swarup.

Their wedding was a new take on Kanyadaan, a traditional ceremony dating back to the 15th century that centres on 'giving away the bride'.

However the episode focuses on Pallavi's efforts to strive for more equality within the tradition of the celebrations, with her speaking to priests about embracing a more modern style.

The series finishes with Tyrone Braganza and Daniel Bauer's same sex marriage which is held at a German-style church, and Aditya Wadhwani and Gayeti Singh's modern ceremony which shows how different religions can come together in marriage.

The Big Day is available on Netflix now.
Facebook is further clamping down on the Myanmar military following the coup that ousted its elected government. Reuters reports that Facebook has removed the main page (True News Information Team) for the military, known as the Tatmadaw, for "repeated violations" of community rules that prevent inciting and coordinating violence. The social network didn't say if a particular incident prompted the response, but it came hours after police killed two protesters.

The company banned army chief (and now coup leader) Min Aung Hlaing and other senior officers in 2018, and banned hundreds of pages promoting violence that same year. Facebook also slapped the Myanmar military with mutliple restrictions since the coup. It limited the reach of the Tatmadaw page over misinformation, deleted pro-coup posts alleging voter fraud and barred government agencies from asking for content removal.

This may only have a limited effect. The Myanmar military has tried numerous steps to stifle pro-democracy protests, blocking Facebook in the country and shutting down internet access. Many of the people who could most appreciate Facebook's actions might not even have access to the site. Critics would point out that the military was violent from the start, and that Facebook might have taken action earlier.

Even so, it's clear that Facebook is eager to avoid the inaction and obliviousness that helped fuel anti-Rohingya hate in Myanmar. It's sending a message that governments aren't above rules on misinformation and violence, even if there are concerns Facebook might be overly cautious about pulling material.
Moscow: A Russian court has cleared the way for the possible transfer of the opposition leader Alexei Navalny to the countrys penal colony system, the latest step by authorities to silence the man who has become President Vladimir Putins most vocal critic.

The court rejected Navalnys last possible appeal before such a transfer, but it remains unclear whether or when he will leave his cell in a high-security prison in Moscow. He could be held there for further court appearances on other pending legal matters.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny stands in a cage in the Babuskinsky District Court in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday. Credit:AP

Navalny was detained in January upon returning from Germany, where he was being treated for a near-lethal poisoning with a nerve agent last year  an act that he and Western governments blamed on the Kremlin. He returned despite knowing that his homecoming would almost surely land him in prison, a challenge that gave rise to mass street protests in support of him.

The ruling, which was expected, upheld Navalnys sentence of more than two years in prison and set Russia on a collision course with Western nations, which could impose additional sanctions on Moscow. On Tuesday, the European Court of Human Rights, whose jurisdiction is recognised by Russia, ruled that Navalny must be released immediately from prison.
Yes, that is a ridiculous headline. And yet, as we noted here last week, what does it tell us about the present condition of America that the president of France, Emanuel Macron, has a better grasp of perversity and danger of our woke culture than the President of the United States?

The New York Times has followed up on its first startling account with a report this week on steps the French government is taking to bring the radicals in its own universities to heel:

Heating Up Culture Wars, France to Scour Universities for Ideas That Corrupt Society Subhed: The government announced an investigation into social science research, broadening attacks on what it sees as destabilizing American influences. PARIS  Stepping up its attacks on social science theories that it says threaten France, the French government announced this week that it would launch an investigation into academic research that it says feeds Islamo-leftist tendencies that corrupt society. News of the investigation immediately caused a fierce backlash among university presidents and scholars, deepening fears of a crackdown on academic freedom  especially on studies of race, gender, post-colonial studies and other fields that the French government says have been imported from American universities and contribute to undermining French society. While President Emmanuel Macron and some of his top ministers have spoken out forcefully against what they see as a destabilizing influence from American campuses in recent months, the announcement marked the first time that the government has moved to take action.

Ill pass over the irony that much of the ideological derangement of American universities traces back to some perverse French philosopher, in part because those French frauds derive much of their pernicious nonsense from some earlier German philosopher. (Im trying to work up a joke about how the French complaining about American intellectuals is a case of the Frogs calling a frog ugly, but I just cant stick it. Too self-referential. . . which is the core of post-modernism!)

Instead, imagine the reaction on American campuses to any American politician who proposes a similar review of our university curricula. (Memo to red state governors: You may just want to do this.) It gives you the same kind of warm glow as a double-shot of whisky.

As we used to know when we taught American history in school, France came to the aid of the United States at the beginning of our drive for independence in the 1770s. Is it too fanciful to hope that France will invade the United States at some point soon to save our revolution once again? Vive de Lafayette!

Guwahati, Feb 21 : Despite appeal from different quarters, the fate of the two hostages of a Delhi-based private oil company -- who were kidnapped two months ago -- is still hanging in balance as even the Assam Police as well as Arunachal Pradesh are clueless over their latest position.

Congress' deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi on Sunday requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take appropriate steps to get the two officials released at the earliest.

"The abduction and actions of the ULFA-I (United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent), are being widely criticised by the people of Assam. Given the sensitive nature of the matter and the potential threat to the lives of the two abductees, I urge you to take the matter into immediate considerations for appropriate action," Gogoi said in his letter to Shah.

Earlier, Assam's Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma requested the self-styled commander-in-chief of ULFA-I, Paresh Barua, to "refrain from any action that may shame three crore people of Assam in the eyes of the world".

"People of Assam had to be shameful earlier when ULFA killed Sanjoy Ghose and detonated a bomb at a school in Dhemaji (in eastern Assam). I appeal to Paresh Baruah not to trigger any more bloodshed. Assamese people felt disgraceful and shocked after those incidents. The two kidnapped people are innocent and ULFA-I must release them and for this, we would be grateful. I am requesting them with folded hands," the senior BJP leader said while speaking at a television show.

Ghose, a rural development activist, was killed by ULFA in the river island of Majuli on the Brahmaputra river on July 4, 1997.

In 2004, an explosion was triggered by ULFA through a remote control device during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15 at a school in Dhemaji, which killed 18 people, mostly school children.

The anti-talk militant outfit had earlier set February 17 to "take action" if the concerned authorities did not take appropriate steps to secure the release of the oil company officials.

Anti-talk self styled ULFA-I's supremo while talking to a senior functionary of the Gauhati Press Club on Sunday from an undisclosed location said, "Final ultimatum does not mean death sentence. Discussions are on about the two officials. We have taken in good faith about the appeal from various organisations of the state. We have deferred any action for now." The ULFA-I earlier in several statements had threatened action against the two employees of the private oil company, who were abducted from the drilling site in Innao area of Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh on December 21 last year. Delhi-based Quippo Oil and Gas Infrastructure Ltd's drilling superintendent Pranab Kumar Gogoi and radio operator Ram Kumar were abducted at gunpoint by ULFA-I, which demanded Rs 20 crore as ransom for their release.

Police officers in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh said that searches for the two captives are on but they are yet to get any clue about the whereabouts of Gogoi and Kumar.

The ULFA-I had earlier, through a media statement, warned that the Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh would be responsible for any untoward fate of the two.
"I want to hold the HSE accountable. If by going public on it, it helps other women, thats what I want to do."

That was the priority for Joan Lucey, the Kerry cervical cancer sufferer who died last night, as she fought her campaign for justice from her death bed.

Ms Lucey, with her condition rapidly declining, had been suing the HSE and two laboratories over her smear slides.

The 73-year-old's legal team repeatedly sought mediation with the HSE and the laboratories on her case hoping to resolve it before she died, but it was only yesterday, just hours before she passed away, that they finally agreed.

According to her solicitor Ernest Cantillon, speaking on behalf of the family, the former nurse's final days were consumed with the case, pleading for mediation from her death bed and unsure whether she faced a High Court hearing next week.

Her family are devastated, Sean, Eilleen, Sinead. They said that their mum was sitting up with them having dinner last Sunday evening, they were talking about the battle ahead, she was up for it, said Mr Cantillon.

But the stress of the case wore on her through the week and they saw her going downhill.

They think it contributed to her decline. And it certainly meant that the focus of their last few hours and days was not sharing happy memories of them as children and as a family.

"Instead, they were talking about this, and the way they were being treated. Its a disgrace really.

Ms Lucey wanted accountability from the HSE and some justice for victims of the cervical screening scandal.

After pushing for weeks for mediation through the courts, it was eventually granted yesterday and was due to begin on Tuesday, just days before her High Court action was scheduled.

Then, realising yesterday evening that she was close to death, her legal team pushed for the discussions to begin this morning instead. However, Mrs Lucey sadly died at approximately 11.35pm last night before the talks could commence. The process will now be held without her.

"They put this woman in the position where she had to beg on her deathbed for mediation and they still didnt deliver it in a timely way," Mr Cantillon said.

"If they had, this mediation would be done and dusted and she would have died happily knowing that she had done something for others. Its a real kick in the teeth for her family knowing that what she wanted to achieve, to hold these people to account, has not been achieved before she died."

Despite public declarations by the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that no woman who had a misread smear should have to go to court and despite loud assurances from the State Claims Agency that it would offer mediation to all such victims, Ernest Cantillon said little effort was made to facilitate timely mediation for her.

"(Health Minister) Stephen Donnelly should tell the State claims Agency Youre our agent, this is not the way we want our agents to treat people who we have wronged and who we should be seeking to make amends with," said Mr Cantillon.

"Its really an outrage and a disgraceful way to treat people.

Despite religious annual and bi-annual smear tests, Mrs Lucey, a retired nurse from Dingle, Co. Kerry, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019.

She took a case to the High Court in relation to two cervical smear tests she had in 2011 which had been reported as normal.

In 2019, she reported symptoms which were ultimately diagnosed as being cervical cancer, Mr Cantillon said.

We sought her slides and got them examined by a world expert, Dr Boon, who told us that the 2011 slides were misreported and if they had been reported correctly she could have got treatment and would not have gone on to develop cervical cancer. By the time she was diagnosed in 2019, it was too late to treat her.

We got another expert involved, a surgical gynaecologist who told us what Boon had told us was correct, and that this was all avoidable."

She sued the HSE, Clinical Pathology Laboratories Incorporated with headquarters in Austin, Texas and MedLab Pathology Ltd with registered offices at Sandyford Business Park Dublin. All claims have been denied.

The State Claims Agency, an agency of the State, said we always offer mediation. So we were waiting for this offer of mediation to come and it didnt," said Mr Cantillon. "We recognised her deteriorating health and the strength of the case, and we took to upon ourselves to invite mediation."

However, he said they got "circular" responses from the HSE and the labs saying, well, we will if they will.

"A circular fudge," Mr Cantillon said. "We brought the matter before Judge Cross a number of times in the last few weeks in which we said, we want an answer, this woman is dying, are you going to stop this codology of saying I will if they will'? Are you going to mediate and if so, when? Mr Cantillon said that public exposure of the case helped to get Tuesday's date for mediation.

We became aware yesterday evening that her situation was deteriorating further, we contacted them and asked them to bring it forward to today, Saturday, morning. Unfortunately, she died late last night at about 11.35pm.

The family are now pushing for answers from the HSE as to whether her case can be fully compensated following her death.

Approximately 500,000 in damages can be deducted from such cases if the claimant dies and Mr Cantillon said they have been seeking assurances that this will not apply to Ms Luceys case.

Cantillons wrote to the HSE and the laboratories weeks ago when they were told that Mrs Lucey was dying for assurances that part of her case, the general damages, would not die with her, they said.

However, they received no concrete assurances from the HSE on this while the laboratories refused to agree to it, Mr Cantillon said.

Had they agreed, it would have given Mrs Lucey some good news on her death bed".

Now shes died and we still dont know and still cant get a straight answer," he said.

Mrs Lucey, a private person, had waived her right to anonymity to give others strength.

She said I want to hold the HSE accountable. If, by going public on it, it helps other women, thats what I want to do'. She led a low profile in normal life but she was doing it to help others."

He said that failing to grant Ms Luceys request for timely mediation was very wrong.

The HSE has the primary liability in these cases. They can then look to the labs for indemnity, but the primary liability is the HSE.

The HSE accepts that they have the primary responsibility in these cases, but they keep dodging and saying, we want to get the money in our back pocket first from the laboratories and then well talk to you'.

They should deal with the women that they have a liability for in a decent way in the first instance and then pursue the laboratories and not place the women in a position where they have to pursue the laboratories as well."

This evening the HSE said in a statement: "The HSE offers sincere condolences to the family of the late Joan Lucey, mediation in the case will continue early next week."

A spokesperson for the State Claims Agency said it would be inappropriate for it to comment on an individual case that is being case-managed by the High Court and which is the subject of mediation.

"The SCA aims to resolve all cervical cancer screening claims against the HSE in a sensitive manner and as quickly as possible.

"It uses mediation wherever possible, as an alternative to a formal court hearing, and places a high priority on treating the people who have made the claims, and their families, with dignity and compassion.

"While the SCA does not act for the laboratories and others that are co-defendants in these cases, which have separate legal representation, its approach in these cases is to exhort all the parties to use mediation to seek resolution of the case in the shortest possible time period.
General Motors Co. is betting its future on electric cars. By mid-decade it plans to spend $27 billion on manufacturing 30 electric models and developing driverless cars. By 2035, it expects to have phased out gasoline-engine options completely and to be selling only electric vehicles, a technology that currently generates about 2% of sales and no profit for the company.

Planning for this transformation at the factory level is the responsibility of Gerald Johnson, a GM lifer who took over global manufacturing operations in 2019, and who is spearheading a $2.2 billion gut rehab of a factory in Detroit, recently renamed Factory Zero, to serve as GMs electric-vehicle hub. Two more conversions of North American factories for production of electric vehicles, or EVs, are in the works.

Mr. Johnson, 58 years old, calls it the most far-reaching strategic shift he has seen in his career at GM, which he began 40 years ago as an intern.

There has always been incremental change," he says. This is transformative."

GM factories around the world employ more than 100,000 workers. Some plants exist solely to assemble gas-powered engines and transmissions that wont be needed if the company successfully reaches its 2035 target, portending big changes for both workers and GMs factory footprint.

Addressing disruption is nothing new to Mr. Johnson, whose duties have included managing labor relations through a bitter 40-day strike at GMs U.S. factories in 2019 that drained $3.5 billion in profit. Last spring, his team led GMs effort to make ventilators after Covid-19 hit the U.S., closing car factories for nearly two months. Now, continuing supply-chain disruptions are hampering efforts to make up for lost output.

The Wall Street Journal talked to Mr. Johnson recently. Here are edited excerpts.

WSJ: Electric cars are breaking down some of the barriers to entry that have protected big car companies. How can GM maintain its edge?

MR. JOHNSON: From an engineering standpoint, electric vehicles of course require a lot of technology and innovation. The holy grail is finding that cost balance between electric range and the cost of a battery.

But the integration [of GMs own electric powertrain into its own car models, in effect producing everything in house] is the piece that I think is going to enable us to run further and faster. Integrating this technology into a vehicle platform in such a way that allows all the functionality that we currently offer, but the added capability of an EVthats where I think GM is going to show out based on our track record.

WSJ: Youre saying even though it has become easier for others to put together battery systems and offer electric cars, theres more to it than that?

MR. JOHNSON: Yes. There are the specific elements of figuring out the technology cost curve, and were doing that. But I think where we will leapfrog others is on everything else that goes into the vehicle. We think we have an advantage with our supply base, with our ability to integrate our software capabilities. We also have an established dealer network that can help us.

WSJ: GM is spending more than $2 billion to convert Factory Zero to make EVs. What has to happen to make that conversion?

MR. JOHNSON: Other than the outside walls, everything in Factory Zero is new. Were putting in a new body shop because we have to tool for the new vehicles. Theres a new paint shop, which is a significant portion of the investment. And all-new conveyance systems and automation. Were also doing things like putting in solar panels to provide power to the grid. Factory Zero will not just produce vehicles that are emissions-free; were going to be based on renewable energy in the factory as well.

WSJ: It has been a few decades since GM last built a new plant in the U.S. What advantages come from starting with a clean sheet?

MR. JOHNSON: First, the plant will build solely EVs, so we get to optimize it for that. We dont have to carry what we would call scar tissue" of having a large engine-buildup area. And, because the weight of an EV is greater, well need a more robust conveyance system.

WSJ: Electric cars are less complex than gas cars and require far fewer parts. How does that change the factory and what exactly workers do?

MR. JOHNSON: Probably the biggest piece will be in an area that would have been dedicated to engine buildup, when we bring an engine in from one of our powertrain facilities and add all the additional components. Theres a whole line and area dedicated to that, along with marrying it up to the transmission and subsequently to the body of the vehicle.

Well, in the EV world, its a battery pack. Its our Ultium platform that rolls in and all marries up to the vehicle and makes it even easier to integrate versus earlier versions of our EVs.

WSJ: How will workers skills need to change?

MR. JOHNSON: There are two pieces. One is the ongoing innovation that happens through automation and other work. Every year, with every new vehicle program, we upgrade the technology it takes to process a vehicle. That requires additional skilled trades and a digital understanding.

The most impressive piece is the data analytics that are now being embedded in the diagnostics that we use in our equipment. That allows our operators to have a much richer understanding of whats going on, what actions we need to take to keep the equipment running.

WSJ: What about as you transition to making electrics and eventually autonomous vehicles?

MR. JOHNSON: At a place like Factory Zero, were going to have multiple product programs that will take a higher level of adaptabilityboth in the tooling and in the kind of work that theyre going to have to be able to do, with longer cycles and more variation.

WSJ: So workers on an assembly line may be performing more complex tasks that take them longer per job than they might today?

MR. JOHNSON: Exactly. The cycles will require more complexity of execution per station and per operation. Versatility and adaptability will be important because work flows will be different in this environment.

WSJ: Given that EVs require less manpower, should workers be worried about there being fewer auto factory jobs in that future?

MR. JOHNSON: I think every GM employee should be excited about what were doing. Because we see our EV strategy in total as a full-on growth strategy. We will expand. Yes, some job assignments will change, but we will have opportunities for everyone to come along with us as we make this transformation. There will be more work available in that future than what we have today.

WSJ:The company sees electric vehicles as a growth play, rather than simply replacing its gas-powered business?

MR. JOHNSON: This is all about growth for us. One reason is that it allows us an opportunity in the markets where EVs are popular and where we have the greatest opportunity to gain market share, like on the West Coast, the East Coast and some portions of the South.

WSJ: What have your discussions been like with the United Auto Workers about the future workforce and how its changing in this transition?

MR. JOHNSON: Work at Factory Zero is going to start to produce vehicles this year. We are always in conversation with our union partners about what its going to take and how were going to work together to bring this investment to life. Were going to allow ourselves enough time to communicate effectively and plan for this 2035 future that we just committed to.

WSJ: GM is bullish on EVs. But what if the sales volumes fall short? How do you manage that if youve set aside all this factory capacity?

MR. JOHNSON: Weve got a 15-year horizon. We think weve left enough adaptability in our footprint to be able to meter that transformation, where theres a good overlay between internal-combustion vehicles and EVs. How it plays out between 2024 and 2030, for example, weve left ourselves some flexibility based on market demand. Were confident in that end point. Were just not sure how the mix will evolve to get to that.

WSJ: You led GMs effort to pivot to ventilator production last spring when the plants shut down from the pandemic. What did you learn about the organization from that?

MR. JOHNSON: Weve coined the phrase ventilator speed." That means pulling together a team and breaking through barriers to get something done. We see it now with the accelerated pace of executing our EV strategy. Many of the programs that weve announced of late, weve already pulled those dates ahead. Thats ventilator speedintegrating the team in one location so they can solve problems, and making sure all the resources are there, to help them not to follow the process, but to follow the speed and pace to deliver the outcome.

WSJ: Since youve come into this role, you have handled a strike, the Covid shutdown and restart, and supply-chain disruption that has affected production. What have you learned about leading during times of upheaval?

MR. JOHNSON: What Ive learned is that our teams are able to handle it when you support them and focus them on the challenge of the moment.

We launched a new SUV in Arlington, Texas, in the midst of the pandemic hitting at the same time. We have accelerated our EV programs.

My first plant-manager assignment, I pulled up to the plant, and there were firetrucks all blocking the driveway. My first day and the plant is burning, smoke billowing through it.

You learn how to problem-solve in the midst of crisis, and communicate and protect people and focus on what must be done so everyone can return safely. Its just manufacturing, its just what we do.

Mr. Colias is a reporter in The Wall Street Journals Detroit bureau. He can be reached at mike.colias@wsj.com.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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METAIRIE, La.  A person entered a gun store and shooting range in a New Orleans suburb and fatally shot two people Saturday, prompting customers and staff to open fire on the shooter, a sheriff said. The shooter also died.

The shooting happened around 2:50 p.m. at the Jefferson Gun Outlet in the suburb of Metairie, according to a release from the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office.

Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said the shooter initially struck two people inside, and then several other people  whether employees or store customers  opened fire on the shooter, both inside and outside of the building. Outside the building a man could be seen afterward behind yellow police tape yelling Where is my son?

Guns and ammunition are sold in the front of the outlet that faces a main thoroughfare through Jefferson Parish. Customers who want to frequent the gun range generally go around to the side entrance of the building. Staff who work there often wear a sidearm.

Lopinto said two other people also were hit by gunfire and were hospitalized in stable condition. He said there were multiple shooters.

Were trying to put it all together, the sheriff said during a short briefing with journalists.

None of the dead or wounded were immediately identified and details remained unclear.

Tyrone Russell and Wanetta Joseph were both in a conceal-and-carry course at the store when they heard what they both described as rapid firing. They said the gunfire sounded much louder than the usual muffled shooting that they are used to hearing inside the shooting range.

We heard the gunshots and the screaming, said Russell. When the police came, they escorted us out. I could see glass everywhere  It was just like a really scary scene.

It got extremely loud, like a bomb almost, said Joseph, who hid with other students under a table  not knowing if there were multiple shooters or if one was near the classroom. One instructor stayed with the students while two others left the room and headed toward the sound of gunfire.

Russell said that when he was led out, he could see a guy laid out in the parking lot not far from his car, which was struck by bullets. He described seeing shattered glass, bullet casings strewn about the store.

Caution tape surrounded the business to keep onlookers from getting close to the scene, where ambulances and numerous law enforcement vehicles had converged. A neighboring Taco Bell eatery had been evacuated.

Authorities remained at the scene as night fell.

Metairie is a major suburb of New Orleans, about 5 miles west of the citys iconic French Quarter, in the neighboring jurisdiction of Jefferson Parish.
For the second time in less than three weeks, thousands of Venezuelans have taken to the streets of Caracas, the countrys capital, to protest the prolonged detention of Alex Saab, the countrys diplomat.

Mr Saab, an ally of President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, was arrested by the Cape Verdean authority in June 2020, when his flight had a stopover at the islands airport in Sal.

He was on a humanitarian mission to Iran on behalf of Mr Maduro-led government.

The protesters, numbering thousands, had on January 31, protested on the same course but also challenged the leadership of Mr Maduro.

In the latest development, the protesters shifted the demonstration to the Venezuelan office of the Nigerian Embassy to register their displeasure over the case.

The protesters, who gathered in their numbers on Saturday at a coordinated protest organised by the countrys opposition party leaders, expressed their displeasure over Mr Saabs detention in the African island nation, Cape Verde, with several placards bearing hashtag #FreeAlexSaab.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported the multidimensional legal-diplomatic tussles between the United States of America and the diplomat who was accused of financial crimes by the former.

His extradition was requested by the President Donald Trump administration over allegations of money laundering, a move the Venezuelan government faulted with claims that the businessman was its Special Envoy on a humanitarian mission to get food, medicines among other supplies from the government of Iran.

A document signed by the Iranian government and seen by this newspaper also aligned with Mr Maduro governments claim.

There have been several legal battles between Venezuela, Mr Saabs lawyers and the Cape Verdean authorities over the detention of the diplomat.

However, the Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID), an opposition party, last week, faulted the Jorge Carlos Fonseca- led government for dragging the country into an international conflict with Venezuela over Mr Saabs continued detention.

The party also described the countrys interest in the case as obscure and prayed the government to allow the institutions of justice function without internal or external political pressure.

The opposition party also warned the government on the implication of non-adherence to international law, including multilateral and bilateral agreements.

Cape Verde needs to pay attention to obscure diplomatic maneuvers, pressures of any kind or truculent and unreasonable promises, it said.

It called on the country to apply the laws of the Republic with respect for international law, including multilateral and bilateral agreements of which it is a part.

The Supreme Court of Justice of Cape Verde, on Friday, denied Mr Saabs habeas corpus application, insisting that the diplomat was already free.

Mr Saabs house arrest application was recently granted following the ECOWAS ruling.

Attached below are pictures from the protest held on Saturday in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.

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Stepping up its presence in the South China Sea , France has planned two voyages through the disputed waters.

According to South China Morning Post, the French Navy said an amphibious assault ship the Tonnere and the frigate Surcouf had left their home port Toulon on Thursday and would travel to the Pacific on a three-month mission.

The website Naval News reported that the ships would cross the South China Sea twice and take part in a combined exercise with the Japanese and US militaries in May.

Capt Arnaud Tranchant, commanding officer of the Tonnerre, told Naval News that the French navy would "work to strengthen" France's partnership with the US, Japan, India and Australia - Quad.

When asked whether he was planning to transit the Taiwan Strait, he said he has "not yet traced our roads in this area".

Similar missions in 2015 and 2017 also saw French navy vessels sailing through the South China Sea, but analysts said the latest exercise is a sign of France stepping up engagement in the Indo Pacific region.

Last week, France deployed a nuclear attack submarine in the South China Sea, in line with US President Joe Biden's call to mount a multilateral challenge to China.

In a tweet earlier this week, France's Defense Minister Florence Parly announced that the European power has deployed the nuclear attack submarine Emeraude along with naval support ship Seine to the maritime area to "affirm that international law is the only rule that is valid, whatever the sea where we sail."

Other European powers such as the United Kingdom and Germany are also expected to deploy warships to the area in what increasingly looks like a concerted Western pushback against China's maritime ambitions.

European powers' growing involvement in regional geopolitics is consistent with the strategic priorities of the Biden administration, which has underscored its commitment to "working with our allies and partners" based "on the international rules of the road".

China claims virtually the entire South China Sea, something which is contested heavily by several countries in the region.

China's territorial claims in the South China Sea and its efforts to advance into the Indian Ocean are seen to have challenged the established rules-based system.

China has been increasing its maritime activities in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea over the past few months, partly in response to Beijing's concerns over the increasing US military presence in the region because of escalating Sino-US tensions.

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The Oregon Health Authority announced 536 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday along with five new deaths, raising the states coronavirus death toll to 2,154.

Meanwhile, the amount of new COVID-19 cases in Oregon has dropped for the second week in a row, reaching the states lowest numbers since late October. The state recorded 3,453 cases for the week ending Sunday, Feb. 14, marking a 15% decrease from the previous week.

Though Oregons rate of vaccinations per day has returned to pre-winter storm levels, a new analysis by The Oregonian/OregonLive shows the state ranks third to last for the percentage of seniors it has inoculated against COVID-19 among 31 states with comparable data.

Oregon became the very last state in the nation to start offering statewide vaccinations to seniors by age group, beginning with those 80 and older Feb. 8. Oregonians 70 to 74 wont qualify until Monday, and those 65 to 69 must wait until March 1.

Where the new cases are by county: Baker (4), Benton (5), Clackamas (26), Clatsop (2), Columbia (10), Coos (14), Crook (5), Curry (7), Deschutes (15), Douglas (20), Hood River (2), Jackson (38), Jefferson (4), Josephine (18), Klamath (5), Lake (5), Lane (41), Lincoln (1), Linn (6), Malheur (5), Marion (55), Morrow (6), Multnomah (69), Polk (15), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (72), Union (1), Wallowa (1), Washington (66) and Yamhill (17).

Umatilla County has a higher than anticipated case count due to about 1,400 backlogged test results received Feb. 19, according to the Oregon Health authority. The backlogged test results were from June through January.

Who died: The 2,150th COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old Jackson County man who tested positive Jan. 23 and died Feb. 7 at his residence.

The 2,151st COVID-19 death is a 69-year-old Linn County man who tested positive Feb. 18 and died Feb. 18. The location of his death is being confirmed.

The 2,152nd COVID-19 death is a 66-year-old Marion County woman who tested positive Dec. 23 and died Jan. 29 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.

The 2,153rd COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old Multnomah County man who tested positive Feb. 17 and died Feb. 18 at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center.

The 2,154th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old Washington County man who tested positive Dec. 22 and died Feb. 7 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.

Each person who died had underlying health conditions or state officials were working to determine if the person had underlying medical conditions.

The prevalence of infections: On Saturday, the state reported 365 new positive tests out of 10,728 tests performed, equaling a 3.4% positivity rate.

Whos in the hospital: The state reported 163 Oregonians with confirmed coronavirus infections were hospitalized Saturday, 13 fewer than Friday. Of those, 51 coronavirus patients were in intensive care units, two more than Friday.

Vaccines administered: Oregon has administered 781,202 first and second doses out of 924,575 received, which is about 84.5% of its supply. Oregon reported 25,602 newly administered doses, which includes 20,646 on Friday and the remainder from previous days.

Since it began: Oregon has reported 152,711 confirmed or presumed infections and 2,154 deaths, among the lowest per capita numbers in the nation. To date, the state has reported over 3,476,515 lab reports from tests.

-- Jaimie Ding

jding@oregonian.com; 503-221-4395; @j_dingdingding
Vials of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine have started arriving at local immunisation hubs and from Sunday the first jabs were administered on Australian soil.

Aged-care resident Jane Malysiak, 84, became the first person to receive the Pfizer vaccine in Australia on Sunday morning.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also received his first dose of the two-shot course, along with Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly.

At this stage, the people at the front of the queue are primarily those who need the vaccine most, particularly elderly people at a high risk of complications if they contract the virus or essential workers such as health professionals or hotel quarantine staff who are most likely to come into contact with COVID-19.
Though Ms. Van Duser was mortified, she said she knew she had to quietly sweep away the mess. She needed the tip.

She said she used to make $150 to $300 during an eight-hour shift. In the spring and summer, she said she often made as little as $25. She has since left service work, because she did not feel safe with indoor dining, and has done some contract outreach work for One Fair Wage.

In a recent national study of more than 1,600 workers, conducted by One Fair Wage and the Food Labor Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley, over three-quarters of workers reported witnessing hostile behavior from customers who were asked to comply with Covid-19 protocols, more than 40 percent reported a change in the frequency of unwanted sexual comments during the pandemic and over 80 percent reported that their tips had declined.

A national analysis of payments made through the app Square, by Mr. Lynn, showed that the average customer is tipping 1 to 2 percent less on dine-in orders than they did pre-pandemic  but with overall demand for dine-in services down substantially, its likely that workers are taking less money home in tips per shift, he said.

In interviews with nearly a dozen service workers, all said they had encountered customers who asked them to take off their masks and show their smiles. Many added that not only do they worry for their health, but they question their sense of self-worth when deciding whether to placate a threatening customer.

You have a 10-second talk with yourself like, this tab is pretty big, how badly do I want this tip? said Francesca Palmisano, 22, a server at a gastropub in Phoenix. Theyre trying to make it sexy like oh yeah are you going to take off your mask for me? It makes you question your integrity.

The impact of the current economic crisis, which some economists have labeled the first services-led recession, has been highly concentrated among low-wage workers and especially those in food service. Many white-collar workers have been relatively insulated. An analysis from the Federal Reserve found that unemployment is most likely over 20 percent for workers in the lowest wage quartile, while in the top wage quartile it has dipped lower than 5 percent.

While the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic many new lessons are being learned every day by nations all over the globe. For example, Brazil and the US have learned that having a leader who does not believe that the virus is a serious threat to life certainly doesnt augur well for the population.
BRIDGEPORT  Police are investigating a potential shooting near the 300 block of Lyon Terrace.

Officers were responding to a preliminary report of a person with a gunshot wound to the arm around 1:39 p.m., police said.

Reports from the scene were that the person was grazed in the arm, police added. City spokesperson Scott Appleby wrote in an email Sunday that it was a [n]on-life threatening graze.

Anyone with information regarding the gunshot is asked to call the Bridgeport Police Department at 203-581-5100 or, for an emergency, call 911.
Labor has pledged to keep West Australians, safe, strong, and employed during its official campaign launch at RAC Arena on Sunday.

Flanked by two massive banners emblazoned with a call to action to Keep WA Strong, WA Premier Mark McGowan announced Labors jobs plan 2.0 complete with a new target of 125,000 roles by 2025-26 if re-elected.

WA Premier Mark McGowan speaking at Labors campaign launch at RAC Arena. Credit:Peter de Kruijff

The job market is mostly economy and population-driven but McGowan said a new taskforce chaired by himself would be created with the aim of boosting employment.

He announced a range of other job-creating promises including manufacturing iron ore railcar parts in WA and funding an additional 300 apprentice and trainee positions for government projects.
As freezing temperatures and mass power outages plague the state of Texas, Republicans blame renewable energyand Texans.

by Sonali Kolhatkar

As Texas battles a severe snowstorm and mass power outages this winter, Tim Boyd, the now-former Republican mayor of Colorado City, revealed his partys plan for the deadly extreme temperatures linked to climate change. In a lengthy Facebook post that was deleted soon after it went viral, then-Mayor Boyd told his residents that they were entirely on their own as the brutal winter weather caused mayhem and deaths across the Lone Star state.

His honesty was like catching a glimpse of a rare animal in the wild. Sink or swim[,] its your choice! he wrote, without bothering to couch his words in euphemisms. Boyd added, The City and County, along with power providers or any other service owes you NOTHING! For such an exhortation to come from the elected leader of a citya man literally chosen by his people to ensure that local government works for themwas shocking.

Just as they pay their mayor, Colorado Citys residents also pay authorities to provide them with basic necessities like electricity and water. But apparently, Boyd thought an expectation of services was out of line. He conjectured, If you dont have electricity you step up and come up with a game plan to keep your family warm and safe. Many Texans have tried to do just that, running their car engine in their garage to warm their homes. So far in Harris County, there have been at least 50 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning and several people have died.

If you have no water you deal without and think outside of the box to survive and supply water to your family, posited Boyd, expecting Texans who were searching for ways to provide their own electricity to also deal with a lack of water as pipes froze in the plummeting temperatures.

Boyds diatribe veered into familiar Republican territory as he blamed residents for their own plight by saying, If you are sitting at home in the cold because you have no power and are sitting there waiting for someone to come rescue you because your (sic) lazy [it] is [a] direct result of your raising. It is a long-simmering idea among conservatives that Americans who depend on their government are simply lazy.

Generally, white conservatives have reserved the word lazy for people of color who are victims of systemic racial discrimination. Indeed, the weather-related blackouts in Texas impacted the residents of minority neighborhoods disproportionately. Boyd and those who share his views would likely assume this must have been a direct result of their laziness.

Hours after writing his screed, Boyd announced his resignation and apologized. But he qualified his apology by saying that he never meant to imply that the helpless elderly were the lazy onesjust everyone else. I was only making the statement that those folks that are too lazy to get up and fend for themselves but are capable should not be dealt a handout, he wrote in a manner that suggested he was sorry, not sorry.

Most Republicans are not as overt as Boyd in their faith in social Darwinism. Take Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who instead of openly blaming Texans for their own suffering instead decided to blame climate-mitigating policies and renewable energy programs like wind power. Speaking on Fox News, Abbott railed against the Green New Deal, claiming that a reliance on wind turbines was disastrous because the states wind-generated power thrust Texas into a situation where it was lacking power on a statewide basis. For good measure, he added, It just shows that fossil fuel is necessary.

The conservative Wall Street Journal, which has long been hostile to tackling climate change through renewable energy, repeated this claim in an editorial blaming stricter emissions regulation and the loss of coal-powered plants for widespread misery in the snow-blanketed South.

In fact, millions of Texans are going without power because of the Republican emphasis on cheap power over reliable power. Seeing electricity generation as a profit-making enterprise rather than the fulfillment of a public need, GOP policies in Texas have made the state vulnerable to such mass outages. Moreover, plenty of wintry areas successfully run wind turbines when properly prepared to do so. And, Abbott did not see fit to point out that harsh winter temperatures lead to frozen natural gas pipelinesthe real culprit in the outages.

Even as a majority of Texans now believe that climate change is really happening, their governor in late January vowed to protect the oil and gas industry from any type of hostile attack from Washington. Apparently protecting Texans from the ravages of the fossil fuel industry is not in his purview. This is hardly surprising given how much fossil fuel industry contributions have ensured Abbotts loyalty to oil and gas interests.

The conservative mindset can be counted on to prioritize private interests over public ones. In a Republican utopia, the rich are noble and deserving of basic necessities, comforts, and life itself. If they have rigged the system to benefit themselves, it means they are smart, not conniving. In the future that Republicans promise, Only the strong will survive and the weak will parish (sic), as per Boyds post. In other words, our lives are expendable, and if we die, it is because we deserve it and were simply not smart enough to survive.

This was utterly predictable. Republicans have used this same approach on health carethink of all the Republican governors who backed lawsuits against the Affordable Care Act and opted their states out of the federal governments Medicaid program even though a majority of Americans support Obamacare. Even more Americans support the government nationalizing health care, but Republicans warn that if the program is expanded from Medicare for those over 65 to all Americans, it will suddenly become socialism and thus evil. Their solution for health care is the status quo of a deregulated Wild West private insurance market.

Republicans have offered a similar approach to the coronavirus pandemic where any public safety standards set by the government are anathema to personal freedoms, even though a majority of Americans support such precautions. It is also how Republicans have approached poverty and rising inequality: by opposing a federal government increase to the minimum wage even though most Americans want a floor of $15 an hour.

Interestingly, Republicans believe strongly in the idea of big government when it comes to regulating their pet social issues such as harsh anti-immigrant measures and attacks on abortion. (Meanwhile, most Americans support a pathway to legalization for the undocumented and a majority supports reproductive choice.)

As Americans are subject to the brutal impacts of inevitable climate change, we face a clear choice: strong government intervention to save our lives, or a survival of the fittest dystopia that contemporary conservatism promises. The Texas debacle is a preview of what is to come if the free-marketeers have their way while the climate changes. The nations conservative party went from insisting that climate change does not exist (it is a hoax!) to shrugging their shoulders and telling us, as Boyd did, that were on our own when the consequences hit.

This article was produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute.

Sonali Kolhatkar is the founder, host and executive producer of Rising Up With Sonali, a television and radio show that airs on Free Speech TV and Pacifica stations. She is a writing fellow for the Economy for All project at the Independent Media Institute.
Gwyneth Paltrow is facing backlash online after she claimed that she was one of the first people to wear a face mask amid the pandemic, and that the safety measure was then adopted by the culture.

The Goop founder discussed her early appearance in a face mask during an interview with The New York Times, after the outlet raised the topic of Paltrows face mask selfie in February 2020.

In the photo, which she had posted to Instagram at the time, the actress, who was reportedly on a plane on her way to France, can be seen wearing a black face mask with filters and an eye mask.

En route to Paris. Paranoid? Prudent? Panicked? Placid? Pandemic? Propaganda? Paltrows just going to go ahead and sleep with this thing on the plane. Ive already been in this movie. Stay safe. Dont shake hands. Wash hands frequently, she captioned the photo, referencing her role in the movie Contagion, where she played Patient Zero.

When asked about her early adoption of the safety measure, which has become common practice in many countries amid the pandemic, Paltrow told The Times: This is a familiar pattern in my life. I do something early, everyone is like: What is she doing? Shes insane. And then its adopted by the culture.

The comment prompted mixed reactions on social media, where many have mocked Paltrow for insinuating that she was the first person to start wearing a face mask and for her utter lack of self-awareness.

My favourite humble brag is I started wearing a mask, and then EVERYONE started wearing a mask. Like are we in Mean Girls? one person tweeted.

Another tweet, which included a screenshot from the portion of the article with the caption: Ok Gwyneth calm down, has since been liked more than 13,000 times.

Imagine thinking youre a trendsetter wearing a mask during a pandemic, someone else wrote, while another joked: Everyone say thanks to Gwyneth for starting the mask trend and saving our lives.

Others pointed out that people living in Asian countries such as Japan, China and Taiwan have worn masks for decades and that the practise has not just been adopted widely as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with one person tweeting: Seems like Gwyneth had never been to Japan before. Or South Korea. Or in fact any of East Asia.

4.3bn Asians would like a word, another person said.

But despite what she claims was her early adoption of the precautionary measure, Paltrow said that the mask did not protect her from getting Covid, telling The Times that she was actually one of the first people she knew to contact the virus.

I wore [the mask] on the plane, but I didnt wear it to the function that I was going to, and actually ended up getting Covid and coming home, and being one of the first people that I had heard of to have it, she said.

The 48-year-olds comments come after she opened up about some of the ongoing Covid symptoms shes experiencing in an article shared to her Goop website this week.

In the article, Paltrow revealed that she is still experiencing some long-tail fatigue and brain fog, as well as really high levels of inflammation in her body.
Atas Telecom and Plextek have announced a strategic partnership on the next generation E-Passport programme. It will deliver a highly innovative marine tracker solution serving the evolving needs of the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA).

Atas Telecom has recently awarded Plextek an initial 4.4 million ($6.17 million) contract for the programmes first phase.

CICPAs vital role in ensuring effective UAE coastal protection requires efficient use of cutting-edge technologies. E-Passport advances the surveillance and reconnaissance operations for increased coastal security and safety, aided by autonomous notification of impending threats and behaviour pattern anomalies.

The Atas-Plextek partnership includes the design and high-volume manufacture of a critical element of the end-to-end E-Passport solution; consisting of an advanced military grade hybrid TETRA-LTE GPS smart tracker device that provides life-saving features for rescue teams during emergencies.

The intelligence-driven marine unit has been designed to ensure highly resilient and secure communications with seamless operation, whilst also facilitating a high level of tamper resistance, power efficiency, and a robust marine enclosure, enabling full environmental protection under extreme conditions.

Samer Jammoul, Managing Director at Atas Telecom stated: We have chosen Plextek as a strategic partner for their strong track record in delivering highly resilient communications, and IoT technology solutions for mission critical applications, as well as for their commitment to Atas Telecom in UAE and the entire region. This partnership is essential as we embark upon subsequent programme phases, as part of our long-standing commitment and support to CICPA on E-Passport Programme.

Nick Koiza, Head of Security Business at Plextek stated: We are thrilled to be partnering with Atas Telecom on this exciting transformational technology programme, which represents a first in the field of smart vessel tracking and supersedes the previous technology of the E-Passport solution. We feel privileged to be working on this crucial development with Atas Telecom; having successfully supported CICPA for the last 15 years. -- Tradearabia News Service
New Delhi: Hyundai Motor India plans to further consolidate its SUV portfolio in the country as the vertical continues to outshine other segments and drive passenger vehicle sales in the domestic market, according to a top company official.

The company, which is the second-largest passenger vehicle maker in the country, is also gearing up to bring a seven-seater model in the country.

"The SUV segment is the market driver currently. We have an edge globally when it comes to SUVs. So, going ahead we are going to further strengthen our lineup in the country," Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) MD and CEO SS Kim told PTI.

The company led the SUV space in the country with sales of 1.8 lakh units in 2020. It sells' models like Venue, Creta and Tucson in the market. SUV sales have been witnessing an upward trend in the country in recent years. In 2019, SUV sales were 25 per cent of the total passenger vehicle sales. In 2020, the sale contribution of the segment rose to 29 per cent and in January this year, it surged to 33 per cent.

When asked if the company is planning to launch an MPV in the country, Kim said: "There is market demand for the multi-seater vehicle so we are preparing some product and hopefully in the future, we can introduce something new, not specifically a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) but a vehicle with multi seating configuration."

He however did not share the launch timeline or other details about the model. The automaker sells 11 models in the country but does not have an MPV in its product lineup. Commenting on exports, Kim said the pandemic has impacted the company's shipments over the last few months. He however noted that with things getting better in many geographies across the world, the export volumes of the company would now be increasing substantially.

During the April-January period of this fiscal year, Hyundai led the segment with the dispatch of 82,121 units, down 47.01 per cent from the year-ago period. Kim also noted that the company would continue to offer diesel products in the country as the demand for such models was very strong in some states. "We will continue with the production and sale of diesel cars in many segments. If a customer wants some product, we will give that as we are a customer-centric organisation," he said.

On government policies, Kim noted that initiatives like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme would help the company further strengthen its overseas shipments. "Government support is very important for the industry, not only in the domestic market but also for exports. From the company perspective we were the first OEM which started exports of Made in India products," he said.

With new players coming in, government support is all the more critical now, he added. Kim noted that it would be very beneficial for the domestic auto industry if they could get some support from the government.

"Government is expected to give an outline of the PLI scheme in the first week of March, so we are very closely following that. We are committed to the Aatmanirbhar initiative and the PLI scheme will not only augment the growth in the industry but also project the country as a very strong manufacturing base," he said.

When asked about the company's stand on the upcoming second? phase of the corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) and real-time driving emission (RDE) test norms, Kim said the implementation of the initiatives would lead to an increase in material costs, and it will eventually lead to a price increase of vehicles as well.

"We are afraid that price increase will have a negative impact in terms of market demand and it could lead to a low demand scenario. So if the government decides for maybe one year or three-year deferment that will be very helpful in the market recovery," he added.

The automaker has the required technology and would be ready to follow the regulations if the government decides to implement them from the original timeline, he added.

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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/21/2021



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[ Spoilers Warning: This report includes spoilers revealing if Jovi and Yara are still together and if the couple had a baby.]

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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Jovi Dufren and Yara Zaya have been shown coming to grips with Yara's unexpected pregnancy on Season 8 of the series. So what do spoilers reveal about if Jovi and Yara are still together now and if the couple had a baby?Jovi, a 29-year-old who works in underwater robotics from New Orleans, LA, met Yara, a 25-year-old makeup artist from Kiev, Ukraine, through a travel app and he was attracted to her beauty and hobbies.After meeting in Budapest and having "really good sex," according to Jovi, they took vacations together all over the world, including a stop in Bali. Jovi also visited his girl in the Ukraine multiple times.Jovi revealed he got Yara pregnant six months into their relationship and that was a huge shock to him."I was dumbfounded, it was so unexpected. This is not what I'm ready for. I thought she was trying to trap me. I thought, 'This is her ticket to America,'" Jovi admitted. "But after the shock wore off, it actually pulled us pretty closer together."At that point, Jovi said he loved Yara, and so he decided to propose marriage to her during a trip to Cuba and then apply for a K-1 visa so they could marry and become a family.But then the couple received bad news that Yara had suffered a miscarriage.Jovi initially came down with a case of cold feet about pursuing a relationship with Yara after that because there was no longer a rush to get married or settle down.But after more time passed, Jovi determined Yara was the person he wanted to be with and Yara was prepared to move to Louisiana in just a few days after her K-1 visa was approved."If Yara and I don't work out, I'll be devastated," Jovi said, before the couple reunited at the airport.Once Yara arrived to America, she disappointed Jovi by wanting to sleep her first night in New Orleans instead of partying with his friends. Jovi began thinking that he and Yara were on different pages.During Yara's first full day in New Orleans, Jovi then gave Yara a tour of the city, including Bourbon Street, which Yara considered chaotic and crazy.Jovi then introduced Yara to his mother Gwen and hoped the women would get along, but Gwen was disappointed to hear Yara desired a quickie wedding in Las Vegas with no bridal party or big reception.Gwen wanted to be able to attend the wedding, along with Jovi's grandparents, but Yara insisted she wanted her big day to be an intimate affair.Gwen suggested that Yara was being a bit selfish and she would not "get married in a trailer park," but Yara said she wasn't going to let Gwen control her.Yara and Jovi later argued while picking out furniture for their apartment together. Yara accused Jovi of being "rude" and "mean" to her, and Jovi realized he needed to compromise more since Yara had sacrificed her whole life in the Ukraine to be with him.Yara, however, wished she and Jovi could move somewhere else, like Los Angeles, but Jovi pictured raising a family in New Orleans.Before Jovi left for a month to work on a boat, the couple discussed children while dining out, and Yara said she hated the idea of being left alone with the kids while Jovi worked a full month away from home at a time.Yara broke down into tears and complained about Jovi leaving her when she had a miscarriage, adding that she might never be able to trust him again and would never want to be left alone with children again.Jovi recalled the turn of events differently and insisted he never meant to ditch Yara during her time of need. Jovi also said he never realized Yara was so resentful about him leaving her alone in Albania while she was pregnant with their child and lost the baby.Jovi said he didn't know at the time Yara would have follow-up doctor appointments and the procedure Yara had mentioned.Once Jovi left for work, Yara was a little scared, sad and homesick, and as some time passed, she found herself incredibly bored and lonely. Yara also complained about how people in the city got drunk really early in the day, which drove her crazy.Yara decided to meet up with Jovi's friend Sara at a nail salon, and Yara revealed she had no plans to have a baby in the near future and she'd like to open her own business, maybe a salon working as a makeup artist.Sara then appeared to spend most of the outing as an opportunity to bash Jovi.Sara warned Yara that Jovi used to be a regular at one of the local stripclubs, and Sara added, "He would sleep with them."Sara also revealed Jovi's ex got so drunk one night that she had pissed herself in bed in the middle of the night. Yara laughed and said that girl sounded "nasty," but Sara pointed out that's who Jovi was before he got involved with Yara.Yara told the cameras that she had gotten to know a totally different side of Jovi and if he partied hard all the time, she wouldn't want to be with him. Click here to read Jovi's denial about having slept with strippers, and click here to see his reaction to Sarah throwing him under the bus to Yara.Yara then went out for brunch with Gwen, who learned Yara had been engaged once before."It makes me curious as to what happened and why it ended. Without really knowing Yara, I know that Ukrainian women just want to get to America. We'll have to talk about that a little bit," Gwen told the cameras.Yara later found herself feeling nauseous and sick, and so she wondered if she was pregnant.Yara hadn't been in the United States for a full month yet, and she said she and Jovi had been "careful.""I cannot even [think] about having a baby right now. I am not ready yet. I don't even know if I want to get married and live here," Yara complained.After feeling sick for several days, when Yara had 53 days left to wed, she decided to buy an at-home pregnancy test at the store.After Yara's miscarriage, doctors had told her it would be "so hard" for her to get pregnant again, so the Ukraine native apparently had a hard time thinking she could be expecting a baby."I honestly don't even know if he wants to settle down with me and [stop] partying all the time," Yara explained. "It just makes me feel crazy. I don't think it's the time for me to get pregnant. It's not time yet."Yara then took the test behind a closed bathroom door, and fans were able to wait with Yara for her results, which ended up being positive!Later on, Yara and Jovi reunited after a month apart. Yara was excited about seeing her man again, but Jovi was drinking whiskey at around 8AM, and Yara was angry and displeased.Yara accused Jovi of being a different man than the guy she had started dating and fallen in love with.When Yara told Jovi that she was pregnant, he didn't believe her at first because Yara had allegedly once joked around about being pregnant for the second time but she wasn't."It's no big deal... I can be happy if it's true," Jovi said, explaining that at least Yara was in the United States now instead of the Ukraine.Yara wished Jovi just trusted her, but she took a couple more tests for him as proof of her pregnancy.Once he realized he was going to be a dad, Jovi apologized to Yara and gave her a kiss on the cheek."F-ck your pregnant! Alright, well this changes things a lot, I guess," Jovi said in a confessional, adding that he felt "terrible" for doubting Yara when she had just moved to a new country for him.Jovi admitted he wasn't 100 percent ready but he would be 100 percent ready for Yara, who also wasn't ready."But what can I do? Nothing. It's in my stomach," Yara told her fiance.With 45 days left to wed, Jovi and Yara headed to Jovi's hometown for an engagement party. Yara just wanted to stay home and sleep, but she noted that she was excited to meet Jovi's dad, who works a similar job as Jovi and spends a lot of time away from home.Jovi planned to wait a few more weeks to tell his family about the pregnancy since it was too soon, so even his mother was unaware that Yara was carrying his first child.Jovi's mother Gwen apparently planned a huge bash for 50-60 people while Yara thought her engagement party was just going to be an intimate gathering. Gwen admitted Yara was going to be "surprised" and probably not happy.Jovi's dad told Yara that she dressed a little too sexy for the streets of New Orleans, explaining that some parts of New Orleans can be dangerous and she shouldn't walk around like that. Jovi's dad didn't like how much skin Yara showed.However, Yara said she dressed how she liked to dress and no one was going to change that about her.Yara also insisted she hated hearing the stereotype that Ukrainian women are after American men so they can trick them and move to America. Yara said it wasn't her dream to come to America and she had heard stereotypes herself, like how Americans are allegedly "stupid."Yara said she'd actually like to live in Ukraine to be closer to her mom, and Jovi's parents panicked a little bit because they didn't want to lose their son and not live near their future grandchildren.Jovi assured his parents that he didn't want to move somewhere cold and he and Yara had more time to figure that out.Jovi told his parents that Yara just needed time to adjust to living in the United States, but Jovi's dad pointed out the commitment must come before the time. Jovi said he was okay with taking a risk to marry the person he loved.At a crawfish boil Yara didn't attend, Jovi's friends all joked that his relationship wasn't going to last and he wouldn't make it more than six months. Little did the guys know, however, that Yara was pregnant."Is this girl going to stop the Jovi ways?" one friend ask."Strip joints!" Jovi's dad interjected."I mean, you go out every night," the friend added.Jovi insisted he had changed a lot in the last two years, and Jovi's pals agreed Yara must have special powers in order to contain Jovi and his wild ways.While Jovi said he loved to travel, he couldn't picture himself living anywhere else than New Orleans. But since they had a kid on the way, Jovi said he'd do anything it takes to make his relationship work.Yara didn't feel comfortable in Jovi's parents' house, and she was a bit angry he had left her for the crawfish boil.Yara was not in a good mood and called Jovi a "son of a b-tch" behind his back. Jovi said he just wanted to enjoy the party and it seemed like Yara was trying to pick a fight because she was unhappy.The couple bickered over food on the way to the party, and Yara accused Jovi of lying and just drinking and partying too much.Yara called Jovi "an alcoholic," saying a beer was always in her fiancee's hand. Jovi said he wasn't drunk and hadn't been drinking, but Yara was offended that Jovi was treating her like she was stupid.Jovi didn't understand why Yara wanted to fight when they were on their way to a party to celebrate their upcoming marriage."If I was not pregnant, I would be already in Ukraine," Yara said in tears."Not so lucky," Jovi responded."Son of a b-tch," Yara said in tears.Based on a preview of what's to come, Yara and Jovi go through more struggles while Yara is pregnant."He needs to understand I [gave] up everything I have to be here," Yara says in a confessional.Yara later says she "deserves somebody better" after Jovi is shown joking with a friend how he wasn't married yet."I'm going to walk away," Jovi threatens his fiancee."You f-cking walk away," Yara dares him with tears in her eyes. "I'm just done with you."It appears Jovi and Yara got married within the 90-day period that Yara's K-1 visa allowed and they are still together.Yara and Jovi got married in a wedding ceremony in Las Vegas, NV, in February 2020, according to In Touch Weekly.Yara told Us Weekly in January 2021 she was "so happy" upon learning she was pregnant because she hoped her baby would look as "handsome" or "beautiful" as Jovi, whom she gushed about being in love with "so much."Jovi and Yara reportedly welcomed their first child together only a few months before Season 8 of premiered on TLC in December 2020, In Touch reported.It appears Yara delivered the couple's child in September 2020.Before viewers saw Yara take a positive pregnancy test on 's eighth season, pregnancy rumors began floating around on December 31 when Yara posted an Instagram photo that appeared to show two unique ornaments on a Christmas tree she was posing next to. (Eagle-eyed fans also pointed out the tree looked like it was in Jovi's New Orleans apartment).One of the ornaments was a baby and the other was a pink heart with the word "mom" written on it.Yara also reportedly created an Amazon baby registry last year under the name "Yara Dufren," which seemingly provided evidence she was expecting a child and the couple had tied the knot during her K-1 visa trip to the United States.The baby registry was posted on January 4, 2020, according to In Touch, and the items Yara listed were for a baby girl due in September 2020.The registry has since been removed from Amazon.There is also evidence on social media the couple's relationship is still in good standing. For example, Jovi's Instagram profile picture features Yara.And on Yara's Instagram, her description says, "38 country, traveling with my [love]." Jovi has a similar description on his own Instagram page, saying he's been to 57 countries and is "on an adventure to see the world!"In mid-December 2020, Yara posted a picture of herself touching her hair, and an Instagram user noticed an engagement ring and wedding ring on Yara's left hand.But when a fan commented, "Ooooooooo a wedding ring," Yara commented, "Not wedding, this is an ordinary ring, I wear it so that the engagement ring does not get lost, because it is big for me."The fan wrote back that Jovi needs to size the ring for Yara, and she replied, "Hahahahah, i was thinking about that, but I newer have time."And when one fan wrote on Yara's Instagram last year, "I can't wait to see more of you and jovi you two are so cute together," Yara replied, "Thank you."In early December, Yara posted a photo of herself filming behind-the-scenes and wrote alongside it, "I want Jovi to look at me with the same loving eyes as this woman looks at me in the first photo."Yara also uploaded a photo of herself drinking wine with a cityscape in the background, and Jovi commented with the following flirty response: "Dayummmm. Are you single??"The pair were definitely still together in early May 2020, when Yara captioned a selfie of the couple with three red heart emojis.One follower gushed "gorgeous couple," and then Yara responded, "Thanks."Yara also posted a throwback photo of Jovi proposing marriage down on one knee. She wrote "memories" alongside the photo with a red heart emoji.And in February 2020, Yara uploaded a few photos of herself in an ivory suite and pink shirt, and Jovi commented, "Like."Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
Russian President Vladimir Putins staunch critic, Alexei Navalny will remain imprisoned after the court partially dismissed his appeal over a two-and-a-half-year jail sentence handed down earlier this month. Furthermore, in a separate case that was also heard on Saturday, the Russian opposition leader was declared guilty of defaming a World War II veteran and was fined 850,000 rubles or $11,480. The case related to comments Navalny made last June on social media.

As per Russian state media reports, in the morning ruling held at Babushkinsky District Court but handed down by Moscow City Court, the judge only decreased his sentence by a month and a half on considering the time he spent under house arrest from December 2014 to February 2015. The Saturday ruling came after Navalnys lawyer Olga Mikhailova petitioned the court to release her client immediately aligning with the demand of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

The original sentence to the Kremlin critic was handed down on February 2 after ruling that while Navalny was in Germany, recovering from poisoning, he violated probation terms of a 2014 case in which he had received a suspended sentence of three and a half years. He was initially detained by the Russian state in January as soon as he arrived from the European nation where he spent at least five months recovering from Novichok poisoning that Navalny has blamed on Putins government.

Read - Prosecution, Lawyers On Navalny's Appeal Rejection

Read - Moscow Court Rejects Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny's Appeal Against Prison Term

Whats next for Alexei Navalny?

Despite the ongoing legal battles for Alexei Navalny, the series of court hearings have offered him an unexpected public forum. In his libel case, Navalny has also called the judge "Obersturmbannfuhrer, who is a Nazi paramilitary rank and described Putin as an old man quivering in his bunker, terrified of his own people. Navalny has already reportedly termed the cases against him as performances trumped up by the Russian authorities to instil fear among the citizens or to smear him.

He said the authorities were using trials against him showing me they can do as they want, like jugglers. As per the Washington Post report, Kremlin critic also said, Ordinary people who look at this think, What if I run into the judicial system? Do I stand a chance? 

Meanwhile, he is also finding new ways to communicate including a post on Instagram, made on his behalf. In the social media post, he said being in jail was not tough but felt rather like a space voyage to a beautiful new world but also called space travel dangerous. However, now that the judge has rejected his bail plea, he will remain in jail.

Could I, a fan of books and movies about space, refuse such a flight, even if it lasts three years? Obviously no, he wrote. Theres just one big difference from space movies. I have no weapons at all. What if the ship is attacked by xenomorphs? I doubt I could fight them off with a kettle.

Read - Russia's Navalny Comments On Appeal's Rejection

Read - Navalny Inside Moscow Court For Appeal Hearing
In view of rising Covid-19 cases in districts like Nagpur, Amravati, Yatvmal, Maharashtra Government is thinking of imposing a night curfew in the districts. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will chair a meeting today in which the decision regarding the same will be taken, State Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar informed today.

"The coronavirus cases are increasing on daily basis in several districts of Maharashtra. Due to this, an order to enforce the coronavirus norms has been given to all district magistrates. They have also have been authorised to take decisions in view of the pandemic situation," said Wadettiwar.

"In view of rising COVID-19 cases in districts like Nagpur, Amravati, Yatvmal, Maharashtra Government is thinking of imposing a night curfew in the districts. A meeting chaired by the Chief Minister (Uddhav Thackeray) to be held soon to make a decision," he added.

In view of rising COVID19 cases in districts like Nagpur, Amravati, Yatvmal, Maharashtra Government is thinking of imposing a night curfew in the districts. A meeting chaired by the CM to be held soon to take a decision: Maharashtra Minister Vijay Wadettiwar pic.twitter.com/1Iw07olS6B  ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2021

This comes amid a rising number of cases in Maharashtra which has prompted the state government officials to reinforce the coronavirus norms. The state reported 6,281 new Covid-19 cases, 2,567 discharges, and 40 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the State Health Department on Saturday. With this, the total cases in the state increased to 20,93,913 including 48,439 active cases and 19,92,530 total recoveries. The death toll in the state mounted to 51,753 including the new deaths.

To curb the spread of coronavirus and adhere to social distancing norms, several districts in Maharashtra have announced new restrictions in place:

Pune

The district administration has imposed a night curfew between 11 pm and 6 am in Pune. The Pune divisional commissioner said on Sunday that no public movement except those involved in essential services will be allowed in the night. In addition to this, all schools and colleges will also remain shut till 28 February.

Nagpur

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has imposed a 50% restriction capacity on wedding halls and said that only 20 people will be allowed in funerals.

Mumbai

Residential buildings with over five active cases of coronavirus will be sealed.

People who will flout coronavirus rules will be prosecuted.

Flyers coming to Mumbai from Brazil will have to remain under seven-day institutional quarantine, which is mandatory.

Those who are supposed to be home quarantine will be stamped so that they can't flout quarantine rules.

The civic body has said that around 300 marshals will be deployed at Mumbai locals to take action against passengers travelling without masks.

The BMC will also inspect halls and wedding venues to check whether coronavirus-related rules are being maintained at these gatherings.

Amravati, Akola

Weekend lockdown in Amravati and Akola.

Yavatmal

A 10-day lockdown has already started from Thursday night.

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While the highly contagious strain H5N8 is lethal for birds, it had never before been reported to have spread to humans

MOSCOW: Russia said Saturday that its scientists had detected the world's first case of transmission of the H5N8 strain of avian flu from birds to humans and had alerted the World Health Organization. In televised remarks, the head of Russia's health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, said scientists at the Vektor laboratory had isolated the strain's genetic material from seven workers at a poultry farm in southern Russia, where an outbreak was recorded among the birds in December.

The workers did not suffer any serious health consequences, she added. They are believed to have caught the virus from poultry on the farm. "Information about the world's first case of transmission of the avian flu (H5N8) to humans has already been sent to the World Health Organization," Popova said.

There are different subtypes of avian influenza viruses.

While the highly contagious strain H5N8 is lethal for birds, it had never before been reported to have spread to humans. Popova praised "the important scientific discovery", saying "time will tell" if the virus can further mutate.

"The discovery of these mutations when the virus has not still acquired an ability to transmit from human to human gives us all, the entire world, time to prepare for possible mutations and react in an adequate and timely fashion," Popova said. The WHO confirmed on Saturday that it had been notified by Russia about the development.

"We are in discussion with national authorities to gather more information and assess the public health impact of this event," a spokesperson said.

"If confirmed, this would be the first time H5N8 infects people."

WHO stressed that the Russian workers were "asymptomatic" and no onward human-to-human transmission had been reported. People can get infected with avian and swine influenza viruses, such as bird flu subtypes A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) and swine flu subtypes such as A(H1N1).

According to the WHO, people usually get infected through direct contact with animals or contaminated environments, and there is no sustained transmission among humans.

H5N1 in people can cause severe illness and has a 60 percent mortality rate.

'Tip of the iceberg'

Gwenael Vourc'h, head of research at France's National Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment, said that influenza viruses are known to evolve "quite quickly" and that there might have been other cases besides those reported in Russia.

"This is probably the tip of the iceberg," she told AFP. Francois Renaud, a researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), said however that he was "not particularly worried" at this stage.

He added that the coronavirus pandemic had taught countries to react quickly to potential health threats. "Draconian measures will be taken to immediately stop the outbreak," he said.

Avian flu has raged in several European countries including France, where hundreds of thousands of birds have been culled to stop the infection.

Russia's Vektor State Virology and Biotechnology Center, which detected the transmission to the poultry farm workers, also developed one of the country's several coronavirus vaccines.

In the Soviet era the lab, located in Koltsovo outside the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, conducted secret biological weapons research. It still stockpiles viruses ranging from Ebola to smallpox. In televised remarks, Vektor chief Rinat Maksyutov said the lab was ready to begin developing test kits that would help detect potential cases of H5N8 in humans and to begin work on a vaccine.

The Soviet Union was a scientific powerhouse and Russia has sought to reclaim a leadership role in vaccine research under President Vladimir Putin.

Russia registered coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in August, months before Western competitors and even before large-scale clinical trials.

After initial scepticism in the West, the Lancet journal this month published results showing the Russian vaccine -- named after the Soviet-era satellite -- to be safe and effective.
Photo: Contributed

Montreal-based publisher Joseph John wanted his comic book "Citizen Canada" to reflect the country's diverse history by having the titular hero speak English, French and Cree.

But when he started entering the Indigenous superhero's dialogue into Google Translate he found that Cree, the most common First Nations language in Canada, is not an option on the app.

John then took it upon himself to create an online petition urging Google to make Cree available on its translation app. A user-experience designer by trade, the publisher said he wants to help preserve the Indigenous language.

"I'm not an activist, I'm just a ... designer," said John. "Making comics has always been my passion (but) I want my comic to be especially helpful to Indigenous people, I want to help First Nations peoples."

The preamble to John's petition points out that Maori, the language of Aboriginal people in New Zealand, is available on Google Translate. New Zealand government data suggests there are approximately 50,000 Maori speakers there, but data from Statistics Canada's 2016 census shows there were more than 96,000 Cree speakers in Canada when information was gathered.

Simon Bird  the creator of Cree Simons Says, a Facebook group with more than 20,000 followers that teaches people how to speak the First Nations language  said he would welcome the addition of his native language to Google Translate as a tool for beginner or intermediate speakers.

"Once there's a common understanding of the language between a fluent speaker and someone that doesn't know the language at all, I think that's going to be the real benefit," said Bird, who is also the director of education for Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan.

Cree, part of the Algonquin language family, has nine dialects that are spoken in a vast geographic region that stretches from Labrador to Alberta and the Northwest Territories, according to figures from the territorial government.

Bird said although there are certain modern words that differ between the various Cree dialects, the heart of the language is the same across Canada.

Molly Morgan, a spokeswoman for Google, said that Cree is among the many Indigenous languages included in the company's Noto font project but added incorporating it into the Translate app is a more complicated process.

"We're gradually adding languages over time but our system needs lots of examples to learn from," said Morgan. "Unfortunately we dont have a timeline for that specific language. The process of adding a language to Translate takes a big concerted effort from contributors."

John, who emigrated from Bangalore, India, in 2007, said he hopes that his comic will help his fellow immigrants better understand First Nations people. He hopes that "Citizen Canada' will help them understand the difference between First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.

"I don't want people to think of Indigenous people as tragic or victims or any of that, I want them to think of them as superheroes," said John.
Its a difficult culture to break, St Catherines principal Dr Julie Townsend said at the weekend after an online petition revealed hundreds of allegations of rape made by former Sydney schoolgirls against their male peers.

Shes right  its hard to break because this culture of sexual assault finds support in the wider community, beyond school grounds. It is everywhere: in universities, workplaces, online, in professional sports and in Hollywood. It is in our social lives. This culture does not stop at Year 12  these codes are carried into adulthood.

Chanel Contos started an online petition calling on people to come forward with allegations of sexual assault and demand better consent education in schools.

Yet it is students and former students leading the charge for change, frustrated by this yawning gap in their education. They are right to be frustrated: comprehensive education about relationships and sexuality, from a young age, is known to protect sexual wellbeing.

Schools should be the main site of intervention. Such an approach allows for consistent, high quality teaching about sex, relationships and consent, to a large number of young people. The home is equally important, however, and equipping parents and caregivers with the language and skills to speak to their children about these issues is critical. If we are waging a battle against this endemic culture we need to confront it on several flanks.
The 10th round of talks between military commanders of India and China on Saturday focused on taking forward the disengagement process further at friction points of Hot Springs, Gogra, and Depsang in eastern Ladakh.

The Corps Commander-level talks began at 10 am yesterday at the Moldo border point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and it continued for 16 hours till around 2 am Sunday, reported news agency ANI.

"Both sides discussed disengagement from friction points including Gogra heights, Hot Springs and Depsang plains," ANI quoted Army sources as saying.

The Indian side at Saturday's talks on the de-escalation process was being led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps. The Chinese delegation was to be headed by Maj Gen Liu Lin, the commander of the South Xinjiang military district of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

India-China disengagement at both banks of Pangong Tso completed

The 10th round of military talks took place two days after the withdrawal of Chinese and Indian soldiers and weapons from northern and southern banks of Pangong Tso in the high-altitude region concluded, according to reports.

The Indian Army had earlier released pictures and videos showing thinning down of troops and dismantling of bunkers, camps by the Chinese side in the areas around the Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh in line with the agreed disengagement process between both sides.

Earlier on Thursday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had made a statement in Parliament on the disengagement process.

Chinese militaries were to pull back their soldiers to the East of Finger 8 areas in the northern bank while the Indian troops will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3 in the region, as per the agreement.

Similar action was to take place on the South Bank of the lake as well, the Defence Minister said in Parliament.

Over nine months-long tension between the Indian and Chinese militaries began rising along the high-altitude border in April 2020, when the Indian Army accused the Chinese PLA soldiers of intruding into its side of the LAC, the de facto border between the two countries.

The confrontation spiraled on 15 June when 20 Indian troops were killed in a violent physical clash at the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh.

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Leading Black filmmakers, producers and writers opened up about what inspired them to enter cinema and the importance of capturing the Black diasporic experience on screen during a virtual panel co-hosted by the American Cinematheque and the African American Film Critics Association.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Black Identity Through Cinema panel featured Cynthia Erivo, Philippe Lacote, Franklin Leonard, Ekwa Msangi and Euzhan Palcy, as well as Shaka King and Kemp Powers, both of whom were named Varietys 2020 Screenwriters to Watch. The conversation, moderated by AAFCA president Gil Robertson, explored the diversity of Black identity in film and how the panelists works delve into core themes of freedom and justice in relation to their own personal identities.

More from Variety

The panelists discussed how the lack of Black creatives in front of and behind the camera and the first Black-led films they saw, such as The Color Purple for Erivo and Spike Lees School Daze for Msangi, drove them into the field.

I grew up in East Africa in Kenya, and even though my livelihood was surrounded by such colorful, interesting, funny, dramatic people in my family and friends, none of that was reflected anywhere in media, and I grew tired of it and decided that I wanted to become a filmmaker, said Msangi, the Tanzanian American filmmaker behind Farewell Amor.

Concerning the representation of global Black perspectives, such as those from the U.K., Caribbean and African countries, the panelists said they wanted to see more portrayals of the diaspora and depictions of cultural nuances, whether through music, language or dance.

Story continues

For us today, what is very important is to make films, but to make films with our own vision, with our own culture, said Ivory Coast-based filmmaker Lacote. In my film Night of the Kings it was important to have this part of magical realism because its our way to see the world.

However, the creatives also recognized the universality of themes between American and non-Western stories about Black life.

I have always had a more diasporic view of the world, said Powers, who penned the script for One Night in Miami and Soul. I think that the confluence of factors of where I happened to be growing up, the time in which I was growing up, the diasporic view was, of course, like any Black person in a white country has to be dealing with the same shit.

Leonard, the founder and CEO of The Black List, which celebrates the most popular unproduced screenplays, said that while scriptwriting is universal, Black creatives are able to draw on their experiences when telling a story.

As a Black man in America I am hypersensitive to human interactions when I walk into a room, Leonard said. I am clocking a lot of different things that my white peers are not by necessity. Whether its a double consciousness and need to be a chameleon to navigate all-white environments versus all-Black environments, whatever it is. That is the basis of filmmaking on some level  I think all of us at various times, especially if you are a Black woman, a Black queer woman, youre having to do that as a matter of survival right.

Commenting on the lack of Black stories in Hollywood, the panelists relayed personal experiences of being told their films would not fare well within the market due to their hyper-specificity, predominantly Black cast or otherwise not meeting white executives expectations of what would be compelling to audiences.

If the story is a good story and it is well-marketed people will go and see it, said Sugar Cane Alley and A Dry White Season director Palcy. [Is it the same] question about the Black or Latino audience or Asian audience when you put out a white story?

Erivo, a Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor, said the industry often degrades Black stories in its insistence on an explanation for why they should be told. Theres this sort of sepia glaze that goes over stories and productions that come from us, that somehow need explanation for telling the story of human beings. But I think thats laziness.

Noting the changes that need to take place in the industry, the panelists said they want to see the full scope of the Black experience in film. I want to see Black pain, Leonard said. I want to see Black joy, I want to see Black liberation. I want to see us as three-dimensional human beings that have the full human experience.

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MUMBAI/NEW DELHI : The consortium consisting of asset management firm Kalrock Capital and entrepreneur Murari Lal Jalan, who are currently awaiting an approval from The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to restart operations at Jet Airways (India) Ltd, will continue to operate the airline as a publicly listed company. The consortium hopes to re-start operations within four to six months of getting an approval from the tribunal, which is set to hear the resolution plan on Monday. The new promoters will keep the 'Jet Airways' brand intact and also induct some of the older staff into the airline. Jet Airways under new promoters will start operations with about 25 aircraft fleet, with a base at New Delhi (NCR) and restart international flights by the end of the year, Murari Lal Jalan told Mint in an interview, adding that plans to launch operations will be put to motion with the approval of the resolution plan by the NCLT. Edited excerpts.

There has been quite a bit of delay from the court in giving its approval. How is this expected to impact your plans?

I don't want to comment on the judiciary. Let them take time. But, yes, the sooner the approval comes through, the better it is. Anyway, we couldn't have started operations by the beginning of the summer schedule even if the NCLT cleared the plan two months ago. But, we are very much on track to restart operations within the summer schedule. It could be in the middle of summer schedule or the end of summer schedule. We hope to start operations within four to six months of getting the court's approval.

How are you going to secure your finances?

I am in one of the best situations. We got the airline at a very competitive price due to the covid situation. Our cost is going to be much less than any other airline in the future. This is because we are going to start the airline without any liabilities. By the time we are air borne (start operations) the market will come back 100%.

How are you managing your capital requirements?

We have submitted our plans to the committee of creditors (CoC), which has been accepted. We are very much on time to make the payments as per the regulations, as per our commitment. We are prepared with the capital requirement plan for the next couple of years. Everything has been arranged. I would not like to comment on the figure now since the resolution plan is yet to be cleared by the NCLT.

Do you see former staff of the airline join the venture?

Jet's former staff are assets and we will definitely want to look after them. We will do whatever is possible and whatever is practical. They are human capital, and experienced professionals, who we are looking forward to working with.

Jet's arrival/departure and parking slots, especially at New Delhi and Mumbai airports, have been distributed to other airlines. How do you plan to get them back?

As far as slots are concerned, we are very optimistic. We have been assured by the ministry (ministry of civil aviation) that whatever slot is required will be made available. Also, a lot more slots are available now, than what it was a year-ago. I don't foresee any problem with slots in the beginning.

What kind of aircraft fleet are you looking to operate?

We are in talks with leasing companies and aircraft manufacturers from the day we put in a bid. We will sign agreements as soon as NCLT gives it approval. It can be either Boeing or Airbus. We could also be getting new aircraft.

What made you enter the aviation sector?

I have always been fascinated with aviation. And fortunately, I got the opportunity to bid for Jet Airways. We also got a very good valuation for the airline due to covid-19 pandemic. I am happy and fortunate to be in this position.

Have you taken a decision on branding and positioning of the airline?

We will definitely continue the way it was. Jet Airways will remain a full service offering. We believe in continuity and we will do the same as it used to be. The name of the airline will also remain unchanged.

Will you onboard any other investor?

As of now the plan is to keep Jet Airways within the consortium but then things can change depending on the situation. Nothing can be ruled out. But as of now, we have no plans to look for any other investor.

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Tennessee bill would give fathers abortion veto power if paternity is established

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Two Tennessee lawmakers proposed a bill last week that would allow fathers of unborn children to petition a court for an injunction to prohibit pregnant mothers from obtaining abortions, one of the more controversial proposals in a wave of pro-life legislation across the nation.

State Sen. Mark Pody and Rep. Jerry Sexton, both Republicans, sponsored the bill, which does not include exceptions in rape or incest cases.

Pody said Wednesday he proposed the bill after hearing a Tennessee residents concern that a father has no say over the abortion of his child.

I believe a father should have a right to say what's gonna be happening to that child, Pody said, according to The Tennessean. And if somebody is going to kill that child, he should be able to say, No, I don't want that child to be killed. I want to able to raise that child and love that child.

The bill, SB494/HB1079, has been referred to the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee and has been filed for introduction in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

The bill would allow the judge to grant the petition if the paternity is not subject to be rescinded or challenged.

If the mother acknowledges the mans paternity, DNA proof is not required. Claiming fatherhood would make the man obligated to support the child.

The bill has faced criticism from pro-abortion rights groups who say it is unconstitutional and extreme. They argue that men should not have any control over womens bodies.

ACLU Tennessee Executive Director Hedy Weinburg said in a statement shared by The Tennessean that this extreme and dangerous bill would even allow a rapist to stop his victim from ending a pregnancy.

However, Pody believes it is not likely a rapist will voluntarily claim paternity and incriminate himself.

"If somebody comes up and says, 'Yes, I raped her and I'm the father,' he should immediately go to jail," Pody said. "I just do not believe that somebody is gonna come in and say, 'I committed this crime, I'm guilty of this crime. Put me in jail.'"

The Tennessean reports that under the legislation, a judge would grant the petition as long as the petitioner proves hes the biological father and there is a reasonable possibility that a woman will seek an abortion.

Although a father would be able to deny an abortion once paternity is established, he would not be able to rescind or challenge parental obligations.

"He can't turn around under any circumstance and say, 'I was wrong, and it's not mine,'" Pody was quoted as saying.

The Christian Post reached out to Tennessee Right to Life for comment on the legislation. A response was not received by press time.

Abortion access in Tennessee is very limited, and there are already measures in place banning abortion after the fetal heartbeat is detected, which is around six weeks. Reason bans, which restrict receiving an abortion for the reasons of the childs gender, race, or a Down syndrome diagnosis, were signed into law in July.

These laws were met with legal action filed by groups like American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and others. A federal appeals court ultimately ruled in November that the state of Tennessee can enforce the reason bans.

But on Friday, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the states request to stay an injunction issued by a lower court against a law that requires a 48-hour waiting period for women to get an abortion. The lower court injunction will remain in effect until the appeals court can rule on the case's merits.

Tennessee is not the only state to introduce a heartbeat bill and anti-abortion measures. On Thursday, South Carolina passed legislation banning abortion once the heartbeat is detected. The legislation passed withoverwhelming support.

With the recent transition from a pro-life Trump administration to the pro-abortion Biden administration, Students for Life of America and Students for Life Action president Kristan Hawkins said she believes Americans will begin to see a wave of pro-life legislation from the state level.

We have 27 republican governors. Republicans have control of the majority of statehouses in this country. What we saw during the Obama years is exactly what were going to see here again where you had over 300 pro-life laws passed in eight years that Barak Obama was president of the United States, Hawkins told The Christian Post in a recent interview.
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Leading Bahraini developer Eagle Hills Diyar has announced the launch of its new residential development, Marassi Park, within its Marassi Al Bahrain development.

Spanning a 25,500-sq-m area, Marassi Park is made up of three 10-storey blocks consisting of 249 units ranging from one to three-bedroom residential apartments.

This new development, which overlooks a spacious courtyard and boasts spectacular views of Marassi Central Park and the Grand Boulevard, will be seamlessly integrated into the Marassi Al Bahrain community and is set to offer its residents the best in modern urban living.

Marassi Park has already witnessed tremendous investor appeal with all of its Phase One units already sold out off-plan, said the developer.

Announcing the launch, Managing Director Dr Maher Al Shaer said: "The project is a strategic addition to Marassi Al Bahrains portfolio of offerings, crafted in line with Marassi Al Bahrains philosophy of smart living, which aims to provide residents with the best in contemporary living and ultimate convenience when longing for a break from fast-paced life."

"The project is designed to provide residents with the opportunity to experience all the Marassi Al-Bahrain development has to offer, from beach-front living and green spaces, to urban and modern utilities, to retail and F&B outlets conveniently located within their community," stated Al Shaer.

The first sales and purchase agreements were handed over to the first apartment owners and investors in phase one of the project, where all safety measures were taken in adherence to the standards of social distancing in accordance with the instructions of executive committee of the government.

On the project, Eagle Hills CEO Low Ping said: "Under the current circumstances, we at Eagle Hills, are proud of our expertise in creating master-planned communities with a blend of facilities to cater to both tourists and residents within the kingdom and neighbouring countries."

"The Marassi Park project marks the newest addition to the growing Marassi Al Bahrain community, an iconic development that has set a new benchmark for high-end beach life across the region," she stated.

"The aesthetically pleasing building design reflects the promise of a contemporary lifestyle with the development conceived to provide potential buyers with a variety of unit options ranging in size, and catering to individual needs and requirements," he added.

Ping said a number of amenities will complement Marassi Parks vibrant lifestyle, including a fully-equipped gymnasium, adult and childrens swimming pools, shaded childrens play area, outdoor seating pavilions, a barbeque area and convenient basement parking with 24-hour security.

"In addition, Marassi Park residents will also be able to enjoy the jogging track at the upcoming Marassi Central Park. The project is conveniently located on the Grand Boulevard, has retail outlets and is in close proximity to Marassi Beach as well as the Marassi Galleria mall, which is set to open in 2021," she added.

Eagle Hills Diyar General Manager Engineer Gim Hwee said: "The units of Marassi Park are developed and designed with the homeowner in mind. Todays residents are looking for homes that cater to a variety of different needs, and the versatility of the units provide users with options to choose from."

"After the successful launch of Phase One, and complete sale of the projects units off-plan, Phase two is set to commence soon," he added.
Two males were fatally shot Saturday night in Central City, New Orleans police said.

The gunfire was reported at 6:23 p.m. in the 1600 block of Eighth Street, the first block on the lake side of St. Charles Avenue. Police said they found both victims lying in a driveway of a home. One died at the scene, the other at a hospital after being taken there by Emergency Medical Services.

In its first alert on the crime, the Police Department had said the victims were a male and female, and that they were shot in the 3100 block of Carondelet Street, around the corner from 1600 block of Eighth.

No details on motive or suspects were immediately released.

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank have named their baby son August Philip Hawke Brooksbank.

The couple are pictured smiling with their first child, in an image released by Buckingham Palace.

The newest addition to the royal family, who was born at the exclusive Portland Hospital in central London at 8.55am on February 9, is the Queen and the Duke of Edinburghs ninth great-grandchild.

The choice of Philip pays tribute to the duke, who remains at King Edward VIIs hospital, having been admitted on Tuesday evening after feeling unwell.

Expand Close August Philip Hawke Brooksbank (Buckingham Palace/PA) / Facebook

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Posting on Instagram, the couple said: We wanted to introduce you to August Philip Hawke Brooksbank.

Thank you for so many wonderful messages. Our hearts are full of love for this little human, words cant express. We are excited to be able to share these photos with you.

The photos were taken by their wonderful midwife, the couple said.

They added: Thank you to the wonderful essential workers including our midwife who came to discharge our boy.

The new arrival was born 11th in line to the throne but, following the news a few days later that the Duchess of Sussex is expecting a second child, will move to 12th place.

In the newly-released picture, the baby boy is wrapped in blue and has his eyes closed as he is held by his beaming father and clutches his mothers finger.

On the day of his birth, Eugenie, 30, and Jack gave the world the first glimpse of their baby, posting a black and white image on Instagram of their hands cradling his tiny fingers and wrist.

Expand Close A black and white image was posted to Instagram after Princess Eugenie gave birth to her first child at The Portland Hospital in central London (Princess Eugenie/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp A black and white image was posted to Instagram after Princess Eugenie gave birth to her first child at The Portland Hospital in central London (Princess Eugenie/PA)

A few days later Eugenie waved from the back seat of a 44 with her son beside her in a carry cot, while husband Jack drove them home from the hospital.

Following the childs birth Buckingham Palace said the Queen and Philip were delighted at the news, as were Eugenies parents the Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York, and Jacks parents Mr and Mrs George Brooksbank.

The baby is a regular Master Brooksbank even though his mother is a princess.

Eugenie and Mr Brooksbank, who is European brand director of Casamigos Tequila, co-founded by the actor George Clooney, wed in a glittering ceremony in the gothic surroundings of St Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle, in front of royal and celebrity guests in October 2018.

When Eugenie was born in 1990, the Duke and Duchess of Yorks unusual choice of name for their second daughter took everyone by surprise.

Pronounced Yoo-junnee, it was inspired by one of Queen Victorias granddaughters, Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, and the princess goes by the nickname Euge.

This month, parents across Victoria had to keep their kids at home for three days, as they had done for months on end last year.

Throughout this pandemic, governments have rightly made a virtue of following public health advice. So when it comes to school closures and remote learning, what does the very best evidence say?

Students at St Brendans Primary School in Flemington returning to school in October after the COVID-19 shutdown. Credit:Jason South

The World Health Organisation says: Given the devastating consequences on children  the decision to close schools should be a last resort, temporary, and only at a local level in areas with intense transmission.
On Sunday, former Nepal Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai will be visiting India's capital New Delhi for medical treatment after being suspected to have a Neuroendocrine tumour. According to Bhattarai's media advisor Bishowdeep Pandey, the former PM will take a Nepal Airlines Flight and undergo consultation and treatment at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in New Delhi.

While speaking to ANI, Pandey said that he is visiting Delhi after the recommendation of his doctor in Nepal.

"He was in constant follow-up and medical observation at Nidan Hospital in Nepal. He is heading for Delhi on the recommendation of the hospital for further consultation and possible treatment. It has been diagnosed that Bhattari might have a neuroendocrine tumour," Pandey told ANI.

For the medical visit the press advisor himself and the spouse of former Prime Minister, Hishila Yami, will accompany him. In Delhi, Bhattarai will be staying at the Embassy of Nepal in India, his secretariat confirmed.

READ | India & Nepal Jointly Inaugurate 108km Road To Improve Daily Connectivity At Border

India & Nepal Jointly Inaugurate 108km Road

On February 7, India and Nepal jointly inaugurated a newly constructed 108-kilometre road connecting Indian borders with several areas of the Himalayan nation, the Indian embassy said. According to a statement issued by the Indian embassy in Kathmandu, the Indian government has provided the grant assistance of Rs 44.48 million that was utilised for the construction of the road.

READ | 'Peace, Progress & Prosperity For India': Nepal PM Oli Extends Greetings On Republic Day

Nepal PM thanks India for COVID Vaccine

On January 21, the Serum Institute of India (SII) consignment of COVID-19 vaccines with 10 lakh dosages was delivered to Nepal after which PM Oli took to Twitter and thanked PM Modi for helping Nepal at the critical time when India is rolling out vaccination for its own people.

I thank Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji as well as the Government and people of India for the generous grant of one million doses of COVID vaccine to Nepal at this critical time when India is rolling out vaccination for it's own people. pic.twitter.com/uO7qQpLiSx  K P Sharma Oli (@kpsharmaoli) January 21, 2021

READ | Thiruvalluvar's 'Aryan Makeover' In Book Incites Stalin; 'BJP Allowing, AIADMK Watching'

READ | PM Modi To Address Meeting Of BJP National Office-bearers In Delhi With Polls Closing In

(With ANI Inputs)

Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-22 00:19:50|Editor: huaxia

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HARARE, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwean government is determined to revive the once vibrant motor industry as part of its efforts to promote the consumption of local products.

The move will also ensure value chain development, generate foreign currency and create employment.

Tom Sarimana, General Manager of Quest Motors, a vehicle manufacturing company, recently said that the firm has the capacity to meet local demand, the state-run broadcaster ZBC reported Sunday.

"We can produce in excess of 10,000 vehicles and we can employ at least 3,500 workers per day in three eight-hour shifts if the business is there.

"The facility is there and so is the infrastructure. We have also started to make our own jigs as opposed to what we did in the past," he said.

Quest, which started operating in Zimbabwe in 1960, currently holds the franchise for carmakers from China such as Foton, JMC and Chery, as well as for Japanese manufacturers - Mitsubishi and Toyota.

Quest has over the years also assembled Volvo, Leyland and Nissan buses, and currently holds the franchise to build Chinese-owned Yutong and Zhongtong buses.

Sekai Nzenza, Zimbabwe's Minister of Industry and Commerce said the revival of the local automotive industry tops the government's priorities.

"Under the president's mandate for local production, innovation, creation of employment and economic growth, we as the ministry of industry and commerce have taken the president's directive to promote local production very seriously," Nzenza said.

The motor industry is seen as strategic in economic turnaround given its invaluable impact in job creation, value addition and contribution to GDP.

In addition to creating employment, the assembling of vehicles locally is also expected to have ripple effects on the economy since a substantial amount of materials would be sourced locally.

Last year Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said Zimbabwe will soon start to locally manufacture buses for the mass public transport system.

Zimbabwe's vehicle manufacture has been struggling to stay afloat as the government, which is their biggest customer, has over the years shunned locally produced vehicles preferring imports instead.

Besides Quest Motors, other car assembling firms in Zimbabwe include AVM Africa, a bus and truck maker and Willowvale Motor Industries (WMI) with its bus-making subsidiary Deven Engineering. Enditem
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Trump plans return to spotlight

Donald Trump will seek to return to the political spotlight in an address to a major meeting of conservatives, a source familiar with his plans said on Saturday, as the Republican plots his post-White House moves.

Trump plans to speak to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, on 28 February, the last day of their meeting, the source told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

"Hell be talking about the future of the Republican Party and the conservative movement. Also look for the 45th President to take on President (Joe) Bidens disastrous amnesty and border policies," the source said.

Trump's tumultuous four years in the White House ended shortly after he was impeached on a charge of inciting his supporters' deadly Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol, where lawmakers were gathering to certify Biden's victory in the 3 November election.

After spending two months falsely claiming his election loss was the result of widespread fraud, Trump was acquitted in an impeachment trial held in the Senate after he left office. The 57-43 vote fell short of the two-thirds majority needed for a conviction.

Trump has expressed anger at the 17 Republicans in the House of Representatives and Senate who voted to impeach or convict him, and on Tuesday he aimed his rhetorical fire at Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the nation's most senior elected Republican.

The loss of both the White House to Biden and control of the Senate - which Democrats picked up in a pair of upset Georgia election runoff victories last month - has left Republicans on edge as they plot how to win back control of Congress in 2022.

Trump and McConnell parted ways in the weeks after the November election, with Trump irked that the Kentucky Republican had recognized Biden as the winner in mid-December. They have not spoken since, a former White House official said this week.

Trump called McConnell "a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack" this week and warned that if Republican senators stayed with him "they will not win again."

The gap between Trump and McConnell widened when the latter declared after the Senate's acquittal of the former president that Trump was "practically and morally responsible" for the Capitol siege.

A number of top Republicans who are considered possible candidates for the party's 2024 presidential nomination are also due to speak at CPAC, including Trump's secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, and Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota.

Two notable Republicans from the Trump administration not on the CPAC speaker list are former UN ambassador Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence.

Another source told Reuters that Trump had rebuffed a request by Haley to meet with him recently after she was critical of him in a Politico article.
The latest figures from the Ministry of Health show that 170 new cases of coronavirus were discovered yesterday.

Two new deaths from COVID-19 were reported today, bringing the total death toll in the Grand Duchy to 625.

7,849 tests were carried out in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate was 2.17%.

There are 56 patients in standard hospital care, down five from yesterday, while the number in intensive care remains unchanged at 13.

As a reminder, on weekends the government only releases data on the number of tests, cases, deaths and hospitalisations.

As of Friday, there were 2,774 active infections in Luxembourg, while 50,386 patients had recovered from the virus.

The R rate stood at 1.04.

21,853 people had received their first vaccine dose in Luxembourg by Friday, while 7,080 had received a second dose.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus both in Luxembourg and abroad, see our live ticker.
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Britney Spears is one of the worlds biggest superstars, a woman who rose to fame as a child star and has managed to release hit songs with each passing decade. Spears is currently in the spotlight, thanks to a brand-new documentary that is shedding light on the state of Spears conservatorship, and the role that her father has played in some of her darker moments over the years.

Many fans are learning even more about Spears and the way that she has spoken out at various points in her life  including one notable interview from 1999, where the young pop star slammed the double standards that were so prevalent in the music industry.

How did Britney Spears become a star?

Britney Spears attends a red carpet event in 2019 | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

RELATED: How Old is Britney Spears and How Many Children Does She Have?

Spears was born in Mississippi in 1981. When she was only three years old, Spears started attracting local attention for her impressive singing voice and stage presence.

In 1992, Spears was cast in The Mickey Mouse Club, alongside future superstars like Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake. Five years later, Spears was a seasoned show business professional, signing with her first record label. The future pop princess was only 15 years old.

In 1999, Spears released her first album, Baby One More Time. The album was a global success, with the title track becoming a smash hit, earning Spears millions of fans. Over the next several years, Spears continued to record hit songs, with her second and third albums also becoming successes. While Spears was seemingly unstoppable on the Billboard charts, she also faced relentless criticism from members of the press.

Britney Spears has suffered criticism from the media

Looks like the light of God coming in  !!!!! pic.twitter.com/9omA2EzpdN  Britney Spears (@britneyspears) January 6, 2021

RELATED: How Britney Spears Spends Her $59 Million Fortune

From the very beginning of her career, Spears faced criticism from the media about the way that she presented herself, including her costumes and some of her provocative dance moves. Many took Spears to task for her sexualized image, with some talk show hosts and reporters slamming the young star for being a bad influence for younger fans.

Interestingly enough, although Spears remained relatively mum regarding the medias perception of her, she did speak out in a 1999 interview, taking the media to task for the double standards in the music industry.

What did Britney Spears say about boy band double standards?

Swimming in the Stars is available to download/stream everywhere now!! Listen here: https://t.co/PkR1K19DJF pic.twitter.com/s2FumjEM8B  Britney Spears (@britneyspears) December 3, 2020

RELATED: Why Did Britney Spears Divorce Kevin Federline?

In a 1999 interview, when Spears was just beginning her meteoric rise to fame, she admitted that there is a significant double standard in the music industry. I did the Baby video with my belly showing or whatever,, Spears stated. I love BSB and NSYNC, but when theyre doing all those thrusts on stage and make out with a microphone no one says anything about that. When Im just showing a little belly theyre like oooh!

Unfortunately, Spears criticism of the double standards regarding boy bands didnt do much to help her over the years. The pop star was consistently taken to task by various publications intent on dogging her every move.

When Spears and Justin Timberlake broke up, many publications insisted on portraying Timberlake as the injured party, in spite of the fact that there was no real evidence of wrongdoing on either side. While Timberlake has since apologized for his role in the medias mistreatment of Spears, many fans are still upset about the way that Spears has been portrayed.

Still, if her 1999 interview proves anything, it is that Spears can be very opinionated when she needs to be and has no problem calling out unfair treatment.
The UN Human Rights Office has asked the United Arab Emirates whether the vice president's daughter, Princess Latifa, is still alive, a spokesperson said in Geneva on Friday.



British public broadcaster BBC on Tuesday released secretly filmed footage from Princess Latifa, who said has been held hostage by her father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, since 2018, when she attempted to flee Dubai.



Sheikh Mohammed is the ruler of Dubai and serves as vice president and prime minister of the UAE.



In light of the "disturbing video evidence," the Human Rights Office requested information about Latifa's current situation from the UAE's diplomatic mission in Geneva on Thursday, spokesperson Liz Throssell said at a press briefing.

"We did ask for proof of life," she added.



"Given the serious concerns about Sheika Latifa, we have requested that the government's response comes as a matter of priority," Throssell said.



In the video, the princess said she was being kept like a prisoner in a villa that was guarded by police.



Her friends made the previously recorded material public because they had not heard from Latifa for months.



The princess had tried to flee Dubai by boat and yacht, but she was stopped off the Indian coast and brought back, according to her friends.



One of her older sisters was forcibly brought back to Dubai in 2000 after she had tried to escape her family during a vacation in Britain.



Last year, a British court found in a divorce case that Sheikh Mohammed was responsible for the abduction of his daughters.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Minister-designate for Trade and Industry, Mr Alan Kyerematen says the successful implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would help build a strong foundation for an "Africa beyond Aid".



He said the removal of tariffs under AfCFTA would boost intra-African trade, stimulate investment and innovation, foster structural transformation, improve food security, enhance economic growth and export diversification.



Mr Kyerematen said this in a speech on his behalf by the Senior Technical Advisor of Trade and Industry, Mr Anthony Nyame-Baafi at a day's seminar organised by the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFIC) and the Association of Ghana Industry(AGI) in partnership with the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly in Takoradi.



The Minister-designate said AfCFTA would also provide fresh impetus and dynamism to enhance economic integration in Africa.



He said a recent study by the world bank estimated that smooth implementation of AFCFTA would lift 30 million Africans out of extreme poverty and 70 million from moderate poverty by 2035.



Mr Kyerematen said the government had put in place all the appropriate mechanisms for the smooth implementation of AfCFTA and the commencement of AfCFTA trading.



The Minister-designate said AfCFTA was a potential game-changer for Africans, adding that the continent must not take "this window of opportunity" lightly.



"AfCFTA will also enhance Ghana's current industrial development agenda and contribute to the diversification of the Ghanaian economy for accelerated inclusive economic growth and development."



Mr Kyerematen said Ghana would continue to support the AfCFTA secretariat for a successful implementation to achieve Regional Integration goals, accelerated inclusive economic transformation and development for Africa.



The Metropolitan Chief Executive for the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly(STMA) Mr Abdul- Mumin Issah, in his welcoming address, said AfCFTA was a game-changer to maximize intra-continental trade among African businesses.



The MCE said AfCFTA was an enabling environment for manufacturers, producers, and service providers on the continent to trade among themselves.



He said the opportunities offered by AfCFTA would help to transform the living standards of people on the continent.



Mr Issah said it was, therefore, timely to expose industry players in the two Regions, Western and Western North, to the benefits and opportunities of AfCFTA to enable them effectively participate in the African Continental Free Trade.



He said businesses in the Sekondi -Takoradi Metropolis were very well- positioned and poised to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area.



"As managers of the city, we will welcome any investor ready to invest in the Metropolis to take advantage of the opportunity since there are available lands at the Eshyiem free zone enclave for businesses ready to operate in the metropolis. We are ready to support and facilitate any business ready to set up in the Metropolis," he said.



The Chief Executive Officer for Ghana International Trade & Finance Conference(GITFIC), Mr Selasi Koffi Ackom, said the Regional seminars were a directive from the government to spread the news and have all the Regions fully educated and informed.



Mr Ackom said with the implementation of AfCFTA, the African continent was on a clear path to prosperity, eradicating poverty, hunger and strengthening its financial state as well as boosting trade.



"The future of Africans is AfCFTA because with the creation of trade opportunity platforms by the AU it is helping businesses to trade among themselves easily."



He said the first Regional seminar was held in Kumasi and Takoradi was the second. There are plans to hold similar seminars in Ho, Koforidua, and Tamale.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Lucknow, Feb 21 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be in Kerala on Sunday to flag off BJP's 'Parivartan Yatra' led by party state president K. Surendran, which is set to start from Kasaragod.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah would will address the final leg of the yatra scheduled to culminate in Thiruvananthapuram on March 7.

Party sources said the theme of the yatra would be 'corruption-free Kerala, anti-appeasement politics and comprehensive development of Kerala'.

BJP leaders claim that several popular faces would declare their allegiance to the party during the yatra.

As many as 14 Maha rallies and 80 public meetings will be organised as part of the yatra. Several national BJP leaders and Union ministers will also join the yatra.
The computer repairman central in 'Hunter Biden laptop scandal' has filed another case against Twitter. They called the repairman a hacker and even canceled the New York Post story.

A victim, the computer repairman, was silenced to keep the laptop scandal off the news. This was to avoid the adverse effects on Joe Biden's campaign, which he denied many times.

Laptop scandal was kept off the front pages

When the story broke, Hunter Biden left his laptop in a computer repair shop, and damning data was recovered but never fully verified. The shop owner was accused of hacked material that forced him to close the shop, reported the Blaze.

This time, John Paul Mac Isaac filed a new lawsuit in Federal court against Twitter because the big tech firm defamed him. He was accused of hacking the data from the laptop. Twitter is one of the entities that kept the Hunter Biden story quiet and effectively shut down the shop owner.

Many social media platforms and pro-Democrat outlets prevented it from spreading, keeping many voters in the dark. This was brought up many times and even in the presidential debates. When Trump pressed Biden, who got very frazzled and reacted sharply.

The first case was trashed in December for no jurisdiction, damages up to 500 million as part of it. Because Twitter indelicately called him a hacker, which damaged his reputation in the 'Hunter Biden laptop scandal,' and got threats from Biden supporters. It led to him losing his business and reputation.

Also read: Hunter Biden Has an Incriminating Second Laptop Taken by Law Enforcement, Ukraine Lawyer Alleges

The lawsuit

In his defense against what Twitter calls hacking, his lawyers stated he was not a hacker and the data was not illegally obtained. Hunter Biden himself agreed to the company policy. Biden tried to retrieve the laptop data even as it was left forgotten in the shop. Only when did the owner realize the contents were salvaged did Biden want it back.

After the laptop owner's representatives could not get it legally, they used Twitter to defame the shop owner. He was called a hacker for retrieving information per the service. Mac Issac posted a video that declared the damage done by calling him a hacker.

Mac Isaac said that he was not a hacker and was never in the face of Twitter's twisting the truth. Pro establishment media is biased and keeps stories that are critical of the front page.

Twitter's big cover-up

It broke on the New York Post, October last year, how Joe Biden's son had shady business overseas. But Twitter alleged it was hacked and fake news that violate its rules.

Mac Isaac added he got the data legally and never gave the hard drive data himself. Through Rudy Giuliani, who got a copy and gave it to the New York Post who published the story. Hunter forgot the laptop, and copies were made from the hard drive. Biden admitted it was his and never denied it.

In the second lawsuit, Mac Isaac filed will try to restate that Twitter is in Florida, and he was defamed when working in the sunshine state. The total amount asked for damages is $75,000 for every wrong done to him in the 'Hunter Biden laptop scandal.'

Related article: Angry Joe Biden Denies Hunter Biden Scandal Expose, Calls it Smear Campaign



@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Davidson-as-Cuomo should have had to answer for indoor dining being back in New York, despite the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, but he was mostly there to talk about how some of the people who died in the nursing homes were not counted as nursing home deaths. He compared the practice to what they do at Disneyland, saying if someone dies on a ride there is no way they dont move that body out to the parking lot.
Guwahati, Feb 21 : The separatist United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) seems to have shifted two kidnapped employees of hydrocarbon company Quippo Oil & Gas Infrastructure Ltd across the border into Myanmar.

Reliable sources close to ULFA said this was done after a deadline for ransom set by the ULFA expired on Friday. The rebel group suspected that Indian security forces may resort to a snatch raid on a rebel hideout on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border where the two Quippo employees had been kept.

Even as Indian security forces were continuing operations in the border jungles of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to rescue two Quippo employees, the Assam government has appealed to ULFA to release them at once.

"We earnestly request Paresh Barua to release the duo. We don't want Assam and India to be painted red with blood. If something unfortunate happens to the two persons, then Assam's head will hang in shame. Our community will be compared to Taliban," said senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Sarma said it would be "very unfortunate" if something were to happen to these two Quippo employees, P.K. Gogoi and Ram Kumar.

The United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) on Friday warned of "extreme steps" against the two Quippo employees since the expected ransom asked for has not yet been paid. A ULFA-I statement, signed by its 'publicity cell' member Rumel Asom, said that "extreme steps" were being considered next week against the two since the deadline had expired on Friday.

Rumel Asom also said in the statement that Quippo would be henceforth "prohibited" from carrying out work in the entire South East Asia region, meaning Northeast which ULFA considers not as part of India but as "Western South-east Asia".

Gogoi, a drilling superintendent, and Kumar, a radio operator, were kidnapped by ULFA militants from a drilling site near Innao in Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang district on December 21.

Intelligence officials said ULFA initially demanded Rs 20 crore for releasing them but then scaled down the demand to half that amount. There were indications it might be prepared to settle for still less. But it seems the militant leaders were upset by Quippo's refusal to concede to payment of ransom.

Changlang SP Mihin Gambo has said "rescue operations were ongoing" but reliable sources close to the ULFA indicated that the two Quippo employees had been possibly shifted across the border into Myanmar.

Quippo is into onshore drilling services and has been drilling one of the prospective sites in Changlang.

Gogoi is from Assam's Sibsagar district while Ram Kumar is from Bihar's Khagaria district.

ULFA has often created such a crisis by kidnapping top executives of tea and hydrocarbon companies. In 1989, RAW had to fly out using a secret airbase several executives of multinational Unlever after ULFA threatened to kidnap them on failure of payment of ransom.
More than 3,000 military will take part.

The Russian Ministry of Defense will conduct a military exercise for paratroopers in the annexed Crimea.

The command post exercise will be held at the Opuk training ground in mid-March, involving airborne assault units and artillery troops, the defense ministry reports.

It is noted that during the exercise, paratroopers will practice landing of personnel and equipment on an unfamiliar site. In addition, they will have to seize certain objects of the conditional enemy and hold their ground until main forces arrive.

"In parallel lines, the landing of airborne assault units on an unequipped sea coast will be worked out from large amphibious ships of the Black Sea Fleet, as well as coastline defense from the landing of a conditional enemy amphibious assault," the Russian defense agency said, adding that more than 3,000 airborne troops and nearly 200 units of military and special equipment.

Read alsoUNGA backs updated resolution on Russia-occupied CrimeaUNIAN memo

Since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia has been conducting regular military exercises on the peninsula and in the Black Sea area, also deploying military equipment in the region, including air defense systems.

The General Staff of Ukraine has condemned Russia's actions as illegal.

In December 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on Russia to withdraw its troops from the annexed Crimea and cease the temporary occupation of Ukrainian territory.

Reporting by UNIAN
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The lesson in the rebound of Nigerias diplomacy lies in two great attributes. Respect and recognition for the nations leader and the determination to always present one of our best. President Buhari is deeply respected within the sub-region and the rest of Africa. He is measured in speaking but firm on his positions.

Professor Ibrahim Gambari, President Muhammadu Buharis Chief of Staff, international relations guru and bureaucrat does not think we should wait for historians to do the assessment of the Buhari administration in the international arena, given limitations of the focus of many of them. Now is the time to do it, he insists.

We agree with many of the historians that the pursuit of closer foreign economic relations is no longer an option and the important need for an upward trajectory in bilateral relationship, first in our own neighbourhood and then in the world are key. This is what necessitated a whirlwind of visits around the world in the Presidents first term in office.

Although these trips themselves became objects of controversy around the country, these engagements have given an image boost to Nigeria all around the world.

But while the historians and international relations scholars have given a significant part of their attention to the governments efforts in rebuilding connectivity in our immediate and extended geographies and global engagements that have been spiced with Nigerias economic priorities, little attention was paid to the important undertaking of making Nigeria a global human resource power house.

There is no doubt that there is so much that has been achieved in conventional international relations in the six years of the administration.

Africa remains the centerpiece of our foreign relations. Friendship and cooperation have replaced rivalry with big and small nations on the continent. The United Kingdom remains our most strategic partner. Despite the four convulsive years of the Trump presidency and its America First ideology, bilateral relations between our two nations have miraculously survived, intact. We have resumed an upward trajectory in relations with Germany, France, Turkey, Italy, Japan, India and Pakistan. With the coming of the Buhari administration, Nigeria has cemented relations with Russia and achieved a comprehensive partnership with China. Nigeria is warmly embraced by the Arab states and Iran.

The re-election of Dr. Adewumi as AfDB President in 2020 faced more herculean task as a superpower was bent on preventing his re-election. Despite pressure on President Buhari to replace him, Mr. President instead reinforced his faith and commitment in Dr. Adewumis candidacy and reached out to world leaders to canvas for support. Mr. Presidents adroit diplomacy paid off as Dr. Adewumi had a landslide victory.

However, despite the rising political profile of the country, losses have been suffered, as did other nations, following the coronavirus pandemic, which for Nigeria were accentuated by the fight against terrorism, Boko Haram and other threats to her security. Without doubt, the war against terror had limited Nigerias diplomacy to the extent that her external visibility in global and continental organisations was reduced to the mere attendance of meetings related to such organisations only.

Two international events that shaped Nigerias path to progressive diplomacy are largely attributable to Mr. Presidents personality and character. His post-inaugural visitations to our neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Benin Republics, as well as Cameroon in 2015, led to the re-constitution of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the expansion of its mandate to fight insecurity in the sub-region more concertedly. Prior to the election of 2015 in Nigeria, there was a stalemate in moving ahead, but President Buharis victory in that years election sufficiently diffused the stalemate and permitted Nigerias leadership of the MNJTF, which had previously been resisted, based on mistrust by some member-states of the LCBC. The other event was the African Development Bank (AfDB) election in 2015. President Buharis strong support for the nomination by his predecessor in office of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and campaigns for him, ultimately assured his victory.

Regrettably, Nigeria could not consolidate on these initial diplomatic successes. In 2016, Nigerias attempt to clinch the prestigious position of Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union (AU) was a disaster, as her candidate was comprehensively defeated, despite mounting very elaborate campaign efforts.

At the United Nations level on the other hand, Nigerias diplomacy continues to offer some hope. When former Secretary General Ban Ki Moons term ended and a new Secretary-General was elected, he looked in the direction of Nigeria to choose a deputy and our Amina Mohammed, former Minister of Environment became the darling of the foremost global institution.

At the 74th Session of United Nations General Assembly in 2019, Nigerias Permanent Representative at the UN, Professor Tijjani Mohammed Bande was unanimously elected as the president of the Assembly. It was a defining moment for the UN as the world was soon afflicted by a pandemic, COVID-19; one virus holding the world hostage and imposing a new norm of relationships and collaborations for individuals, nations and indeed for multilateralism. The impact of this pandemic on the world has been comprehensive and the dysfunctionality of the world was near complete. But the UN meetings dramatically continued through virtual sessions, ensuring that the global body remained relevant in the lives of humankind. The innovation was miraculous and Nigerias Professor Bande, as Permanent Representative and President of the General Assembly who led these efforts, was appreciated for the roles he played in the world body and deservedly received the recognition and acknowledgement by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Gutteres as the miracle of 2020.

Building on this foreign policy momentum, Nigeria made waves with the nomination of former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General. The switch of candidates by Nigeria was seen as a master-stroke that finally paid off a few days ago, when she got the endorsement to be the first African and first lady to head the Organisation.

The re-election of Dr. Adewumi as AfDB President in 2020 faced more herculean task as a superpower was bent on preventing his re-election. Despite pressure on President Buhari to replace him, Mr. President instead reinforced his faith and commitment in Dr. Adewumis candidacy and reached out to world leaders to canvas for support. Mr. Presidents adroit diplomacy paid off as Dr. Adewumi had a landslide victory.

Nigerias progressive diplomatic leg-works within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), first through support for the complicated peace process in Mali, to logistics support for practically all elections in the sub-region, to coordinating and providing leadership for good governance, accountability and the fight against corruption, as well as managing efforts to contain the catastrophic consequences of COVID-19, earned Mr. President and Nigeria, recognition, respect and appreciation. When Nigeria expressed interest in fielding a candidate for the position of Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union, Nigerias adroit diplomacy came to play once again, when all ECOWAS countries stepped down for Nigerias candidate, who obtained the support of ALL the African Union member-countries to clinch the position on February 6.

Building on this foreign policy momentum, Nigeria made waves with the nomination of former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General. The switch of candidates by Nigeria was seen as a master-stroke that finally paid off a few days ago, when she got the endorsement to be the first African and first lady to head the Organisation.

The lesson in the rebound of Nigerias diplomacy lies in two great attributes. Respect and recognition for the nations leader and the determination to always present one of our best. President Buhari is deeply respected within the sub-region and the rest of Africa. He is measured in speaking but firm on his positions. He throws his weight around causes he deeply believes in and his brother-Presidents cherish that. But, in all cases, presentation of very good candidates is easier to sell as in the cases that have been referenced. Nigeria must keep the momentum and prioritise its global engagements for maximum benefits to Nigerians, Nigeria and Africa at large.

Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity.

Amanda Burke covers Pittsfield City Hall for The Berkshire Eagle. An Ithaca, New York native, she previously worked at The Herald News of Fall River and the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise. Find her on Twitter at @amandaburkec.
Former US Vice President Mike Pence has declined an invitation to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), while ex-President Donald Trump is set to deliver a keynote speech to close out the conference in Orlando, Florida next week. According to CNN, organisers of CPAC still hope to change Pences mind about attending, however, the former vice president is planning to stay under the radar for the next six months. It is worth mentioning that the January 6 Capitol riots and Pences role in certifying the results of the election for President Joe Biden had led to tensions between the two former leaders.

Unlike Trump, Pence even attended Bidens inauguration last month, after skipping the former Presidents farewell ceremony. Pences chief of staff Marc Short even said that the former VP accepts that Biden is the duly elected President of the United States, despite Pence playing a role in perpetuating baseless election fraud theories that Trump repeatedly pushed ahead of the attack on the Capitol building. Short even added that Trump and Pence departed amicably and theyve spoken since.

READ: What's Expected As Donald Trump Set To Give First Post-White House Speech

Trumps upcoming CPAC speech

Meanwhile, Trump is set to make his first public appearance since leaving the White House on January 20. Trump will speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 28 where he is likely to highlight the ideas he has for the 'future of the Republican Party', said an official of the American Conservative Union. Even though the full lineup has not yet been announced about the event and is subject to change, Trumps address is on the table.

READ: UN Experts: Trump Ally, UAE Firms Violated Libya Sanctions

Former US Presidents first, extended on-camera presence would come after in the recent weeks he continued to reportedly rage at the top Republicans who pushed back against him including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator John Thune who is also the Number 2 Republican in the Senate along with the longtime GOP political operative Karl Rove.

Contradicting media outlets sources, Trumps spokesperson Jason Miller responded to CNBC on the same matter saying, Fake news. Were focused on winning back the House and Senate in 2022. The former President, who promoted the America First policy and isolated the country from numerous treaties and institutions, is planning on backing several primary contenders who also support his Make America Great Again agenda.

READ: Trump To Come Out Of Exile; Set To Detail Post-loss Agenda At Republicans' CPAC Meeting

READ: First Group Of Asylum Seekers Enter US As Joe Biden Unwinds Donald Trump's Policy

Mumbai: Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the Uddhav Thackeray government is contemplating imposing a night curfew to curb the virus.

State Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar informed the media on Sunday (February 21) about this development while adding that the decision will be soon taken by the state government.

ANI quoted Wadettiwar saying, "The coronavirus cases are increasing on daily basis in several districts of Maharashtra. Due to this, an order to enforce the coronavirus norms has been given to all district magistrates. They have also have been authorised to take decisions in view of the pandemic situation."

"In view of rising COVID-19 cases in districts like Nagpur, Amravati, Yatvmal, Maharashtra Government is thinking of imposing a night curfew in the districts. A meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to be held soon to make a decision," he added.

This comes amid a rising number of cases in Maharashtra which has prompted the state government officials to reinforce the coronavirus norms.

The State Health Department on Saturday (February 20) released information that 6,281 new COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.The total cases in the state increased to 20,93,913 including 48,439 active cases and 19,92,530 total recoveries.

The death toll in the state mounted to 51,753 including the new deaths, the state department said.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21)  The Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines or FINEX expressed support to a proposal to place the entire Philippines under the most lenient quarantine controls next month for a faster economic recovery.

In a statement issued Sunday, FINEX stressed the Filipino masses suffer most from the dilemma of balancing public health and reviving the economy amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have seen how our countrymen have suffered from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Philippine economy, with increased levels of poverty and hunger," it said.

"We believe that the reopening being proposed, coupled with continuing health measures such as masking, testing and tracing, balances the need to protect both lives and livelihood," FINEX added.

The group also urged the government to pass laws amending the Public Service Act, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and the Foreign Investment Act to further entice more investors.

"We urge our government officials to act with urgency on these measures to further open up the economy, lest we be left behind in the quest for economic recovery and growth," FINEX said.

Once the national government decides to approve the shift to modified general community quarantine, FINEX said local government units must embrace a uniform health protocol to facilitate the smooth flow of goods and services.

Last week, the National Economic Development Authority asked President Rodrigo Duterte to place the country under MGCQ due to huge economic losses.

READ: NEDA proposes lowest form of community quarantine for PH starting March

Acting NEDA chief Karl Chua said the lockdown imposed since March last year has led to a significant decline or total income loss among Filipinos.

"Kailangan po natin mag-shift sana sa lalong madaling panahon sa MGCQ (modified general community quarantine) for the entire Philippines sana starting March 1, 2021, para i-address po 'yung hunger," he said.

[Translation: We need to shift as soon as possible to MGCQ for the entire Philippines, hopefully starting March 1, 2021, in order to address hunger.]

"The main reason is gusto na po natin ma-mitigate or mabawasan 'yung [we want to mitigate or reduce] sickness, hunger, poverty, job and income loss that are arising," he added.
Five gang members who stabbed a man to death after a party where they posted Snapchat videos of drugs and weapons have been jailed for life.

Stefan Selvage 19, Dawid Goral, 21, Callon Brass, 22, Kieran Watkinson, 19, and Stevie Low, 23, were handed life sentences for the murder of Solomon Robinson, 26.

Selvage, who was 17 at the time, was told he would be given 100 by his friends to stab Mr Robinson with what was 'almost certainly' a machete.

The youngster, who was diagnosed as a 'psychopath', was asked to carry out the attack because Low and Mr Robinson were love rivals who were both drug dealers in Scarborough.

The gang must serve a combined minimum of almost 100 years before they can be considered for release.

Solomon Robinson, 26, was murdered in a joint attack in Scarborough in 2019

The five men were involved in a joint attack in Scarborough, North Yorks, at around 2am on Sunday 20 October 2019, before fleeing the scene.

Solomon was rushed to hospital with a single stab wound to his back but died around three hours later.

Just hours before the 'cold and cowardly' attack, the gang uploaded videos to Snapchat showing knives and a large amount of money at a drug-fuelled party.

Dawid Goral (left) 21, was sentenced to life imprisonment and must serve a minimum of 21 years, while Stevie Low (right), 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment and must serve a minimum of 23 years before he is considered for release

Stefan Selvage (left), 19, was sentenced to life imprisonment and must serve a minimum of 15 years while Kieran Watkinson (right) 19, was sentenced to a minimum of 18 years in prison

Callon Brass, 22, was sentenced to life imprisonment and must serve a minimum of 21 years before he is considered for release.

Selvage admitted murder the day before the trial and was jailed for life on Friday, February 19.

He will have to serve a minimum of 15 years before he can be considered for release.

The other four denied murder, but were found guilty after a four-week trial at Leeds Crown Court and were also handed life sentences on Friday.

The jury was shown CCTV footage which captured the group walking through the town together before arriving at the area where Mr Robinson was stabbed.

They are all wearing the same clothing as in the Snapchat video.

Chilling footage then shows several dark figures fighting in the darkness in front of the town hall, with at least three brandishing a knife, before running away.

Solomon can then be seen staggering away before collapsing on the floor.

Police arrived within two minutes and found Mr Robinson laying on the floor bleeding heavily, the court heard.

Footage recovered by police showed at least three figures brandishing a knife

Snapchat footage showed the group at a party hours before the fatal attack as the group was seen with large amounts of money, drugs and knives

He was rushed to hospital by ambulance with an 11-inch-deep single stab wound to his lower back.

He was given emergency surgery but sadly died at about 5am after suffering 'catastrophic' bleeding.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Solomon's mother said his killing had destroyed the family.

She said: 'It has simply crushed our souls and I doubt the family can ever be the same again.

The jury was shown CCTV footage of the gang before the attack in Scarborugh, North Yorks

Police assigned colours to each of the attackers in the video shown in court

'There are no words to describe the pain, which we all feel, and that justice being served will hopefully give us some sort of light to help heal us.'

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Superintendent Fran Naughton from North Yorkshire Police said: 'This was an appalling act of premeditated violence and our thoughts remain with Mr Robinson's family as they attempt to come to terms with their devastating loss.

'I would like to praise them for behaving with nothing but dignity, despite the court proceedings being very distressing at times.

'After carrying out the brutal attack, the group fled the scene.

'Their actions were cowardly and cold, and they have proven themselves to be dangerous individuals who have rightly been taken off our streets for a significant amount of time.

'I hope the outcome can offer Mr Robinson's loved ones some comfort that justice has been served.

'I hope the sentence handed out sends a strong message to anyone who chooses to carry a knife. Just because you are not the one holding the weapon, it doesn't make you any less responsible if damage is done because of it.'
Nepal on Sunday received another one million doses of made in India COVID-19 vaccines. The AstraZeneca jabs arrived at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, are manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII), named as Covishield. Sundays second shipment came after earlier India provided one million doses of coronavirus vaccines as a gift to Nepal in January without any cost. It was only after Indias first Covishield shipment that Nepal began its vaccination drive with doses being administered among the frontline workers.

Nepal: One million doses of made in India vaccines purchased by the Government of Nepal arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu today. pic.twitter.com/e76193HGxQ  ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2021

Apart from two million doses of made in India vaccines including one million gift and one million purchased, China is also providing 500,000 doses of jabs against the novel coronavirus to Nepal on a grant basis. As per the news agency PTI report, the officials said earlier this month that the first batch of vaccine aid for the Himalayan nation was assured by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a telephonic conversation with Nepali counterpart Pradeep Gyawali. A press statement later issued by Nepals Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, Wang announced that China will provide 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Nepal on a grant basis

Read - Nepal's Former PM Baburam Bhattarai To Visit India For Medical Treatment At ILBS Delhi

Read - Senior BJP, RSS Leaders Pay Visit To Tripura CM Over 'party To Expand In Nepal, SL' Claim

Made in India vaccines supplied across the globe

Taking the foreground on supply COVID-19 vaccines made in India amid the pandemic, Covishield has been shipped to several countries including most recently in Serbia. Further, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar delivered another consignment of 100,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses as Indias gift to the government and people of the Maldives in addition to the previous 100,000 jabs gifted by New Delhi. EAM is currently on a two-day visit to the South Asian country.

Till now, India has supplied coronavirus vaccines to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait and South Africa. These supplies amid the COVID-19 pandemic were made under grant amount to 56 lakh doses and commercial supplies amount to over 100 lakh doses. Further, the external supplies of COVID-19 vaccines are an ongoing process and they depend on the availability and domestic requirements.

Read - Nepal's Foreign Minister Responds On 'BJP To Expand Abroad' Claim; Lodges Formal Objection

Read - Congress & Sena Scoff At Tripura CM Biplab Deb's 'BJP Govt In Lanka & Nepal' Quip
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina 15 years ago, Louisianas political and civic leaders admitted what science and facts on the ground had been shouting for decades: If the state was to have a sustainable future, it urgently needed to embark on a holistic effort to address our sinking, crumbling, drowning coastal zone. So they enthusiastically supported creating the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to develop such a plan.

Now, with climate change advancing faster than predicted, those same leaders urgently need to create a new agency to develop another plan essential to our coastal future. Call it the Coastal Economic Survival Authority.

Its plan would address the biggest reason many Louisianans and others around the nation are still fighting climate action: a very real fear of financial ruin. It would provide solutions for the economic and social toll taking place in oil communities as the world shifts to renewable fuels to help prevent climate disaster. By helping its workforce transition, Louisiana can also help reduce the emissions causing sea level rise that could undo its coastal master plan.

But we have a limited window of time to act.

For while Louisiana leaders are wasting time ignoring the future and accusing President Joe Biden of declaring war on oil and Louisiana, other petro-states are accepting reality and moving to develop new industries that can employ laid-off energy workers.

Colorado, for example, has opened an Office of Just Transition that developed a plan to find employment for workers losing their jobs to climate demands. Its title is one Louisiana should embrace. It recognizes justice not only demands moving away from fossil fuels but also helping workers displaced by an emergency that society helped create.

Wade Buchanan, leading Colorados office, said it best in a report from CNBC: They powered our prosperity and they are quite proud of what theyve done, and should be, and now they are being told for the good of humanity they need to stop. Thats a hard message to take, even if you understand and believe in it, and if you dont, it becomes even harder.

Indeed, Biden seems to care more about oil workers losing their jobs than the oil industry ever did, when it laid off thousands of workers every time the price-per-barrel dropped. His plan includes federal assistance to fund industry development in areas hit by the changes; last week alone, he announced $100 million in grants to that purpose.

There likely will always be some employment offshore because green-energy experts know well need standby oil- and gas-powered generators during periods of adverse weather. Indeed, last week almost half of Texas massive wind turbine fields were stopped by ice while the output of some solar panels around the nation were blocked by a blanket of clouds or snow. Yet even the oil industry says its current contraction will continue, so forward-looking states like Colorado, New Mexico and West Virginia are already reaching out for help to plan that future. Meanwhile, Louisiana leaders spend their time crying about a future they cant prevent.

The good news for Louisiana is few states are better positioned to fill that void. Reports by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management last year showed the wind energy in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico could produce half the nations electricity needs, and that Louisiana was positioned to develop that potential due to its existing industrial base constructing and maintaining offshore oil and gas structures. But well have competition from Texas, as well as other coastal states.

And energy isnt our only advantage in the emerging climate-change economy. The expertise, skills and engineering weve developed with the coastal master plan have been the engine driving a new climate adaptation industry that we are already exporting to the nation and the world. That customer base will only increase as sea levels rise. We can begin training that workforce as well.

Its clear salvation for Louisiana oil industry workers doesnt rest in the hands of the politicians and companies fighting a change they cant stop. It rests in the recognition by leaders moving quickly to accept the future and retrain our workforce  or well be left behind.

Bob Marshall, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Louisiana environmental journalist, can be reached at bmarshallenviro@gmail.com, and followed on Twitter @BMarshallEnviro.
Anti-US Chinese Professor Criticized After Being Identified as Texas Resident

Chen Ping, a Chinese professor with a large following on Chinese social media known for his anti-American sentiments, was recently ridiculed and scolded by Chinese netizens after it was discovered that hes a resident of Texas, after a severe winter storm hit the state and triggered power outages in mid-February.

According to Chinas state media reports, Chen is a senior researcher at Fudan Universitys China Institute and a part-time professor at the universitys school of economics.

Chen is known for his anti-U.S., pro-CCP (Chinese Communist Party rhetoric, attracting more than 3.8 million followers on mini-blogging platform Weibo.

On Dec. 26, 2020, which is Mao Zedongs birthday, he posted, Chairman Mao is the person I admire most.

Mao, the first Chinese leader after the CCP came to power in 1949, was largely responsible for mass unnatural deaths in China totaling up to 80 million due to the CCPs political purges and mismanagement of state affairs, including the Great Chinese Famine and the Cultural Revolution, according to On the Chinese Communist Partys History of Killing, part of Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party.

On Jan. 20, Chen stated on Weibo that he would not root out the possibility that the Wuhan pandemic was leaked from a lab where the United States conducts in biological warfare studies. His stance is in line with the official narratives of the Chinese regime regarding the origins of COVID-19, the disease the CCP virus causes.

But Chens most controversial viewpoint is his conclusion after comparing life in China and in the United States.

On May 30, 2019, Chen claimed at an event held by the Institute for Contemporary China Studies, Tsinghua University, that one can live more comfortably with a 2,000-yuan ($308) monthly salary in China than one with $3,000 monthly salary in the United States.

He said his reasons were simple: Theres no public transportation, such as a subway system, in American cities and driving a car plus auto insurance was expensive.

He told his audience that Americans live in suffering, as in deep water or hot fire.

Chens statement drew heated debate.

A critic with the pseudonym Landlords ID authored a long article in Chinese on NetEase refuting the professor point by point, providing details of expenditures in an American life, involving purchasing power, public transportation, rent, and driving costs. Following a comparative study, the critic concluded Chen was purely making up rumors and evidently playing to the gallery.

He should know how absurd his claim is, the author argued, however, he expressed them in the presence of rows of Tsinghua Universitys teachers and students. Im afraid he was competing for more internet supporters.

The author warned that as a public figure, he has great influence and the trust of countless people.

You should be more responsible to tell the truth, or at least stay silent if you cant. Otherwise, no matter how popular you are today, the memory of the Internet will make you a notorious figure!, he wrote.

Then, on Feb. 15, Chen described in an interview with Chinas state media outlet Guancha his experience during the Texas snow storm that triggered power outages, and provided a photo of himself with his house in Austin, Texas, behind him surrounded by snow.

Chens original intention was to demonstrate Americas vulnerability in the event of extreme weather. However, in doing so, he revealed that he lives in the United States, a country that he has long despised and vilified so many times on Chinas social media as well as in his public lectures and interviews.

According to a Feb. 19 Chinese report by Radio Free Asia (RFA), Chen and his family appeared to have lived in a single house in the community of Cedar Park in north Austin for more than 30 years, according to property transaction records in Texas available to the public.

Chen was flooded with criticism after the report was published.

One person online wrote, Its quite ironic that one who lives in the United States goes all the way telling us to love China. Stop your preaching when you buy a house in America and live there.

Another person wrote, How can one teach the Chinese public to love China while all his family reside in America?

Ive never seen such a cheeky person, another person wrote.

Liang Yi and Yilia Wang contributed to this report.
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Victory in the 1990 presidential election elevated Mary Robinson to a new world, one in which the former lawyer and senator would hobnob henceforth as a global leader.

From then on the merry-go-round never stopped. She soon left the presidency, in controversial circumstances, to become UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. She was invited to join The Elders, the "independent group of global leaders working together for peace, justice and human rights". She is now its chair. She's taken numerous other international roles around climate change, peace, and human rights.

The rich and powerful - those who run the world, elected or unelected - are her peers now, not us.

Among them is Princess Haya, the now estranged wife of Sheikh Mohammed, current prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, and one of the world's richest men. It was that personal relationship which led to Robinson getting involved when the sheikh's daughter, Latifa, tried to flee the UAE for a new life abroad in 2018.

Special forces found the princess and took her back against her will. She hasn't been seen in public since.

Last week secret mobile phone recordings which the princess subsequently managed to send to friends were released in which she described her ordeal starkly: "I'm a hostage."

Her family insisted at the time that they'd actually rescued Latifa from harm, and that she needed help for psychiatric ailments, a familiar slur thrown at young women who dare to show any spark of independence in suffocatingly conservative societies.

A few months later Mary Robinson agreed to attend a lunch to which Latifa was brought. Pictures were taken. They were supposed to be circulated privately to reassure other family members that Latifa was safe and well. They were later issued to the media. Robinson also issued a statement in which she described the young woman as "troubled" and "vulnerable", and accepted she was now in "the loving care of her family".

It is not Robinson's fault that Latifa is held captive; but it is her responsibility that she has so far failed to give a remotely convincing explanation for why her moral radar did not go off in relation to this disturbing case.

Responding to growing criticism, Robinson has only said that she was "horribly tricked" by the release of the pictures, as if that minor detail was the most outrageous aspect. It's fair to say that the Robinson who started her journey to world leadership decades ago by campaigning for feminist issues would not have been "tricked" like this. That Mary would at least have been outraged at the mistreatment of a grown woman as if she were a wilful and disobedient child who didn't know her own mind.

It's not as if it were a mystery in 2018 how Latifa felt. Those who know her best had spoken out bravely in her defence, and the UAE's own uneven record on human rights was public knowledge.

Suddenly that voice for the voiceless has itself fallen silent. At that infamous lunch, Robinson did not even ask the young woman what she wanted.

All she says is: "I didn't really actually want to talk to her and increase the trauma over a nice lunch." Fine words from a prominent human rights defender.

Tricked or not, it was shockingly poor judgment on Robinson's part; but criticism of her, in Ireland at least, has been remarkably muted. The main news and current affairs shows on TV and radio almost wholly ignored it.

That really is extraordinary. Robinson is a former head of state, arguably one of the most eminent people the country has ever produced. Instead of being held to account, it seems that she is deemed to be above censure.

It makes it all the harder to understand what makes the people who run our world tick when they're not required to explain themselves. One thing they do have in common is moral relativism.

That could be seen last week when US president Joe Biden, asked about Chinese president Xi Jinping's persecution of millions of ethnic Muslims, simply said: "I'm not going to speak out about what he's doing in Hong Kong, what he's doing with the Uighurs in the western mountains of China. Culturally there are different norms in each country."

Caught between standing up for basic human rights, and the fear of criticising other cultures, Western leaders and media are paralysed.

On a personal level, it could also be that those who rise to global leadership positions only do so after decades of gradually being removed from normal life, ending up so high in the stratosphere that ordinary human signals can no longer reach them.

This detachment may help explain why we're very far from seeing the end to the forces that have fuelled the rise of populism. These people just don't know what it's like to have your life shattered by Covid restrictions, or to be unable to get a house or a job.

That their lives have left them so far out of touch with ordinary life is not just a personal tragedy, it's an ongoing social and political danger.
The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) has recommended the cancelation of public events with 20 or more people at religious premises and organizations to stem COVID-19 transmission.

The recommendation was stated in an official document sent to all districts of Ho Chi Minh City as well as Thu Duc City, mentioning the guidelines for COVID-19 prevention at religious institutions.

According to HCDC, the city has not recorded any new case of community spread over the past week, yet the risk still pertains, considering a huge wave of internal migrant workers are coming back to the southern metropolis after the Lunar new Year holiday, which ended earlier this week.

The center cited a religious ceremony held on Friday at Vien Giac Pagoda in Tan Binh District as an example of failure to adhere to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

After the large public gathering was detected, the management of Vien Giac Pagoda were held accountable by the local Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

Given a series of religious gatherings slated to take place after the Lunar New Year holiday, the HCDC required lower-level health authorities to reinforce COVID-19 prevention efforts.

They were also asked to cancel all religious ceremonies and disperse crowds of more than 20 people.

When holding events with fewer than 20 attendees, or events of more than 20 attendees are permitted, COVID-19 prevention guidelines must always be upheld.

Participants must undergo body temperature checks, wear face masks, wash hands, and keep safe distance of at least one meter during their time at the religious events.

People identified as returnees from outbreak regions or breaking off from self-isolation must be reported to local authorities or clinics for medical monitoring.

The HCDC requires the organizing boards of religious ceremonies to ensure medical declaration, body temperature checks and prepare face masks for ceremony goer.

Hand sanitizer, soap, and separate portions of drinks should also be prepared.

Ceremony organizers should also regularly disinfect the venue, including tables and seating, door knobs, and restrooms, among others.

The HCDC also requires religious institutions to boost promotion of the contact tracing app Bluezone as well as medical declaration among worshippers.

Religious speeches are recommended to be switched to online forms to reduce risks of transmission in large crowds.

On top of that, local authorities are tasked with guiding worshippers on adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures.

Vietnam has recorded 2,368 COVID-19 cases as of Sunday morning, with 1,627 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

A total of 776 local infections have been detected in 13 provinces and cities since January 27, 596 of which have been documented in Hai Duong Province alone.

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There was drama at an Accra High Court when a lawyer objected to the selection of a female juror on the basis that she was young and could be influenced by social media.



Mr. Yaw Danquah, objected to the seventh jury in the case of Daniel Asiedu, aka, Sexy Dondon, and Vincent Bossu, aka, Junior Agogo, both traders, when the Court was empaneling the jury for trial.



The two are being held for their alleged involvement in the murder of the former legislator, J.B.Dankwa Adu, at his residence at Shiashie, Accra in February 2016.



Mr. Danquah said The juror is young and she may spend time on social media, facebook, twitter and Instagram. Our greatest fear is that she would not have a sound mind to ensure her sole purpose to be fair and treat this case on the facts and evidence.



We believe her conscience and decision would be tainted and influenced by social media which would cause her to be biased and prejudicial. We object to the jury before us.



Mrs. Sefakor Batsa, Principal State Attorney, who led prosecution, opposed to defence counsels grounds of objection, adding that Section 251 of Act 30 spells out circumstances under, which a jury would be biased.



According to Mrs. Batsa, defence counsels objection was based on speculations and there was no guarantee that the older ones would not do the same.



In any case the court would be guided by the evidence led and not what transpired on social media. Under these circumstances the objection should be dismissed, the Principal State Attorney argued.



In a brief moment, Mr. Danquah withdrew his objection.



The Court then sworn in the seven-member jury made up of four males and three females.



The trial Judge, Mrs. Justice Lydia Osei- Marfo, congratulated the jury and told them that they would be in charge of the facts from the prosecution against the accused.



You are expected to be fair and diligent in your decision in so far as this trial is concerned. You are reminded that you are only bound by the evidence that shall be led in court by the prosecution in court and not those evidence led outside as a result of public opinion, social media, speculations, emotions and whatever reason.



The accused persons are hereby put in your charge and the court expects you to cooperate with us to have this matter disposed of expeditiously, the Court said.



Asiedu and Bossu are being held for their alleged involvement in the murder of the former legislator at his residence in February 2016 at Shiashie, Accra.



Asiedu pleaded not guilty to the charge of conspiracy, robbery and murder.



His accomplice, Bossu, has also denied the charge of conspiracy.



The two have been remanded into prison custody to reappear on March 16 for Case Management Conference.

Source: GNA









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Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-20 23:15:40|Editor: huaxia

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HOUSTON, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- It has been five days since a severe winter storm brought massive blackout to the southern U.S. state of Texas. As of Friday afternoon, there are still over 170,000 Texans out of power.

In a state boasting abundant oil and gas, millions of people have been left in freezing temperatures and darkness for days in this severe weather unseen in a century.

Meanwhile, lack of preparedness, weak leadership and isolated power grid added insult to injury.

LACK OF PREPAREDNESS

The emergency exposed the failures of the state's basic infrastructure. According to officials from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the energy grid operator for most of the state, when the winter storm came on Sunday, natural gas plants, utility scale wind power and coal plants tripped offline due to the extreme cold.

At the same time, the amount of power supplied to the grid to be distributed across the state fell rapidly and demand was increasing as consumers and businesses turned up the heater to stay warm.

After temperatures plummeted and snow covered large parts of the state Sunday night, the ERCOT warned increased demand might lead to short-term, rotating blackouts. Instead, huge portions of the largest cities in Texas went dark for days. The council later admitted having underestimated the power demand.

In Houston, the fourth largest U.S. city, nearly 60 percent of households and businesses were without power on Tuesday. Of the total installed capacity to the electric grid, about 40 percent went offline during the storm, according to the ERCOT.

Officials said that the state's power system was simply no match for the deep freeze, but energy and policy experts believed the state's decision not to require equipment upgrades to better withstand extreme winter temperatures left power system unprepared for the winter crisis.

In fact, this year's massive blackout was not the first one in Texas. In 2011, a similar storm froze natural gas wells and affected coal plants and wind turbines, leading to power outages across the state. According to a report by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, more thorough preparation for cold weather could have prevented the outages.

It seemed the lesson had not been learnt after a decade as Texas power generators still haven't made all the investments necessary to prevent plants from tripping offline.

Dan Woodfin, ERCOT senior director of system operations, acknowledged that there was no requirement to prepare power infrastructure for extremely low temperatures. "Those are not mandatory, it's a voluntary guideline to decide to do those things," he said earlier this week. "There are financial incentives to stay online, but there is no regulation at this point."

Experts believed that Texas officials knew winter storms could leave the state's power grid vulnerable, but they left the choice to prepare for severe weather to the power companies. And many of them chose against the costly upgrades.

WEAK LEADERSHIP

The Texas government's failures in the face of a winter storm have been criticized by Texans. Policy observers blamed the power system failure on the legislators and state agencies who they say did not properly heed the warnings of previous storms or account for more extreme weather events warned of by climate scientists.

"It's a great state with a faltering state government," read an analysis story published by The Texas Tribune. "The political people running things too often worry more about their popularity than about their work. Too many of them are better at politics than they are at governing. And governing is the only real reason any of the rest of us have any interest in them."

From the beginning of the disaster, politicians like Texas Governor Greg Abbott have pointed other organizations to take responsibility.

On Monday, Abbott said the massive outages were caused by private power companies that "fell short," expressing frustration that power generators hadn't done enough to ensure the flow of electricity.

Abbott also criticized the ERCOT for not doing enough to winterize power generators.

"I think after what happened in 2011, an assessment was not made to gauge for this type of event," said Abbott. "We need to calibrate for this type of weather to make sure that the companies that are contracted with to provide the power generation in the state of Texas are going to be capable of providing power generation in these ultra cold temperatures."

Facing growing questions and blames, the ERCOT gave their version of explanation, saying winterizing the power grid is not their responsibility.

"We don't own the generation units," ERCOT CEO Bill Magness said. "We don't own the transmission. We're really just managing the overall transmission system and dispatching, putting generators on and off the grid."

He added that winterization will need to be undertaken by the entities who own the physical assets out in the field.

"We're willing to work and help and make sure those are effective and happy to help with any of the industry on that," Magness continued. "But it's not really our role to do winterization."

Until now, no organizations or politicians have provided any timetable as to when power can be fully restored in the state.

ISOLATED GRID

According to experts, a deregulated energy market largely isolated from the rest of the country's power grid is also part of the reason for the massive blackout.

There are three grids in the Lower 48 states of the United States: the Eastern Interconnection, the Western Interconnection and Texas.

The Texas grid is run by the ERCOT, which was formed in 1970, in the wake of a major blackout in the Northeast in November 1965. It was tasked with managing grid reliability in accordance with national standards.

The agency carried additional responsibilities of staying out of the reach of federal regulators and keeping the Texas grid separated from the rest of the country. The ERCOT grid remains beyond the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which regulates interstate electric transmission.

"Freedom from federal regulation was a cherished goal -- more so because Texas had no regulation until the 1970s," writes Richard D. Cudahy in a 1995 article, "The Second Battle of the Alamo: The Midnight Connection."

In fact, the Texas grid is not entirely isolated. It has three connections to Mexico and two connections to the eastern U.S. grid. During this week's winter storm, so much power went offline that other grids couldn't close the gap, since other grids were also impacted by the storm.

Reports said that a possible sixth interconnection project is being studied. There is another proposal which would link the three big U.S. grids together in New Mexico, but Texas' top utility regulator has shown little interest for participating.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Best identity theft protection and credit monitoring services for 2021, A Detailed List of the Best Identity Theft Protection Services according to theft-protection-experts.com latest report.

The cyber-word is expanding and evolving at an unprecedented rate. With more precise and rigid measures against cyber-crime, the miscreants have also adapted to the ever-shifting paradigm. A person's identity is not determined by only their physical existence or interactions anymore. It is heavily informed by their digital imprints and binary information. Identity theft refers to an impostor using someone else's confidential and identifying credentials, such as the SSN, credit card information, or internet persona with criminal intentions of gaining either financial exploits or a fake identity. The experts at the identity theft-protection-experts.com website have researched and paid a great deal of attention to the ever-expanding problem of id theft and identity theft protection. They analyze, evaluate, and rank the best identity theft protection services that the industry leaders have to offer.

The number of people committing online and identity theft is increasing at an unnerving rate. Malicious actors have a perpetual mission of finding prospects they can infringe upon. With ample personal data, hackers and thieves can essentially take possession of the victim's essence. Although it may seem like a grave infringement and identity breach, everyone is exposed to these attacks, irrespective of the time and victim's whereabouts. Therefore, it is wise and pragmatic to find a theft protection service that one can rely on. For many, the question of how to protect yourself from identity theft is rattling and overwhelming.

Identity thieves can wreak a series of troubles like disingenuous purchases under the victim's credentials, commit credit card frauds, or impersonating the victim during police affairs. Not only that, but when someone's identity is breached upon, the thief can actually appropriate the victim's social media presence, make alterations in the billing address, replicate credit and debit cards, and even misappropriate the victim's selfhood.

To fend off such deceitful and dangerous attacks on one's identity, it becomes necessary for one to discover identity theft protection services that can resolve these dire issues. Thankfully, several companies offer some of the best identity theft protection with all-around defense and safety firewalls against criminal onslaughts.

Some insurers and identity theft protection services already come with some heavily discounted or free identity theft protection services. Banks, credit card issuers, credit unions, and organizations such as AARP provide very cheap or even free identity theft protection.

The elaborate, objective, and exhaustive lists at theft-protection-experts.com shed light on several identity theft protection systems and solutions.

Theft Protection Experts has listed IdenityIQ and Identity Guard as the identity theft protection services for 2021:

IdentityIQ

Among the foremost names in ID theft protection services, IdentityIQ has made the top spot in the lists of theft-protection-experts.com. The website has listed IdentityIQ as the best identity theft protection. IdentityIQ is known for its exceptional tracking systems. Based in the US, the identity theft protection company was established in 2009. Its services are exclusive to US customers. It is one of many companies under the big IDIQ. It has been around for approximately 25 years with an ever-increasing user base. Whenever a dubious activity transpires, the services promptly warn the subscriber.

An individual can avail of a roster of theft protection services.

IdentityIQ specializes in the US-based credit system and many of its customer services and case managers are also located in the country itself. This improves the customer experience even further. It goes an extra mile when it comes to SSN tracing. As per the claims made by its website, it runs advanced SSN checks. IdentityIQ persistently charts at the top of best identity theft protection consumer reports.

IdentityIQ Official Offer Exclusive 7 Days Trial For Only $1 - Right Here

Thieves can steal the identity of their victims in many ways. One of the ways is to inflict legal damage by committing crimes under their names. The victim's name can make the top most-wanted lists in other countries without them having a single clue about it. IdentityIQ confronts this issue through scouring of not only national but international crime databases as well, making it one of the flagship ID theft protection services offered by the company. If any incriminating data coincides with that of the victim's name or credentials, IdentityIQ informs the victim right away. The similar services offered by other companies do not follow the same exhaustive methods of searching and tallying.

IdentityIQ checks and alerts every time the Social Security Number is used by anyone. It does not do so only when the SSN is used with an incorrect address or name. IdentityIQ also performs enhanced change of address notifications. They also monitor the registry for National Change of Address and alert accordingly.

With up to $1 million in identity theft insurance for all its plans, IdentityIQ covers stolen funds and miscellaneous expenses. It provides excellent customer support and to help with the restoration and recovery of the identity, there is a case manager based in the US to help in the process.

The California-based company offers four ID theft protection plans. They are

The most economical, Secure Plan comes at a rate of $6.99 per month. The plan consists of daily scanning of credit, synthetic ID theft protection, SSN alerts, lost wallet assist, compensation for personal expenses, and US-based team support in cases of identity reinstatement.

More about IdentityIQ Plans on their official website: Here

IdentityIQ users going with the Secure Plus plan for $9.99 a month, enjoy all the features under the above-mentioned plan, with notifications for changes in address, annual three-bureau credit reports, mid-level identity monitoring, and one-bureau credit card monitoring.

The Secure Pro plan costs about $19.99 a month. It packs all the features given by its predecessor, with additional elaborate monitoring, credit score change alerts, and quarterly credit reports.

The premium plan, Secure Max costs $29.99 per month. With extra perks, all the aforementioned features are environed by this plan. All IdentityIQ plans, from the basic Secure Plan to the premium Secure Max, provide $1 million in identity theft insurance and access to a U.S.-based customer service team in case of identity theft. IdentityIQ provides a top-notch identity restoration service.

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IdentityIQ provides customer support and US-based identity restoration teams.

It offers over-all credit and identity monitoring services.

All of its identity theft protection plans come with $1,000,000 in insurance.

in insurance. Another benefit of choosing IdentityIQ is the free coverage for children under 24 years old without an additional fee.

It has continually ranked high in the best identity theft protection consumer reports.

Skeptical changes to the user's credit reports indicate that their information has been endangered. It is critical to go through the periodic credit reports and with select identity theft protection plans from IdentityIQ, the user can observe and diagnose irregularities in the credit accounts. The thieves also lurk in the dark web  the part of the internet that is only accessible through special browsers. Users can rest assured against data compromise on the dark web with IdentityIQ identity theft protection plans.

IdentityIQ provides well-rounded identity theft protection plans with identity theft coverage, free family protection at reasonable pricing, identity restoration service with limited power of attorney, and a credit score simulator.

7-Day Trial for $1, More on this offer on IdentityIQ official website

Compared to its peers, users can expect cheaper prices from IdentityIQ. Secure Plan is the lowest priced among all the identity theft protection services. The plans lying in the center of the spectrum are also economical. A user opting for the minimum priced plan will have to spend $6.99 each month while a $29.99 each month for the highest-priced thorough plan.

Accounting for the least price is the Secure Plan, costing the users about $6.99. With basic identity theft protection features to boot, an individual can avail credit report monitoring and browse the dark web free and easy. Next up on the roster is the Secure Plus Plan with a monthly rate of $9.99. It adds a little to the list of features given by the previous plan with no significant advanced features. Secure Max builds upon the list of salient features given by its predecessor, offering a set of special ones, especially if someone wants to add family members to the plan for free.

Individual users look for a plan that is enough for their limited requirements, as opposed to the diverse and large set of requirements of a family plan. For cases like these, the user can opt for the Secure Pro plan that best complements the corresponding needs. Users can avail of quarterly reports under the plan. Apart from these, IdentityIQ has one more plan on its shelves. It is the blanket plan that the user has to spend a bit more bucks for. The add-on offers and features, however, make up for the added expense.

In a widespread virtual world, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become an integral part of one's identity. IdentityIQ lacks an extensive AI-backed and guided facility. On the other hand, the case with Identity Guard is quite the contrary. Online social presence stands at risk with the former but with the latter, it remains guarded allowing the user to navigate the web freely.

7-Day Trial for $1, More on this offer on IdentityIQ official website

Looking at the same category plans, IdentityIQ beats Identity Guard for economic rates. It charges no extra money to accommodate another member of the family, whereas the latter charges more expensive prices.

To get started with the service, the first step to shield one's identity with IdentityIQ is to browse through various plans and decide on one that befits the requirements. Before the user can go ahead and start experiencing the service, they need to follow up the browsing and selection with creating an online account by signing up. It is then followed up with sharing the information and other relevant details like name, contact number, email id, etc. Filling up the bank transaction details confirms and saves the payment details. The account can be secured using a personalized password solely for security concerns.

Amidst a myriad of services that claim to give the utmost protection from external sources, IdentityIQ has been observed to stay true to all its claims. In addition to being prone to external sources, people are also rendered financially incapacitated to pay for any kind of expenses. In a situation like that, it is incumbent on the identity theft protection services to make up for the lack of funds. The aforementioned reasons plus comparatively cheaper plans are why the company is considered the overall best identity theft protection service. Ultimate rating - 4.6 out of 5.

IdentityIQ Official Offer Exclusive 7 Days Trial For Only $1 - Right Here

Identity Guard

Founded in 1996, Identity Guard is notable for its use of artificially intelligent services. It uses AI for advanced ID theft protection and monitoring services. Identity Guard is regarded as the best overall option out of all identity theft protection services. It makes use of unmatched computing power provided by IBM's Watson computing system. The scope of its AI-boosted identity theft protection and monitoring is vast and it wastes almost no time in responding to any irregularities or suspicious activities regarding ID theft.

The thieves leave no stone unturned when attacking an individual through hi-tech malicious programs. To combat the speedy and sudden incursions of privacy and identity, the user needs to be well equipped with technologically modern protection systems. Cutting-edge computing capabilities like that of the IBM Watson can diagnose the dubious developments at the onset and allow an ample amount of time for the user to react to the onslaughts swiftly and preserve their identity.

Many consumers are not even aware of when and how they got cheated on. The sad news for them arrives whenever the creditor calls in or at the time of credit card declination. Although checking up on regular reports is a good measure and practice, the user can never one-up an automated service fueled by a supercomputer.

Identity Guard Exclusive 7 Days Trial For Only $1 - Right Here

If one goes by the Better Business Bureau ratings or expert advice of programmers, the contracted latency with which IBM Watson cautions the users of dubious activities is unparalleled. Say, if a user were to get warned of a potential attack, it will take the user a bit to catch up and prep-up for defense. It is pretty difficult to do that using any other service but with Identity Guard, they have a significant bracket of time to take corresponding measures like closing their accounts.

The catalog of utilities proffered by Identity Guard is long. Some conspicuous assets of the service are the minute reaction time while alerting the user, sustained inspection of the dark net, and social media assistance. Users enrolled in the Identity Guard services can avail TransUnion report every month and a yearly report for all three major companies. Users must nurture a habit of perusing all these reports carefully without skipping a turn.

The importance of confidentiality during bank transactions and activities is not lost on anyone. And yet, many users sadly become a target to phishing attacks, leading to their bank-related details getting compromised. To rectify this issue, Identity Guard spares no time to alert the users whenever bank details get changed.

In this age of social platforms, it is imperative to recognize the importance of application and scope of privacy and security. The user's id is kept intact and immune to any lurking theft-related dangers.

Identity Guard also aids consumers in times of peril caused by theft. It does so by covering up to $1 million in insurance. Identity Guard also has certain designated managers who deliver remarkable support to the user every step of the way. These pre-eminent qualities have resulted in Identity Guard topping the best identity theft protection consumer reports.

Identity Guard Website - Special Offer: 7 Days for $1 Only - Right Here

Watson's supercomputing capabilities allow it to scan the internet constantly and warn the customers of any phishing emails, articles, or social media posts. It also performs Dark Web scanning and helps the customer when they are surfing the net or engaging in transactional activity. Identity Guard also has a mobile app that is phishing-resistant. The IBM Watson presents a mixture of Artificial Intelligence and complex software to analyze and answer problems. Its ability to replicate cognition makes it a sure-fire solution for protection against identity theft. It can map up the cyberspaces in incredibly tiny amounts of time and does so in an expeditious manner.

The users can go for any of the three plans exclusive to Identity Guard  Value plan, Total plan, and Ultra plan. Each plan has its salient features to boast and caters to the needs of its target audience. It is always recommended to walk through customer reviews and experiences and take references before locking in a plan for themselves. Getting a good idea about the unique selling proposition of each plan will clear up all doubts and help in making the final decision. Knowing the advantages of different plans and how they will satisfy the users' needs is the wisest thing to do before going ahead with enrolling in the services.

More about Identity Guard and its plans on the official website here

The individual users are very distinct from families using the services. Their needs and wants differ drastically from family users. There are complementary plans for each user type. If the user is an individual, they will require a basic plan that can easily contend with all their demands while being within the budget. Conversely, a family plan accounts for the parents, kids, and other members with all their distinctive needs and identities.

For an unrivaled hi-tech system and its services, the user will feel comfortable paying the corresponding prices. Despite being more expensive than its competition, Identity Guard more than justifies its rates. The plans will cost around anywhere from $7.50 to $33.33 every month. There is a wide array of plans and costs to choose from, each catering to a specific category amid a distinguished and diverse population.

Identity Guard

Its robust AI-driven protection system makes it one of the best identity theft protection services out there.

Identity Guard provides up to $1million to cover identity theft.

to cover identity theft. Its customer service has been given an A+ rating by the BBB.

Whereas Identity Guard can scan social media posts, IdentityIQ has no such offers. Customers can also enjoy secure online transactions. Identity Guard gives reports annually while IdentityIQ does it every three months. IdentityIQ charges no fee for family subscriptions whereas, in Identity Guard, the customer has to pay an extra cost per month to include family members.

To get started with the service, the Initial steps are all about weighing different plans and their attributes and then pin-pointing one that fits the bill according to the user's prerequisite. The next step is concerned with creating an account on the website. All the required details must be filled in. Identity Guard requires relevant details and specifics to start their services.

Identity Guard lands a 4.0 rating and a tie for overall performance in best identity theft protection. Its USP lies in distinguished qualities like Artificial Intelligence-driven security and safekeeping, capabilities of social media monitoring, and minimal latency.

Identity Guard Official Website Offer 7 Days for $1 Only - Right Here

About Theft-protection-experts.com

Theft-protection-experts.com is the go-to unbiased and objective source of information related to the best identity theft protection in the industry. The company strives to perform methodical research, analysis, and comparisons on leading identity theft protection and credit monitoring services. With all the confounding info dump available on the internet regarding these services, users find it difficult to navigate their way around useless information.

The users can take a look at the expert reviews and lists and decide for themselves on what service they want to go with. In a perpetually shifting modern world of virtual advancements at every turn, it is always crucial to be wary of cyber-attacks and keep the identity intact. Theft-protection-experts.com is a helping hand for people that are looking to get services for identity theft protection through exhaustive and detailed examination where every minute characteristic is scrutinized.

SOURCE Theft Protection Experts
Australia's Covid-19 vaccine rollout began Sunday, with top officials among a small group receiving the first jabs a day before the vaccination programme starts in earnest.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was injected with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at a medical centre in Sydney's northwest, in what the government said was an effort to boost public confidence in the vaccinations.

Jane Malysiak, an aged care resident and WWII survivor in her 80s, was the country's first person to receive the vaccine, followed by health care workers and other officials.

"She's taking part in what is a very historic day for our country," Morrison said.

"Tomorrow our vaccination programme starts, so as a curtain-raiser today we're here making some very important points -- that it's safe, that it's important, and we need to start with those who are most vulnerable and are on the front line."

It comes a day after anti-vaccination demonstrations in major cities attracted thousands, with police arresting several protesters in Melbourne, according to public broadcaster ABC.

Almost 22 percent of Australians said they were unlikely to get the jab, with vaccine hesitancy rising in recent months, an Australian National University survey found.

The country's vaccination programme is starting months after other nations', following its provisional approval of the Pfizer product for use in January.

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was also approved in recent days but is yet to be administered.

Australia has been relatively successful in containing the virus to date, with almost 29,000 cases and 909 deaths in a population of 25 million.

hr/leg
The first of the countrys 12,000-strong border workforce have received the Covid-19 vaccine.

Workers at Auckland's Jet Park Hotel received the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 jab on Saturday, in the first stage of New Zealands vaccine campaign.

The border workforce will be inoculated over three weeks. Enough doses to vaccinate 30,000 people landed via airfreight from Belgium in Auckland on Monday morning.

Next to Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield is Lynette Faiva, who works in the Jet Park Hotel family team, then to her left Jet Park operations manager Drew Leafa. Second from left is Jet Park team member Lorna Masoe, and on the outside left is vaccinator Tracy Peterson. Lynette Faiva was the first MIQ worker to be vaccinated, Drew Leafa was second, and Lorna Masoe was third. Photo: Ministry of Health.

Lynette Faiva, the first managed isolation and quarantine worker in New Zealand to get a Covid-19 vaccine says she felt "pretty privileged and honoured".

"But for me its not about being first, its all about having this opportunity to be able to get vaccinated," says Lynette Faiva.

"We were in it together. We all got done at the same time," she told reporters at a Ministry of Health briefing on Saturday.

Lynette works in the Jet Park Hotel family team. She is responsible for providing support to families while in managed quarantine. Lynette organises games, educational activities and welfare support for families.

Drew Faiva is vaccinated in Auckland on Saturday. Photo: Ministry of Health

Drew Leafa has worked at Jet Park since it became a managed quarantine facility in early 2020. Drew is the Operations Manager at Jet Park and is responsible for the day to day management of operations on site. Prior to working at Jet Park he worked at a law firm and was looking for a career change. He has enjoyed working at Jet Park over the last year and feels it is a privilege to be involved in such an important part of keeping New Zealand safe.

Lorna Masoe has worked at Jet Park for 12 years and currently works in the Reservations/Admin team. She is a fundamental part of the team and works across a large variety of areas. Lorna is involved in organising operational, wellbeing and health requirements for returnees, including the scheduling of all COVID-19 swab tests at Jet Park which is a very large responsibility.

Tracy Peterson, a registered nurse and one of our vaccinators, was also present.

This live stream is in two parts:

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says New Zealand has arrived at a key point in its pandemic response, with yesterday's first vaccinations of border workers.



Todays vaccinations reinforce the value of what weve all been doing for the past 12 months to keep COVID-19 at bay, says Dr Bloomfield.



Vaccination of our hard working and dedicated border staff marks a significant step forward  a milestone that protects those at highest risk of getting the virus and helps to reduce the risk of it spreading into the community.



Yesterday, 29 vaccinators here in Auckland completed a week of preparations, by receiving the first COVID-19 vaccines.



Today, we kick off the largest immunisation programme in our history, by vaccinating the first of our border workforce, a critical step in protecting everyone in Aotearoa," says Dr Bloomfield.



This is an important first step and we will be moving through these first few days and weeks in a measured way to make sure our systems and processes are solid."

On Monday, well roll out the programme in Wellington and then Christchurch on Wednesday, before starting to vaccinate the rest of New Zealands about 12,000 border and MIQ workers over the next few weeks.



Once theyve been vaccinated, well start vaccinating the members of their household contacts.



"The finer details of the wider public roll out later in the year are being finalised and information on when and how people can get their vaccinations will be announced soon.



People from across the health system and many other agencies have been and continue to be single-minded in ensuring that the vaccination programme will be a sustained success.



In a rapidly changing environment, our system has had to be flexible in its response to delivering firstly on our elimination strategy and now on the vaccination programme.



I sincerely thank everyone who has contributed," says Dr Bloomfield.



I particularly want to acknowledge the support of the New Zealand Defence Force, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the teams at their managed isolation facilities, the All of Government team, a range of private sector partners, our DHBs and the wider health system including the public health teams, our Maori and Pacific providers, the nurses, the doctors, the allied health professionals, administrators, ICT professionals, planners, communications advisors and leaders.



Its been a huge logistical effort getting to where we are today. And its been done while our health system has continued to deliver a wide range of care to New Zealanders and maintained a successful response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Repeated trial runs of our processes and systems meant we have been able to deliver these first vaccinations less than a week after the first batch of Pfizer/BioNTech arrived in New Zealand.

We should all be proud that in less than a year from our first confirmed case, we are ready to go with what I consider to be the biggest single logistical exercise our health system has ever tackled.



Today represents a small but important step in a long journey. Its the start of a new chapter but we still have a long way to go in the COVID-19 story. We need to remember that this pandemic is the most significant global public health challenge in a century and managing it will require all our efforts for some time to come," says Dr Bloomfield.



So, even though vaccinations have begun, its important everyone stays vigilant and sticks to the basics: staying home if unwell and getting advice about having a test, washing hands, coughing and sneezing into the elbow, and wearing masks or face coverings on all public transport.



And please also keep up the good work and use the COVID Tracer app to keep track of where youve been, scan QR codes wherever you go and turn on Bluetooth tracing in the app dashboard.

If the research, good science and technology behind these vaccines seems highly sophisticated -- it is. We can have confidence in both the science and the processes that New Zealand has in place to ensure any vaccines we use are safe and effective," says Dr Bloomfield.

"But in the end, our success with this campaign will be achieved in the same way we have achieved success with our response  by acting collectively and in each others interests."

Two new cases of Covid-19 in managed isolation were reported on Saturday. There were no further cases in the community.

The two new cases arrived within the same travel bubble in Auckland on February 18, from the United Arab Emirates.

Other than the seven community cases previously reported, all close contacts associated with the current cases households, school, and New Plymouth travel group, have tested negative for the virus.

Contact tracing has revealed 128 close contacts associated with all cases in the cluster, with 120 returning negative tests.

The eight people whose test results are pending include seven people who were at the medical centre visited by a person with coronavirus, and the workplace contact of another.

Global toll

The global case count has risen to over 110.9 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The US has had the most reported cases - 28m - followed by India and Brazil with 10.9m and 10m cases respectively.

To date, 2.4m people have died from the virus, with the majority in the US, Brazil and Mexico.

What should I do?

Anyone who wants to get tested can find their local testing centres by visiting the Ministry of Health website.

Auckland is at Covid-19 alert level 2, while the rest of New Zealand is at alert level 1.

If you are sick, call your GP before you visit, or Healthline on 0800 358 5453

To avoid contracting and spreading the virus, wash your hands properly, cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow and throw tissues away immediately.

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Myanmars military junta promised on Tuesday that there would be an election and it would hand over power as police filed an additional charge against toppled former leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

It also defended its Feb. 1 seizure of power, denying it was a coup even as protesters took to the streets again in support of Suu Kyi and other arrested leaders and China dismissed social media rumours that it had helped with the militarys action.

Our objective is to hold an election and hand power to the winning party, Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the ruling council, told the juntas first news conference since overthrowing Suu Kyis government.

The military has not given a date for a new election but has imposed a state of emergency for one year. Zaw Min Tun said the military would not hold power for long.

We guarantee... that the election will be held, he told the nearly two-hour news conference, which the military broadcast from the capital, Naypyitaw, live over Facebook, a platform it has banned.

Asked about the detention of Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi and the president, Zaw Min Tun dismissed the suggestion they were in detention, saying they were in their homes for their security while the law took its course.

Suu Kyi, 75, spent nearly 15 years under house arrest for her efforts to end military rule.

She faces charges of illegally importing six walkie-talkie radios and is being held on remand until Wednesday. Her lawyer said on Tuesday police had filed a second charge of violating a Natural Disaster Management Law.

The United States was disturbed by reports of the additional criminal charge against Suu Kyi, State Department spokesman Ned Price said. Washington imposed new sanctions last week on the Myanmar military. No additional measures were announced on Tuesday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also decried the new criminal charge, saying it was fabricated by the military.

Zaw Min Tun said Myanmars foreign policy would not change, the country remained open for business and deals would be upheld.

The military will be hoping its reassurances will dampen the campaign of daily opposition to its rule and to the removal of Suu Kyi and her government.

As well as the demonstrations in towns across the ethnically diverse country, a civil disobedience movement has brought strikes that are crippling many functions of government.

The unrest has revived memories of bloody outbreaks of opposition to almost half a century of direct army rule that ended in 2011 when the military began a process of withdrawing from politics.

Police have opened fire several times, mostly with rubber bullets, to disperse protesters. A protester who was shot in the head in Naypyitaw last week is not expected to survive.

Six people were wounded in the central town of Maungmya on Tuesday when police fired rubber bullets to break up a protest over an arrested teacher, a witness said. An army statement said protesters had thrown stones at police, injuring some officers.

Zaw Min Tun said a policeman had died of injuries sustained during a protest in Mandalay on Monday.

He said the protesters were starting violence while the campaign of civil disobedience amounted to the illegal intimidation of civil servants.

We will wait patiently. After that, we will take action according to the law, Zaw Min Tun said. The army has given itself extensive search and detention powers and has made penal code amendments aimed at stifling dissent with tough prison terms.

TRAIN BLOCKED

Protesters milled onto a sun-baked stretch of railway track earlier in the day, waving placards in support of the disobedience movement and blocking trains between the commercial capital Yangon and the southern city of Mawlamyine.

Release our leaders immediately, and Peoples power, give it back, the crowd chanted in live images broadcast by media.

Crowds gathered in Yangon, including at the central bank, where protesters called for staff to join the civil disobedience movement. Buddhist monks also rallied against the coup in Yangon while hundreds marched through the west coast town of Thanked.

The army took power alleging that its complaints of fraud in a Nov. 8 general election were being ignored. Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party had won a landslide in the election.

The electoral commission had dismissed the armys complaints.

The coup has prompted an angry response from Western countries.

But China has taken a softer approach, arguing stability should be the priority in its neighbour, where it has close contacts with the military. China did, however, join other U.N. Security Council members in calling for the release of Suu Kyi.

On Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador Chen Hai said the situation was absolutely not what China wants to see and dismissed rumours of Chinese involvement in the coup as completely nonsense.

Chen, in an interview with media posted on his embassys Facebook page, said Beijing maintained friendly relations with both the army and the former government and had not been informed in advance of the political change.
News

Washington, DC - A former subcontractor for the U.S. Marines Corps was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months in prison for destroying records in connection with a federal investigation of bribery and procurement fraud at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (MCBCL), located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Departments Criminal Division.

The former subcontractor, William Thompson, 56, of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, previously pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. According to documents filed with the Court, Thompson owned and operated C&D Painting and Construction, a construction company with its principal place of business in Sneads Ferry. Public Official 1 was a civilian employee of the U.S. Marine Corps who directed the procurement of information technology services and equipment to be used by the Marine Corps at MCBCL and elsewhere.

In March 2018, agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), FBI, and IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) interviewed Thompson. During the interview, law enforcement agents informed Thompson that they were investigating an alleged bribery conspiracy concerning work that C&D Construction completed as a subcontractor at MCBCL, and about renovations that Thompson performed at Public Official 1s residence. At the time of the interview, the investigation was covert and not known to all subjects, including Public Official 1.

On the same evening of the interview and the following morning, Thompson exchanged several text messages with Public Official 1 in which Thompson informed Public Official 1 that the FBI, NCIS, and IRS-CI were investigating Public Official 1s involvement in contracting matters while Public Official 1 was employed by the Marine Corps. After informing Public Official 1 of the ongoing federal investigation, Thompson deleted the relevant text messages from his phone, despite knowing that the messages constituted evidence related to the federal investigation into bribery and procurement fraud at MCBCL.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, NCIS, Naval Audit Service, and IRS-CI.

Trial Attorney Erica OBrien Waymack of the Criminal Divisions Public Integrity Section is prosecuting the case.
Lucknow:

BJP President Amit Shah on Monday said that he has no intentions to join the Narendra Modi cabinet after being elected to the Rajya Sabha. Shah said that he was happy handling the party affairs.



The question does not arise, was his reply at a press conference here, after he was asked whether he would quit as party president and join the Modi cabinet after entering the Upper House. Shah, who arrived on a three-day visit here on Saturday, answered a range of questions.



I have the responsibility of running the party. I am happy, satisfied and am working wholeheartedly, he said. The BJP chief exuded confidence that the party would retain power at the Centre in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls with more strength.



The BJP will romp home victorious with a bigger strength than in 2014 on the basis of development and good governance of the Modi government as well as the 13 state governments of the party, he said. Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the undisputed most popular PM of India, Shah claimed that the saffron partys government had succeeded in ending the politics of family, caste and appeasement in the country.

ALSO READ | Amit Shah in Lucknow: In 3 years, Modi Govt established India as world leader, weeded out corruption, black money



As per the 13th Finance Commission, during the Congress-led UPA regime, Uttar Pradeshs share in the central taxes was Rs 2,80,467 crore. This rose to Rs 7,10,966 crore in the 14th Finance Commission during the Modi government, he said. Shah also claimed that the local bodies grant, which was merely Rs 523 crore during the UPA rule, saw an unprecedented hike by almost 88 times under the Modi government, which allocated Rs 46,026 crore in this regard.



During the UPA regime (13th Finance Commission), UP got grants amounting to around Rs 24,000 crore. The Modi regime increased it to Rs 48,000 crore. For the central schemes, Rs 1,39,052 crore has been made available to the state as an additional assistance, he said. Shah claimed that if all the assistance extended to UP were summed up, then it would be 2.3 times more under the Modi government than what was given during the UPA regime.



Alleging that the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government suffered from policy paralysis, he said, Every minister assumed himself to be the PM and no one considered him (Singh) the PM. Shah also claimed that unlike the previous governments, which had only a couple of things to show as achievements, the Modi government had undertaken 50 important works during its three-year rule so far.



Alleging that there were scams worth Rs 12 lakh crore during the 10-year UPA rule, he said there was not even a single corruption allegation against the Modi regime. Even the opposition could not cast any aspersion in this regard, said Shah.



The BJP chief claimed that the Armys surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) last year had projected the country as one with a firm resolve, which can take any decision for its security, in the global arena. Referring to the Congress shifting its Gujarat MLAs to Bengaluru reportedly to ward off poaching, he said, I could have understood if they were kept in a locked room in Gujarat itself. But why Bengaluru, is beyond my understanding.



Asked about the BJP not being as strong in the south compared to the north, Shah played it down saying, This was earlier said about our presence in the north as well. To a question on the National Investigation Agency (NIA) blaming cross-border trade for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP chief said the matter did not come within the ambit of the BJP and the Army, security agencies and the government of that state would be able to answer it.

ALSO READ | Amit Shahs assets grew 300% in 3 years, Smriti Irani yet to complete her BCom degree: Rajya Sabha affidavits

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Congress leader on Sunday reached Calicut International Airport to attend a Padayatra in poll-bound

The Wayanad MP is scheduled to attend the programme to mark the culmination of padayatra being undertaken by state Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala and other programmes on February 22 and 23.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Vijaya Yatra from Kasaragod, in presence of state party president K Surendran.

A host of BJP national leaders will visit to partake in the Vijaya Yatra rally in various districts which includes - Union Minister Gen VK Singh, former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister Smriti Irani among others.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be present at the concluding session of the rally on March 7 in Thiruvananthapuram.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) The Central government has unceremoniously removed Upjit Singh Sachdeva from his post as honorary Consul General of India in Liberia.

On February 5, the embassy of India in Abidjan, accredited to the Republic of Liberia, informed the foreign affairs ministry of Liberia, that it has decided to withdraw the letter of commission appointing Upjit Singh Sachdeva as the honorary Consul General of India in Liberia.

Americas much-maligned vaccine rollout is actually going relatively well, at least compared to other wealthy countries.

The big picture: The U.S. has carried out more vaccinations than any country in the world, and given a first dose to a higher percentage of its population (12%) than all but five countries: Israel, the Seychelles, the UAE, the U.K. and Bahrain.

In fact, the U.S. is distributing doses three times as quickly as the EU, adjusted for population, and nearly five times as quickly as Canada.

The backstory: The U.S. has some major advantages over most of the world. Not only does America have the money to reserve more doses than it could possibly use, it also has the capacity to manufacture them domestically.

Canadas slow rollout and the recent dispute over doses between the EU and U.K. have underlined the difficulties of relying on imports.

The U.S. also made massive bulk purchases early  through the Trump administrations Operation Warp Speed  and thus ramped up production capacity while securing its spot at the front of the line.

The EU moved more slowly both in securing contracts and in approving vaccines, and has paid a price. Israel, by contrast, paid a premium and promised valuable data to get Pfizers vaccine early.

It also helps that the two most effective vaccines on the market were developed entirely (Moderna) or partially (Pfizer/BioNTech) in the U.S.

Between the lines: Despite crumbling infrastructure and chaotic politics, the U.S. remains a scientific, technological and manufacturing powerhouse. That has played to its advantage, as has the sense of urgency with which the U.S. approached the vaccination challenge.

Some wealthy countries that haven't been hit as hard by the pandemic, like Japan and South Korea, have been much slower to administer vaccines.

Data: Duke Global Health Innovation Center; Chart: Michelle McGhee/Axios

Yes, but: The U.S. has secured world-leading vaccine supplies, but been somewhat less successful at translating them into actual vaccinations.

The most impressive rollouts have tended to come in countries with modern, centralized public health care infrastructure, making it easier to identify who's eligible for vaccinations and where to administer them. America's approach has at times appeared clunky by comparison.

President Biden has accused his predecessor of failing to develop a national distribution strategy, and promised to ramp things up quickly.

What to watch: If Biden's plan to vaccinate every willing American by July comes to fruition, the U.S. will likely be far ahead of nearly every other large country, including China.

The challenge could fairly quickly turn to helping distribute vaccines around the world.

The bottom line: Americas vaccine rollout has been imperfect, unequal, and at times deeply frustrating. But look around the world and its clear that it could be going a whole lot worse.

Go deeper:
Biden has said: Im not going to hand you a veto. Im not going to let you block what this moment demands, Im not going to let us stop the changes that we need to make for the American people, Warren said. So I think that Biden has gotten this exactly right, wants to work on a bipartisan basis, but not at the cost of getting nothing done.
Youre fully vaccinated against the coronavirus  now what? Dont expect to shed your mask and get back to normal activities right away. Thats going to be a disappointment, if not a shock, to many people.In Miami, 81-year-old Noemi Caraballo got her second dose on Tuesday and is looking forward to seeing friends, resuming fitness classes and running errands after nearly a year of being extremely cautious, even ordering groceries online.

Her line is, Im tired of talking to the cats and the parrots, said her daughter Susan Caraballo. She wants to do things and talk to people.

But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasnt yet changed its guidelines : At least for now, people should follow the same rules as everybody else about wearing a mask, keeping a 6-foot distance and avoiding crowds  even after theyve gotten their second vaccine dose.

Vaccines in use so far require two doses, and experts say especially don't let your guard down after the first dose.

Youre asking a very logical question, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, responded when a 91-year-old California woman recently asked if she and her vaccinated friends could resume their mah-jongg games.

In that webcast exchange, Fauci only could point to the CDC's recommendations, which so far are mum about exceptions for vaccinated people getting together. Hang on, he told the woman, saying he expected updates to the guidelines as more people get the coveted shots.

What experts also need to learn: The vaccines are highly effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19, especially severe illness and death  but no one yet knows how well they block spread of the coronavirus.

Its great if the vaccine means someone who otherwise would have been hospitalized instead just has the sniffles, or even no symptoms. But the looming question, Fauci said during a White House coronavirus response briefing last week, is whether a person infected despite vaccination can still, unwittingly, infect someone else.

Studies are underway to find out, and hints are starting to emerge. Fauci pointed to recent research from Spain showing the more coronavirus an infected person harbors  whats called the viral load  the more infectious they are. Thats not surprising, as its true with other illnesses.

Some preliminary findings from Israel have suggested people infected after the first vaccine dose, when they're only partially protected, had smaller viral loads than unvaccinated people who got infected. That's encouraging if the findings hold up. Israel has vaccinated a large fraction of its population and scientists worldwide are watching how the outbreak responds as those inoculations increase.

Also critical is tracking whether the vaccines protect against new, mutated versions of the virus that are spreading rapidly in some countries, added Dr. Walter Orenstein, an infectious disease expert at Emory University. Hes been vaccinated and is scrupulously following the CDC guidelines.

There are practical reasons. "Its hard to tell who got vaccinated and who didnt if youre just walking around the grocery store, noted University of Pennsylvania immunologist E. John Wherry.

And experts like Wherry get asked, repeatedly: Yes, there are rules for being in public, but whats safe for Grandma to do at home, with family or close friends, after shes vaccinated?

Not everyones immune system is boosted equally from vaccines  so someone with cancer or the frail elderly may not get as much protection as a robust 70-something.

But most people should feel more confident about going shopping, for example, or going to see your grandkids, or giving your daughter a hug, Wherry said.

That's because the chances of a fully vaccinated person getting seriously ill, while not zero, are low.

Friends coming over for dinner, we should still try to follow the guidelines, Wherry added. You never know who is compromised, where the vaccine may not work as well.

What if the fully vaccinated are exposed to someone whos infected? The CDC did recently ease those rules: No quarantine as long as the vaccinated person shows no symptoms and its been at least two weeks but not longer than three months since their second dose.

Getting on an airplane? Vaccinated or not, the CDC still urges essential travel only.

International travel is an even tougher prospect. Expect countries that already have different quarantine and test requirements to come up with varying post-vaccination guidelines  especially since multiple types of vaccines, some better proven than others, are used around the world. Theres also the concern about carrying those worrisome mutations from one country to another.

Stay tuned for updates to the advice as more people get vaccinated. Meanwhile, dont underestimate how important it is for the vaccinated to feel less anxiety as they run errands or go to work while still following the public health measures, said Dr. Luciana Borio, a former Food and Drug Administration scientist.

Even with a trip to the grocery store, there was always this anxiety about, 'Was that the contact thats going to make me infected? Borio said. That is a very powerful change in ones living situation.

Image:AP

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

After struggling with a drug addiction that resulted in arrests and criminal theft charges, Ralph Martinez was able to turn his life around.

Despite his recovery and going on to become a co-founder of the Espanola Pathways Shelter, that criminal record stayed with him.

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It wasnt until the Criminal Record Expungement Act took effect in January 2020 that Martinez was able to take advantage of the new law to get part of his record expunged.

Expungement is the process of sealing or removing someones criminal record.

To date, Martinez has been able to expunge his two criminal cases in Rio Arriba County and is waiting for a court date concerning a case in Bernalillo County.

It was almost like a breath of fresh air, Martinez said when he his Rio Arriba cases were expunged. It was  like a feeling of starting over. Being able to know that second chances do exist.

And it is this opportunity for a second chance that 1st Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies is working on, hoping to ensure that more people can benefit from an expungement. As with Martinezs experience, Carmack-Altwies said she recognizes the benefits expungement can have for people carrying a felony conviction.

Thats why Carmack-Altwies is partnering with the University of New Mexicos School of Law to help eligible people get their record expunged. Carmack-Altwies said she would consider supporting expungement for people with nonviolent crimes, or low-level violent crimes if the appropriate amount of time has passed.

She said people looking to have their record expunged have to remain crime-free and demonstrate that they are getting back on the right path of life. She said that, for low-level violent crimes, people really have to show proof that theyve been rehabilitated and have made amends with their victims.

For years and years, I think we have over-prosecuted certain types of crimes, she said. People have ended up with felony convictions on their record, and then they cant go to school, they cant get housing, they cant get welfare or other types of assistance. They just continue in the cycle of crime because theyre literally stuck there.

Collateral consequences

The American Bar Association estimated there are about 48,000 collateral consequences to having a criminal record. This can include affecting occupational licenses, immigration, employment, voting and more.

To get a criminal record expunged, a person must fill out forms, gather information on their criminal history and then petition the court for expungement. Depending on the crime, the person also must go through a waiting period. The district attorneys role in the proceedings is to state whether or not they object to the expungement petition.

Carmack-Altwies said she hopes expungement gives people another incentive to get out of the criminal or addictive lifestyle. She said that, a lot of times, people may end up with a felony conviction at a young age and lose hope.

Through expungement, Carmack-Altwies said a person has a chance to improve their life and say, if I can turn my life around, I wont be always held back by my past.

First Judicial District Defender Julie Ball said the great thing about this program is that it makes it easier for people to get expungements. She said it gives people without access to attorneys and legal knowledge this chance.

The backward thing in New Mexico is that the expungement doesnt happen automatically, Ball said. Its not a matter of right.

She said the Criminal Record Expungement Act makes the process easier, but it was also drowned out by COVID-19.

Carmack-Altwies said she hopes more people become aware of  and take advantage of  the new law.

For the law school, Serge Martinez, Associate Dean for Experiential Learning, the job of a district attorney isnt to punish, but to think about whats best for the community in terms of the criminal justice system.

He said Carmack-Altwies is more of an exception in this sense.

She has really taken the position that we have laws and we have punishment for a reason, he said. But we also have room for redemption.

Carmack-Altwies office will refer expungement cases they receive to the law schools clinic for review. The law students, under the supervision of licensed attorneys, will then work on the cases and help people through the process.

A learning experience

Students also have the opportunity to go before a judge to make arguments for the expungement of a persons record under this supervision.

Law student Christopher Hall said the real-life work experience the partnership provides for law students is immeasurable. He said law students are still trying to figure out if they want to be in court and if they can handle being in court.

Standing up in a courtroom and talking in front of everyone can be nerve-wracking, he said. However, gaining that experience is extremely important.

Im interested in criminal law and environmental law, Hall said. And its really just a great opportunity to feel like Im helping somebody and getting some real-world professional experience as an attorney.

In Ralph Martinezs case, he ended up hiring an attorney to help him through the expungement process because he quickly felt overwhelmed. He said he thinks the need for an attorney is situational, but it was extremely beneficial for his circumstance.

Martinez said he definitely would have hit roadblocks in his expungement process without an attorney and it can be difficult trying to get the necessary documents from different agencies. At one point, he remembered thinking, I give up.

Fortunately, Martinez said he has legal insurance that was able to help with the cost of an attorney for his expungement.

But not everyone has these resources.

With his record on the way to being fully expunged, Martinez said it will help him advance his career and open doors that were previously closed.

I think that expungement lets individuals know that its OK to make a mistake, he said. And, as long as youve learned from that mistake, then your mistake can be forgiven.
Korea's staple side dish kimchi / gettyimagesbank



Some Seoul-based foreign envoys share kimchi-making vlogs amid dispute between South Korea, China



By Park Han-sol



With regard to cultural diplomacy to strengthen their claim on the fermented dish kimchi, China is overt, whereas South Korea is discreet.



On Jan. 3, Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Jun raised the eyebrow of Koreans with his "odd" social media post. He uploaded photos featuring himself making kimchi.



"Winter life can also be colorful and enjoyable. One option is to try some homemade kimchi by yourself. Not too difficult. My colleagues said it's super tasty," he wrote. In one photo, he holds up his homemade kimchi, and in another, raises his thumb up with the dish placed in a plastic container.



Such a post featuring a Chinese envoy promoting Korea's staple side-dish came weeks after Chinese state-run media the Global Times' dubious report about kimchi. Its claim was interpreted among Koreans as their neighbor's move to lay claim to Korean culture, causing them to speculate on Zhang's motives as well.



The kimchi feud between South Korea and China was rekindled last week. This time, the cultural dispute has gone multilateral. Several foreign envoys based in Seoul became unwittingly involved in the clash by unveiling their kimchi-making videos.



The embassies of Hungary, Denmark and Belgium posted videos and photos of their ambassadors' preparation of the dish with the DIY Kimchi kit provided by the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS).



Earlier, the culture ministry affiliate reportedly checked with dozens of Seoul-based foreign embassies to see if they would be interested in getting the kit containing pickled cabbages and spices in celebration of the Lunar New Year holiday. Eighteen answered favorably to such inquires.







Hungarian Ambassador to Seoul Mozes Csoma produced a seven-minute vlog, where he and his three sons made kimchi together at the embassy's official residence, while discussing in Korean different types of and recipes for the fermented dish. Csoma also introduced a Hungarian dish that is in a way similar to kimchi  szekely kaposzta, made of cabbages without chili seasoning.





Ambassador of Denmark to Seoul Einar H. Jensen makes kimchi in this photo posted Feb. 4 on the embassy's official social media accounts. Captured from Facebook

The video and photo of Danish Ambassador Einar H. Jensen with a bowl of spiced cabbage was released across the embassy's different social media accounts, Feb. 4. Under the post titled "The Taste of Korea: Kimchi," he explained his attempt at gimjang (a winter activity at Korean households for making and storing kimchi) as he added the ready-made chili paste to each leaf of the cabbage.



"It looks great. I look forward to tasting it," Jensen said at the end of the video, with the post adding that the handmade kimchi needs to be left to rest for a week first.



The Embassy of Belgium in Seoul also posted photos of its staff members preparing the side dish, Feb. 10, stating that "it was a great way to have a small teambuilding exercise and let our newest staff members discover the tradition of Korean Kimchi making."



Similarly, in December 2020, the former U.S. Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris appeared in a video hosted by the Asia Society Korea, where he learned how to make the fermented dish with celebrity chef Lee Hye-jung.





Former U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris learns how to make kimchi from Chef Lee Hye-jung in this YouTube video posted Dec. 23, 2020, by the Asia Society Korea. Captured from YouTube
She welcomed her baby Boy Santiago in January.

And Dani Dyer was left bemused after she was told she'd soon get pregnant again while playing around with an Instagram filter on Saturday.

The Love Island star, 24, could not contain her surprise at the result of 'baby girl, in October', before laughing at the idea with her beau Sammy Kimmence.

'In October!': New mum Dani Dyer was left bemused after she was told she'd soon get pregnant again while playing around with an Instagram filter on Saturday

In the short video Dani was seen trying out one of Instagram's filters which guesses when users will get pregnant.

Dani sported a serious expression as she waited for the result, with her going very wide-eyed at the idea of getting pregnant in just eight months time.

Clearly tickled by the idea of expanding her family again so soon, Dani started laughing as she turned to her boyfriend who was playing video game Call of Duty.

Dani told him: 'Babe, I just did this thing on Instagram and it says 'when will you get pregnant?' And it says October, baby girl.'

Her boy: The Love Island star, 24, welcomed her first child, a little boy called Santiago who she shares with beau Sammy Kimmence, in January

To which Sammy quickly and without a moments hesitation replied: 'No chance!'.

Elsewhere in her Q&A Dani revealed her favourite drink is an Aperol Spritz and she's not been to the gym 'for a long time' and 'can't go for another couple of months'.

The new mum kept things short on the Instagram filters after Sammy asked her to stop talking during his game, which didn't go down overly well.

The beauty quipped back: 'Can you sssh on your stupid game, it's for single people!'

Amused: Dani laughed after reading the result and quickly told her boyfriend, who said there was 'no chance' of it happening

The funny filter comes after Dani was every inch the proud mum on Saturday, as she marked four weeks since welcoming her baby boy Santiago.

The reality star shared adorable Instagram snaps of the tot, who held a sign that read: 'Today I am 4 weeks old'.

The images see Santiago dressed in a grey baby grow and wrapped up in a white fleece blanket, with the youngster clutching his milestone card.

Captioning the sweet pictures, Dani wrote: '4 weeks ago you came into our lives.. you are worth every sleepless night you give us.

Milestone: Dani was every inch the proud mum on Saturday as she marked 4 weeks since welcoming her baby boy Santiago

That's my boy: Captioning the sweet pictures, Dani wrote: '4 weeks ago you came into our lives.. you are worth every sleepless night you give us'

'So lucky to be your mummy and daddy.'

The adorable snap comes soon after Dani furiously fired back at mum-shamers who accused her of dressing Santiago in too many layers.

Dani had earlier shared a sweet snap of the tot wrapped up in a navy padded suit as they prepared to head on a walk.

However, she faced criticism for how she dressed her boy and soon called out the trolls on her Instagram stories as she defiantly declared: 'I won't overheat my child!'

The cute snap of Santi saw him resting peacefully in his outerwear while in his pram, with the little one donning a grey and white hat with his name embroidered on it.

Not impressed: it comes after Dani fired back at mum-shamers last Saturday, who accused her of dressing Santiago in too many layers

Cute: The Love Island winner, who welcomed her first child last month, had earlier shared a sweet snap of the tot wrapped up in a navy padded suit as they prepared to head on a walk

Speaking directly to the camera a short while later, Dani bemoaned the amount of comments she received over her son's outfit.

She said: 'Also before anyone gets upset, it's mad now the amount of DMs I get as a new mum, from the mums and stuff.

'My child was not in the car in his outfit, okay? In the pram so whatever you wanna call it... He just goes on walks with that outfit on.

'I'm not going to overheat my child, don't worry about it. So yeah...'

Over her online rant, she wrote: 'He had been on a walk in that pram suit.. I wouldn't overheat my child in the car.'
The sullen and distraught 38-year-old woman sat on a bench at the Kirikiri female prison in Lagos. Although the State High Court struck out the criminal case against her four years ago, she has remained in jail despite no new charges brought against her in what experts say highlights the inefficiency in the Lagos judicial system.

Titilayo Benson first stepped into prison in 2010 on the order of an Ebute-Metta magistrate, Olatunji Isaac. She had been charged before his court, in suit number E/30/10, with occasioning the death of another person. She was 28 years old at the time.

I fought with a lady, Mrs Benson said as she narrated to PREMIUM TIMES the event that changed her life. She cut me with a razor then I stabbed her with a bottle.

That woman died one month later, turning Mrs Bensons life upside down. She has spent the 10 years since jostling between court and prison.

Mrs Benson was pregnant when she was first remanded in 2010. She had her first child in Kirikiri prison, a baby girl whom she gave to her parents when she was a little above one year. She had her second child in the prison in 2019, having become pregnant again when she was temporarily released on bail by the magistrate.

The Genesis

Narrating her experience to PREMIUM TIMES reporter during a visit to the Kirikiri correctional facility, Mrs Benson said her journey to jail began on February 8, 2010. That day, she got into an argument with Blessing Imade, her friend and housemate.

On that day, I was in my room, I was on the phone with my mother who called me. So, we were speaking our local dialect, because we are from Ondo State. The boyfriend of the girl was around, I think he overheard me speaking my dialect to my mother because he was sitting on a bench close to my room, Mrs Benson recalled.

He sent the landlords son to call me out and when I got there, we exchanged pleasantries and he explained that he is also from Ondo State and understands our dialect.

Mrs Benson said another tenant in the house told Blessing she had caught Mrs Benson and her boyfriend hugging.

That was how the fight started. She poured me water and I was shouting that I dont like cold water. She rushed inside and brought a razor blade and cut me on my right arm, Mrs Benson said, pointing to a scar she said was of the injury.

According to her, in retaliation, she took a bottle and stabbed the deceased. They took Blessing to the hospital but she died a month later while still receiving treatment.

Mrs Benson said she regularly went to stay with Blessing at the hospital till she was told her friend was dead.

The doctor told me to get a police report so that they could do a post-mortem and for her to be taken to the mortuary, she said, recalling that no family member of the deceased showed up at the hospital.

She said she went to Akodo Police Station, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, where her uncle was also a police officer, to get the police report.

My uncle was not around, but I explained to his friend, another police officer. He took me to the counter, wrote a statement and said I should wait behind the counter.

Mrs Benson said the officer wrote the statement and he did not read it to her. On the return of her uncle, she explained what had happened but the other officer insisted she had to be prosecuted.

She was detained at the police station for about three weeks before she was transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence Department (SCID) Panti, where she was kept for three to four months before being charged to court.

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Court Proceedings

Mrs Benson was charged before the Ebutte-Metta magistrates court in Lagos for occasioning the death of another.

Mr Isaac, the magistrate, gave a holding order that she be remanded in prison, pending the DPPs advice. She was thereafter taken to the Kirikiri female prison in Lagos, where she is still being held several years after; although she was released on bail for about five years during the period.

Francis Akinlotan, a lawyer at Probitas Partners, who pleaded Mrs Bensons case before the magistrate, told PREMIUM TIMES that he met her during a prison visit and took up her case.

Mr Akinlotan said when he met Mrs Benson at the Kirikiri prison, she had already spent about two years on the remand order of the magistrate.

When someone commits an offence and there is a need for her to be detained, she can only be remanded for 30 days, then another remand order sought for another 30 days, then another 30 days. It is between 60 days to 90 days, he said about the provisions of the Nigerian law on such matters.

Mr Akinlotan said it was on this fact that they asked the magistrate to release Mrs Benson unconditionally.

But the magistrate instead granted her bail, in September 2013, which meant she must continue to appear before the magistrate pending her trial or the DPPs advice.

But unbeknown to Mrs Benson, her lawyer and the magistrate, while she was appearing before the magistrate at every adjourned date, her matter was already before the Lagos High Court on the DPPs advice.

Despite knowing the magistrate court had no jurisdiction over the criminal charge levelled against her, Mrs Benson said she continued going to the court, but there was no trial.

She alleged that her prosecutor before the magistrate, Adebayo Oladele, had demanded a bribe of N250,000 for her case to be deleted from the records.

PREMIUM TIMES could not verify the allegation against Mr Oladele.

I told him I dont have such money because I was not working. He was really angry and said he would show me, but because I didnt have any money to pay, there was nothing I could do.

In March 2018, the magistrate revoked her bail and ordered her back to prison, where she has since been detained.

As of the time the magistrate gave the order to return her to prison, a judge of the Lagos State High Court, Obayomi Taiwo, had already struck out the case filed against her by the state government for lack of diligent prosecution. But Mrs Benson has remained in prison with no charges against her.

Familys ordeal

I used to meet them at the magistrates court at Ebute-Metta for almost two to three years before people asked me to go and sit down and that she was competent to go by herself, Samuel Akinbodewa, the 77-year-old father of Mrs Benson, told PREMIUM TIMES during a visit to his home in Fowowawo community, Papa Lantoro, Ogun State.

Visibly happy to see someone visiting to discuss his daughters case, Mr Akinbodewa received this reporter in his home, which he said he has not been able to complete due to the incident.

It was just last year my other children contributed money to roof this place. The house project was put on hold due to financial constraints and as a result of Titilayos case, he said showing this reporter the roof.

He said he remembered no tangible evidence brought before the magistrate against his daughter because the family of the deceased was not interested in the matter.

She was at home for almost two years, he said of Mrs Benson after she was released on bail. Then one day, she called me again that they asked her not to come from home again and they had to remand her at the prison yard there. That was how she went back to prison.

She was there and one day, she just called me that they had struck out the case. I asked her when are you coming home? She said today or tomorrow. One of her sisters went to meet her at Kirikiri prison yard. When they reached there, they said the paper to release her was not ready, that someone had not signed it.

Since all these days, that is how I have been looking forward to the day when she will come home, the father said somberly in the presence of Mrs Bensons two children, who are now two and 11 years old.

Mrs Bensons elder sister, Yemi, said the matter has brought a setback to their family.

It has been causing so much pains, especially to my parents. My mothers blood pressure has been rising since that time, she almost committed suicide at one time, I was the one that stopped her.

The case has been struck out since 2017, but they refused to free her. We are confused, we dont know what is happening. It is already over 10 years, since 2010. I dont know why they are keeping her there. We are really suffering, she said bitterly.

Detainee suffering for judicial administrative lapses  lawyers

While Mrs Benson was appearing before the magistrate court, she was charged before the Lagos State High Court with murder in suit number LD/92/13. The file number indicates that the state Ministry of Justice received the DPPs advice in 2013 and charged her subsequently.

This was, however, not communicated by the ministry to the accused and her lawyer and she was never presented at the high court.

After the prosecution failed to present the defendant at numerous sittings of the court, the judge, Obayomi Taiwo, struck out the matter in 2017 for lack of diligent prosecution.

There is no indication that the defendant is in prison custody as she has never been produced since the information was filed in 2013. I, therefore, strike out this case for want of diligent prosecution, Mrs Taiwo said in her order dated March 1, 2017.

Mrs Benson, however, is still detained at the Kirikiri correctional facility.

Lawyers, including the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, have since made unsuccessful efforts to get her out of jail.

She is suffering from an administrative error, Roselyn Obakpolor, the Chairperson of Human Rights Committee, NBA-Ikeja, told PREMIUM TIMES. Once the DPPs advice over a matter is out, the magistrate court ceases to handle the matter.

It is wrong for her to be held in prison since her charge has been struck out. Even if they want to reopen a case against her, it is her right to be let out of prison pending another charge, Mrs Obakpolor says.

Mr Akinlotan, the lawyer who has been on the matter, also said the detainee is suffering from administrative indiscretion or misjudgment.

It clearly shows that the Ministry of Justice is not fully abreast of what happens at the magistrate court. Even after 2017 when she was remanded in prison, you could also see all the administrative lapses. There was also no communication from the magistrate who revoked her bail and ordered that she be remanded in prison to the Ministry of Justice.

There is also another problem, bureaucracy, administrative indiscretion or misjudgment. When the Ministry of Justice became aware through our letter requesting for details of the case; that should have raised a red flag because as at that time, the case had been struck out. But nothing was done, Mr Akinlotan said.

Violation of human right

Mrs Benson has been behind bars since March 1, 2017, when her case was struck out by the high court. She had been remanded in prison for several years before the matter was struck out.

The correctional service authorities do not release a person from prison without an order directing them to do so. Since individuals remanded in the correctional centres are taken there on court orders, another order is required to get them out.

The Human Rights Committee of NBA-Ikeja and Mr Akinlotan have joined the effort to get Mrs Benson out of jail.

On January 9 and February 17, 2020, the NBA committee wrote to the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Lagos State and the Chief Judge of the state, seeking a warrant for the release of Mrs Benson.

Mrs Obakpolor, the Chairperson of the committee, said the DPP said they had wanted to reopen the case as far back as 2019.

She has been in custody with no charges. She is not attending court, no trial against her, just there, doing nothing. This is a violation of fundamental human rights to liberty, she said.

Mrs Obakpolor said despite all the letters they had written, nothing has been done by the Ministry of Justice in the matter.

Mr Akinlotan said they again wrote the Attorney-General/Commissioner of Justice of Lagos State on the matter on January 20.

In this case, there is no charge against Mrs Titilayo Benson and she has been kept in the custody of the correctional service since 2017 (when the case was struck out). Indeed, there was a charge, the charge was struck out and the charge was not relisted, no new charge was filed. There was no re-arraignment or an arraignment whatsoever, and you then kept her in prison.

What is the basis for keeping her in prison when there is no charge? No new charge was filed and the old one was not relisted, he said.

We have written the Attorney-General, who seems to have a case against her, that there is no charge against this person, so let her go. She has not had the opportunity of being in court (High Court) just for one day, and there is no charge pending against her and she has continually been in jail for four years.

Mr Akinlotan said they had received no response to their letter to the office of the Attorney-General.

DPP, Attorney-General, silent on the matter

A PREMIUM TIMES reporter visited the DPPs office on February 1 on Mrs Bensons matter.

An official of the agency who attended to the reporter at the reception said there was no power supply to check the matter on the central system.

Even if I want to check the status now, there is no light. But you can drop a copy and I will check once there is light, she responded.

When contacted after two days for an update, she said there was still no power supply at the time. She said the office was still working on the file.

PREMIUM TIMES also contacted Adebayo Haroun, a personal assistant to the Attorney-General, over the matter. He asked for details of the case and said he would reach out to the appropriate quarters to get an update.

Mr Haroun stopped responding to calls or text messages thereafter.

Moyo Onigbanjo, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, also did not respond to calls and text messages over the matter.
Jessa Seewald announces she's pregnant with baby No. 4, 21st Duggar grandchild

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Jessa Duggar Seewald announced Thursday that she's pregnant with her fourth child and is due this summer. This will be the 21st grandchild for Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar.

The "Counting On" reality star is in her second trimester and said the pregnancy is going smoothly.

Jessa Seewald shared an ultrasound image of her baby's side profile on Instagram to announce her pregnancy.

Were looking forward to summertime, and heres our #1 reason! Thank you, God, for this precious gift! #RainbowBaby," Jessa Seewald wrote.

In a statement, the couple said: The pregnancy is going smoothly, and both baby and Jessa are doing well. We are so grateful to God for the precious gift of a new life! The kids are delighted, and we can hardly wait to welcome this little one into our arms this summer.

The term rainbow baby," which was used in Jessa Seewald's post, describes a pregnancy that follows an infant loss or miscarriage.

After the heartbreaking loss of a baby last year, were overjoyed to share that another little Seewald is on the way, the couple said, referencing the miscarriage they suffered.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, the patriarch and matriarch of the "19 Kids and Counting" dynasty, now have 19 grandchildren from their eight married children.

Kendra Caldwell Duggar, Josephs Duggars wife, is expected to deliver her third child, a girl, later this month, which will be the 20th Duggar grandchild.

Kendra Duggars daughter will be their 11th granddaughter for the Duggar family and the ninth consecutive birth of a girl. Jessas sister, Jinger Duggar Vuolo, and her husband, Jeremy, just welcomed their second daughter, Evangeline Jo, in November.

If Jessa Duggar follows the trend and has another daughter, her baby will be the 10th consecutive granddaughter.

The Seewald family resides in northwest Arkansas near family and were married on Nov. 1, 2014. They share three children, Spurgeon Elliot, 5, Henry Wilberforce, 4, and Ivy Jane, who will turn 2 on May 26.

With their first three children, the Seewalds kept their gender secret until their births. This time, their two sons also want in on the secret, though Jessa said she knows they would probably slip and spoil the surprise. The couple hasn't yet decided whether they will keep their preborn baby's gender a secret this time.

Spurgeon and Henry are very excited, Jessa Seewald said. They understand. We have little pregnancy apps on my phone that we look at and they get to see updates of the babys progress and growth.

But their youngest child, Ivy, doesn't yet understand what's happening, she added.

Were really excited to see Ivy step into her role as a big sister. I think she is going to be great at that, she said.

The Seewalds are evangelical Christians and frequently share their faith. In January, Ben Seewald was ordained as a pastor.

TLCs series "Counting On," the "19 Kids and Counting" spinoff, follows the lives of the Duggar children and their families. The release date for season 12 hasn't been announced.
The man on the other end of the phone line was named Isaiah and lived in Arlington, Texas, a massive suburb between Dallas and Fort Worth. Isaiah had a thick Caribbean accent and a spotty phone connection, which made it difficult for me to understand his answers to my questions about how he was doing. At the end of our conversation, after we sorted out whether he had power (yes) and water (no), I finally heard Isaiah loud and clear: Please, yes, I need help. Im doing really bad.

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I had called Isaiah on Thursday as part of phone banking sessions to check on and get help for elderly Texans, spearheaded by Beto ORourke, whose loss to Ted Cruz in 2018 was the closest any Democratic candidate had come to winning a U.S. Senate seat in Texas in 30 years. On the day Cruz sheepishly returned to Texas from his escape to Cancun, the man he defeated had rallied thousands to do constituent outreach befitting a sitting senator. It was a small glimpse at what a better, more humane emergency response might look like, in a crisis that never should have happened.

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When I hung up with Isaiah, I collected my notes, copy and pasting his name, phone number, and address into a chat room where hundreds of other volunteers were sharing similarly heartrending stories. Someone in Hereford hadnt eaten in a couple days. A man in Houston didnt know how to get to a warming shelter. With millions of Texans still under a boil order, dozens more needed bottles of water to get through the next few days.

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My wife and I had joined the volunteer effort because our how yall holding up? texts and phone check-ins to family members and friends back home in Houston felt insufficient, if not trite. My mother had sent our 94-year-old grandmother to an uncles house when the power went out at home. My father was bathing himself with water from a stack of water bottles in a storage closet. One of my aunts spent almost an entire afternoon idling her car in a Walmart parking lot just to feel some heat and get some Wifi. And they were all so much more fortunate than millions of other Texans trying to hold on through the storm, not to mention the dozens who have died so far.

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Make sure to smile while youre making these calls, an organizer reminded us at the end of the short orientation, an odd instruction for the phone but one that I understood once I heard the voices on the other end of the line. You will be helped in the process, ORourke told us. You will feel really good. And one more piece of advice: Just say youre a volunteer, ORourke said. Avoid mentioning his name.

Im a little concerned that if I say Beto ORourke, he said, theyll hang up the phone right away.

My first call was to a woman named Olive in the Dallas suburb of Duncanville. Olive and her husband had just returned home a few minutes earlier after spending the night at a friends house. She was in a good mood  the power was on again. Thanks for checking on me, baby, she said.

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Next I was talking with Harold from Kingsbury. I stumbled through the checklist, trying to click through the online prompts while paying just enough attention to what he was saying. Do you have power? Yes. Water? Of course not. Do you need any other help? Im doing fine. He had apparently stocked up on crates of bottled water over the years. Living in Texas had taught him that hed better be ready for disaster.

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Others were similarly doing fine, though I couldnt tell if they would tell me if they werent.

Yeah, Im good, Jerry of Missouri City told me, hanging up before I could even sneak in that I grew up there.

What can I do for you? Lamar in Fort Worth asked, throwing me off just a little. He had power, water, and was caring for family members who sought shelter at his home. I got everything I need, bro.

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Of those who stayed on the line long enough to ask for help, their frustration was palpable.

I always brag on Texas, a woman in Spring, a suburb about 20 miles north of Houston, said. But Im embarrassed now.

She told me that her elderly unclea disabled Vietnam veteranhad been released from the hospital only a week earlier, having been there almost two months while battling a nasty case of COVID-19. Hed been sent home with a portable oxygen tank. But within days, the power went out at his home and he had no way to keep the tank going. He was forced to go to a warming shelter. Can you imagine? she said. He just had COVID, now hes around all these other people at the shelter. But what can he do? Everyone dont get to go to Cancun.

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My wife Jenee, who was making calls in another room of our apartment, reached a woman in Houston who was out of water and worried about her 103-year-old mother, who lived with her. Jenee entered their information into the chat room, but couldnt shake the feeling that they needed more immediate help. She reached out to a friend in town, who offered to brave the icy streets and drove over a couple of 24-packs of bottled water.

My last call was to a woman in Odessa who didnt need help but wanted me to call a relative who did. I entered the relatives information into the chat room, and wondered if Isaiah was going to get the help he needed.

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You are a cause for hope, ORourke told us at the end of the night. Wed only spent a couple of hours on the phone from the comfort of our warm homes, but it was a seductive line, a kind of practiced political enthusiasm that once convinced millions of Texans that he might topple Cruz.

Of course, he didnt. And despite his prediction, I didnt feel really good after making the calls, knowing that the states mostly Republican political leadership had misled the public about the cause of the power outages, completely dropped the ball on crumbling infrastructure and left millions of Texans in need of our phone calls from a different state. I guess hope is no substitute for good government.
New Delhi:

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said the nation has been facing cross-border terrorism for several years and it has been recognised as a larger and global challenge.

While speaking at India-US forum, the minister said that the governments 'Neighbourhood first policy' has yielded results with all countries in the region barring one.

She said India has emerged as one of largest recipients of foreign direct investments, reaching figure of 60 billion US dollars last year.

Our 'Neighbourhood first policy' has yielded results with all countries in the region barring one: EAM Sushma Swaraj at India-US Forum pic.twitter.com/3rGIZDpBH7  ANI (@ANI_news) July 31, 2017

Swaraj said Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump had made clear and unambiguous message jointly which needs to be pursued with resolving by the international community.

Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Nowshera sector

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
As Topshop closes its doors for the final time, fashion editor Laura Craik looks back at the store that transformed the high street and our wardrobes  and asks, what really went wrong?

Saturday afternoon in Edinburgh, some time in the late 1980s. Three schoolgirls are huddled in the basement of Topshop on Princes Street, hotly debating its tube skirts. Jenni wants a pink one. Joanne wants it in black. I  ever keen to be different (joke)  want the stripy version. But we only have a tenner, so we buy some hoop earrings instead. We exit happily, not too disappointed to miss out on new skirts because we have something better: inspiration, and the shared feeling that weve just spent an hour at the white-hot centre of the world.

That was the magic of Topshop in its heyday: it made you feel part of a club whose only membership criterion was that you loved fashion. As a teen, I thought the Edinburgh store was as exciting as shopping got. Then I clapped eyes on Topshop Oxford Circus.

Kate Moss in 2007, posing in the window of Topshops Oxford Street store to launch her first collection

The internet might have democratised fashion  anyone anywhere can buy a pair of Topshop jeans  but it can never replicate the heart-thumping joy of gliding down those escalators into 90,000 square feet of It clothes and wondering whether youd bump into Alexa Chung or Joan Collins (in my three decades as a Topshop customer, I saw both browsing the aisles). It lured you in, whether you were 18 or 80. And if you were Beyonce, it smuggled you in after hours, via a secret entrance, to shop uninterrupted by the hordes.

Alas, Topshop Oxford Circus can no longer lure celebrities, time-pressed office workers, 40-something mums, starry-eyed tweens or eager tourists into its neon lair. On 1 February, online retailer Asos announced it had bought Topshop and Miss Selfridge in a 330 million deal, after parent company Arcadia collapsed into administration last year. As an e-tailer founded on clicks rather than bricks, Asos declined to buy any of the brands remaining 70 stores, leaving 2,500 jobs at risk. But Topshop isnt just another casualty of Covid. Its also a casualty of fundamentally changed shopping habits, as well as greed, hubris and poor management that saddens anyone who worshipped at its altar or worked on its shop floor.

Founded in 1964 by Raymond Montague Burton, Topshop started humbly, in the basement of a store in Sheffield, and peaked as a billion-pound behemoth, with more than 500 stores in 37 countries. Its zenith and its nadir were both presided over by the disgraced Philip Green, who has been accused of racial, sexual and physical abuse, all of which he denied, and who in 2002 bought Arcadia in a 850 million deal.

Shoppers in 1978 queuing outside what was to become Topshop Oxford Circus  the brand began as a concession at the Peter Robinson department store in 1964

It was PG (as he was known to friends) who made Topshop a headline sponsor of London Fashion Week; who supported young British design talent by funding programmes like NewGen, which helps up-and-coming designers to show at London Fashion Week; who persuaded Kate Moss to design her first-ever collection; who masterminded capsule collections by Celia Birtwell, JW Anderson, Preen and Christopher Kane; who signed Beyonce to launch her Ivy Park brand and who presided over Topshops decline into bankruptcy.

But this isnt a tribute to PG. This is a tribute to Topshop: to the people who shopped there, the people who worked there and the army of women working tirelessly behind the man who grabbed the headlines. Philip Green may have bankrolled the brand, but while he relished being its head, he could never be its heart.

We wanted to exceed our customers expectations in every way, from the quality of the clothes and the design credentials, to the service they received, remembers Jane Shepherdson, whose seven-year tenure until 2006 as brand director saw annual profits jump from 9 million to 100 million. We wanted them to feel as special as a Harrods or Selfridges customer, sampling the coolest London designers, or having a one-to-one appointment with their own style adviser. We were so proud of what we were creating, we never gave a thought to whether or not it would make money. If the customers wanted it, we would give it to them with bells on.

Kate Phelan, the revered Vogue stylist who joined Topshop as creative director in 2011, was pivotal in ensuring the brand remained cool among a new generation of shoppers who took their cues from social media more than magazines. Were very broad at Topshop, from a girl starting her first adventures in fashion at 16 to a woman like myself, whos 51 and still gets excited to see something brilliant, she told me in 2015.

Its important we consider that grown-up, working woman, and what she wants. That Topshop managed to be all things to all women was key to its huge success. It was one of those rare high-street brands that you could take your teenage daughter to and not have her cringe, or walk five steps behind you.

Famous fans: Alexa Chung, Pixie Geldof, Kendall Jenner and Jourdan Dunn front row at Topshops 2015 LFW show

More likely, youd be fighting over the same coat. No one epitomises this cross-generational appeal more than Kate Moss. The girl next door from Croydon went from customer, to model, to capsule collection designer in the space of 20 years, growing up with the brand in tandem with its customers. When Kate launched her first collection in 2007, she brought Oxford Street to a standstill after posing in the flagship stores window in a slinky long red chiffon dress (it sold out instantly, changing hands on Ebay for five times the price). Of the 14 collections she designed between then and 2014 almost everything sold out, from the swallow-print shirts and skinny sequined scarves to the lemon mini prom dresses.

However many millions it was that Uncle Phil (as Kate called him) spent on signing her, it was worth every penny. It gave credibility and visibility in equal measure, and put a rocket under Topshops international expansion plans.

Kate moss, Vogue editor Edward Enninful, Kates daughter Lila and model Stella Jones at Topshops LFW show, 2017

Ill always remember the strange familiarity of visiting Topshops New York store when it opened on Broadway in 2009: seeing the same army jackets, Baxter jeans and slip dresses on the rails made me feel both discombobulated and proud.

Another vivid memory is of attending Topshops first catwalk show in 2005. Some fashion editors were sniffy about a high-street chain daring to show alongside designers such as Matthew Williamson and Giles Deacon, but Topshop was ahead of its time. Credit to Jane Shepherdson, who recognised that if the most stylish shoppers had been wearing high street and designer labels together for years, why not blur the lines further with a catwalk show?

Everyone loved the Topshop sale, even Beyonce

In the 13 years that Topshop showed at London Fashion Week (its last show was in 2018), it was always one of the highlights, with a celebrity-heavy front row (Kendall Jenner, Ellie Goulding and, of course, Kate Moss  in recent years flanked by her daughter Lila) that made the requisite splash on social media. As a brand, Topshop was hard to define: it didnt have a heritage check, just a name above a door. Catwalk shows gave it an identity.

But identities change, and customers are fickle. Even loyal ones who had grown up with Topshop found themselves tempted by the catwalk-adjacent looks in Zara, the cheaper offers in Primark and the sleek, minimal designs in Scandi-owned chains such as Cos and Arket. Their daughters, meanwhile, were lured by the cheap fast-fashion offerings of Boohoo, Missguided and PrettyLittleThing  all marketed directly via paid ads with influencers on their mobile phones. Kate Moss? Shes old enough to be their mother.

And no girl wants to dress like her mother. As my teen pulls out another pair of Nike sweatpants and another Fruit of the Loom tee, I remember Jenni, Joanne and me at the same age: how sweatpants were for losers, how we eventually saved up for those tube skirts and how we waddled into the school disco with pride. Maybe my two daughters will spend the rest of their natural lives dressed in trainers and trackies, but Ive kept my favourite Topshop buys just in case. Times change, tastes change, but a cute tea dress is a cute tea dress.

Other high-street heroes weve loved and lost

Biba

Established in the 1960s by Polish fashion designer Barbara Hulanicki, the Kensington store was popular for its affordability and fast-changing stock. After Hulanicki sold to Dorothy Perkins she lost control of the business and it closed in 1976.

Chelsea Girl

One of the UKs first fashion boutique chains, Chelsea Girl opened in 1965 and became a rite of passage for teenagers thanks to its denim A-line midi skirts and cheesecloth shirts. It merged with menswear brand Concept Man in 1988 and became River Island.

Morgan

Parisian high-street brand Morgan was known for its minidresses and black bootcut trousers before it fell victim to the financial crisis in 2008. It went into administration and closed its 19 stores and 47 department store concessions.

Kookai

Remembered for its sparkly tops and clubbing handbags, Australian retailer Kookai was the only place to get an outfit for a night out in the 90s. The UK arm of the brand went into administration in 2006, before pulling out of the UK by 2013. Its still available online.

Jane Norman

Founded by Norman Freed in 1952, it was the go-to in the 90s and early noughties for figure-hugging floral dresses and its iconic plastic bags. The company went into administration in 2011, then again three years later before finally folding in 2018.
A medical worker prepares to administer a vaccination against coronavirus as part of a Tel Aviv municipality initiative offering a free drink at a bar to residents getting the shot. Photo: REUTERS/Corinna Kern.

Israel reopened swathes of its economy on Sunday, with the government saying the start of a return to routine was enabled by a Covid-19 vaccination drive that has reached almost half the population.

Shops were open to all. But access to leisure sites like gyms, hotels and theatres was limited to people who have had both doses of the vaccine more than a week prior, or recovered from the disease with presumed immunity. Those people get "Green Pass" status displayed on a Health Ministry app.

Mask-wearing and social-distancing were still in force. Dancing was barred at banquet halls. Synagogues, mosques or churches were required to halve their normal congregation sizes.

Coming exactly a year after Israel's first documented coronavirus case, Sunday's easing of curbs was part of a government plan to open the economy more widely next month, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is up for reelection.

"We are the first country in the world that is reviving itself thanks to the millions of vaccines we brought in," he tweeted. "Vaccinated? Get the Green Pass and get back to life."

Israel has administered at least one dose of the Pfizer Inc vaccine to more than 46pc of its 9 million population, the Health Ministry says. The risk of illness from Covid-19 dropped 95.8pc among people who received both shots of the vaccine, the Health Ministry said on Saturday.

The country has logged more than 740,000 cases and 5,500 deaths from the illness, prompting criticism of the Netanyahu government's sometimes patchy enforcement of three national lockdowns. It has pledged that there will not be a fourth.

But Nachman Ash, a physician in charge of the country's pandemic response, told Army Radio that another lockdown "is still possible ... Half of the population is still not immune."

Elementary schoolchildren and pupils in the last two years of high school attended classes on Sunday in Israeli towns found to have contagion rates under control. Middle schoolers are due back by next month, after almost a year of remote learning.




The Bucharest Tourism Company is the first municipal company to have the plug pulled on it, chairperson of the National Liberal Party's Bucharest branch, Violeta Alexandru, announced on Sunday.

According to Alexandru, only the legally established municipal companies will be kept in place - the Bucharest Transport Company, the Metropolitan Buildings Trust, Energetica Servicii and Termoenergetica, which will soon have new teams appointed at their helm with a "clear" mandate to organize the selection of the company managers.

"We consider these were just sinecures for the Social Democratic Party's clientele to round off their incomes. (...) We will move to dissolve the first company founded by PSD's Gabriela Firea - the Bucharest Tourism Company. We will continue with all the other entities up to 20. The four that will remain - the Bucharest Transport Company, the Metropolitan Buildings Trust, Energetica Servicii and Termoenergetica - will soon have new boards with a clear mandate to organize the competitive selection process of the managers who will render these companies efficient. The rest of the companies will be dismantled. It is PNL's belief that there are enough service providers in the Bucharest free market capable of tabling clear offers for competitive prices so that the citizens of Bucharest get quality services," said Violeta Alexandru, who added that the dissolution of the municipal companies, which would last about two years, is carried out together with the USR-PLUS governing partners.

"There are employees who haven't had their wages paid for months. (...) PNL is for streamlining the activity of the four companies that will remain, for a strict evaluation of the possibility of taking over - where this is justified - of the competitive staff of the companies that are in for dismantling. (...) We are determined to close these companies in a time horizon of two years - because each of them has various complications - and keep just the four where we will appoint an efficient management. (... ) The Mayor General and PNL will take care of the employees who have no fault for getting to this point. The fault lies with the PSD cronies who have placed friends and acquaintances in the management of these companies and who enjoyed advantages at their expense," said the chair of PNL Bucharest.

Violeta Alexandru explained that some of the municipal companies are in a complicated situation, with overdue wages or uncompleted ongoing contracts, and that pulling the plug on them before these procedures are finalized would be an abuse.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, who was surgeon general under former President Barack Obama, famously advised President Joe Biden on the coronavirus pandemic during the presidential campaign. And during that time, he also ran a very lucrative business as a COVID-19 consultant for the private sector, reveals the Washington Post. Murthy, who has been nominated to take on the role as surgeon general again, made millions consulting for the likes of Carnival cruise lines, Airbnb, and others. He also made hundreds of thousands of dollars in speaking fees, according to ethics documents he filed last month. Murthys Senate confirmation hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

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Murthys ethics documents raised more than a few eyebrows with some experts saying that he has the most financial entanglements of any surgeon general pick in recent history, notes the Post. Some are questioning whether he could really be trusted as a spokesperson on how the country should respond to the pandemic and as an adviser to the president considering his financial interests. We didnt have a full window into how enmeshed he was in the selling-advice process, Jeff Hauser, who leads the Revolving Door Project at the progressive think tank the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told the Post. One question that Murthys past work raises, for example, is whether he could really give impartial advice on the safety of going on a cruise during a pandemic.

Murthy is expected to win confirmation by a narrow margin but any questions about potential conflicts of interest could derail an already tight vote. Conservatives are largely opposed to Murthy because of his insistence that gun violence should be treated as a public health issue. Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin still hasnt said how he will vote on Murthys confirmation, although he voted against him after his 2014 confirmation hearing.


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First Nations people say they are continuing to be dispossessed of their rights and their economy after a study of Indigenous water rights in the Murray-Darling Basin found they share less than 1 per cent of the market.

Griffith Universitys Australian Rivers Institute compiled for the first time the volume and value of water rights owned by First Nations groups in the basin, which spans Queensland, NSW, ACT, Victoria and South Australia.

The report, commissioned by the Commonwealths Murray Darling Basin Authority, found about 44 First Nations groups share in 0.12 per cent of the market worth $16 billion. Their 64 entitlements give rights to a cumulative annual water take of 13 gigalitres, worth $15 million.

Tatti Tatti traditional owners during a cultural flow planning project at Margooya Lagoon in north-west Victoria. Credit:Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations

Tatti Tatti man Brendan Kennedy, from the Murray River in western Victoria, says First Nations people had been systematically locked out from the allocation of water rights and need more to use for environmental, cultural and economic purposes.
Civil rights advocates who saw how security laws  such as watchlists and wiretaps  brought unchecked invasion into Muslim communities after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are now cautioning against broadening law enforcement powers in response to the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot.

Michigan lawmakers appointed to homeland security committees in the U.S. House and Senate are promising to take a closer look at domestic extremists threatening the nation as the U.S. Capitol invasion rekindles a decades-old debate on sacrificing civil liberties to expand security measures.

While security changes have not been proposed at a national level, several lawmakers  including U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D- Detroit  hope to prevent the kind of dramatic shift that in past gave law enforcement agencies surveillance and prosecutorial powers to target people based on race and religion.

We can continue to think something within the law needs to be changed when it (doesnt); its the culture within, Tlaib said. Our law enforcement agencies have not prioritized white supremacy in our country, which has existed and harmed communities of color for a long time.

Tlaib, alongside nine of her colleagues, wrote Congressional leadership a letter urging lawmakers to avoid expanding national security powers after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

These actions have not made us any safer. Instead, theyve attacked the very communities that need protection from white (nationalist) extremism, Tlaib said.

Before 2001, federal and state lawmakers were grappling with the consequences of expanding national security measures to prosecute drug crimes. Empowering FBI agents to investigate and collect information on suspects with little oversight meant infringing on Americans civil rights. However, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, lawmakers were quick to expand powers and allow intrusive tactics to investigate American Muslims without evidence of wrongdoing.

On Feb. 18, Tlaib led a letter to U.S. Defense Secretary General Lloyd Austin and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines requesting more information on reports the U.S. military bought private location data from apps targeted towards Mulism users.

President Biden must ensure that the civil rights of all people, including Muslim Americans are protected, Tlaib said. We cannot continue to allow our government to intrude on and violate the privacy and rights of people across this country. We cannot pick and choose who the Constitution applies to.

Michael German, a fellow at the Brennen Center for Justice, said it is a natural response for policymakers to want to invest in security after an attack. Still, expanding law enforcement powers after 9/11 was ineffective and should not be repeated, he said.

German was an FBI agent investigating domestic terrorism when the attacks occurred. He said law enforcement agents received overtly anti-Muslim counterterrorism training and xenophobic counterintelligence materials.

If over 20 years we are training our law enforcement workforce to view these problems through that racially biased lens, we cant be surprised when there is a problem with racial bias in law enforcement, German said.

How law enforcement powers were expanded after 9/11

Dawud Walid, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations southeast Michigan branch, remembers the tense political climate following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The federal government implemented security policies that contributed to an Islamophobic national response, he said.

Walid, a Black Muslim, recalled driving to work in Wayne County when news of the Twin Towers attack was announced on the radio 20 years ago. Traffic came to a complete stop.

It was an unnecessary traffic jam; there wasnt an accident. People were just on the highway; no one was moving. You could see the fear in peoples eyes, Walid said. It was a scary moment.

Lawmakers response to the attacks was swift. They consolidated federal law enforcement agencies into the Department of Homeland Security and created the TSA. Then, passed the Patriot Act with a 357-66 vote in the House and 98-1 vote in the Senate. The act allowed for expanding government watch lists, warrantless wiretaps, and other controversial counterterrorism initiatives that targeted American-Muslims.

According to Walid, the Sept. 11 attacks changed the national perspective of Muslims, and new counterterrorism laws intruded into many peoples lives. The Civil Rights Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Attorneys offices have investigated over 800 incidents since 9/11 involving violence, threats, vandalism, and arson against Arab-Americans, Muslims, Sikhs, South-Asian Americans, and other individuals perceived to be of Middle Eastern origin.

Walid was targeted for writing a column in the Muslim Observer, a local newspaper in southeast Michigan; someone vandalized his car, and he received death threats on his home phone. He recalled standing watch over the mosque he attended for days on end, fearful of an attack. Yet, Walid did not turn to law enforcement for help  concerned about bias as he watched FBI agents go door-to-door in Muslim-majority neighborhoods, interrogating residents about their beliefs.

We now have a concern that any new legislation that revolves around domestic terrorism can be misused to target marginalized communities, Walid said.

Dawud Walid in Canton on Thursday, February 11, 2020.Nicole Hester/Mlive.com

How the FBI used its new powers

Following the Sept. 11 attacks, new surveillance policies allowed the FBI to collect personal information from suspected persons, such as medical records and credit card transactions, without a warrant.

Additionally, controversial programs were created, such as the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System. Walid said many Muslims in America were interrogated and sometimes deported through the program.

The NSEERS program had a $362 million budget in 2003 to register immigrants by taking their fingerprints, pictures and information about their religious practices. Registered people had to enter and leave the U.S. through designated ports and underwent more questioning.

(Law enforcement was) treating protected First Amendment activities as some potential predicate of being a national security threat, Walid said.

This intensive screening targeted travelers from Muslim-majority countries and those with Arabic names. The American Civil Liberties Union said the program unjustly targeted individuals based on religion.

The government registered more than 138,000 people, according to testimony by the Department of Homeland Security to Congress. Of those people, 82,581 individuals had complied with the programs domestic portion and agents placed 13,153 people in deportation proceedings.

According to the ACLU, the program was ineffective because it produced no terrorism-related convictions and was eventually dismantled in 2016.

University of Michigan students surround the "M" at the Diag during a peaceful protest against intimidation on the University of Michigan's campus on the evening of Saturday, November 12, 2016. The protest was organized because of outrage after a Muslim woman was approached on Michigan's campus and told to remove her hijab or be set on fire on November, 11. Matt Weigand | The Ann Arbor News ANN ARBOR NEWSANN ARBOR NEWS

Meanwhile, domestic terrorism worsens

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, said Michigan has dealt with the rise of extremism and domestic terrorism long before Jan. 6. Slotkin was recently named Chairwoman of the Intelligence & Counterterrorism Subcommittee within the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Slotkin referenced April 2020, when armed protestors forced their way into Michigans capital and events later in the year when several militia members were arrested for plotting to kidnap and possibly kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Three of the six people indicted in the kidnapping plot are Slotkins constituents of the 8th District.

Its important we consider the lessons from the post 9/11 era and bring those forward as we try to make sure that we are properly prepared for the threat we see from domestic terrorism, Slotkin said.

According to the U.S. Inspector General Office, terrorism is the unlawful use or threatened use of violence committed against people or property to intimidate or coerce government or civilians in furtherance of political and social objects. When such violent acts are carried out by a group or individual operating entirely in the U.S. with no foreign direction, it is labeled domestic terrorism. When such actions are carried out by a group or person outside of the U.S., it is labeled as international terrorism.

The threat of domestic terrorism, though, has been largely overlooked.

The most recent FBI data showed white supremacists and militias are largely responsible for most of Americas terrorism attacks. Between 2013 and 2017, prosecutors closed 404 domestic terrorism cases, compared to the 233 international cases closed, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

A man carries a rifle during a rally in support of President Donald Trump at the state capitol in Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)AP

Discrepancies in counterterrorism programs

Domestic attacks occur often, yet only 20% of the FBIs counterterrorism budget is dedicated to addressing the threat, whereas international counterterrorism programs receive 80% of the funding. German said this discrepancy is a result of lawmakers loosening oversight of the FBIs counterterrorism programs.

According to German, the FBI maintained its funding despite growing evidence of their methods being counterproductive. He said this was done by inflating statistical accomplishments through controversial investigative practices.

The process became the FBI using informants or undercover agents to pretend to be a representative of a foreign terrorist group that would encourage the target of their investigation to participate in an imaginary plot that they would then arrest them for, German said.

The method had no detrimental effect on actual international terrorist organizations, German said.

Meanwhile, attacks carried out by domestic terrorists increased nationwide.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security identified domestic violent extremists as the primary threat to Americans in 2020 and predicted those groups would continue to target individuals institutions. An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies of 893 terrorist attacks in the U.S. dating back to January 1994 found right-wing extremists perpetrated two-thirds of the attacks and plots in 2019 and over 90% between Jan. 1 and May 8, 2020. Both agencies predicted violence would intensify during the general election.

And over those decades, Congress passed ample laws to address those problems, German said.

According to Tlaib, the U.S. has more than 50 criminal statutes that people who attacked the Capitol can be prosecuted under; however, they are not being met with the same scrutiny as minorities.

Tlaib said, historically, the FBI has secretly collected information on civil rights activists and groups, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Black Lives Matter. She said law enforcements surveillance powers are broad enough to investigate the people who invaded the Capitol, but agencies arent applying them equally.

The intelligence failure that allowed the Capitol siege to occur was not the result of insufficient national security or surveillance powers, Tlaib said. If our government focused more on the threat of white nationalist terrorism and less on harassing Black Lives Matter protestors, they would have seen this coming a mile away and taken action to prevent it, but they decided not to.

Mayela Mampouya, 7, and her sister, Ntinu, 5, stand next to their mother, Sarah Cormier, as activists protest the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety outside the Kalamazoo County Courthouse, 227 W. Michigan Ave., on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020. The group is protesting the department's handling of rallies and protests that happened in Kalamazoo over the summer.The family lives in Kalamazoo. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) Cory Morse | MLive.com

Why the FBI is hiding data on domestic terrorists

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, said assessing the threat of domestic terrorism and failures that allowed rioters to storm the U.S. Capitol are top priorities as he assumes leadership of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs.

Right now, there is insufficient data from the federal government, which has to change, as to how many domestic attacks we have actually had and who were they conducted by, Peters said. We know many of these groups are being incited by the insidious ideology of white supremacy, of antisemitism, of anti-government, and its one that we must address swiftly, but also comprehensively.

Congress became more interested in examining the FBIs domestic terrorism programs after 2017, the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Virginia; the rally quickly became violent, leading to three deaths and dozens of injuries.

Since then, lawmakers have repeatedly requested data about how the FBI utilizes its domestic counterterrorism resources. German said the agency has refused to provide that data for years and then manipulated it in the face of the National Defense Authorization Act, which required the agency to publish information in June 2020.

The FBI has manipulated the way it categorizes domestic terrorism programs to hide the data Congress is seeking, German said.

Recently, German said the FBI collapsed domestic terrorist categories, like white supremacists, Black identity extremists, or anarchists, making it harder to discern which groups are the most violent versus the most investigated.

If white supremacists are involved for 90% of the violence but only accounts for where 20% percent of domestic terrorism resources go, thats a problem, German said.

According to Tlaib, Congress has to investigate how the FBI is distributing its resources, but addressing extremism in America requires admitting its law enforcement systems have disparate impacts on communities of color.

The heart of it, or truth, is that the United States government was built on a foundation of white supremacy. No matter how many well-meaning people they employ, white supremacys influences remain--its obvious from what happened after Jan. 6, Tlaib said.

Three things will decide how this goes, and right now two of them are in rag order.

The three things are public morale, political leadership and science.

Science has been playing a blinder, but even there the news is not all good.

Our expectations of our leaders were already barely ankle-high. After this past week, our expectations of them have sunk to subterranean levels.

Public morale?

I haven't seen any scientific measurement, but the exhaustion is self-evident. It's not the exhaustion of missing the usual social pleasures - though that in itself is not to be sniffed at. It's the exhaustion of living in danger. The exhaustion of losing work - not just missing the money, but the routine, the sense of being part of things, making a contribution, the sense of achievement.

A large part of society has experienced the draining feeling that comes with the permanent shortage of money, the lack of the necessities it buys. And missing the comfort of knowing what you spend will be replaced next payday.

The longer it goes on, the greater the fear that this is the future - jobs that won't be there to go back to, careers undone, whole businesses gone under.

Above all, time wasted staring at a wall at home, two metres distant from everyone when we go out - and always wondering what's next.

Politicians become exhausted too. And make bad decisions. Then, chastened, fearful, they take forever to make any decision.

Meanwhile, parents know that children's feet grow. They wonder where they'll get the kids' feet measured so they can buy shoes to send them back to the schools the politicians are talking about reopening.

Exhaustion comes from the innumerable times such problems have to be thought through.

Some of us envied the freedoms, choices and possibilities of today's young people - and for many of them that has vanished. Huge efforts they made to assess potential, sort through possibilities and try out prospects all thrashed.

We can assure them this is a setback, a blip in a lifetime of possibilities - but they're the ones living it.

The old had to hide from the virus, to squander too big a portion of their small ration of time.

And many have lost out in the worst way possible.

Morale is sapped by the mounting deaths. In mid-November, after eight months of it, we hit 2,000 deaths. It then took less than eight weeks more to pass 3,000. And a few days ago, after just another three weeks, we passed 4,000 dead.

Morale is sapped by the relentlessness of it all, and the mounting evidence of the damage the virus does to those, of whatever age, who survive.

Exhaustion comes from uncertainty. Most of us are weary, unsure, but we're paying attention. We know there are people looking out for themselves, but there always are.

The vast majority of us know that we either fight this collectively or it will chew us up, one by one.

In such circumstances, competent political leadership is essential.

Long, bitter, sigh...

There was, on Friday, a three-hour meeting of the Coronavirus Cabinet Subcommittee, at which nothing was decided other than to pass the decision-making to the full Cabinet, on Tuesday.

At some point, there appears to have been a decision for the Coronavirus Cabinet Subcommittee to meet again on Monday.

Look, this is an emergency. It's already stretched over months, it may stretch over years, it will remain an emergency, and in an emergency decisions are made according to need, not schedule.

Long, leisurely breaks are off the agenda. So be it if that means politicians don't get to discuss with local party hacks the effect all this might have on second preferences in the election boxes from the top end of the constituency.

Stop worrying about the next election. This is what you're allegedly in politics for. This is it. You will never face more crucial decisions. Stop faffing about.

You will not be remembered for winning a second seat in some marginal - you will be judged on the body count of your constituents.

Act on knowledgeable advice. When the evidence mounts, change your mind. Tell us so, and why. When you make the wrong choice, accept it, admit it, and get over it.

Argue things through, tell us the choices, then speak with one voice.

On the record.

Last week, we had everyone from the Taoiseach and Tanaiste down yapping, top-of-the-head stuff about what might or might not be done at some vague point in time. They sowed confusion.

Meanwhile, anonymous Cabinet "sources" were saying things that might or might not be true, depending on how awake they were during Cabinet discussions.

I know, reporters love to get "sources", it makes them feel like Woodward and Bernstein. But there's no reason why the media should grant anonymity to any politician to peddle a version of information the public has a right to know.

The only time a politician needs anonymity might be when they're telling us something is being hidden from us.

Dismantle your propaganda machine, appoint a Cabinet spokesperson through which the public is kept informed. Explain the why and the wherefore of every decision. Hide nothing.

Last week's confusion, with consequent effects on public morale, is what comes of making propagandists of people who should be informing us.

There are times when we need politicians to speak - to reveal things, to explain things. Always they should do this on the record.

Never have we more needed information and clarity. The way to stop the tattle of know-nothings is when those with information reveal it. On the record.

The science has been amazing. By removing the market pressure from the process, vaccine research was liberated. These amazingly knowledgeable people are not done yet.

But, dangers await us. There was a report a couple of days ago of two variants - one from the UK, one from California - combining. The recombinant thankfully fizzled out. But it pointed to unwelcome possibilities.

As dear old Albert Reynolds might have said, that's viruses for you. Control them or kill them, or they'll keep looking for mutational possibilities that will slaughter us.

Through all this we have to endure the cranks and the headbangers. On social media, sensible people discuss real problems and treat one another with care. And, a few tweets down the timeline there's some chancer - equipped with a supply of random capital letters - declaring that: "WE are living in a dictatorship, with Hitler MARTIN... All we are short of now are gas chambers."

(And that's an actual tweet, from Friday last.)

People are thankful for the skills of a doctor who cuts their chest open, rearranges the arteries in their heart, sews everything back together and prescribes an array of medicines to keep them alive long enough to recover.

But when the same doctor holds up a syringe and recommends they take a vaccine, they sneer: "You're not going to trick me, you ba****d. I've seen a YouTube video about them things."

Beyond the noisy eejits, there are people with sensible worries, real questions that deserve answers. Nphet needs to answer those questions - calmly, tolerantly, respectfully - explaining clearly the science behind the protections.

And the politicians need to treat us with respect.

Give us information, explain possibilities. Explain decisions.

Do so openly, and always on the record.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, President Bidens chief medical adviser for Covid-19, said on Sunday that Americans may still be wearing masks outside their homes a year from now, even as he predicted the country would return to a significant degree of normality by fall.

I want it to keep going down to a baseline thats so low there is virtually no threat, Dr. Fauci said on the CNN program State of the Union, referring to the number of cases nationally that would make him comfortable enough to stop recommending universal masking. If you combine getting most of the people in the country vaccinated with getting the level of virus in the community very, very low, then I believe youre going to be able to say, for the most part, we dont necessarily have to wear masks.

Dr. Fauci appeared on a series of TV news programs on Sunday morning, where he was quizzed on the dangers of variants of the coronavirus, the schedule of the nations vaccine rollout and when vaccination would allow more students to return to schools.

On this last question, Dr. Fauci said on Fox News Sunday that he hoped high school students, far fewer of whom have gone back to classrooms compared with younger children, would be eligible for vaccination in the fall.
Melbourne fund manager Munro Partners has dumped its longstanding holding in Facebook, claiming the tech giants dispute with the Australian government over news content is just the tip of the iceberg.

Munro Partners chief investment officer Nick Griffin bought into Facebook when it was first listed on Nasdaq in 2012 and the stock has ranked among its top five holdings for a long time. But over the past two years, Munro which manages $3.7 billion  has reduced its exposure to Facebook and last month sold its remaining stock for $130 million.

Munro Partners Nick Griffin has dumped the funds longstanding holding in Facebook. Credit:Arsineh Houspian

Mr Griffin said Facebooks battle with the federal government over paying for news content was one of the thousands of skirmishes the company was facing around the world.

In the US, you cant get the two political parties to agree on anything, anywhere. Whether its climate change, diversity or taxation policy they just will not agree.
The "First Advance Estimates of National Income 2020-21", released on January 7, 2021, indicate that agriculture and allied activities is likely to be the only sector to register positive growth in FY21 (plus 3.4% in real GVA), while the overall growth tanks to all-time low (minus 7.2% in real GVA). The budget for FY22 and Economic Survey of 2020-21 project the FY22 growth to be 14.4-15.4% (nominal GDP).

There is encouraging news from the corporate sector too. The listed companies booked "their highest ever profits in the midst of a severe lockdown" in the second quarter of FY21 and went to better their profits in the third quarter.

Logic and economic sense would dictate that these developments should cheer the Indian workforce battling unprecedented job and wage losses due to the economic disruptions for nearly a year now.

Also Read: Rebooting Economy 68: How private wealth creators are serving Indian economy and people

But that is far from being the case.

Here is how.

Real rural wage growth negative for four consecutive months

Notwithstanding positive growth in agriculture and allied activities in the first two quarters of FY21, rural distress continues. The latest wage data reveal that for the fourth consecutive month of November 2020 - up to which data is available - real growth in rural wages remained negative.

The following graph maps real growth in agricultural and non-agricultural wages and overall rural wages (combining all 25 rural trades) for men by taking their monthly averages.

The first noticeable element of the graph is negative growth in all three for the four consecutive months of August to November 2020.

This fall in wages hurts a very large population of India.

According to the latest periodic labour force survey (PLFS) of 2018-19, 72.8% of India's total workforce is in rural areas. This means, 72.8% of India's workforce is going through a fall in their real incomes for four consecutive months.

Also Read: Rebooting Economy 67: Set the record straight before setting up a Bad Bank

They had witnessed a fall in wages earlier too - during September-December 2019 and January-May 2020.

There was a brief upswing in wages in June-July 2020. This was most likely caused by the rush for rural job guarantee scheme MGNREGS when the additional allocation of Rs 40,000 crore was announced in May 2020 as part of the relief packages, raising overall rural wage rates.

Now that the MGNREGS allocation for FY22 is Rs 73,000 crore, substantially lower than Rs 1,115,00 crore in the revised estimates for FY21, a similar upswing is unlikely to happen in the near future.

The second interesting element of the graph is a higher fall in non-agricultural wages, compared to agricultural wages - a reversal of earlier trends.

This is a clear indication that non-agricultural activities remain sluggish.

Since non-agricultural activities generate 77% of all incomes for rural households, as per the NABARD's "All India Financial Inclusion Survey of 2016-17 published in 2018 (the latest on the subject), this is bad news for the rural economy. (Cultivation contributes 29% and livestock 4%, taking the total to 23%).

Also Read: Rebooting Economy 66: Is India facing credit deprivation to warrant corporation banks?

Even if agriculture and allied activities grow at 3.4% (GVA) in FY21, it means little to rural workers. About 55% of agricultural workers are landless and survive through wage labour. A prolonged negative growth in agricultural and non-agricultural wages means further poverty and deprivation of a vast majority of the rural population.

Corporate profits soar amidst job and wage cut

The situation in the corporate sector is no less ironic.

The corporate sector is witnessing an unprecedented profit growth amidst the economic ruins. While the growth projection for FY21 is at an all-time low (of minus 7.7% in real GDP), corporate sector profits are touching new highs.

In December 2020, a leading business information company, Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) analysed financial statements filed by 4,234 listed companies for the second quarter of FY21 (July-September 2020) and said that they registered "their highest ever profits in the midst of a severe lockdown".

They did even better in the third quarter of FY21 (October-December 2020).

On February 17, 2021, the CMIE published its findings for the third quarter of FY21, saying "Listed companies' record profits encore". If their net profits were at an all-time high of Rs 1,42,200 crore in the second quarter, it went up to Rs 1,62,000 crore in the third quarter.

Also Read: Rebooting Economy 65: IBC has failed; will a bad bank succeed?

That meant little for their workers.

The CMIE's second-quarter analysis, titled "Why companies cut wages when profits soared", said the high profits were accompanied by job and wage cut; "53% profits growth companies slashed wages".

It said though the quarterly filings don't provide job data, analysis of wage bills indicated cuts in jobs and wages. It explained the logic: "A cut in the wage bill could mean a combination of layoffs and wage rate cuts. It is likely that the wage bill was contained largely through a cut in the wage rate for the permanent staff... The axe on headcount is more likely to be through a slashing of contractual labour. Payments made to contractual labour do not show up as wages on the company's financial statements since these payments are made to contractors... Hiring of labour through contractors has been on the rise in recent years..."

For the third quarter, it said, though in nominal terms, the wage bill went up, in real terms it shrunk for the third consecutive quarter (April to December 2020). The business continued to be sluggish, as a result of which employment had either stagnated or declined; listed companies continued to make record profits nevertheless, it added.

What the two instances (negative real growth in rural wages and all-time high corporate profits amidst job and wage cut) reflect is a clear disconnect between growth/profits and jobs/wages. It is the latter that distributes the fruits of growth/profit.

This, however, is not the end of irony; there is more.

Also Read: Rebooting Economy 64: Budget numbers don't add up to 10% or more growth in FY22

Indian workers most resilient, second best in workplace engagement

In September 2020, a global payroll and human resources company ADP released its report "Global Workplace Study 2020" that looked at workplace behaviour of workers in 25 countries during the pandemic.

It listed Indian workers at the top in "resilience" and second in workplace engagement, indicating that Indian workers not only demonstrated a more positive mindset towards work but also capacity to work in challenging circumstances.

The report didn't reveal the composition of workers surveyed (more than 1,000 in each country) but going by their profile - 80% with college degree and more - many of them could be from the corporate (formal) sector.

While the listed corporate sector hasn't been quite generous, Indian workers have been treated far more shabbily by their government.

Also Read: Rebooting Economy 62: Economic growth for whom and for what?

The government did nothing to protect jobs during the pandemic lockdown, which was untimely and unplanned, to begin with, and led to an overnight loss of millions of jobs. India was the only country that witnessed the distress migration of millions of workers. In sharp contrast, the OECD countries proudly declared that they saved 50 million jobs through their "Job Retention schemes". India didn't even track job loss, let alone provide unemployment allowance that the US continues to do. (For more read " Rebooting Economy XXIII: What stops India from taking care of its crisis-hit workers? ")

All that the government did was to allocate Rs 40,000 crore for low-paying (below minimum wages) menial work that the MGNREGS offers as a relief even during normal times because the prolonged rural distress and job crisis have not been addressed yet. It also announced a one-time allocation of Rs 10,000 crore for other rural jobs (under a new scheme called "Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana") for migrant workers, which would be discontinued in FY22.

India does not have any idea about 94% of its total workforce, which works in the informal sector. No effort has been made to determine how they survived the lockdown or what their financial status is. Multiple global estimates have said that 40-80 million Indians would slip into "extreme poverty" (per capita per day living expense of $1.9) due to lockdown. India did not try to assess it for itself or address it anyway.

It is also not known how many slipped into "extreme poverty" due to the demonetisation of 2016 (which too caused overnight loss of millions of jobs and businesses) and the subsequent economic slowdown either. (For more read " Rebooting Economy 63: Budgeting FY22 with critical information gaps ")

Here is yet another irony. The recent budget quoted the classic Tamil text Thirukkural to demonstrate the government's good intentions: "A King/Ruler is the one who creates and acquires wealth, protects and distributes it for common good" (Thirukkural 385).

Rhetoric apart, this quote is inappropriate because India is a constitutional democracy in which governments are elected every five years to work for people's welfare.

Also Read: Rebooting Economy 61: All that's wrong with guaranteed MSP outside APMC

Facing a resurgent BJP as the main challenger in the upcoming assembly polls, West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress on Saturday unveiled a poll slogan- "Bangla Nijer Meyekei Chaye", portraying Chief Minister as its mascot with focus on women voters and Bengali sub-nationalism.

The slogan, which translates to 'Bengal wants its own daughter', presents the transformation from her popular image of 'didi' (elder sister) to 'Nijer Meye' (own daughter), was officially launched at the party's headquarters off EM Bypass.

Party sources said that the slogan aims at reaching out to the women voters, who comprise nearly 49 per cent of an estimated 7 crore electorate.

The slogan is also expected to further sharpen the party's focus on the Bengali sub-nationalism and its repeated instances on "insider versus outsider" debate, in a bid to counter frequent visits by senior BJP leaders from outside the state for poll campaigning.

The BJP, however, claimed that the ruling party needed a new slogan as old ones have failed.

The TMC supremo's photo along with the slogan was put up on hoardings across Kolkata.

"The people of the state want their own daughter who has been by their side for the last several years as their chief minister. We don't want outsiders to call the shots in Bengal," TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said.

The TMC is engaged in a bitter political fight with the BJP and projects the opposition party's leaders as outsiders on "election tourism" to the state.

"This change from Didi to Nijer Meye aims to strengthen the connection with women voters on the one hand, and on the other hand, it also smacks of Bengali sub- nationalism. It projects Banerjee as the daughter of Bengal, someone who is our own, while branding the BJP as a party of outsiders," political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty said.

The feisty TMC boss shares a special bond with the women voters of the state since the 1980s when she made her debut in electoral politics, political observers said.

"The upcoming election is not a big factor for the Trinamool Congress. The entire country is watching how the Constitution can be protected, and the outcome of the polls will prove that," TMC's Rajya Sabha MP Subrata Bakshi said.

He said the chief minister has already a submitted a report card of the work done in the last 10 years to the people of the state. "Which state has done so much? None," Bakshi claimed.

The BJP, however, mocked the slogan and claimed that the people of the state want freedom from her.

"What happened to other slogans that the TMC had earlier launched? All seem to have failed. Now they are presenting this new drama," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.

The TMC's slogan of "Bodla Noy Bodol Chai" (Don't want revenge but change), ahead of the 2011 polls had turned out to be crucial in reaching out to the masses who toppled the Left Front government after 34 years in the state.

The slogan, of "Chup Chap Fuley Chap" (vote for TMC in silence) is also considered iconic during the Left rule.

However, "Ma, Mati, Manush" (mother, land and people) -- the slogan Banerjee gave during the anti-land acquisition agitation of the mid-2000s became the party's ideology, helping it win rural Bengal along with the urban areas, election after election.

(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.)
Conservative minor opposition People's Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo, left, who's running in the April 7 by-election for Seoul mayor, participates in a televised debate with rival candidate and former lawmaker Keum Tae-sup, Thursday. Yonhap



By Jung Da-min



A Seoul mayoral candidate's recent remarks related to the issue of rights of the LGBTQ community have rekindled debates on the matter in political circles.



Conservative minor opposition People's Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo, who is running in the April 7 by-election for Seoul mayor, brought about the controversy after saying that the rights of those who oppose an annual parade held in central Seoul by LGBTQ community members should also be respected, during a televised debate with his rival candidate and former ruling party lawmaker Keum Tae-sup, last Thursday.



LGBTQ community members here and activists supporting them have been staging the Seoul Queer Culture Festival every year since 2000 in central Seoul to call for rights for the community. Since 2015, the parade has set off from the main festival site at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, with the city government under former Mayor Park Won-soon granting permission despite a continuous strong backlash from some conservative Christian groups who claimed Park encouraged homosexuality.



During the debate, Keum introduced the issue to the discussion, saying it would be a "small but significant change" if a third-party candidate gets elected as Seoul mayor and takes part in the pride march in Seoul. Keum then asked Ahn if he would be willing to participate if elected as the mayor of the capital.



Ahn replied, "Of course I oppose discrimination. Individual human rights deserve to be respected." But then Ahn continued to say, "If an LGBTQ festival is held in Gwanghwamun (in central Seoul), there will be some people who want to come to watch it, but the rights of others who are against it should also be respected."









Keum criticized Ahn's remarks in a radio interview with local broadcaster KBS the following day, saying he was disappointed as they lacked consideration for the basic human rights of the LGBTQ community. "Ahn's advocating for the rights of those who do not want to see a queer festival is no different from hate and discrimination," Keum said.



The liberal minor Justice Party, which openly supports sexual minority groups, also slammed Ahn for promoting hatred toward the LGBTQ community.



"Local governments and public institutions have a responsibility and duty to protect the LGBTQ community and other minority groups in society from being subject to unreasonable discrimination and oppression," read a statement by the Justice Party, Thursday.



"As a candidate running for the Seoul mayoral post who should actively defend and guarantee the equal rights of the citizens of Seoul, Ahn should apologize to members of sexual minority groups for his hurtful remarks that encouraged hatred against the LGBTQ community and division among Seoul citizens and for speaking of the basic rights of Seoul citizens as if they were a matter of choice."





Performers at the 2019 Seoul Queer Culture Festival pose on stage at Seoul Plaza, central Seoul, in this 2019 file photo provided by the Seoul Queer Culture Festival. Korea Times file
AstraZeneca and Pfizer promise to deliver vaccines to combat nastier variants By Kumudini Hettiarachchi, Ruqyyaha Deane & Meleeza Rathnayake View(s): View(s):

By autumn, starting around September or even earlier, AstraZeneca and Pfizer have both promised to deliver vaccines, building on the ones available now, to combat the nastier variants (strains) of the COVID-19 virus firstly detected in Brazil and South Africa.

This was the good news that the Head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. Neelika Malavige gave before getting into detail about genetic sequencing that her laboratory conducts to keep tabs whether any untoward things are happening due to new variants circulating in Sri Lanka.

This is the only laboratory performing genetic sequencing in the country and is funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) under whose guidance countries are carrying out this important work.

Pointing out that the AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer vaccines work against the United Kingdom (UK) variant (B.1.1.7) first detected there and now also found in around 82 countries, she says that there are no datato indicate that the other vaccines work against it, but possibly they too may be effective.

The efficacy of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines against the Brazilian (P.1 or known as VOC202101/02 in the UK) and South African (501Y.V2)variants  which seem to be similar and also nastier  is lower, she says.

Prof. Malavige explains that AstraZeneca and Pfizer are alreadyupdating their current vaccines, which are on an easily modifiable platform, to meet these two variants. The AstraZeneca vaccine is a viral vector (adenovirus vector) from a chimpanzee and the Pfizer vaccine is from an mRNA base.

Going into her favourite subject of genetic sequencing, she says that just because people test positive through RT-PCR tests, such a test does not indicate the variant has got into their systems. The variant can only be determined through genetic sequencing. Sequencing is expensive and cumbersome and the WHOshows the way to all countries when to sequence variants, which location to sequence variants from (where there is unexplained activity of the virus) and from what segment of people samples should be taken for sequencing.

There are many variants, with new variants emerging everyday in this coronavirus which is an RNA virus. It is natural for the virus to mutate while replicating because that is how it evolves. For the virus too, the survival of the fittest rule applies and that is why the UK variant has 30-70% transmissibility than other variants. So this is the variant which will be circulating for a while in many countries, she said.

Prof. Malavige says that in an area where there is high prevalence of COVID-19, populations gradually become immune to the virus and the virus cannot spread. To escape this immunity and keep spreading the disease, new variants are formed.The UK variant, called this because it was identified there through sequencing, is in India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Singapore and South Korea.This variant caused a lot of trouble in the UK but Asian countries have managed to contain it.

It was recently found in the community in New Zealand despite that country being dubbed the bestin COVID-19 control, where they have halted tourism, imposed strict border controls and also quarantining. New Zealand is still trying to find out where it started. Just because you find the new variant in the community, you cant say that control measures of COVID-19 have failed, she said.

Sri Lankas sequencing numbers good Sixteen of 92 samples sequenced by Prof. Neelika Malaviges laboratory last week, were of the UK variant, with 13 being samples from quarantine centres and 3 from the community. The Epidemiology Unit sends samples from different locations, taking into consideration the WHO guidelines.

Prof. Malavige said that Sri Lanka has sequenced 128 samples and is good in the numbers done when compared to other countries which have very high caseloads. So far, India has sequenced 272 samples; Singapore 135 samples; Thailand 130 samples; Malaysia 120 samples; and Pakistan 15 samples. Even in America, though some states are very large, sequencing is not done in every state, but samples are collected and sent to central locations.
New Delhi: India and China held extensive discussions on the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh at the 10th round of the military talks that lasted for nearly 16 hours on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Saturday.

The Corps Commander-level talks at the Moldo border point began at around 10 am on Saturday and ended at 2 am past mid night on Sunday. The focus of the talks was the next phase of disengagement process in friction points like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in eastern Ladakh. However, there is no official confirmation on the same.

The talks comes two days after militaries of both the countries withdrew troops and weapons from North and South banks of Pangong Tso lake area. The disengagement process began on February 10.

India in its talks with China had maintained that disengagement at all the friction points was necessary to de-escalate the situation in the region.

On February 11, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced in Parliament that India and China reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong lake that mandates both sides to "cease" forward deployment of troops in a "phased, coordinated and verifiable" manner.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5, 2020 following a violent skirmish in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry even as the two sides continued military and diplomatic talks.

(With input from agencies)
KYODO NEWS - Feb 21, 2021 - 22:05 | World, All

A funeral for a Myanmar woman who became the first to be killed among the protesters against the Feb. 1 coup was held near the capital Naypyitaw on Sunday, as demonstrations continued across the country.

Over 10,000 people came out to see the motorized funeral procession for 20-year-old Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, who was shot in the head while participating in a Feb. 9 demonstration, according to local reports.

The woman was protesting with her elder sister and others when she was shot. She died Friday after being on life support for 10 days. Use of a live round by security forces is strongly suspected.

More than 1,000 cars and motorcycles were seen around the hearse carrying the victim's body along a roughly 20-kilometer route from a hospital in the capital to a cemetery to the north. The body was later cremated.

In central Yangon, the largest city, her portraits were displayed at numerous places, with people laying flowers in front of them.

In the country's second-largest city Mandalay, where two male protesters were shot dead by police the previous day, people held a rally and condemned the military, which seized power in the coup, for the deaths.

Local media reported that a man patrolling the streets was shot to death in the suburbs of Yangon on Saturday night. Some reports said police fired the shots.

The international community swiftly condemned the shooting deaths of the protesters in Mandalay.

"Use of force employing guns against a peaceful demonstration is unacceptable," Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman Tomoyuki Yoshida said Sunday, calling for an "immediate stop" to violence against civilians.

The spokesman repeated Tokyo's calls for the release of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other detainees and Myanmar's early return to democratic governance.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said on Twitter that the U.S. government is "deeply concerned by reports that Burmese security forces have fired on protestors."

"We stand with the people of Burma," he added, using another name for Myanmar.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned the shooting, indicating that Britain will consider additional sanctions against Myanmar's military members.

Raab said in a statement that the incident places the military "further beyond the pale" and Britain will "consider further measures, with our international partners, to hold to account those responsible for crushing democracy and choking dissent."

In ousting Suu Kyi's elected government, the military has alleged massive voter fraud in last November's general election, in which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won another resounding victory.

The military says a new election will be held after a state of emergency is lifted, with power transferred to the winning party.

But people have taken to the streets daily to protest the coup and are calling for those detained following the takeover to be released. Large protests have been held every day since Feb. 6.
Montenegro has launched anti-coronavirus vaccination in the country using Russias Sputnik V vaccine, the press office of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro reported on late Saturday adding that first jabs of the vaccine were delivered at care houses for elderly, TASS reports.

"The team of our Institute and Kotor hospital has delivered the first shot of the vaccine in Montenegro," the press service said in a statement.

According to the statement, the first patient to be inoculated with Sputnik V vaccine was a 66-year-old resident of an elderly house in the Montenegrin town of Risan. The patient called on the rest of people in the country to follow his example and advised against being afraid of the vaccination.

Two people from the medical centers personnel were also vaccinated and one of them later said that up to 79 patients and staff members were expected to receive anti-COVID jabs in one day.
McCracken Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrests

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - Two people were arrested following a traffic stop in McCracken County Saturday.The McCracken County Sheriff's Office said a deputy stopped a car after it failed to stop at a posted stop on Benton Road. During the traffic stop, the deputy allegedly observed items of drug paraphernalia. The driver, 34-year-old Marshall Cook of Cairo, IL, and the passenger, 46-year-old Hope Littlepage of Benton, KY, were detained and the vehicle was searched.

During the search, deputies reportedly found methamphetamine, hydrocodone pills and items of drug paraphernalia. Deputies also learned that Cook had an active warrant for his arrest from McCracken County Circuit Court for burglary charges.

Both Cook and Littlepage were arrested and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail. Cook is charged with possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to produce an insurance card, no registration receipt and disregarding a stop sign. He was also arrested on the warrant for 2nd degree burglary and theft by unlawful taking under $500.



Littlepage is charged with possession of meth, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence and sell or transfer of simulated controlled substance.
A fitness trainer who shed 45 kilograms by changing his exercise and eating habits has revealed the low calorie snacks that helped him succeed.

The man who goes by 'aussiefitness' on TikTok had plenty of options for people who struggle to give up sweets, including 'lite' jelly, chocolate brownies and even ice cream.

'You have most likely heard of Halo low-calorie ice cream before but this is Kenny's and it is from Aldi. It is half the price and in my opinion it tastes way better,' he said.

Scroll down for video

This ice cream is from Aldi and just 75 calories per serve - and the entire tub is just 300 calories

These brownies appear to be very popular - and are also less than 100 calories per serve

There are four servings in the tub making each serve just 75 calories.

The jelly he recommends is less than 10 calories per serve.

For chocolate lovers he suggested brownies.

'Fibre One have these amazing 90-calorie chocolate fudge brownies - they are available in six flavours as well,' he said.

He also suggested 'food swaps' which can help slash the calorie content of meals.

'These rye wraps are 71 calories, compared to normal wrap which is between 150 and 200 calories,' he said.

Hot drinks can also go back on the menu.

'If you love hot chocolate or coffee Avalanche has the best range of flavoured 99 percent sugar-free coffees and hot chocolates and they are around 60 calories per serving,' he said.

Switching a regular wrap for this rye one can halve the calories of the meal before you even add fillings

This jelly will satisfy your sweet tooth and is only 10 calories per serving

But his favourite snack, corn thins, can be eaten alone or made as a meal to replace hi-calorie sandwiches or burgers.

'There are 23 calories per corn thin and you can add a variety of different toppings depending on the flavour you want,' he said.

The helpful hints were applauded online with over 70,000 people liking the post.

'I definitely want to try that ice cream,' said one woman.

'Love this, would love to see another part in the future,' another said.

'Disagree with the Fibre One's unless you have someone to lock away the rest of the box, one woman laughed.

And he has promised a video for those wanting his 'savoury faves'.

'I do not have a sweet tooth,' one woman said.

Corn thins are his favourite and can be loaded up with anything to add flavour

'Can you please recommend savoury favourites, I struggle to find anything,' one woman pleaded.

The fitness fan has previously posted about his weight-loss journey calling out people in the industry who say certain exercises help to get rid of weight from key areas.

'You don't get to choose where you put on weight or lose it,' he said.

'The only way to lose weight from certain areas is to be in a calorie deficit and be patient,' he said.

Recently a fitness-obsessed young woman has revealed her favourite low calorie snacks, including chips, ice cream and chocolate - after losing 44 kilograms naturally.

Xanthia Efthymiou, from the Gold Coast, Queensland, shared her go-to snacks on TikTok - and revealed sugar free Zooper Dooper ice blocks contains just two calories.

In the video the 20-year-old showed off Cobs natural popcorn, which has 97 calories per serve, Well Naturally salted caramel chocolate which has 54 calories per serve and YoPro yoghurt which has just 100 calories.

She also revealed that raspberry jelly 'lite' has just eight calories per serve and low-calorie ice cream which is just 73 calories per serve.

Xanthia Efthymiou posted on TikTok to reveal her favourite low-calorie treats - after losing over 35 kilograms on her health journey

A fitness-obsessed young woman has revealed her favourite low calorie snacks, including chips, ice blocks and chocolate - after losing more than 35 kilograms

The young woman also rated Infuzions veggie chips at 85 calories per serve.

She posted the video on her Fit with Xan TikTok page, where she has more than 300,000 followers.

Her video got thousands of likes and many comments showing support - however some people were concerned with the 'per serving' guides.

'My problem is I never eat just one serving,' one woman said.

'I just realised I at four servings of popcorn yesterday thinking the whole bag was 97 calories,' said another.

The young woman revealed her favourite snacks on TikTok. Sugar-free Zooper Dooper's have just two calories per serve

The young woman posted the video on her Fit with Xan TikTok page, where she has more than 300,000 followers

What are their favourite low-calorie snacks? Xanthia 1- Cobs natural popcorn - sweet and salty - 97 calories per serve 2- Well Naturally salted caramel chocolate - 54 calories per serve 3- YoPro yoghurt - 98 calories per serve 4- Jelly Lite - 8 calories per serve 5- Kenny's ice cream - 73 calories per serve 6- Sugar-free Zooper Dooper - 2 calories per serve 7- Infuzions veggie chips - 85 calories per serve 8- Fibre One chocolate bars - 90 calories per serve Aussie Fitness 1 - Corn thins - 23 calories per thin 2 - Rye flatbread - 71 calories per wrap 3 - Avalanche coffee and hot chocolate He agreed with Xanthia that Fibre One brownies, Lite Jelly and Kenny's ice cream all deserved to be mentioned as they are all 'great' low-calorie snacks. Advertisement

Her video comes just months after she told Daily Mail Australia she started her weight loss journey in December 2017 after experiencing painful back issues.

'I went to my doctor to find out I gained 20kg that year and was told I would have major health risks if I was to continue gaining weight the way I was,' she said, adding she weighed 114 kilograms at her heaviest.

Within two years, she went from a size 22 to a size 12 after losing 44 kilograms.

Sharing an incredible 'before' and 'after' picture of her body transformation, Ms Efthymiou said her weight loss has been '100 percent natural'.

'It took me two years to achieve the body I am in today from hard work and thriving off dedication to better my health,' she said.

The slow sales of electric cars indicate that Vietnamese are still hesitating to use this kind of vehicle. The problem is not high price, but concern about operation and local infrastructure such as recharging stations.

VinFast announced it has successfully developed three smart SUV electric cars

VinFast, the 100 percent Vietnamese-owned automobile manufacturer, announced it has successfully developed three smart SUV electric cars VF31, VF32 and VF33, having a self-propelling feature and using AI.

The manufacturer plans to begin taking orders for VF31 standard version from May 2021 and deliver in November 2021. As for VF32 and VF33, it will begin taking orders from September and deliver from February 2022.

The Vietnamese electric car market, which began developing several years ago, is expected to warm up in the time to come with the presence of VinFast.

Agencies report that car demand in Vietnam is increasing rapidly, and is expected to reach 800,000 cars per annum by 2025 and 1 million cars per annum by 2030.

The rapid increase in the number of cars will lead to a high volume of emissions which will pollute the environment. Electric cars will be a good solution, especially in large crowded cities.

Three years ago, Mitsubishi Vietnam launched two models  iMIEV and Outlander PHEV. The former used 100 percent electricity, while the latter was a hybrid, using both petrol and electricity. With a full battery, the car could run 60 kilometers.

However, they didn't sell well.

Porsche Vietnam in October 2020 distributed the electric Taycan model with three versions  Taycan 4S, Turbo and Turbo S. However, only two products were brought to Vietnam and shown at the product introduction ceremony.

Fuso, a brand of German Diamler, once had a plan to bring electric vans to Vietnam in 2019, but that has not occurred.

A survey by Frost & Sullivan, in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, high prices are not the reason behind the modest sales of electric cars. The problem is that consumers have worries about the way the vehicles operate and about infrastructure quality.

Manufacturers say that electric cars are 27 percent more expensive than petrol-run cars, but their operation cost is 25 percent lower. It is estimated that the total amount of money spent on one electric car is equal to one petrol-run car after five years of operation. So, electric cars are affordable for many people.

Nguyen Minh Dong, an automobile expert, said the biggest disadvantage of electric cars is that they cannot go far. The best models go 400 kilometers at maximum. Meanwhile, it takes a long time to recharge cars.

One of the most important components of electric cars is the energy storage unit. All the electric cars now available use Lithium technology. However, the energy storage capacity of these batteries is believed to be critical. If manufacturers want to improve the energy storage capacity of the batteries, the weight of the batteries will be higher, which leads to high costs and poor performance.

In general, the current battery technology cannot satisfy the requirements on travel distance and cost optimization. And the currently used liquid batteries pose high risks of explosion and fire.

Agencies report that car demand in Vietnam is increasing rapidly, and is expected to reach 800,000 cars per annum by 2025 and 1 million cars per annum by 2030.

To successfully commercialize electric cars, it is necessary to improve the energy storage capacity to allow longer travel distance after each recharge and shorter recharging times.

The second problem lies in infrastructure conditions. There should be many fast recharging stations everywhere. But this has not occurred. Electric cars remain uncommon and are just considered vehicles that serve short-distance travel.



A businessman in Hanoi said he flew to the US in early 2018 to import the Tesla Model 3 to distribute in Vietnam. One car has the starting price of $35,000 and import tax of 70 percent, a luxury tax of 15 percent and VAT of 10 percent, so the selling price would be VND2 billion. The price level is not much higher than some CBU (complete built unit) petrol-run imports in the same segment.

However, what concerned him was the poor infrastructure conditions in Vietnam and the lack of recharging stations. Finally, he gave up his intention to distribute electric cars.

He said that Tesla 3 can travel up to 300 kilometers, which is the distance from Hanoi to Vinh City. If drivers stop to recharge the car at a cafe or restaurant on the way, they will have to wait too long.

Automobile manufacturers can see the problem and they have tried to develop infrastructure. VinFast is joining forces with petrol retailers and some large cities to develop networks of recharging stations.

The stations would be set up at parking lots, convenience stores, basements of apartment buildings, schools, dormitories and filling stations. Drivers would just need to spend 15-30 minutes to recharge their cars.

Porsche Vietnam, before importing Taycan to distribute in Vietnam, built two fast recharging stations in Hanoi and HCM City, which recharged 80 percent of battery capacity within 22.5 minutes.

Tran Thuy

Vietnam automobile industry on recovery path despite Covid-19 Vietnams rising income per capita would soon move cars from a luxury product with a passenger vehicle density of 34 per 1,000 to a more ordinary one with a density level comparable to countries in the region.
Liverpool lose four matches in a row at home for the first time since 1923 after their crushing 2-0 Merseyside derby defeat to Everton on Saturday.

Liverpool equalled an unwanted 98-year-old record in Saturday's disheartening 2-0 home defeat to Everton in the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp's men fell behind after just three minutes through Richarlison's opener, and the shell-shocked Reds failed to break down a dogged Everton defence before Gylfi Sigurdsson's controversial penalty completed a famous win for the Toffees.

Carlo Ancelotti led Everton to their first victory on the Anfield turf since 1999 on Saturday, but Liverpool's recent records have been of the unwanted variety amid their well-documented struggles.

By falling to defeat against their Merseyside rivals, Liverpool have now lost four successive home matches on the bounce for the first time since 1923, as the Reds have also lost on their own patch to Burnley, Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City in recent weeks.

On an individual level, Klopp has now lost four in a row at home in a league competition for the first time ever as a manager, and the last time he suffered a quartet of top-flight defeats in succession was with Borussia Dortmund in November 2014.

The Liverpool manager had already conceded that his side's title chances are over before Saturday's derby, and the reigning champions are 16 points behind leaders Manchester City before they travel to Arsenal on Sunday.
Police are on the hunt for a sex offender with a Eureka flag tattoo who skipped bail and went on the run.

Robert Harper, 41, is wanted for failing to appear at Bendigo Magistrates' Court in regional Victoria.

He also failed to notify police that he changed address, as per his registered sex offender obligations.

Robert Harper, 41, is wanted for failing to appear at Bendigo Magistrates' Court in regional Victoria while on bail

Harper is described as 176cm tall with a solid build, short brown straight hair, and a full beard and moustache with hazel eyes.

He has a tattoo of the Eureka flag with the the words 'Australian Prospectors Born' Bred' on his right upper arm.

Harper is believed to frequent the Footscray, Melbourne CBD, Pakenham and Bendigo areas.

Photos of the convicted sex offender have been released in the hope someone recognises him and can provide information on his whereabouts.

Police are asking anyone who sees Harper to contact Triple-0 immediately.

Anyone with other information about Harper's whereabouts is urged to contact police.
Canada's chief public health officer said Sunday that the collective efforts to fight COVID-19 are paying off, even as the country sits at a 'critical juncture' in the fight against fast-spreading variants.

A pedestrian wears a face mask to curb the spread of COVID-19, in Vancouver, on February 16, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Canada's chief public health officer said Sunday that the collective efforts to fight COVID-19 are paying off, even as the country sits at a 'critical juncture' in the fight against fast-spreading variants.

Dr. Theresa Tam said on Twitter that COVID-19 disease activity continues to decline and vaccination is heading in the right direction.

"Our collective effort has begun to tip the balance in our favour," she wrote.

But she said Canadians need to maintain COVID-19 precautions to protect each other, especially as cases of more contagious variants are mounting across the country.

The faster-spreading COVID-19 variant first discovered in the United Kingdom has made its way into some schools in British Columbia, health officials announced late Saturday.

The superintendent of the Surrey School District tweeted a notice that had been issued to parents at Woodward Hill Elementary, Tamanawis Secondary and A.H.P. Matthew Elementary schools.

Cases at at least two of the schools date back to late January, but were only recently confirmed to be variant-related because the testing takes longer, Superintendent Jordan Tinney said.

Quebec is also investigating a potential case of the variant at an elementary school in the provincial capital, health officials first announced Saturday

On Sunday, the province was dealing with 23 confirmed cases involving variants of concern as well as 329 presumptive cases under investigation, even as the province reported its lowest number of COVID-19 cases in five months.

But Health Minister Christian Dube warned Quebecers not be lulled into a "false sense of security" by the 666 cases on Sunday, as "the threat of new variants is very present," he wrote on Twitter.

Ontario, meanwhile, reported 1,087 cases as the province prepared to lift a stay-at-home order in one long-standing hot spot on Monday.

The majority of the province's regions will then have returned to the province's colour-coded pandemic response framework, with stay-at-home orders remaining in place in just three regions  Toronto, Peel Region and the North Bay-Parry Sound district.

In a message published Sunday, Tam noted that COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on racialized communities. She said cases are 1.5 to 5 times higher in racialized communities in Toronto and Ottawa, while people living on First Nations reserves have a 69 per cent higher rate of infection compared to the general population.

"These disproportionate impacts among racialized and Indigenous communities are not due to biological differences between groups or populations," she wrote.

"Rather, they reflect existing health inequities that are strongly influenced by a specific set of social and economic factors  things like income, education, employment and housing that shape an individual's place in society."

She said it's imperative to work to fight racism in workplaces, education and health and social services systems, which she said has contributed to vaccine hesitancy in some communities and helped to create the inequitable living and working conditions that make some groups more susceptible to COVID-19.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 21, 2021
Stacks of containers piled up on Chinese ports reflect China's robust foreign trade, releasing a signal of rapid recovery of the Chinese economy.

China's foreign trade of goods created a new annual record of 32.16 trillion yuan ($4.96 trillion) in 2020 despite the global economic downturn last year, during which the global trade of goods dropped 5.6 percent year on year.

This highlighted the resilience and vitality of the Chinese economy. China has not only withstood the pressure test, but also boosted the confidence of the world in global recovery.

Impacted by COVID-19, container throughput of Shanghai port decreased 8.4 percent year on year in the first 4 months of 2020. However, the world's largest automated container terminal has today regained its hustle and bustle. Last year, the container throughput of the terminal hit a new record of 43.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), leaving a remarkable "v-shape" bounce.

Apart from Shanghai, major coastal cities such as Ningbo, Tianjin, Qingdao and Dalian also witnessed busy scenes at their ports.

In addition, containers carrying foreign trade commodities were also thriving in land transport. In 2020, China-Europe freight trains made over 10,000 trips, constantly transporting Chinese medical supplies, auto parts and electronic products to foreign destinations. Given the lifted transport price of ocean shipping, the containerized freight index has been on a rise. The China containerized freight index reached 1,863.84 points in mid-January this year, about 1,000 points higher compared with the average figure reported in May 2020.

"We worried about the stacked containers in the first half last year, but now there aren't enough trucks carrying them," said a container manufacturer. What the manufacturer said mirrors the prosperous business in China nowadays.

The robust recovery of foreign trade comes from the strength of international logistics, and also stable industrial and supply chains. For instance, to satisfy the demand of the international market calls for joint efforts made by the supply end and the whole industrial chain. In south China's Guangdong province, a foreign trade enterprise engaged in home appliance business is currently running at full capacity. This is attributed to the hard work of all its employees, and also the coordination from its suppliers.

Relying on the super large market and a complete industrial system, China has rapidly alleviated the short supply of raw materials and straightened domestic and overseas logistics, so as to ensure the recovery of all links on the industrial and supply chains and lay a solid foundation for foreign trade to regain stability.

From achieving major strategic achievements in COVID-19 control to effectively resuming work across the country, and to issuing a series of policies to stabilize the foreign trade sector, science-based decisions and targeted measures are the source of China's confidence to offset the impacts from COVID-19 on foreign trade.

After 31 rounds of negotiations over eight years, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's biggest trade pact was inked at the end of the last year. As an important platform for China to open wider, the pact will further optimize China's foreign trade and improve the value of the country's free trade zones.

In the future, the restructuring of global industrial chain will keep on accelerating, and the pandemic will also trigger a series of risks, which poses uncertainties for foreign trade. We have every reason to believe that China's door will only open wider, and the country will further consolidate its advantages in foreign trade, expand development space and make even brighter prospects of the Chinese economy.
Jan Grabowski poses for a picture after an interview with Reuters in Warsaw, Poland, on Feb. 8, 2021. (Kacper Pempel/ Reuters)

Polish Court Orders Historians to Apologize Over Holocaust Book

WARSAWA Warsaw court ruled on Tuesday that two historians tarnished the memory of a Polish villager in a book about the Holocaust and must apologize, in a case some academics warn could deter impartial research into Poles actions during World War Two.

More than seven decades on, the conflict remains a live political issue in Poland, where the ruling nationalists say studies showing complicity by some Poles in the killing of Jews by Nazi Germany are an attempt to dishonor a country that suffered immensely in the conflict.

The court ruled that Barbara Engelking and Jan Grabowski, editors of the two-volume work Night without an end. Fate of Jews in selected counties of occupied Poland, must apologize for saying Edward Malinowski gave up Jews to the Nazi Germans.

But it stopped short of ordering them to pay compensation.

The courts ruling must not have a cooling effect on academic research. In the opinion of the court the demanded sum of 100,000 zlotys ($27,017) would constitute such a factor, said judge Ewa Jonczyk.

Polish academics and Jewish organizations such as Israels Yad Vashem had expressed concern that the trial may undermine freedom of research, and Engelking said the case aimed to have such an effect.

There is no doubt this is some sort of an effort to create a freezing effect, to show academics that there are issues on which it is not worth focusing on, she said.

The World Jewish Congress said in a statement it was dismayed by the ruling.

Engelking and Grabowski plan to appeal Tuesdays verdict.

Battle Over the Past

The case had been brought by Malinowskis 81-year-old niece, Filomena Leszczynska, and funded by the Polish League Against Defamation, which opposes claims of Polish involvement in the murder of Jews.

Leszczynskas lawyer, Monika Brzozowska-Pasieka, argued that Engelking and Grabowski failed to follow correct research methodology when compiling the book, an accusation Grabowski denied.

Filomena is extremely pleased with this verdict, Brzozowska-Pasieka said after the trial. The question of compensation from the beginning was a secondary issue.

Almost all of Polands 3.2 million Jews are understood to have died during more than five years of Nazi rule, accounting for around half the Jews estimated to have been killed in the Holocaust. A further 3 million non-Jewish citizens also died under Polands Nazi occupation.

A significant body of research suggests that, while thousands of Poles risked their lives to help Jews, thousands also participated in the Holocaust. Many Poles do not accept such findings.

In 2018, an international backlash forced the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party to drop a law that would have made it a crime to suggest Poland bore any responsibility for Nazi atrocities.

Grabowski told Reuters before Tuesdays ruling that the case covered similar ground to the proposed law by attempting to establish offense to national dignity as grounds for suing over any such claims in the future.

Brzozowska-Pasieka denied the case aimed to introduce new avenues for litigation, but simply sought to protect her clients personal rights.

By Alan Charlish and Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk
OTTAWA - The first face-to-face meeting between Canada's Prime Minister and the newly minted U.S. president will take place early next week, the two countries announced on Saturday amid questions about how the long-time allies plan to address simmering tensions that have already emerged despite the new regime in the White House.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US vice-president Joe Biden walk down the Hall of Honour on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, December 9, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Patrick Doyle

OTTAWA - The first face-to-face meeting between Canada's Prime Minister and the newly minted U.S. president will take place early next week, the two countries announced on Saturday amid questions about how the long-time allies plan to address simmering tensions that have already emerged despite the new regime in the White House.

Both Trudeau's office and the press secretary for President Joe Biden issued statements saying the two leaders plan to convene virtually on Tuesday. The White House statement said ministers from both cabinets would also be meeting that day.

The session is being billed as the first bilateral meeting between the two countries since Biden took office on Jan. 20, though the leaders held a lengthy phone call days after the new President was sworn in.

Canada and the U.S. have already stumbled across some contentious issues during Biden's brief tenure, but both cited a long history of mutual support and co-operation when announcing Tuesday's meeting.

"Canada and the United States share one of the strongest and deepest friendships between any two countries in the world," Trudeau said in the statement. "It is built on common values, strong ties between our people, and a shared geography. I look forward to my meeting with President Biden, where we will work together to end the COVID-19 pandemic and support people in both our countries."

Both the White House and the prime minister's office said the two leaders plan to discuss the close economic ties between their countries.

Those ties have been strained by strict Buy American provisions introduced by the president, who said there will be few exemptions for Canada.

In late January, Trudeau said that his government was able to defend Canadian interests during the "unpredictable and extremely protectionist" administration of Donald Trump and he doesn't expect that to change now that Biden is in office.

"President Biden has a lot of similar priorities to this government's, to Canadians' ... and these are things that we're going to be able to work on closely with our nearest ally and closest friend," Trudeau said on Jan. 26.

The cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline project on Biden's first day in office has also been a recent sticking point in Canada-U.S. relations.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenny has called on the federal government to consider "proportionate economic consequences" for the cancellation.

Trudeau has said he expressed his disappointment with the decision in his first call with Biden, but later highlighted what he described as the alignment between the two administrations.

Biden is also facing pressure to support a call from the governor of Michigan to shut down the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline that travels between the two countries.

The "bilateral energy relationship" will be a topic of conversation at the upcoming meeting, according to the statement from Trudeau's office.

Earlier this month, the federal Conservatives called for the creation of a new parliamentary committee to study Canada-U.S. relations. They say more needs to be done to shield Canadian workers from protectionist policies south of the border.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2021.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-21 21:08:04|Editor: huaxia

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LONDON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will address the nation at around 7 p.m. (1900 GMT) on Monday to unveil his "roadmap" exiting the current coronavirus lockdown, local media reported Sunday.

Johnson will give details about his government's long-anticipated roadmap out of lockdown, according to the London-based Evening Standard newspaper.

He is expected to say that schools will reopen on March 8, when people will also be able to meet one person from a different household for a coffee or a picnic outside, said the newspaper.

Rules could be further relaxed on March 29 to allow six people or two households to meet outside, while non-essential retail will open before the end of April, according to the Sunday Times.

Pubs and restaurants should be able to operate indoor service by May but could be allowed to serve customers outside earlier.

England is currently under the third national lockdown since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the United States have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines. Enditem
A blue heart was placed on Cavehill on Sunday in memory of Noah Donohoe, the teenager who went missing in June. Photos by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph

A large blue heart has been placed at the top of Cave Hill in memory of Noah Donohoe, the Belfast teenager who went missing last summer.

Noah (14), a pupil at St Malachy's College, disappeared from his south Belfast home on June 21 last year.

Following an extensive search operation, the teenager's body was found in the storm drain in the north of the city, close to the M2 motorway, six days later.

A post-mortem found that he died as a result of drowning and a coroner's hearing was later told there was no evidence that he was attacked or that anyone else was involved.

The new display at Cave Hill is in support of a campaign by Noah's mother, Fiona Donohoe, to raise awareness of his disappearance and death.

On Sunday, Fiona and other family members and supporters climbed the mountain overlooking Belfast to lay the blue heart at the top.

Posting on social media, Fiona wrote: "As we got to very top of Cavehill with Noah's beautiful heart leading the way, 'It's a Wonderful World' came on Q Radio.

"Noah always gives us signs he is so close."

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Fiona has set up dedicated Twitter and Facebook pages to help people share information about what may have happened to her son and remember him.

On Sunday, the 'My Noah' Twitter page marked the 35th week since the boy's disappearance.

Fiona has also set up the Noah Donohoe Foundation in his memory, which will support the causes and issues that the teenager cared about.

Earlier this month, the Noah's Army jersey was launched online with proceeds going directly to the Foundation and a percentage being donated to the Community Rescue Service.

The Noah Donohoe Foundation has received over 15,000 in donations so far.

Expand Close A blue heart was placed on Cavehill in memory of Noah Donohoe. Photo: Pacemaker / Facebook

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Whatsapp A blue heart was placed on Cavehill in memory of Noah Donohoe. Photo: Pacemaker

In February police launched an investigation into how access was gained to the storm drain where Noah was found.

The investigation will take place in addition to the coroner's investigation into the schoolboy's death.

The PSNI said last year they believed Noah entered the north Belfast drain.

He had cycled to the area from his home in south Belfast and, shortly before he went missing, was seen with no clothes on.

Prior to that, he was seen falling off his bike in Shore Road.

Noah's disappearance led to a wide-scale search operation across Belfast, involving police, community rescue teams and the local community.

Police have said there was no reason to suspect foul play in his death, but Noah's family have continued to call for answers.

Californias transition to clean energy will mean that solar projects occupy vast amounts of open space, including agricultural acreage, which is urbanizing at a rapid clip. Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom recently ordered conserving 30 percent of state land to help protect biodiversity.

As a lifelong Californian, I have great confidence that we can convert to 100% renewable energy and preserve our resource-rich land and native species. It will take smart planning, however, because the environmental priorities of California  and increasingly those of the U.S.  often present competing goals.

In particular, the conflict between large-scale solar development and its impacts on agricultural lands, open space and threatened species is escalating. Adding to the tension are large energy companies, which see the price of solar dropping as the state and federal governments embrace it, presaging a new energy economy that could make them very rich.

If unaddressed, the solar versus natural resources battle, which needlessly pits one set of important environmental goals against another, will mostly be fought at the local level, where land use regulations are enforced.

Fortunately, there is a basic solution to the problem: mapping out where large solar installations  which are fundamentally industrial land uses  will have the least impact on farmland, open space and species. Solar is an important tool for California to meet its clean energy goals, but it does not belong on land abundant in agricultural and other natural resources.

Some locals wisely have started to plan. Santa Clara and Contra Costa counties, and leaders in the San Joaquin Valley, have identified least conflict areas where solar development is likely to have fewer adverse impacts on the surrounding environment. Defenders of the Wildlife, a national group dedicated to protecting imperiled species, says such smart from the start efforts accommodate key goals: (1) protecting vital natural resources, and (2) speeding up the permitting process for renewable energy projects.

In contrast, Alameda County shows how badly things can go when local governments review large solar projects on an ad-hoc basis. There, San Francisco company Intersect Power  whose recent corporate PR piece boasts of an $8 billion asset portfolio  proposes to construct a 400-acre, ground-mounted solar facility that would occupy a valley designated in 1966 as one of the countys few scenic rural routes.

In 2000, county voters went a step further and approved Measure D to protect the natural qualities, the wildlife habitats, the watersheds and the beautiful open spaces of Alameda County. Measure Ds goal for unincorporated North Livermore  where the project would be constructed  was to permit and encourage cultivated agriculture and to preclude urbanization.

More recently, the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife warned the county officials of what local farmers and environmentalist already knew. The valley is home to threatened species, such as California red-legged frogs, Central California tiger salamanders, and San Joaquin kit foxes, to name just a few. The agency concluded that the project would likely injure or kill threatened species and noted that the project had failed to compensate for the expected wildlife loss by replacing habit elsewhere.

It is easy to understand why Intersect would like the location for the solar project it has dubbed Aramis. The area is large, flat, undeveloped pastureland near a substation. From an economic standpoint, it makes perfect sense. And, absent any solar guidelines, county planning staff seems to have focused on the projects climate change benefits at the expense of preservation and the will of county voters.

The Aramis project has made environmental groups uneasy. The Golden Gate Audubon Society and others oppose it. The Sierra Club has given mixed signals. The clubs Tri-Valley chapter recommended pausing the project until solar guidelines could be adopted. Later, the national office silenced the Tri-Valley chapter and started advocating for the project.

For its part, Intersect has acted in ways unbecoming of a Bay Area clean energy company. In addition to failing to compensate for wildlife loss, Intersect claims that the large solar project is actually an agricultural use because sheep will be used for weed abatement two months out of the year, and plants for honeybees will be grown on the projects permitter. Further, despite admitting that the project imposes significant adverse effects on the areas scenery, the company takes the dubious stance that it is consistent with the scenic route designation.

An even darker side of Intersect emerged in January when it lost 38 acres of the project site because a property owner terminated lease negotiations. The property owners lawyer issued Intersect a cease-and-desist letter and reported to the county counsel that Intersect representatives had spent five hours at the elderly owners home without his lawyer present, offering him $75,000 to sign a lease that was missing important legal provisions. The attorney described Intersects behavior as horrifying.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to review the Aramis project on March 4. The supervisors should reject the project and craft sensible, least-conflict solar development guidelines. The alternative is to needlessly sacrifice protected land and native species, spurn county voters, and attract more conflict. If interested, contact the Alameda County Board of Supervisors at cbs@acgov.org.

Robert Selna is a founder of the Oakland law firm Selna Partners LLP. He represents Save North Livermore Valley, a group of more than 300 farmers, ranchers, environmentalists, and proponents of good government.
For Subscribers Why South Dakota county officials are shirking state-given water rights

Grant County could be the thirteenth county to repeal their drainage ordinance in the past decade.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- About 10 people were rescued Sunday afternoon after they became stranded on the ice off of Edgewater Park, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guards Great Lakes unit sent a tweet about 3:40 p.m. Sunday saying the people were stranded on two separate ice floes on Lake Erie. The ice rescue team from Station Cleveland Harbor, as well as the Cleveland fire department, were able to bring those stranded safely ashore within about one hour.

Of those 10 people stuck on the ice, seven were adults and three were children, a Coast Guard spokesman said Sunday. Six of those people were rescued by a Coast Guard ice skiff, while the others were taken to shore by a Cleveland Fire Department rescue team.

#Breaking #HappeningNow. @USCG Ice rescue team from Station Cleveland Harbor and local agencies responding to a report of 10 people stranded on two separate ice floes near Edgewater Park on #LakeErie. Air Station Detroit has sent a helicopter for air support.  USCG Great Lakes (@USCGGreatLakes) February 21, 2021 #Update to ice rescue on #LakeErie. @USCG ice rescue team rescued 6 individuals via the ice skiff and the other 4 were escorted off the ice by Cleveland Fire Department. Bravo Zulu for the coordinated effort and successful rescue! #GreatLakesWinterSafety  USCG Great Lakes (@USCGGreatLakes) February 21, 2021

The National Weather Service Cleveland office posted a satellite photo of Lake Erie earlier Sunday afternoon, showing cracks in the ice near the Lake Erie shore.

Definitely do not recommend going on the ice, the tweet read, in part.

Latest MODIS imagery taken at 12:43 PM this afternoon, shows significant cracks and shifting of ice on Lake Erie today with southerly winds. Definitely do not recommend going on the ice. pic.twitter.com/E71XlUnLoz  NWS Cleveland (@NWSCLE) February 21, 2021

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New Delhi, Feb 21 : In view of resurgence of Covid infections in as many as six Indian states, the Union Health Ministry on Sunday has advised all the states and union territories to improve RT-PCR testing while putting refocus on surveillance and containment measures as well.

The states and UTs have been advised to work on five major areas:

Improve the overall testing numbers by focusing on increasing the proportion of RT-PCR tests

All negative Rapid Antigen Test results to be mandatorily followed by RT-PCR test and no such negative persons are to be missed

Refocus on strict and comprehensive surveillance as well as stringent containment in selected districts

Regular monitoring of the mutant strains through testing followed by Genome Sequencing, as well as monitoring of the emerging cluster of cases

Focusing on clinical management in districts reporting higher deathsIndia has been witnessing a rise in the active caseload over the past few days which pegged at 1,45,634 on Sunday consisting of 1.32 per cent of the total positive cases.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that more than 74 per cent of the active cases are in Kerala and Maharashtra while it is on rise in four more states and UT. "Of late it is seen that there has been a spike in the daily cases in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh also. Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir too are witnessing a surge in daily new cases," it said.

Meanwhile, in the last four weeks in Kerala, the average weekly cases have fluctuated between a high of 42,000 to a low of 34,800. Similarly, in the last four weeks, the weekly positivity in Kerala has ranged from 13.9 per cent to 8.9 per cent.

The ministry also said that in Kerala, Alappuzha district is a cause of special concern where the weekly positivity rate has increased to 10.7 per cent and weekly cases have risen to 2,833.

In Maharashtra, in the last four weeks, the weekly cases have shown a rising trend and have increased from 18,200 to 21,300, while the weekly positivity has also increased from 4.7 per cent to 8 per cent, the ministry informed.

"The areas of concern are the Mumbai Suburban areas where the weekly cases have risen by 19 per cent. In Nagpur, Amravati, Nashik, Akola and Yavatmal the weekly cases have increased by 33, 47, 23, 55 and 48 per cent, respectively," it added.

Meanwhile, Punjab is rapidly assuming a critical dimension in respect of the spread of Covid-19 infection. In the last four weeks, the weekly positivity rate in the state has increased from 1.4 per cent to 1.6 per cent, while the weekly cases in the last four weeks have seen a rise from 1,300 to 1,682.

The ministry also said that in the Punjab district of SBS Nagar alone, the weekly positivity rate has become 4.9 per cent from 3.5 per cent and the weekly cases have more than doubled from 165 to 364.
Jen Psaki dodged a question Sunday on whether Joe Biden still considers New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's COVID-19 response the 'gold standard' in the midst of his nursing home scandal.

'Does President Biden still consider Andrew Cuomo the gold standard when it comes to leadership on the pandemic?' ABC 'This Week' host John Karl asked the White House press secretary.

'Well, Jon, we work with Governor Cuomo, just like we work with governors across the country. He's also chair of the NGA,' Psaki dodged. 'So, he plays an important role in insuring that we're coordinating closely and getting assistance out to people of his state and to states across the country. And we'll continue to do that.'

Karl pushed: 'All right. But, Jen, my question was, does President Biden still believe that Andrew Cuomo is the gold standard  represents the gold standard on leadership during this pandemic? Just a yes or no. Does he still consider him a gold standard?'

'Well, it doesn't always have to be a yes or no answer, Jon,' she shot back.

'I think the president is focused on his goals, his objectives as president of the United States,' Psaki continued. 'He's going to continue to work with Governor Cuomo, just like he'll continue to work with governors across the country.'

'And I'm not here to give new labels or names from the president. I'm here to communicate with you about what our focuses are and what his objectives are as president.'

As of Sunday morning, more than 28 million Americans have contracted coronavirus and the death toll is nearing 500,000.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki dodged questions Sunday over whether President Joe Biden still considers New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's coronavirus response the 'gold standard' in the midst of the nursing home deaths scandal

'It doesn't always have to be a yes or no answer,' Psaki quipped when pushed on the matter. She said the administration would still work with Cuomo to get aid to New York

An investigation this week found that Cuomo may have intentionally misled the public on the number of nursing home deaths related to coronavirus after ordering those hospitalized with the virus to return to their facilities

This week, Cuomo  a Democrat  was revealed to have knowingly and intentionally misled the public on the number of coronavirus-related deaths in New York nursing homes.

Last spring, then-presidential candidate Biden classified Cuomo's response to the raging as the 'gold standard'.

'Your governor of New York has done one hell of a job. I think he's sort of the gold standard,' he said at the time.

Revelations of the latest scandal has New Yorkers furious.

'The governor has abused his powers,' New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim, a Democrat from Queens, told Fox News on Saturday. 'He has a pattern of abusive behavior. He has abused me and my family by calling me and threatening my career in front of my kids, in front of my wife.'

'We must hold him accountable,' Kim continued, 'that's what's at stake right now.'

Psaki defended Cuomo on Sunday during her interview with ABC News.

'He plays an important role in insuring that we're coordinating closely and getting assistance out to people of his state and to states across the country,' she said. 'And we'll continue to do that.'

'We're going to continue to work with a range of governors including, of course, Governor Cuomo because we think the people of New York, the people of states across the country, need assistance not just to get through the pandemic but to get through this difficult economic time, and that's where our focus remains,' Biden's press secretary continued.

A recent New York State Attorney General office investigation of Cuomo found his office may have misled the public on the number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes after ordering elderly people hospitalized with the virus to be returned to their facilities  potentially leading to a slew of outbreaks.

The FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office have now also begun investigations into Cuomo's handling of the nursing home deaths and any potential cover-up.

Those 60 and older are among those most at-risk of dying from contracting the virus.

Cuomos nursing home policy may have led to the deaths of 1,000 vulnerable people from COVID-19, according to a new study.

The administration is in increasingly hot water for allegedly hiding the amount of nursing home deaths early in the pandemic, and a study by the Empire Center for Public Policy validates the concerns around the numbers reported.

In the study, which was obtained by the New York Post, Cuomo's original strategy that told nursing homes to take COVID-19 patients from the hospital is linked to 'several hundred and possibly more than 1,000' deaths.

Cuomo's nursing home strategy likely contributed to 1,000 deaths, according to a new study, and he is facing intensifying criticism for sending sick seniors back to these facilities from hospitals and for allegedly intentionally under-counting deaths

Just a few weeks ago, New York said less than 9,000 nursing home residents died of COVID-19

The study said: 'The findings contradict a central conclusion of the state Department of Healths July 6 report on coronavirus in nursing homes, which said, among other things: "Admission policies were not a significant factor in nursing home fatalities," and "the data do not show a consistent relationship between admissions and increased mortality."'

There were reportedly 5,780 deaths in New York nursing homes from late March to early May. Cuomo's directive could be tied to one in six of those deaths, according to the study by the nonprofit watchdog.

The policy was in effect from March 25 to May 10.

New York's Department of Health has often pushed back against the assertion that the mandate had anything to do with nursing home deaths.

'Admission policies were not a significant factor in nursing home fatalities,' Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said in July.

'The March 25 guidance was not the driving force in nursing home deaths.'

Even in the face of the new study, Zucker is continuing to assert that the mandate and nursing home deaths are not related.

Zucker told the Post that the study was 'consistent with the Department of Healths analysis that found the March 25 guidance was not a driver of COVID infections and fatalities and COVID was introduced to nursing homes primarily through staff and visitors.'

Zucker has also claimed that of the 365 nursing homes that admitted patients from hospital between March 25 and May 10, 98 percent were already dealing with coronavirus outbreaks.

The Empire Center has 99 percent confidence in their study, which was conducted by comparing the rates at nursing homes that admitted COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals versus nursing homes that did not.

Outside of New York City, nursing homes averaged 9.3 more deaths if they admitted COVID-19 discharges.

The same wasn't true in New York City, which is likely due to the rapid spread of the virus in the early days of the pandemic.

Over 13,000 nursing home patients in New York have died of COVID-19, though weeks ago the state was reporting that it was less than 9,000 people.

The new study led by the Empire Center of Public Policy led to a rebuke by Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, who maintains Cuomo's mandate about COVID-19 discharges going to nursing homes had nothing to do with the rise in nursing home deaths

Bill Hammond, who wrote the report, said the mandate 'clearly did make some difference and it made a bad situation worse.'

'Their methodology was questionable  we know they used partial data for crucial variables, deaths and admissions,' Hammond said of the state's numbers.

'Its not clear that they looked for, let alone reported, the kind of statistical correlation that we found.'

Cuomo's administration is under increasing fire the way they've reported the COVID-19 numbers, particularly in regards to nursing homes.

Top aide to Cuomo Melissa DeRosa admitted recently that the administration was hiding the numbers of nursing home deaths.

There have been calls for Cuomo to resign or be prosecuted.

New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez called for a 'full investigation' into Cuomo's handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes.

'I support our state's return to co-equal governance and stand with our local officials calling for a full investigation of the Cuomo administration's handling of nursing homes during COVID-19,' she said in a statement.

'Thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers lost their lives in nursing homes throughout the pandemic. Their loved ones and the public deserve answers and transparency from their elected leadership, and the Secretary to the Governor's remarks warrant a full investigation.'

A majority of New Yorkers claimed in a recent survey that Cuomo did not do a good job handling the nursing home crisis.

Additionally, a feud has erupted with Assemblyman Ron Kim, who claims that he was threatened by Cuomo over the scandal.

'Governor Cuomo called me directly on Thursday to threaten my career if I did not cover up for Melissa [DeRosa] and what she said,' Kim told CNN on Wednesday.

'He tried to pressure me to issue a statement, and it was a very traumatizing experience.'

Cuomo appeared to show some conciliatory signs during a press conference on Friday.

'I take responsibility for all of it, period,' Cuomo said of not counting the nursing home deaths fully.

'We created a void by not producing enough public information fast enough.'

But he also brought partisanship into the conversation, citing the 'toxic political environment' as a factor in the scandal.

Cuomo also appeared to blame the nursing homes themselves for the deadly toll they've witnessed.

'They were only supposed to take patients if they could,' Cuomo said of the nursing homes.

''I'm not going to allow people to lie to the people of New York without answering them,' Cuomo added. 'I have very thick skin. I don't really care what people say about me. I agreed to this nasty business because I believe I can do good things. I'm not going to let you lie to them.'

Cuomo also said nursing home visits can begin again under national heath guidelines.

There have been over 1.57 million coronavirus cases in New York, with 45,957 deaths, meaning the nursing home deaths make up over a quarter of all fatalities in the state.

In the United States, there have been over 27 million COVID-19 cases and over 495,000 deaths from the virus.

In the Spring, then-presidential candidate Biden called Cuomo's response to the pandemic the 'gold standard'

New York, as well as many other areas of the country, are currently suffering a shortage of vaccinations in the midst of the raging winter storms.

'We've been able to get about 2 million of those 6 million doses out, we expect to rapidly catch up this week, fill that backlog, make sure they're out to communities, and also meet our deadlines and our timelines of the doses that are due to go out this upcoming week,' Psaki told Karl.

Biden has promised 100 million people will be vaccinated against coronavirus in his first 100 days in office.

So far, the administration has been on schedule to reach that goal  but this set back could throw that whole plan off course.
Saturday morning marked day number eight without power at Elizabeth Bartolomeos house in Mulino. No water to drink or wash. Using water from greenhouse rain barrels to flush toilets. Generator power to the fridge. Surge protectors everywhere.

Because this is far from the first time.

But this power outage was worse. Longer. No restoration information on Portland General Electrics website. No luck on the phone. More than a week in, no utility trucks on her road in rural Clackamas County.

The electricity finally came back Saturday midmorning. But Bartolomeo was far from appeased.

Worse things happened. Four people and a dog in Clackamas County died in three separate instances of carbon monoxide poisoning. Medically vulnerable customers were put at risk. Appliances fried in power surges. Hundreds of roads were blocked by downed trees, branches and power lines. Countless people endured spoiled food, cold showers and the difficulty of continuing remote school and work without internet service.

In short, when electricity, the lifeblood of modern living, goes out, chaos and sometimes tragedy follow.

The power outages experienced in the Willamette Valley over the past week are nothing like those experienced in Texas, where surging demand, power plant outages and lack of access to backup electricity supplies forced grid operators into rolling and extended blackouts that affected millions of customers across the state.

Closer to home, the problem was three waves of weather that began Thursday, Feb. 11, in the lower Willamette Valley and got worse with successive waves of icing that moved north over the weekend. More than a week later, the outage numbers had declined from a high of about 340,000 around Oregon to some 42,000 midday on Saturday.

Oregons outages have little to do with surging demand or available electricity, but repeated failures of transmission and distribution lines that arent designed to carry such heavy loads of ice, and problems with falling trees and branches that went well beyond the scope of state rules requiring utilities to keep vegetation around their infrastructure clear.

Its hard to overestimate the impact of that kind of weather, which left large swaths of PGEs, and to a lesser extent PacifiCorps, service territories looking like a war zone. Their restoration efforts, in many ways, have been a minor miracle, even as tens of thousands have been left in the cold. PGEs customers were particularly hard hit because of where the storm hit and the fact that it has a larger, denser customer base and transmission system.

Yet Oregon regulators have identified repeated failures by the states two largest electric utilities in keeping up with tree trimming, preventing vegetation from contacting conductors and maintaining required clearances. Last year, regulators told both utilities that their vegetation management programs were deficient, and that may have exacerbated problems last week.

Inevitably, last weeks storm will prompt public and private conversations about what can be done to prevent the situation from recurring.

Utility officials say it is possible to harden the grid against such outages and increase their systems resiliency through stepped up tree and vegetation trimming, advanced grid technology and other infrastructure improvements. Utilities are already moving on those fronts, but there are limitations and tradeoffs, and the solutions often come with a steep price tag.

We will learn from this event, said Larry Bekkedahl, vice president of grid architecture at PGE, which saw a peak of more than 300,000 customers affected by blackouts. Given enough money, he said, engineers can design a solution to almost anything. The question is the cost versus benefit.

Is this going to be a 40- or 50-year storm? Or maybe this is happening more often, he said.

Ultimately it is the customer who is either impacted or is paying for it, and we want to make sure were doing the right things.

Vegetation management

Utilities vegetation management programs are clearly a piece of the problem -- and the solution.

One of the programs primary aims is to reduce wildfire risks, particularly in rural areas. But the strategy has obvious implications during wind and ice storms, too: If trees and branches are farther from lines and poles, theyre less likely to take them down when they fall.

Safety staff at the Public Utility Commission conduct annual field inspections to sample the utilities tree trimming programs, identify vegetation touching overhead lines, and ensure utilities are maintaining the states mandated line clearances.

Last years audits noted serious problems and violations for both companies.

The PUC issued a warning notice to PGE that based on its review of its system, its vegetation maintenance appears to have deficiencies that are potentially systemwide. In a review of various urban and rural areas, regulators found 719 locations where evidence existed of contact between vegetation and primary electrical conductors. Based on historical reviews, they said the number of tree and energized conductor contacts were approaching all-time highs.

PGE says it typically trims trees on a three-year cycle, and has doubled its spending since 2017 to $26 million in 2020. The utility sees even higher spending moving forward -- as high as $40 million with new construction and emergency trimming. It says it is actively using the audit results to improve its program.

PGEs system is larger than PacifiCorps, with more miles of overhead lines. But regulators also found problems with PacifiCorps vegetation program, issuing a lower level caution notice to that utility indicating that its program needs improvement to ensure safety compliance. While Pacific Powers 353 violations showed a decrease from the 472 found in the 2019 review, the PUC said the number of contacts was still too high considering the high-profile wildfire mitigation efforts and identified tree hazards in the region.

About a decade ago, Pacific Power transitioned from a three-year trimming cycle to a four-year, with interim trimming of hot spots. That corresponded with a significant increase in violations identified by the annual audits. Utility commission staff said they were concerned the four-year cycle is not adequately meeting administrative rules on keeping trees safely distanced from power lines and equipment.

Last year, PacifiCorp, Pacific Powers parent company, unsuccessfully sought its first rate increase since 2013. One of the companys rationales for that increase was to help cover expanded vegetation management and other wildfire prevention work.

A filing in the case shows PUC staff was skeptical because PacifiCorp had no projection for when its vegetation management would be under control. Instead, regulators proposed making some of those cost recoveries dependent on the utility bringing its violations under established levels, and suggested a reasonable number of violations in a given year would be fewer than 75.

Kandi Young, a PUC spokeswoman, said utilities dont need approval to adjust their trim cycle. The utility is responsible to execute whats needed to provide safe and reliable service  including meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements for line clearances. Utilities submit a breakdown of expenditures in their rate cases, and regulators scrutinize them. But the PUC approves overall rates, not specific line items.

Both utilities say they are seeing faster tree growth in some areas due to rising temperatures and longer growing seasons. Prolonged droughts and bug infestation in other zones are undermining the health of trees in or bordering their rights of way.

One obvious solution is to trim trees more aggressively so they maintain clearances by the end of the trim cycle. But thats a sore spot with customers, who often complain that utilities contractors are butchering their trees.

Some Portlanders also lay blame with the city, which requires residents to maintain street trees that often grow up into power lines and cause problems during storms like last weeks.

Dennis Phillips, a Hollywood resident, said he was looking to plant street trees that would grow to 20 feet at maturity. But to satisfy the city requirements, he ultimately settled on a Katsura that grows 40 to 60 feet tall.

Tree policy is crazy, he wrote in an email. The city argues larger trees produce more foliage and shade which leads to reduced AC loads and CO2 emissions. We wanted smaller trees to maintain our view of the early morning sky, reduce moss buildup on our roof, reduce risk of limbs falling on power and cable lines, minimize leaf removal and pruning costs, and avoid costly sidewalk and sewer repairs. Does the citys tree policy make economic sense?

Utilities say they have an ongoing conversation with the city about its urban forestry program to make sure residents are planting the right tree in the right place. But they acknowledge that the tree programs in many communities complicate their job.

They do have a significant role in it, said PGEs Bekkedahl. Each community is slightly different, and we need to work together to find the right solutions thereWe do need to improve.

Meanwhile, utilities are turning to 3-D laser scanning and other imaging technology that can help map tree density, species, clearances and even tree health, to make better, more timely decisions about what needs to be cut back over a broad area.

We love our trees in the Pacific Northwest and theres a lot of them, said Allen Berreth, vice president of operations at PacifiCorp. Were always evaluating the performance of the program to see if it needs to change and we can get better results. There is no one solution thats solves all these problems.

Strengthening infrastructure

One common question after wildfires or ice storms is why utilities dont simply run their lines underground.

In fact, its standard practice in new subdivisions or new buildings, and is often used in rural corridors with reliability issues, more unpaved rights of way, and high wildfire risks. The general limitation is cost, particularly in established urban neighborhoods where it involves digging a trench up streets and to each individual home. It also involves changing out customer-owned equipment  a significant and unwelcome cost for ratepayers, Berreth said.

Californias biggest electric utility, Pacific Gas & Electric, has estimated that it costs an average of $3 million per mile to convert overhead distribution lines to underground, compared to $800,000 a mile to build new overhead lines. Some industry studies put the disparity even higher.

PGEs Bekkedahl says burying lines is appropriate in many situations, but they are not immune to outages either. Data in the companys 2019 annual reliability report shows equipment failures were responsible for about 15% of customer outage hours overall. In those cases, the largest contributor, responsible for almost 40% of the underlying outage hours, is problems with underground conductors.

Underground cable is one of our biggest headaches in terms of failure rates, he said. When people say just underground everything, (they dont recognize) it fails more than other equipment and it takes you longer to repair it. Theres some pain associated with that.

The same data showed that failed poles and other structures were responsible for less than 1% of the outage hours due to equipment failure in 2019. That number may not change much this year, as the company will attribute most of its recent pole failures to adverse weather. But Bekkedahl says the company will have to replace 1,500 to 1,600 poles from this storm.

This is our version of a hurricane, he said.

In some parts of its service territory, entire corridors of poles were dragged to the ground. A single pole, in some cases, can carry multiple transformers and both transmission and distribution lines. Repairing them involves clearing up downed lines, trees and limbs, getting rid of the old pole and setting a new one, putting on cross arms and installing the new electrical equipment. Its a big project, one that can be compounded by environmental issues if a blown transformer leaked oil, for instance.

The solution, in some cases, will be installing steel poles, which are stronger and dont rot.

The biggest problem in last weeks storm was downed transmission lines and neighborhood power lines. Utilities follow regional specifications for what level of icing lines are designed to withstand.

In the valley, Behkkedahl said, thats a quarter inch of ice, and in the foothills a half inch. During this storm, utilities saw lines encased in two inches of ice in some areas. Meanwhile, branches that might normally sway as much as five feet  and still maintain desired clearances -- sagged over power lines or simply collapsed on them, with predictable results. Tall trees from outside the areas they are required to clear were coming down on lines, too.

Strengthening the system, in this case, might involve using covered conductors that can handle more load and vegetation contact without shorting. Utilities can also replace brackets that connect lines to poles with models designed to break away at a specific point, without dragging down the pole or the cross arm.

When a line goes down, the power goes out. But technology can help there too.

Utilities have installed smart meters over the last several years that give them faster, more granular information about which customers are out. More advanced recloser and relay technology can also help utilities locate faults faster and determine which electrical switches to close to isolate the outage and which to open to reroute service to affected customers.

PacifiCorp is piloting that technology in several areas, though PUC staff remains skeptical of many of the related capital projects the company proposed in its recent rate case.

One more esoteric solution to the outage problems is a micro-grid, a defined geographic footprint with its own source of generation (solar, wind and generators) and battery backup. PGE has simulated a micro-grid in Salem with a 1.25 megawatt lithium battery array and access to power from generators owned by third parties to maintain greater reliability. As a concept, it works, and can be deployed in emergency facilities. But its impractical in a multi-day outage spread over a broad area or even a neighborhood.

You can see a future where wed have large batteries in a specific area, but theyre only a four- to eight-hour solution, Bekkedahl said. If youre going days you need localized (power) generation that supports that as well.

Utility experts said the extent and duration of this outage will eventually be hashed out in both public and private forums. Some of the solutions will be implemented, especially where they address overlapping risks.

The question is how much effort and investment do you make for a one in 50-year event, said Bob Jenks, executive director of the ratepayer advocacy group, the Citizens Utility Board of Oregon.

But with climate change driving more intense storms and wildfires, he asked, what dollars do you throw at it, recognizing that these events are going to cost a lot of money themselves.

-- Ted Sickinger; tsickinger@oregonian.com; 503-2218505; @tedsickinger
The mum of two boys who died in a horror car crash earlier this year had visited their alleged killer a day before, the boys' father has claimed in documents filed as part of their ugly court battle.

More than six weeks have passed since Sheldon, 6, and Shane Shorey, 7, were allegedly killed by an unlicensed driver at Wellington, in NSW central west, on January 5, but still their bodies remain unburied.

Their parents Shayleen Frail and Joseph Shorey faced off in the NSW Supreme Court on Wednesday, unable to agree on whether to bury or cremate the two young boys.

In the aftermath of the crash, Daily Mail Australia revealed that two surviving children told NSW Police that Ms Frail was on her way to meet Jacob Steven Donn - the man charged with killing her kids - when his red car lost control and hit them.

As part of their ugly battle, Mr Shorey filed an affidavit that referenced claims by one of the children that Ms Frail had visited that same man in 'a red car' just a day before the crash.

Shayleen Frail, whose two boys were killed in a horror car crash at Wellington, NSW, on January 5, had allegedly met up with the driver charged over their deaths a day before the crash, court documents filed as part of a bitter dispute with her ex-partner and the children's father reveal

Joseph Shorey (pictured) claimed in an affidavit that a child who survived the crash that killed his sons Sheldon, 6, and Shane Shorey, 7, (both pictured) told police that on January 4, the day before the crash, they went to meet a man in the 'red car'. Jacob Steven Donn was driving a red Holden when he allegedly hit and killed the children

'(The child) says when they got to the pool, Shayleen walked them past the pool and said, "I need to see my friend in the red car",' Mr Shorey's affidavit reads.

'Mark said he could see a "red car" further up the road. He said he saw a red car parked and that it started to move and was driving "silly". It then came towards them.

'He also says that Shayleen had met the man in the "red car" the day before when they were at the park. The car that him them was red.

'(The child) has provided a statement to the NSW Police.'

Ms Frail knew both Donn and his girlfriend Glenys Honeysett, having all grown up in the small country town, and would regularly chat on Facebook.

Initial reports in the aftermath of the crash suggested Ms Frail and the group of four children had just left the Wellington Aquatic Centre.

But workers at Wellington Aquatic Centre have corroborated they had not yet been to the pool that day.

The crash happened on Warne Street, just outside the unit block where Donn and Ms Honeysett lived.

It is not alleged Ms Honeysett was involved in or did anything wrong in relation to the crash.

NSW Police allege that in the lead up to the crash, Donn was performing burnouts on Warne Street.

Donn (pictured) was charged dangerous driving occasioning death and two counts of failing to stop and assist after an accident. He was also charged with possessing a prohibited drug.

According to Mr Shorey's affidavit, Ms Frail allegedly met the man at a park in Wellington - believed to have been Cameron Park, in the town's centre

Donn was allegedly doing burnouts in the moments before he lost control of his car and ran into Ms Frail and four children on Warne Street, in Wellington, on January 5 (Pictured is the crash scene)

Donn was charged dangerous driving occasioning death and two counts of failing to stop and assist after an accident.

He was also charged with possession of a prohibited drug.

In her affidavit filed with the court, Ms Frail admitted under a section titled 'History of My Drug Use' that she was a regular drug user.

'I acknowledge that I have a long history of drug use. I have been on the methodone program on and off for around ten years. I am still on this program,' it read.

'I smoke pot most nights. I do not smoke pot during the day. I have also used heroin a few times.'

The mud-slinging match between the two parents was rendered irrelevant by Justice John Sackar who said 'this isn't the appropriate forum to determine factual matters'.

The sad turn to the tragic story that shocked Australia will come to a close next week when Justice Sackar hands down his decision on the bitter parental feud.

Ms Frail wants her boys to be buried close to her in Wellington.

Mr Shorey and Ms Frail are battling in the NSW Supreme Court over whether their two boys are cremated or buried. Mr Shorey, who now lives in Queensland, wants them cremated so that he and Ms Frail can feel close to them (A devastated Mr Shorey is pictured at the crash scene back in January)

Mr Shorey lays a hand on the broken black fence where Donn's red Holden allegedly ploughed into the group

The boys' father Joseph Shorey (pictured in blue) made an emotional visit to the scene a day after the crash, having driven through the night from his Queensland home

Mr Shorey, who now lives in Queensland, wants his sons to be cremated so that both parents, and the boys' other siblings, can feel close to Shane and Sheldon.

Ms Frail's barrister Brendan Jones told the Supreme Court on Wednesday cremating her sons was not in line with Aboriginal culture.

'I believe that cremation is more suffering for the boys after death,' Ms Frail's affidavit read.

'I am very scared that if they are cremated that another tragedy can take place and somehow, we lose the remains for example a house fire or break and enter, and that we will not have any possession or remains of the boys after death.'

Mark Anderson, appearing for Mr Shorey, told Justice Sackar that evidence given by Aboriginal elders was that in some communities cremation is a 'regular occurrence'.

'Cremation is part of Aboriginal culture and the evidence is that cremations regularly occur,' he told the court.

Sheldon (left) and Shane Shorey (right) remain in a morgue as their parents battle it out in the NSW Supreme Court over what to do with their bodies

Ms Frail was looking after her boys for 10 days when they were killed. They usually lived with Mr Shorey in Queensland, but had come down after Christmas to visit her and their relatives

'(It allows for) both parents to be able to mourn the loss of these two children in a culturally sensitive way.'

Justice Sackar told the court he understood the complexities of the case but would reserve his judgement until next week.

'I fully appreciate everybody's grief and it is incumbent on me to move this matter on,' he said.

'I will give my decision very early next week and no later than the middle of next week.'

Jacob Steven Donn is next due to return before Dubbo Local Court on March 10.

People with cognitive impairments including brain injuries and intellectual disabilities may be forced to appear in NSW courts and participate in police interviews without a qualified support person as a critical advocacy service fears its government funding will run out.

The Justice Advocacy Service, run by the Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS), provides support to people with cognitive impairments who come into contact with the criminal justice system as victims, witnesses, suspects and defendants.

Taylor Budin, who has benefited from the Justice Advocacy Service and is a passionate supporter of it.

But state government funding is not guaranteed beyond June 30 and there are fears the service will meet the same fate as the pilot Cognitive Impairment Diversion Program, aimed at diverting alleged offenders from prison. The NSW government determined last year the program was not suitable to become a permanent fixture.

In the first 12 months of the axed diversion scheme, just seven per cent of the 180 participants received a prison sentence.
Dozens of San Francisco educators and supporters gathered in Civic Center Plaza Saturday evening after five straight days of union negotiations over returning to classrooms.

Masked, shivering and toting signs and candles, teachers who joined the vigil expressed support for their union leaders, who have been bargaining over how to safely reopen schools after nearly a year of distance learning.

Susan Solomon, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, said teachers want sufficient amounts of personal protective equipment, a safety walk-through by the Department of Public Health, and having vaccines be both available and accessible. It wasnt enough to just have assurances that vaccines were on their way, she said.

Knowing that they're coming and actually having them are, unfortunately, two different things, she said.

San Francisco teachers can make appointments for vaccines in the city starting on Feb. 24.

The union and school district officials are trying to reach agreement on the number of hours and days students can return to classrooms.

Solomon said the union wants four days a week in person, although it was unclear how many days and hours students would attend. The district has offered a range of schedules depending on demand for in person learning at each school given social distancing requirements. They include full-time, five days a week where possible and a hybrid schedule with in-person learning two full days a week and virtual learning three days. Those wanting to remain in distance- learning only would have that option.

Alex Schmaus, a special education instructional aide at a middle school, said he came to support the union and its bargaining with the district.

"I think it's important that we have a plan for when we do return to the schools, that it's safe for everybody," he said.

Schmaus, who has been doing the distance learning, said he and most educators are eager to return to the classrooms.

"There are some students that thrive in the distance learning environment, but it's not the majority," he said. "It takes a lot of joy out of school."

Susie Siegel, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Dr. William Cobb Elementary School, said she also showed up in support of the union.

"We need to be a community and make sure that safety precautions are truly in place," she said. "And I feel grateful that we have people working hard at that."

Siegel said it's "paramount" that teachers be provided vaccines before their return.

"There's already going to be such a fear factor going on  teachers are going to be under a lot of duress, making sure that their students are safe and families feel safe," she said. "And (vaccines are) the one thing that can be done very quickly."

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com

Editors note: The estimate for the number of attendees at the rally has been revised. The districts proposal for a return to in-person learning has been updated to reflect the most current information.
Tamil Nadu elections and the Sri Lanka card View(s):

The Prime Minister of India has opted to take the same familiar route of some of his predecessors to woo the voters of the southern state of Tamil Nadu by waving the Sri Lanka card as assembly elections he wants his ruling BJP to win negotiate the bend.

It is in Tamil Nadu that the LTTE and other Sri Lankan terrorist groups were financed, trained and given safe haven to carry out a bloody insurgency in this country until India got hoisted with its own petard losing 1,000 soldiers and a Prime Minister in the process at the hands of these same terrorists. But the Sri Lanka bogey continues.

The PM spoke of his Governments wholehearted support for one community in Sri Lanka to live in dignity, a statement tantamount to anything but good neighbourliness. To dismiss these remarks as election rhetoric is not easy when it comes from the mouth of a Prime Minister. Under heavy criticism at home and abroad for his own treatment of minorities, the Indian PM doesnt seem to see the mote in his own eye.

He has clearly hitched his partys wagon to the emotive plight of Sri Lankan Tamils star. Naturally he would not speak of Indias military cooperation with Sri Lanka nor that it was just the other day that he wanted Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims to patronise Indias new international airport at Kusinara, nor of course, how the multimillion Euro fishing industry of this very state of Tamil Nadu is illegally raping the marine resources in Sri Lankan waters and depriving their beloved Sri Lankan Tamil compatriots of their livelihood and ability to live in dignity.

The BJPs intentions are clear. It wants to extend its political juggernaut from northern India to the south and dislodge the two long entrenched traditional foes of Tamil Nadu, the DMK and the AIADMK now sans their charismatic leaders of yesteryear, M. Karunanidhi, M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalitha and stake a claim to the state.

Cocky as they are, BJP leaders, including a chief minister have either in jest or otherwise said that what is left for the party to do is to expand its footprint to Sri Lanka and Nepal by contesting elections in these countries. A joke is a very serious thing, said Sir Winston Churchill and it would be no joke given Indias track record of interfering in the internal politics of both Sri Lanka and Nepal in the bad old days of not so long ago.

In his book Inside RAW, Asoka Raina has chronicled how the Indian spy agency bribed Nepalese MPs during the tenure of Indira Gandhi, but her successor, Gandhian Morarji Desai refused to honour the payments saying it was immoral to have bribed foreign MPs. This week the Nepali Government had the courage to lodge a formal objection with the Indian Government over these remarks by BJP leaders; Sri Lanka has opted to remain mute seeking Indias support in Geneva instead.

Some cynics ask if this is an enlargement of the BJP Governments Neighbourhood First policy. If the party is cock-a-hoop with electoral victories and its popularity extends all over the sub-continent, why not it implements UN Resolution 47 of 1948 and hold a plebiscite in disputed Kashmir to decide whether its people prefer to live in a BJP India or with Pakistan and solve that protracted issue once and for all.

The current rise in temperature in Indo-Lanka relations over a multitude of issues is fermenting popular discontent among ordinary people and this is not a healthy sign for peace and stability in the region. The climate will not be conducive for any negotiations on trade or investment between the two countries. Amid all of this, Sri Lanka remains voiceless in New Delhi with its High Commissioner designate remaining resident in Colombo for over a year.

The Government does not seem to have what it takes to order the envoy to take up his post, or appoint another. Without sending some career diplomats or high profile persons, successive Governments have sent second-rate deputy high commissioners to Chennai and this Government is continuing the trend. How then can one expect the Government to have any diplomatic impact in the corridors of power in New Delhi?

Exit: Lockdowns Enter: Vaccines

At a time when the Prime Ministers statement to Parliament is contradicted by lesser mortals of his own Government, it is not surprising to find one of the Cabinet spokesmen contradict what his colleagues say about the state of the economy.

Asked if the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases and the discovery of the new UK variant of the virus would necessitate another lockdown, the spokesman bluntly said No, and explained that the economy was too fragile for that to happen.

It would follow that his remarks were the outcome of a discussion within the Cabinet of Ministers and that it is, therefore, the considered view of the Government that curfews and lockdowns are a thing of the past and it will be the responsibility of the citizenry to look after themselves. The fact that the countrys borders have been opened even for persons from those countries which themselves have clamped lockdowns to stop the spread of the virus indicates how desperate this Government is.

This new approach seems to be based on the arrival of limited stocks of the vaccine, and the hope that the immunisation programme will help battle the virus now galloping away with hundreds of new cases daily, countrywide, and virtually out of control of the health authorities. They may also be encouraged by the news that the countries that have launched vaccination campaigns on a mass scale have reported a slowing down in the number of cases.

Typically, the Sri Lanka vaccination programme has already run into some controversy with an original list like in most other countries based on priority for frontline workers and elders being dumped and others, including Members of Parliament allowed to jump the queue.

With clinicians and technical experts urging that the Government stick to the priority list to prevent deaths especially among the elderly who are at high risk and waiting in anxious hope for the vaccine, it is vital that the immunisation campaign be done without any deviation from the established protocols. The UN Secretary General said the global vaccination programme is wildly uneven and unfair. That should not be the case within Sri Lanka as well. This would go a long way in maintaining confidence in the Governments efforts to deal with this continuing pandemic.
In an attempt to encourage more people to get vaccinated, an Israeli bar offered its patrons free drinks when they get the COVID-19 vaccine as it doubled as a site for immunization, Thursday.

According to Israel's Health Ministry, at least 43% of the country's 9 million population have gotten at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer. However, health authorities are worried that the vaccination turnout may decrease as the country plans to reopen its economy.

Free Drinks for Vaccinees

Israel: Bar offers free drink for jab to tempt more young people to get vaccinated



Sunday February 21, 2021



A bar in Tel Aviv has become an unusual vaccination point, offering COVID-19 jabs in exchange for a free drink. pic.twitter.com/mCl9WnBAA1  Smart Eagles (@SmartEaglesZed) February 21, 2021

While many bars in the country are still closed as a result of the pandemic, an Israeli bar in Tel Aviv known as Jenia Gastropub collaborated with the municipality in order to help in the vaccination. The bar opened its doors as a COVID-19 vaccination site and offered drinks on the house for those who will get the shot, Reuters reported.

In the pub, anyone can get the vaccine even without appointments. The vaccine is also free of charge and people who get it will earn a voucher for a free drink at the bar.

According to Sky News, the bar emphasized that because vaccinations do not mix well with alcohol, the vouchers can only be used for non-alcoholic drinks. Despite the limitation on the drinks, many people still came to the bar, got vaccinated, and enjoyed the place since they haven't been able to come to bars for a while.

One of the dozens of people who came to the Israeli bar, May Perez stated that the bar's "gimmick" was really a good opportunity to get the COVID-19 shot. She added that many people do not have the time and ability to go to other vaccination sites.

Reports also claim that in the past week, there was an alarming decrease in the vaccination rate among the younger demographic as they became eligible to get the shot. Since it has been hailed to have the most successful vaccine program globally, Israel is trying to find ways to encourage the youth to get vaccinated.

READ ALSO: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Sends 63 Chinese Cinema Goers to Hospital

In a statement by Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital's vaccination coordinator, Dr. Daniel Shepshelovich, he said that their main concern at the moment is to convince the younger people to get the shot. He also added that the rate of vaccination has gone concerningly slow which has alarmed health officials.

In connection to this, health officials from Israel have issued a warning to other countries that are yet to begin their COVID-19 vaccination that the younger generation may be more reluctant to get vaccinated. This is because the younger people either see COVID-19 as not a serious risk, or they are concerned about the legitimacy of the vaccine, Daily Mail reported.

In addition, an infectious disease expert from Sheba, the largest hospital in Israel, Professor Eyal Leshem has briefed the government of Scotland on the experience of Israel in the vaccination process.

Officials from Tel Aviv, where the Israeli bar which doubled as a vaccination site is located have also announced that they will be putting up mobile vaccination units in popular places in the city over the weekend.

RELATED ARTICLE: Vatican Threatens to Fire Employees Who Refuse to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

 Matthew 7:15

They call themselves QAnon casualties, circumstantial hostages who watch in horror, sadness and desperation as loved ones are drawn deeper into a complex web of lies, exploitation and psychological violence spun by predators posing as prophets.

They are the collateral damage of The Great Awakening, a war on democracy, empirical fact and objective reality that continues to consume the hearts, minds, careers and relationships of its victims. They share their grief, disbelief and desperation in online forums such as r/QAnonCasualties on Reddit. The growing community was started by a user whose mother was falling deeper into the labyrinthine conspiracy theory.

Having a loved one involved in QAnon is an exhausting, sad, scary, demoralizing experience, the user wrote. Most people are happy to just point and laugh at QAnon followers because they arent directly affected by it. If you dont have that luxury, this sub is for you.

On Thursday, a member of r/QAnonCasualties who lives in Northeast Pennsylvania shared his experience with me. He read last Sundays column and reached out to offer his perspective from the other side of the Q divide.

I know his name, but promised not to use it. Or reveal where he lives. Ive done my best to avoid details that could identify him. He doesnt want to embarrass his girlfriend and holds out hope that she can be brought back to reality.

Ill call him John. I believe this is the first time Ive used an anonymous source. After vetting him as thoroughly as possible, my editor and I decided an exception was in order. Real lives are being destroyed, right here in our community. Q is very real to Anons, and its grip only tightens with each failed prophecy.

She was the sweetest, most innocent, very smart girl, John said of his girlfriend, also in her 50s. Ive known her since we were kids. We just reconnected three years ago, and we never had an argument about anything.

Then came the pandemic.

I was watching something on CNN, and she walked in the room and said, I think youre all (expletive) crazy... she said, Its fake. Its a hoax. 

Soon, Johns girlfriend started sharing research she said provided vital information and evidence being hidden by the fake news media. He easily accessed multiple reliable sources to debunk what she called her news. As her news got more and more bizarre, John got less and less tolerant.

I started getting mad about it and I lost my composure and I said, This is dangerous, sicko stuff. She said, Dont worry about me. Im doing research. Its my news. I said, Then why is everybody else in the world telling me to be scared (expletive) of this stuff. And youre telling me theres no problem with it? Think about what its doing to me, because Im laying awake at night wondering what the hell youre doing on the internet.

John and his girlfriend dont live together. When she isnt with him or at work, he said she is online doing Q research with other Anons. Over the past year, John has watched her become more fearful and less trusting of any source outside the Qniverse.

A recent argument revealed her suspicion of the COVID-19 vaccine.

She started shaking, John said. Her face got drawn and grave and she was just so upset because she was afraid they were going to put a microchip in her. And its like its a real fear for her, where for the rest of us its just crazy...

Half the time Im wondering if Im overreacting, but Ive read enough about this stuff to know some people dont come back.

For the uninitiated, Anons believe that Q is a mysterious individual (or small group of them) with a high-level security clearance. Q feeds cryptic breadcrumbs that incrementally reveal The Plan to round up and execute a global cabal of Satanic vampire pedophiles and reinstall former president Donald Trump as GEOTUS, short for God Emperor of the United States.

Im not making that up.

Or this: Anons take Trumps lies about election fraud as articles of faith. He did win in a landslide, he has irrefutable proof he was cheated and is biding his time before declaring martial law and retaking the White House.

Also, JFK Jr. is alive and working with Trump; President Biden and other deep state demons have been executed and replaced with body doubles, and Trumps abandonment of Mike Pence was payback after the former vice president plotted to have GEOTUS assassinated in North Korea.

Its easy to mock such madness and those who religiously believe it until you consider that two QAnon promoters were recently elected to Congress. Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, who thinks she should be allowed to carry a gun in the Capitol, live-tweeted that Nancy Pelosi had been escorted from the chamber as terrorists hunted the House Speaker during the Jan. 6 riot.

Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has expressed support for a cornucopia of QAnonsense, including the loopy, anti-Semitic claim that the California wildfires were caused by Jewish elites using space lasers. These two kooks are elected members of Congress.

I find nothing funny about that. Neither does John. Even as he related some of her most preposterous beliefs, he never once laughed at his girlfriend. He loves this woman and genuinely fears for her safety and sanity. Shes caught up in something and cant see what its doing to her and their relationship. His only goal is to help her, and he doesnt know how. Johns pain is real. I could hear it.

I speak as a sinner. Im a recovering alcoholic. My wife, family and friends suffered for years as my obsession with alcohol pushed them and everything else aside. They begged and pleaded with me to give it up, but I believed alcohol made me smart, funny, confident and powerful. I almost died for that lie.

By the grace of God and the support of family and friends, I am two years sober. Im a lot less judgmental of those who get caught up in destructive behaviors that make them feel smart, funny, confident and powerful, and even less forgiving of predators who take advantage of vulnerable souls.

At least two Q-predicted deadlines for Trumps triumphant re-ascension  the Jan. 6 domestic terrorist attacks on the Capitol and the Jan. 20 inauguration of President Joe Biden  have come and gone. The latest drop-dead date for The Great Awakening is March 4. Mark it on your Qalendars.

On that date, the 45th President of the United States will be sworn in as the 19th President of the United States. Wait. What? Well, see, back in 1871, a secret law was passed that made the U.S. a corporation, and...

Never mind.

John is hoping after March 4, his girlfriend will see the light, or at least a few rays.

Im sure theyll move the goalposts again, but Im going to be there for her, he said. Im not ready to give up this fight yet.

Me neither.

CHRIS KELLY, the Times-Tribune columnist, is praying for John and his girlfriend.
(This February 20 story refiles to fix reference to celsius temperature in fourth graph from bottom)

By Tim McLaughlin and Stephanie Kelly

(Reuters) - As Texans cranked up their heaters early Monday to combat plunging temperatures, a record surge of electricity demand set off a disastrous chain reaction in the states power grid.

Wind turbines in the states northern Panhandle locked up. Natural gas plants shut down when frozen pipes and components shut off fuel flow. A South Texas nuclear reactor went dark after a five-foot section of uninsulated pipe seized up. Power outages quickly spread statewide - leaving millions shivering in their homes for days, with deadly consequences.

It could have been far worse: Before dawn on Monday, the states grid operator was seconds and minutes away from an uncontrolled blackout for its 26 million customers, its CEO has said. Such a collapse occurs when operators lose the ability to manage the crisis through rolling blackouts; in such cases, it can take weeks or months to fully restore power to customers.

Monday was one of the states coldest days in more than a century - but the unprecedented power crisis was hardly unpredictable after Texas had experienced a similar, though less severe, disruption during a 2011 cold snap. Still, Texas power producers failed to adequately winter-proof their systems. And the states grid operator underestimated its need for reserve power capacity before the crisis, then moved too slowly to tell utilities to institute rolling blackouts to protect against a grid meltdown, energy analysts, traders and economists said.

Early signs of trouble came long before the forced outages. Two days earlier, for example, the grid suddenly lost 539 megawatts (MW) of power, or enough electricity for nearly 108,000 homes, according to operational messages disclosed by the states primary grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).

The crisis stemmed from a unique confluence of weaknesses in the states power system.

Story continues

Texas is the only state in the continental United States with an independent and isolated grid. That allows the state to avoid federal regulation - but also severely limits its ability to draw emergency power from other grids. ERCOT also operates the only major U.S. grid that does not have a capacity market - a system that provides payments to operators to be on standby to supply power during severe weather events.

After more than 3 million ERCOT customers lost power in a February 2011 freeze, federal regulators recommended that ERCOT prepare for winter with the same urgency as it does the peak summer season. They also said that, while ERCOTs reserve power capacity looked good on paper, it did not take into account that many generation units could get knocked offline by freezing weather.

There were prior severe cold weather events in the Southwest in 1983, 1989, 2003, 2006, 2008, and 2010, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and North American Electric Reliability Corp staff summarized after investigating the states 2011 rolling blackouts. Extensive generator failures overwhelmed ERCOTs reserves, which eventually dropped below the level of safe operation.

ERCOT spokeswoman Leslie Sopko did not comment in detail about the causes of the power crisis but said the grids leadership plans to re-evaluate the assumptions that go into its forecasts.

The freeze was easy to see coming, said Jay Apt, co-director of the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center.

When I read that this was a black-swan event, I just have to wonder whether the folks who are saying that have been in this business long enough that they forgot everything, or just came into it, Apt said. People need to recognize that this sort of weather is pretty common.

This weeks cold snap left 4.5 million ERCOT customers without power. More than 14.5 million Texans endured a related water-supply crisis as pipes froze and burst. About 65,000 customers remained without power as of Saturday afternoon, even as temperatures started to rise, according to website PowerOutage.US.

State health officials have linked more than two dozen deaths to the power crisis. Some died from hypothermia or possible carbon monoxide poisoning caused by portable generators running in basements and garages without enough ventilation. Officials say they suspect the death count will rise as more bodies are discovered.

THIN POWER RESERVE

In the central Texas city of Austin, the state capital, the minimum February temperature usually falls between 42 and 48 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 9 degrees Celsius). This past week, temperatures fell as low as 6 degrees Fahrenheit (-14 degrees Celsius).

In November, ERCOT assured that the grid was prepared to handle such a dire scenario.

We studied a range of potential risks under both normal and extreme conditions, and believe there is sufficient generation to adequately serve our customers, said ERCOTs manager of resource adequacy, Pete Warnken, in a report that month.

Warnken could not be reached for comment on Saturday.

Under normal winter conditions, ERCOT forecast it would have about 16,200 MW of power reserves. But under extreme conditions, it predicted a reserve cushion of only about 1,350 MW. That assumed only 23,500 MW of generation outages. During the peak of this weeks crisis, more than 30,000 MW was forced off the grid.

Other U.S. grid operators maintain a capacity market to supply extra power in extreme conditions - paying operators on an ongoing basis, whether they produce power or not. Capacity market auctions determine, three years in advance, the price that power generators receive in exchange for being on emergency standby.

Instead, ERCOT relies on a wholesale electricity market, where free market pricing provides incentives for generators to provide daily power and to make investments to ensure reliability in peak periods, according to economists. The system relied on the theory that power plants should make high profits when energy demand and prices soar - providing them ample money to make investments in, for example, winterization. The Texas legislature restructured the states electric market in 1999.

LOOMING CRISIS

Since 2010, ERCOTs reserve margin - the buffer between generation capacity versus forecasted demand - has dropped to about 10% from about 20%. This has put pressure on generators during demand spikes, making the grid less flexible, according to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), a nonprofit regulator.

That thin margin for error set off alarms early Monday morning among energy traders and analysts as they watched a sudden drop in the electrical frequency of the Texas grid. One analyst compared it to watching the pulse of a hospital patient drop to life-threatening levels.

Too much of a drop is catastrophic because it would trigger automatic relay switches to disconnect power sources from the grid, setting off uncontrolled blackouts statewide. Dan Jones, an energy analyst at Monterey LLC, watched from his home office in Delaware as the grids frequency dropped quickly toward the point that would trigger the automatic shutdowns.

"If you're not in control, and you are letting the equipment do it, that's just chaos," Jones said.

By Sunday afternoon about 3:15 p.m. (CST), ERCOT's control room signaled it had run out of options to boost electric generation to match the soaring demand. Operators issued a warning that there was "no market solution" for the projected shortage, according to control room messages published by ERCOT on its website.

Adam Sinn, president of Houston-based energy trading firm Aspire Commodities, said ERCOT waited far too long to start telling utilities to cut customers' power to guard against a grid meltdown. The problems, he said, were readily apparent several days before Monday.

ERCOT was letting the system get weaker and weaker and weaker, Sinn said in an interview. I was thinking: Holy shit, what is this grid operator doing? He has to cut load.

Sinn said he started texting his friends on Sunday night, warning them to expect widespread outages.

SECONDS AND MINUTES

Early Monday morning, one of the largest sources of electricity in the state - the unit 1 reactor at the South Texas Nuclear Generating Station - stopped producing power after the small section of pipe froze in temperatures that averaged 17 degrees Fahrenheit (-8 degrees Celsius). The grid lost access to 1,350 MW of nuclear power - enough to power about 270,000 homes - after automatic sensors detected the frozen pipe and protectively shut down the reactor, said Victor Dricks, a spokesman for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

About 2:30 a.m. (CST), the South Plains Electric Cooperative in Lubbock said it received a phone call from ERCOT to cut power to its customers. Inside the ERCOT control room, staff members scrambled to call utilities and cooperatives statewide to tell them to do the same, according to operational messages disclosed by the grid operator.

Three days later, ERCOT Chief Executive Bill Magness acknowledged that the grid operator had only narrowly avoided the calamity of uncontrolled blackouts.

If we hadnt taken action, he said on Thursday, it was seconds and minutes (away), given the amount of generation that was coming off the system at the same time that the demand was still going up."

(Reporting by Tim McLaughlin and Stephanie Kelly; additional reporting by Nichola Groom; editing by Simon Webb and Brian Thevenot)
The discovery of crawling cockroaches and dead rats were some of the reasons at least half a dozen food safety fines were dished out last year following hundreds of complaints lodged against Brisbane restaurants and eateries.

Brisbane City Council received 771 complaints relating to food safety in 2020  437 about food premises and 334 about unsafe food and infection.

On average, two food-safety complaints are lodged with Brisbane City Council daily. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

Topping the list of worst-offending suburbs was Brisbanes CBD, where 72 complaints were lodged, followed by Sunnybank with 26 and West End with 25.

Next was Upper Mount Gravatt, with 21 complaints, followed by Chermside and Fortitude Valley, with 20 complaints each.
Patna, Feb 21 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar while talking to the media on deaths due to suspected poisonour liquore in Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj and Kaimur said that despite a section of people involved in the mess, majority of people of the state are in favour of liquor ban.

Kumar has been facing criticism over deaths due to suspected poisonous liquor in Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj and Kaimur.

"Incidents like Muzaffarpur and Gopalganj are happening in other states too despite strict ban on liquor due to liquor traders and mafias. People have to understand that consumption of liquor is injurious to health," he said.

"The liquor prohibition unit and Bihar Police are alert and are regularly updating us about the developments," the CM said adding that we have also urged the people to become eyes and ears of the agencies, click photographs, make videos and inform them. "Strict action will be taken against the violators," he added.

He told the reporters that the liquor prohibition law in the state is so stringent that if a government officer is found drunk we start the process of his dismissal.
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 Wylie Miller was performing on a cruise ship when the pandemic upended his life. Miller had long spent six months of the year voyaging the world as a headline act on cruise ships. He had stepped off a ship arriving into Sydney, and was due to travel to New Zealand and on to New Caledonia. New Zealand called and said, We arent allowing any ships in, he says. The cruise ended right there. We flew back home. Miller was among the 15 per cent of arts workers who, during those initial frightening weeks of the pandemic, saw their main source of income disappear. When Miller returned to Melbourne, there wasnt much hope of work. On the day he arrived back in his hometown, the city went into its first lockdown. Like people out of work for the first time in a long time, all over Australia, Miller faced the disorienting prospect of the work he relied on suddenly, and brutally, no longer existing. I couldnt go out and make money. It was so frustrating. Im not a lazy person. I love doing my job. Wylie Miller, performer

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Work for Millers soul band, Grand WaZoo, also ground to a halt. Busking, which Miller relied on to bring in extra income, became untenable as the city centre became a ghost town. Melbourne City Council foot traffic sensors at the time showed the number of people visiting the CBD halving daily. For the first time in his life, the Ohio-born Australian had to rely on government support. He found himself queuing up in a soup line at the Salvos. He found the experience infuriating; he decided hed rather go hungry than line up again. I couldnt go out and make money. It was so frustrating, he says. Im not a lazy person. I love doing my job. The recovery in Victoria has begun  more quickly than many imagined. The states unemployment rate stands at 6.3 per cent, an impressive economic recovery from June when the jobless rate hit 7.5 per cent. Centre for Future Work director Jim Stanford says the Australian Bureau of Statistics official unemployment rate doesnt tell the full story for people like Miller  failing to take into account the hundreds of thousands working casually or part-time but wanting more work. We have a long way to go to get the economy back anywhere close to its full potential, Dr Stanford says. Miller is still looking for work, and his fortnightly JobSeeker payment fluctuates depending on how much he earns from busking and gigs, ranging from $300 to $915. Most of it is absorbed by the rent for his North Melbourne apartment, which was reduced following advocacy from housing and homelessness service Launch Housing.

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Wylie Miller was offered his old cruise ship job back, but at half the pay. Now he wants to find work helping young people. Credit:Justin McManus During the toughest months of the lockdown, he fell behind on bills and was unable to afford repairs to his car. How do they expect me to look for a job when I cant afford to get the car back on the road? he asks. Late last year he found out this period of poverty could have been averted: he was unknowingly still on the books at the cruise ship company and potentially eligible for JobKeeper. While border closures and customer confidence remain huge obstacles, the cruise ship industry is hoping to rebound after a bruising year. Miller has been offered his old job back, but the conditions have deteriorated. His pay has been halved and, hes been asked to work on the cruise ship six days a week for three months at a time. Previously, he worked on the ship for no longer than two weeks at a time. They want us to stay on the boat for three months, he says, shaking his head. Thats too long. If they had left the pay where it was, I would have done it.

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This worsening of conditions and pay is common during periods of high unemployment, says Tim Kennedy, from the United Workers Union. Theres no limit on employers ability to access an army of unemployed workers who will step in if a current employee makes a fuss, he says. This sort of intensification  working harder, with fewer workmates, for the same pay  has become familiar for many who kept their jobs during the pandemic, Kennedy says. Miller is starting to see Melbournes nightlife emerge, but like many Australian musicians, including Bernard Fanning, Missy Higgins and Midnight Oil, believes more government assistance is needed to save the industry. Even before last weeks snap five-day lockdown, Miller was struggling to land gigs because of capacity limits on venues. Venues are also paying performers less because their revenues are significantly down. Even now that its open, its not open enough, he says. Theres only small rooms so instead of getting $400 you might get $100. Its going to take some time. Miller has returned to busking on the streets of the CBD, and recently took advantage of a Melbourne City Council initiative that paid buskers to compensate for the reduced foot traffic.

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Resumption of mining operations at the Donimalai mine will improve iron ore supply in the country and help ease prices of the key steel making raw material, experts say.

Mining at NMDC's 7-million tonnes per annum (MTPA) Donimalai mine in Karnataka resumed from Thursday.

After remaining closed for over two years, the country's largest iron ore miner company was able to resume operations following the necessary permission and clearances from the Karnataka government.

Arnab Hazra, deputy secretary-general of the Indian Steel Association (ISA), the country's apex body that represents the interest of domestic steel industry, said Donimalai is an important mine in the southern region. It will help the mills in the Southern India with smooth supply of raw material.

Anil Kumar Chaudhary, former CMD of the country's largest steel maker SAIL, said, "It has been possible by the efforts taken by the steel ministry to resolve the issue."



Resumption of mine will also help enhance in meeting its production targets.

"This resumption of mining (at Donimalai) will increase supply of iron ore for steel making. Increased supply will lead to easing of prices of the raw material," R K Sharma, secratary general of miners' body Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), told PTI.

Iron ore is a key raw material used for producing steel besides coking coal.

To produce every 1 million tonne (MT) of steel, almost double amount of iron ore is required.

former chairman and managing director (CMD) N Baijendra Kumar termed the development as "positive" for the domestic steel industry.

Another 7 MT of iron ore will be back into the supply chain, he said adding that contributes about 18-20 per cent to India's total iron ore requirement annual.

When asked for his comments, Jayanta Roy, senior vice-president and group head (corporate sector ratings) of ICRA, said, "This should be good for the industry, definitely."



This will also rectify the demand-supply balance. Besides, the production at Donimalai will replace the iron ore being brought into Karnataka from other states, Roy said.

Further, the prices of iron ore are also expected to cool down, he said.

As per industry data, the values for 62Fe (ore with 62 per cent iron content) reached about USD 172 per tonne by the middle of December. This level was last recorded in early 2013.

NMDC, under the steel ministry, is the country's largest iron ore miner.

The company, which has been in the business of mining iron ore for over six decades, produces about 35 MT iron ore from its three iron ore complexes in the country one in Donimalai in Karnataka and two are in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.

In 2018, NMDC suspended iron ore mining at the Donimalai mine following a decision of the state government to impose 80 per cent premium on the iron ore sales from the mine.

The capacity of Donimalai mine is 7 MTPA. The mine has reserves of about 90-100 million tonne (MT) which may last for 15-20 years.

State-owned NMDC aims to utilise 97 per cent of its production capacity to produce 35 million tonne (MT) of iron ore this fiscal and has set an ambitious target of producing 100 MT by 2030.

(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.)
More than five lakh people have registered themselves for the ''Kamdhenu Gau Vigyan Prachar-Prasar Examination'' exam. The national-level online 'cow science' examination (gau vigyan), conducted by the Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog (RKA), is set to take place on February 25 in which several universities across the country will participate. Vallabhai Kathiria, Chairman Rashtriya Kamdhenu Ayog told media that there is 'Nothing unscientific about it. We want to project its importance of the Indian breed of the cow. So, we are holding this exam'.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has written to Vice Chancellors of 900 universities in the country to encourage the students to write the "indigenous cow science" examination. The one-hour-long multiple-choice question-based exam has no registration fee and students from primary, secondary, and senior-secondary schools can also take the online test. Besides, anyone from the general public can also take the exam that will be held in English and 11 regional languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, Sanskrit, Punjabi, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, and Odia.

The Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog has also shared study material for the examination which includes, "cow dung is used as a protection against radiations in nuclear centres in India and Russia"and "Cow dung protected Bhopal residents from the gas leak". The material also states that Indian cows have a special power to absorb the sun's energy with the help of the solar pulse situated in their humps.

The cow exam aims to "infuse curiosity into all Indians about cows and make them aware of the unexplored potential and business opportunities a cow can offer, even after it stops giving milk", the RKA said in its notification.

Also read: COVID-19 blues: Centre likely to frame new employment policy to revive job sector

Also read: I-T dept raids Srinagar-based hospital owner; detects Rs 100 cr cash transactions
Costco announced Saturday that it would begin providing coronavirus vaccines at select locations in California, including one in Marin County.

Its the latest pharmacy chain to offer vaccines in California: Some CVS, Safeway and Rite Aid locations are already giving shots.

The superstores pharmacy in Novato will administer the vaccine, but currently only health care workers are eligible, according to Costcos booking page. There is currently some availability on Friday.

Some Costco stores Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties are also offering vaccines.

Outside of California, Costco stores in New York, Oregon and Puerto Rico are also among those providing the vaccine.

Costco officials did not immediately respond to a request for further information, including when other locations in the Bay Area might begin offering vaccines.

Several CVS locations in the Bay Area are carrying the vaccine, in cities including Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, San San Francisco and San Jose. Additional CVS locations will carry the COVID-19 vaccine once supply becomes more available, the pharmacy chain said.

Costcos website said the store would be offering a limited number of coronavirus vaccines  typically Moderna  at its available locations. The site discouraged patients from directly contacting Costco pharmacies, as they are unable to schedule an appointment or provide current eligibility requirements.

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy
Advocates for detainees inside Maryland's Chesapeake Detention Facility filed a federal lawsuit Saturday alleging that a host of unsanitary conditions fostered a coronavirus outbreak that affected 234 inmates and employees.

The class-action lawsuit, filed in Baltimore's U.S. District Court, alleges among other things that guards in the pretrial facility of 400 detainees rarely wore masks and that healthy detainees were forced into contaminated cells that had not been sanitized.

In one case, a woman who was new to the facility was kept in a cell flanked on both sides by cells that contained male detainees who had recently tested positive for the coronavirus. In another, a male detainee was forced to stay in the same cell with a cellmate who was clearly showing symptoms of infection, including coughing and a fever, the suit states.

"I was sleeping with my mask on," the detainee was quoted as saying in the complaint filed on behalf of eight detainees who have either recently tested positive or have underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable to infection. "I tried to clean my cell. But I couldn't really sanitize it."

Along with nursing homes and other congregate settings, jails and prisons in the Washington, D.C., region have been hit hard by the virus, prompting officials to include all of those settings on priority lists for vaccine doses.

But some jails and prisons have yet to receive any doses, advocates say.

Mark Vernarelli, a spokesman for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, declined to comment Saturday on the allegations. The complaint names Robert Green, the department secretary, and Calvin Wilson, the Chesapeake warden, as co-defendants.

But Vernarelli said in a statement that the state's 21 detention facilities follow Maryland Health Department guidelines for containing the spread of the coronavirus inside congregate settings, including frequent testing, isolating those who are infected and restricting movement among inmates.

"Like all DPSCS facilities, CDF follows strict health-department COVID guidelines and protocols and is subject to regular compliance audits," Vernarelli said of the Chesapeake facility.

As of Saturday, 169 inmates and 80 staff members at the Chesapeake site were infected, according to the DPSCS website. Overall, across the state detention system, 4,067 inmates and 2,073 employees were infected.

John Fowler, an attorney with the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said the large number of infections underscored the lax attitudes that state corrections officials still have about the virus nearly a year after the pandemic started.

Fowler said advocacy groups repeatedly asked Green and Wilson to do more to protect the Chesapeake detainees, with no response.

"We know the warden has seen what's going on," he said. "A year after covid has come on the scene, this shouldn't be happening."

Other detention facilities in the region also have recently recorded spikes in infections.

In Virginia, inmates at the Rappahannock Regional Jail were placed under lockdown last month after a coronavirus outbreak there. State health officials recently said they are isolating inmates inside that facility and working to begin vaccinations.

The Chesapeake lawsuit criticized officials for using solitary confinement as a tool to prevent more infections, arguing that it damages the detainees' mental health.

The complaint seeks a court order requiring that mental health protections be implemented in cases where isolation occurs and that detainees be immediately offered vaccinations.

The lawsuit also seeks to have a judge order officials to distribute masks and other protective equipment and provide the detainees with liquid hand soap and paper towels so they can regularly wash their hands.
Motor India plans to further consolidate its portfolio in the country as the vertical continues to outshine other segments and drive passenger vehicle sales in the domestic market, according to a top company official.

The company, which is the second largest passenger vehicle maker in the country, is also gearing up to bring a seven-seater model in the country.

"The segment is the market driver currently. We have an edge globally when it comes to SUVs. So, going ahead we are going to further strengthen our lineup in the country," Motor India Ltd (HMIL) MD and CEO SS Kim told PTI.

The company led the space in the country with sales of 1.8 lakh units in 2020. It sellsmodels like Venue, Creta and Tucson in the market.

SUV sales have been witnessing an upward trend in the country in the recent years.

In 2019, SUV saleswere 25 per cent of the total passenger vehicle sales. In 2020, the sale contribution of the segment rose to 29 per cent and in January this year it surged to 33 per cent.

When asked if the company is planning to launch an MPV in the country, Kim said: "There is market demand for multi seater vehicle so we are preparing some product and hopefully in the future we can introduce something new, not specifically a multi purpose vehicle (MPV) but a vehicle with multi seating configuration."



He however did not share the launch timeline or other details about the model.

The automaker sells 11 models in the countrybut does not have an MPV in its product lineup.

Commenting on exports, Kim said the pandemic has impacted the company's shipments over the last few months.

He however noted that with things getting better inmany geographies across the world, the export volumes of the company would now be increasing substantially.

During the April-January period of this fiscal year, led the segment with dispatch of 82,121 units, down 47.01 per cent from the year-ago period.

Kim also noted that the company would continue to offer diesel products in the country as the demand for such models was very strong in some states.

"We will continue with production and sale of diesel cars in many segments. If a customer wants some product, we will give that as we area customer centric organisation," he said.

On government policies, Kim noted that initiatives like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme would help the company further strengthen its overseas shipments.

"Government support is very important for the industry, not only in the domestic market but also for exports. From the company perspective we were the first OEM which started exports of Made in India products," he said.

With new players coming in,government support is all the more critical now, he added.

Kim noted that it would be very beneficial for the domestic auto industry if they could get some support from the government.

"Government is expected to give an outline of the PLI scheme in the first week of March,so we are very closely following that. We are committed to the Aatmanirbhar initiative and the PLI scheme will not only augment the growth in the industry but also project the country as a very strong manufacturing base," he said.

When asked about the company's stand on the upcoming second phase of the corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) and real-time driving emission (RDE) test norms, Kim said the implementation of the initiatives would lead to an increase in material costs, and it will eventually lead to price increase of vehicles as well.

"We are afraid that price increase will have a negative impact in terms of market demand and it could lead to a low demand scenario. So if the government decides for maybe one year or three year deferment that will be very helpful in the market recovery," he added.

The automaker has the required technology and would be ready to follow the regulations if the government decides to implement them from the original timeline, he added.

(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.)
Palghar: Union minister Ramdas Athawale has called for a caste-based census in the country, but said his demand is not aimed at giving rise to casteism.

Addressing tribals at Vikramgad in Maharashtra's Palghar district on Saturday, the minister of state for social justice and empowerment also demanded that Marathas be given reservation without a disturbing quota for other castes and communities.

The Supreme Court last year stayed the implementation of the 2018 Maharashtra law granting reservation to Marathas in education and jobs but made it clear that the status of those who have availed of the benefits will not be disturbed.

"The next census should also include data regarding various castes so that people know where they stand in the total population. This is not aimed at giving rise to casteism," the Republican Party of India (A) chief said.

He further said his party will carry out an all India agitation at the headquarters of various states and districts on February 25 to demand five acres of land for those who do not have any source of income, to enable them to earn their livelihood.

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I never want the Taliban ideology to govern my people again, said Hamid Omer, Ms. Monjis brother. Where I was born, my village had to burn all the school textbooks available in our school. I am afraid we will face the same situation again.

As a student, Ms. Hussaini was so determined to succeed that she walked an hour and a half each way to and from her high school while also teaching part time, said her sister Maryam.

She did extraordinarily well, an impressive accomplishment for a person from Afghanistans poorest province, Daikundi, in the central highlands  especially in a country where women and girls are marginalized by an education system often closed off to them by their families and Afghanistans patriarchal society.

They also face a constant threat from the Taliban, who in past years have burned down girls schools, threatened to kill female students and splashed acid in their faces.

After getting her bachelors degree in computer applications in India, Ms. Hussaini completed a masters degree in Japan. She then quickly landed a prestigious job in the governments Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, where she was commuting in a minibus with several of her colleagues the morning they were hit by the suicide bombing.

For years, Mr. Rezai said, he cried whenever he thought of Ms. Hussaini. It took me three years to change the shape of my grief into a positive thing, he said.
Britain could declare 'Water Wars' with the EU in retaliation amid escalating tensions over the shellfish ban, it emerged last night.

Ministers are said to be discussing measures to restrict the importation of European mineral water and seed potatoes as the UK looks set to end a number of continuity arrangements.

The EU had secured a temporary agreement on the importation of seed potatoes until the end of June but this could now come under fire after Brussels refused to end its blockade on UK shellfish.

Brussels has told British fishermen they are barred indefinitely from selling live mussels, oysters, clams and cockles to EU member states.

The shellfish can be transported to the Continent only if they have been treated in purification plants.

Britain has threatened the EU with 'Water Wars' as it fires a warning shot to Brussels in a tit-for-tat retaliation over the shellfish ban. Pictured: Lobsters being processed in Yorkshire

The publication said that the 'escalated contingency planning' was prompted after European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides (left) refused to meet UK Environment Secretary George Eustice (right) in an attempt to resolve the blockade

Senior Government sources told The Telegraph: 'There is thought being given to where we can leverage in other areas.

'We have continuity arrangements... we can stop these which means they won't be able to sell their produce here.'

The publication said that the 'escalated contingency planning' was prompted after European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides refused to meet UK Environment Secretary George Eustice in an attempt to resolve the blockade.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is thought to be personally angered by the EU's decision which took minsters by surprise.

This latest dispute began earlier this month after the EU banned the export of live mussels, oysters, clams and cockles from Britain's so-called 'Class B' waters  which account for the vast majority of the produce  which is being seen as 'petty revenge' for Brexit.

Previous correspondence between Whitehall and the European Commission appeared to show that Brussels had assured the UK that the exports would be allowed - only to perform a U-turn in recent months.

One senior minister previously told The Mail on Sunday: 'This is end- of-empire stuff. They are trying to punish us for daring to become a nation state, and dread us succeeding on our own in case it encourages others to follow suit.

'The triumph of our vaccine programme has led to this petty revenge.'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is thought to be personally angered by the EU's decision which took minsters by surprise

The British Government has since pointed to an email sent by Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, to an official at the Commission on September 16, 2019, to clarify that 'live bivalve molluscs' could be sold to the EU after Brexit if their purity was certified by a 'model animal health certificate'.

The official responded that such shellfish 'exported to the EU for purification can be certified' with that documentation.

In a briefing note attached to the documents, the Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs [Defra] stated: 'The reply endorsed Defra's view and agreed that the appropriate certificate was the one Defra officials had suggested.

'This exchange therefore corroborated for Defra that the trade could continue following the end of the transition period.'

Mr Eustice has described the ban on unpurified molluscs as an 'indefensible' move which threatens to devastate the UK's fishing industry.

The Environment Secretary said the ban was affecting restaurants on the continent as well as British fishermen, who are already suffering from the closure of the UK hospitality trade.

Fishermen whose business has already been hit hard by the closure of restaurants during lockdown had been assured by the Government that there would only be a brief hiatus in their trade with the bloc between January and the introduction of a new EU import certificate in April.

But two weeks ago, the Commission told the British shellfish industry that the ban on both farmed and wild molluscs would become permanent on the grounds of public health.

Now shellfish can be transported to the Continent only if they have been treated in expensive purification plants first.

It comes after the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs announced it would now widen the eligibility of its 23million fishing industry support package to also help exporters affected by the ban.
Mayfield Police Arrest Three On Various Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

According to the Mayfield Police Department, officers were assisting a motorist in the roadway when a second vehicle approached their location. Police said there was a strong odor of marijuana coming from the second vehicle, so an officer ordered them to pull over.



Marijuana and two firearms were reportedly found inside the second vehicle. All three men inside the vehicle were arrested.

MAYFIELD - Three Mayfield men were arrested Friday following a traffic stop.

Thirty-six-year-old James Siddell had an active warrant. He's charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence and violation of conditions of release.

Twenty-year-old Damion Siddell also had an active warrant. He's charged with tampering with physical evidence, burglary, criminal mischief, fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, disregarding a stop sign and speeding.



Twenty-six-year-old Richard Tyler is charged with disregarding signals from officers directing traffic, license to be in possession, tampering with physical evidence and possession of marijuana.



All three were lodged in the Graves County Jail.
National Margarita Day is Monday, Feb. 22. This year, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the fun annual commemoration wont be celebrated as it usually is in cantinas, with tequila-hoisting patrons elbow-to-elbow at the bar. Lovers of Mexican food and drink still can celebrate, with sit-down meals and beverages served indoors, at a safe social distance from other diners, or picked up and taken home.

Of course there is still COVID, we are following the laws, but we can still make our customers feel a little better, said Tony Melendez, owner of Mexipho, a Mexican-Vietnamese fusion restaurant in Glastonbury.

Since March 2020, restaurants have been allowed to sell sealed containers of takeout beer, wine and spirits, corresponding to that restaurants liquor license. The person picking up the order must be 21 or older and cannot be under the influence at the time of pickup. Alcoholic beverages cant be delivered by a third party, because the ID of the purchaser must be shown at the time of purchase.

Those who want alcohol, dine-in or takeout, must buy food, too, even if its just something small like chips and salsa. Not all restaurants with liquor licenses offer takeout liquor.

Here is a sampling of drink promotions in the Hartford area. The list is not all-inclusive. Restaurants that are closed on Monday will offer specials on Sunday. COVID precautions could change at any time, so check websites or call the restaurants before ordering to see if the food and beverages are dine-in, take-out or both.

Sunday

Margaritas will celebrate the day on Sunday, with $6 flavored margaritas and a premium margarita flight with lime, black raspberry, mango and strawberry margaritas. 350 Roberts St. in East Hartford. There is also a location at 12 Water St. in Mystic. Hours Sunday are 3 to 10:30 p.m. 860-289-7212. margs.com/nationalmargaritaday.

Plaza Azteca will offer promotional deals on Sunday. Classic margaritas will be $4.99 all day. Infused tequila shots will be $3.99. Specialty premium margaritas in a variety of flavors are $2 off. 3260 Berlin Turnpike in Newington. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays. 860-436-9708. plazaazteca.com/newington

Story continues

Coyote Blue will offer deals on Sunday, including $1 off the house margarita, Skinny House Margarita, 1800 Margarita and Ultimate Margarita. 1960 Saybrook Road in Middletown. Sunday hours are 1 to 8 p.m. 860-345-2403 coyoteblue.com.

Sunday and Monday

Lucky Taco will sell takeout margarita kits for $75, which include a 750-ml bottle from the restaurants own barrel of limited-edition Patron Reposado tequila, two quarts of handmade mixes and a shaker. The kit makes 10 to 14 margaritas. The kits can be pre-ordered at getluckytacos@gmail.com and picked up on Sunday or Monday, by appointment, at 829 Main St. in Manchester. 860-432-2274. luckytacoct.com.

Monday

Agave Grill is offering house margaritas for $5, as well as 420 Shooters made with tequila and agave-infused nectar with CBD for $5. Specialty margaritas are $7. Tacos will be two for $5 all day. 100 Allyn St. in Hartford. Monday hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 860-882-1557. agavehartford.com

On the Border is offering a $5 1800 Grande margarita, or other flavored margaritas on that day. Monday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 1519 Silas Deane Highway in Rocky Hill. 860-899-1670. facebook.com/OnTheBorderRockyHill.

Mexipho is offering 16-ounce house margaritas (lime, guava, mango and strawberry) at $3.99 all day. 2872 Main St. in Glastonbury. Open Mondays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 860-633-2198. mexipho.com.

Toro Azteca will offer $4.99 classic margaritas all day. A Gold Digger margarita that was popular on Valentines Day  with prosecco, Grand Marnier, Patron tequila and sparkles  will be reintroduced, for $13.99. Infused tequila shots, usually $5.99, will be $3.99. 194 Buckland Hills Drive, Suite 1052 in Manchester. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays. 860-648-4454. toroazteca.com.

Ocho Cafe Tacos & Tequila will offer house margaritas for $7. Two new flavors of margarita will be introduced, pear and blueberry-pomegranate. For every margarita sold that night, $2 will be donated to a charitable organization. 330 N. Main St. in West Hartford. Open Mondays 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. 860-310-3063. ochocafe.com.

Camacho Garage, 36 Fountain St. in New Haven, will offer 25% off all margarita kits to go and $5 off any margaritas, in the restaurant, from 5 to 10 p.m. A special Margarita Ahi Tuna Ceviche is $10. 203-691-1969. camachogarage.com This deal also applies at the affiliated Geronimo Bar and Grill restaurants at 271 Crown St. in New Haven (203-777-7700) and 2070 Post Road in Fairfield (203-955-1643) geronimobarandgrill.com.

Wood N Tap restaurants will offer lime margaritas for $3 all day, and other flavors for an additional 75 cents. The restaurants also will offer a takeout Fiesta Pack for Two, with tacos, rice, chips, salsa and cookies. Locations in Hartford, Southington, Rocky Hill, Vernon, Wallingford, Hamden, Newington, Farmington and Enfield. Restaurants open at 11 a.m. and close no later than 11 p.m., at the discretion of the managers. woodntap.com.

Chilis Grill & Bar restaurants will sell house margaritas for $3, premium margaritas for $7 and its Presidente Margarita and Februarys Margarita of the Month, The Grand Romance, for $5 all day. Locations are in Bristol, Cromwell, Danbury, East Haven, Glastonbury, Lisbon, Manchester, Milford, Montville, New Britain, New London, Newington, Shelton, Simsbury, Southington, Wallingford, Waterbury and Windsor. chilis.com.

Feb. 22-March 31

Bartaco will begin a five-week rollout of new margarita flavors on Feb. 22, which will last until the end of March. On Feb. 22, the rollout is Pineapple Express. On March 1, the flavor is Grenada (pomegranate). On March 8, its Verde Cooler (spicy cucumber). On March 15, its Ernesto Jalisco grapefruit. On March 22, its Mango Chamoy. Each new margarita is $12. A classic lime margarita is $10.50. 971 Farmington Ave. in West Hartford. Monday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are also locations in Stamford, Westport and New Haven. 860-586-8226 bartaco.com.

Susan Dunne can be reached at sdunne@courant.com.
We've all heard the dumb blonde jokes, and the sexism that goes with them. Sprinkle a spot of intellect, ambition and charm into the mix and it ramps up things for those of the male race who are feeling particularly embittered with their lot. Just ask Carrie Symonds  she knows quite a lot about this.

Because, for the past three months, I believe that she has been on the receiving end of misogyny which has been engineered by some of the men who, until last November with the ignominious departure of Dominic Cummings, were the puppet masters of the Tory Party. They sadly epitomise the old-school values of traditionally white, male Conservatives.

Carrie's crime, is quite clear  she got in the way of the Brexit Boys who thought they could have it all their way. Three months after they were given their marching orders by Boris Johnson, she is still paying for it.

Katie Hind: For the past three months, I believe that she has been on the receiving end of misogyny which has been engineered by a man who is far more famous than they should be  Dominic Cummings

Livid that she had dared to air an opinion about their performance, a raft of vicious stories ensued, blaming her for their exit and stirring up rumours that she was abusing the power that comes with being the PM's partner  all because they're annoyed that they don't rule the roost any longer.

I'm told Carrie has no regrets, which must be irritating for Cummings and company. 'Along with others, Carrie thought there was a need for a more diverse group of voices around Boris,' says one well-placed associate.

The fact she is one of them must hurt. A lot.

Many will also recall the emergence of a particularly horrid nickname allegedly used by allies of Mr Cummings: 'Princess Nut Nut'. The sooner that sort of thing goes away, the better.

Katie Hind (pictured) knows Ms Symonds

And now Carrie is being attacked by another resentful bunch, the Bow Group think-tank, which is equally as irked with her very existence in Downing Street.

Headed up by the questionable Ben Harris-Quinney, it has called for an independent investigation into the influence she has within No 10's corridors of power.

THAT'S right, like Cummings and his acolytes, Harris-Quinney seemingly can't bear the idea that he doesn't have any power either, so he's gone after the pretty blonde with a penchant for a colourful, nice frock.

While both of these boys' clubs  which surely would feel much more at home at a US college frat gathering  think they are being all rather clever, the truth is what they are doing is all really quite transparent.

These are misogynistic Tory men who are afraid of clever women, fearful of those who are successful in whichever field they happen to be in.

Carrie, for her sins, is an expert in politics and holds the coveted role of being the Prime Minis-ter's confidante  a position these men would give their right arm, and maybe the left too, to have.

She is also extremely well connected in Westminster circles, and very driven, as her victory to keep taxi driver rapist John Worboys in prison following a call for parole in 2018 proves.

She is also a lover of animals and the environment, and last year successfully campaigned for supermarkets to stop selling Thai coconut products procured with monkey slave labour.

Instead, Carrie is painted as the meddler. The truth be told, they would all far rather Carrie didn't have a brain, that she was more the old-fashioned kind of eye candy  the type who is seen and not heard.

This all smacks of a syndrome that is as old as the hills  blaming the woman for men's failings and inadequacies.

In fact, it dates right back to the Roman Empire. As recently pointed out by historian Mary Beard who cited Augustus's wife Livia, who was the scapegoat for all of the controversial or unpopular decisions that were made. She was also blamed for any suspicious disappearances. More recently, it has been seen with the likes of Nancy Reagan and Cherie Blair, though notably not with Denis Thatcher nor Philip May.

While as women we do strive to be treated equally, we must consider Carrie's position.

Just a little over two years ago, most of the British population had no idea of her existence. She worked merely as a communications executive, albeit around the Tory Party.

Headed up by Ben Harris-Quinney (pictured), the Bow Group think-tank has called for an independent investigation into the influence she has within No 10's corridors of power

AFTER her relationship with Boris was revealed, she received the most horrid sexism, so much so that a cross-party group of female MPs and journalists wrote an open letter to fight against it over fears it would discourage talented women from entering politics and the media. While the inclination for change was there, it did little good. Let's remember, though, that Carrie is a woman who has been thrust into the limelight.

She is practically an A-lister who has had to deal with being one of the most famous people in the country.

Yet the reality is she is a new mother with a young baby adjusting to a return to work to pursue her own career in animal welfare at the Aspinall Foundation.

So to blame Carrie is nothing more than a smokescreen to divert attention from the real villains. The misogynistic Tory dinosaurs. She's just a scapegoat.

And her male enemies know only too well that she doesn't have a voice to respond. Nor does her beloved dog Dilyn.

One person who knows her well tells me: 'Carrie and the dog are being briefed against as they are the ones who can't answer back.

'It would be undignified for her to say anything as the Prime Minister's partner  and the dog, of course, well, he quite literally can't speak.'

So here's a novel idea let's stop looking at the woman and focus on the men.
Numbers reducing, but preventive measures a must: Health DG By Kumudini Hettiarachchi, Ruqyyaha Deane & Meleeza Rathnayake View(s): View(s):

The country is seeing a gradual decline in the number of positive cases and the number of beds available in the COVID-19 Treatment Hospitals and the Intermediate Care Centres is adequate, assured the Director-General (DG) of Health Services, Dr. AselaGunawardena.

In a one-on-one interview on Wednesday night, lasting more than an hour, the Sunday Times spoke to Dr. Gunawardena on a range of issues that people are grappling with, as the week also saw many new developments.

Allaying concerns that there would be tighter restrictions after genetic sequencing found the variant circulating in the United Kingdom and many other countries, here in Sri Lanka too, the DG appealed to people to follow the preventive measures scrupulously.

This is the only way to contain any variant that may come about, he stressed, explaining that hand-hygiene, mask-wearing, physical distancing and cough-and-sneeze etiquette, were the answers.

He said that gatherings, large or small, could easily lead to COVID-19 super-spreader events as people invariably remove their masks or wear them incorrectly when chatting or eating and drinking at such events. We have not changed our guidelines but we also need strict supervision to ensure that the guidelines in place are followed. Even if there are 50 peoplegathered somewhere or even 10, it could become a super-spreader situation if masks are removed and physical distancing is not followed.

The DGs office is a good example of physical distancing. Not only is a large table between his chair and the visitors chairs, but the latter are also pushed back from the table to rest against the wall, while throughout the interview he wears his mask.

Taking countries such as New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore and Japan, Dr. Gunawardena said that they have contained the virus to a certain extent by strict adherence to these preventive measures in a disciplined way on a personal as well as societal level.

When asked about the number of people affected by COVID-19, Dr. Gunawardena shows a graph on his mobile-screen and says there is a gradual declinein numbers now. The increase was due to the Christmas, New Year and Thai Pongal holidays when people travelled around and did not listen to healthcare workers. There were gatherings here and there and people travelled a lot, which obviously become super-spreader events.After the 14-day incubation period since the Christmas holidays came the positive cases somewhere around the middle of January and then another influx of cases after Thai Pongal in end-January, early-February.

A small cluster of infections began within the garment industry at Mahiyanganayaand Avissawella. If there is one positive person in such a setting, it leads to another 100-200 cases, either going down a particular production line or even in the whole factory, explained the DG.

Any moves to isolate asymptomatic positive people at home?

When asked whether there are any moves to isolate asymptomatic positive people at home, like it is done in many countries, he said that there were arguments for and against such a move.

While conceding that it was a huge logistical operation to transport all such patients to intermediate care centres (treatment centres), Dr. Gunawardena said that there were also risks of the virus spreading among the family if isolation was done at home and the positive people were not careful, leading to a rise in numbers.

It is a very difficult balancing act that we are performing but we continue to do so. Keeping the asymptomatic in intermediate care centres till the incubation period wears off has allowed us to contain the virus, otherwise there would be uncontrolled spread as in countries such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom, he said, arguing that if 600-700 test positive a day and 10% do not keep to proper isolation when at home, there would be another 300 cases.

Are hospitals and intermediate care centresoverloaded?

The DG said that there are adequate beds at the intermediate care (treatment) centres, but they are keeping a close eye to ensure that the COVID-19 designated hospitals do not get inundated.

Highly symptomatic patients are sent to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID or Infectious Diseases Hospital  IDH) and the Colombo East (Mulleriyawa), Homagama, Iranawila, Kilinochchi, Kattankudy, Welikanda, Teldeniya and HambantotaHospitals.

The mildly-symptomatic and asymptomatic positive people are sent to intermediate care centres.

When asked about having COVID-19 wards in all major hospitals  a suggestion from healthcare staff to relieve the exhaustion of staff who have been treating COVID-19 patients for a long time and also ease up on the bed capacity of these hospitals  he said that then people with other diseases would suffer and there could be disastrous results.

Eventually patients will not die of COVID-19 but of other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, etc. We need to be able to balance, he added.

DG refutes allegations of under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths When asked about allegations of under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths, DG Dr. Asela Gunawardena said there is no such cover-up. He explained that if a person dies at home and there are suspicions that it was due to COVID-19, an RT-PCR test needs to be performed on the deceased. Whatever a person has died of at home, the body of the deceased has to be taken to the closest hospital for an inquest. The Medical Officer of Health (MOH) and Public Health Inspector (PHI) of the area can make a call whether to do the RT-PCR or not. If a person has been in home quarantine or has been exposed to the virus in some way, an RT-PCR should mandatorily be performed, he said, pointing out that there could be a delay in getting the test results which in turn would cause a delay in releasing the body. Citing some examples, Dr. Gunawardena said that if the deceased is brought to the hospital in the afternoon, the RT-PCR test may not be done till the next morning. In the Colombo region, the test result may be released within 24 to 48 hours maximum, but in the periphery where there may not be many laboratories, it may take about 72 hours. As such, to confirm whether it is a COVID-19 death may take about three days. Once it is confirmed that it is COVID-19, will it be included in the death toll. When you look at our statistics you can see that the date of death is also given. For deaths, there is a cumulative figure and not real-time data, he said, adding that if an inquest has to be conducted sometimes the body may be kept for a week or two. The Sunday Times studied the ministry data and found that the DG was being factual. Delays in releasing bodies Dr. Gunawardena reiterated that the discretion of deciding whether the deceased has been exposed to COVID-19 has been given to the MOH and PHI  after determining whether the person was in quarantine or had contact with a COVID-19 positive case. If either of those two factors is present, an RT-PCR test is required. If the MOH/PHI can ascertain that there is no such contact history and the patient was having cancer or is a terminal patient, they can say that there is no suspicion of COVID-19. They can use their discretion. Then the GramaSevaka can follow up with the required paperwork, he said, adding: We have sent these instructions clearly. The problem is that they are fearful about taking that responsibility. Burial vs cremation The decision whether to allow either cremations or burials for the COVID-19 dead is pending and we even had a meeting this afternoon (Wednesday) about it. We are waiting for the Health Minister and her authority is final, said Dr. Asela Gunawardena. The report of the Expert Committee headed by Prof. Jennifer Perera has been sent to the Technical Committee for their views, it is learnt. According to this report, cremation or burial could be allowed depending on the choice of the family/guardian. Once the Technical Committee gives the final verdict, the Minister will take a decision, said the DG. RT-PCR tests a huge cost If we can increase the number of RT-PCR tests, it would be great but it depends on the countrys resource availability, economy, etc., said Dr. Asela Gunawardena. He said: People do not understand that it is a huge cost. Private hospitals charge around Rs. 7,500 for a test or even more. Usually, we doaround 15,000 to 19,000 tests per day inclusive of the 3,500-5,000 tests performed by the private sector. If calculated conservatively (at Rs. 6,000 per test) it costs Rs. 90 million per day for the average of 15,000 tests done by the state.
Plans to turn part of a historic hall in Tullamore into a restaurant have been put on hold.

A planning application was lodged with Offaly County Council to change the ground floor recreation hall of the Irish National Foresters Hall on Church Street in the town into 'an authentic Asian restaurant and take away'.

Sunitta Thongsong applied for permission for the development which will consist of the change of use of the existing

ground floor area.

The first floor of the building and storerooms at the rear of the ground floor will remain as per their current use and will continue to be operated by Irish National Foresters.

According to the plans, the facade of the building will remain with the exception of new signage on the front elevation.

The building is a protected structure as listed in the Record of Protected Structures in Tullamore Town & Environs Development Plan.

However the plans are on hold as Offaly County Council has sought further information on the project.

The council has asked for a schedule of car parking requirements and want the applicant to 'indicate their willingness' to be levied for any shortfall in car-parking.

The council also wants a rainfall harvesting system designed as part of the plans to restrict the volume of surface water entering the network.
ARISS Contact Scheduled for students at John F. Kennedy High School, Denver, Colorado, USA Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact with astronauts. ARISS is the group that puts together special amateur radio contacts between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses on the International Space Station (ISS). This will be a telebridge contact via amateur radio and students from John F. Kennedy High School in Denver, CO, following Covid guidelines. Students will take turns asking their questions of Astronaut Mike Hopkins, amateur radio call sign KF5LJG during the ARISS radio contact. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHZ. ARISS team member David Payne, using call sign NA7V in Portland, OR will serve as the relay amateur radio station. The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for February 24, 2021 at 11:41 am MST (Denver, CO), (18:41 UTC, 1:41 pm EST, 12:41 pm CST, and 10:41 am PST). John F. Kennedy High School (about 900 students) is a public school in urban, southwest Denver. JFK HS offers Advanced Placement Courses and Concurrent Enrollment Courses that help students to earn college credit and industry certification in high school. During the 2019-20 year, the Engineering program at JFK HS was awarded a first-of-its-kind JFK Space Lab presented by Raytheon to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the launch of Apollo 11. The Space Lab allowed students in the schools Engineering program to explore the ISS-above cameras, observe real-time space walks, explore amateur radio, and engineering communications. The schools partnership with Raytheon, and using the Space Lab materials, enabled JFK HS students to engage in a STEM curriculum that included activities/topics that were applicable to space engineering, specifically to the ISS. These activities included, building a solar and hydrogen fuel cell car (and how it could be applied to the ISS); Bioengineering (growing plants in space); and solar-system modeling. STEM courses also included hands-on kit-building activities related to amateur radio and antenna-building and radio direction-finding. The school also partnered with members of the Rocky Mountain Ham Radio group and the Cherry Creek Young Amateur Radio Club who instructed/mentored students on the use of radio communications using amateur radio. The public is invited to watch the livestream at: https://youtu.be/1RgszX0npbQ As time allows, students will ask these questions:

1. How do you find time to do personal hygiene when you are so busy doing research and experiments?

2. Does a carbonated beverage, once opened, on the ISS stay carbonated for the same amount of time as it does on earth?

3. We recently learned that each astronaut eagerly awaits a special package from earth, What is it that you look forward to most?

4. Are there any environmental sensors like weather, fire, soil, ocean that you monitor or track as part of your daily work?

5. What is the most physically demanding task you have to do in space? 6. What was going through your head when you first found out you were chosen for the mission to the ISS?

7. How comfortable are the new space suits. What is your favorite new feature of the space suit?

8. Do you have to monitor/ration your water while in space?

9. Have you ever had to perform a medical procedure or administer first aid to another astronaut?

10. How do you relieve stress when on the space station? 11. When you are sleeping in your bag do you feel like you are floating or do you anchor yourself down? Is this comfortable?

12. When in space, do you take special precautions regarding safety during a space walk?

13. Did your training accurately prepare you for the stresses of launch?

14. What is your preferred form of exercise on earth & is it something you can continue to do on the ISS?

15. How long did it take you to get used to the bathroom facilities and procedures on the ISS? What was the hardest part? 16. If there was one plant you could grow in the International Space Station what would it be and why?

17. Have you ever had a malfunction with your space suit? What did you do?

18. How has COVID-19 changed your space travel?

19. When will it be possible for astronauts to be able to live off of the food that they grow in space?

20. If you could create a more comfortable sleeping quarters what is the one thing you would change? 21. How much of the water on the ISS goes to the plants?

22. What was the most important thing you learned in school that has helped you as an astronaut?

23. Do the astronauts eat meals and do other non-work activities together?

24. Has there ever been a time when you collected data from a sensor that helped an emergency situation on Earth?

25. How does it feel to breathe while you are wearing your pressurized suit?

26. Are there any of your favorite foods that dont do well in microgravity and you miss eating while you are in space? ARISS  Celebrating 20 Years of Amateur Radio Continuous Operations on the ISS About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Lab-Space Station Explorers, and NASAs Space Communications and Navigation program. The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org Media Contact:

Dave Jordan, AA4KN

ARISS PR Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Search on Amateur Radio on the ISS and @ARISS_status.
New Delhi:

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is all set to publish the result of Integrated Professional Competence (IPC) Examination on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 by 6 PM. ICAI is expected to make the results available at the official sites which is www.icaiexam.icai.org. To avoid website crash candidates may also log into other website such as www.cresults.icai.org.

Earlier, ICAI has conducted the IPC examination in May, 2017. This is the second level of Chartered Accountancy examination. Candidates may appear in the examination after passing CPT exam and nine months of study only. The IPC exam is concucted in two groups.

While there are four subjects in the first group, the rest of the subjects are in second group. In order to pass in the exam, a candidate need to secure minimum 40% marks in each subject and an aggregate of their marks should be 50% in each group, failing which will lead to disqualification.

After qualifying the IPC exam successfully students will be eligible for the final level of Chartered Accountancy.

Candidates who are waiting eagerly for their result may go through the following steps.

Also Read: The Central Selection Board for Constables declares 9900 Vacancies

Important steps to check Integrated Professional Competence (IPC) Examination:

1. Visit the official website which is www.icaiexam.icai.org or log in to other website such as www.cresults.icai.org.

2. Provide details such as roll number, date of birth and others.

3. Click on submit

4. Result will be appeared on your screen

5.Download your result

6.Take a print out of the same for future convenience

Also Read: HSLC class 10 compartment exam result 2017 declared, check here

About The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI):

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is the national professional accounting body of India. It was established on 1 July 1949 as a statutory body under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 enacted by the Parliament (acting as the provisional Parliament of India) to regulate the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) reveals its campaign slogan for the upcoming West Bengal assembly polls. 'Bangla Nijer Meyekei Chaaye' - Bengal wants its own Daughter, is the party's new poll slogan for 2021 elections.

Trinamool Congress has launched its principal campaign slogan for the upcoming West Bengal assembly polls. The slogan  Bangla Nijer Meyekei Chaaye which translates to  Bengal wants its own daughter  was put up on hoardings along with a picture of Chief Minister Mamata Banarjee across the state when the ruling party made an official announcement from its headquarters in Kolkata.

TMC secretary Partha Chatterjee stated that the people of the state want their own daughter who has been by their side for the last several years as their chief minister and we dont want outsiders to call shots in Bengal. TMC, the states ruling party has been in a constant political rivalry with the- BJP, labelling the opposition leaders as outsiders who are merely on an election tour in the state. TMC also revealed the focus of its assembly poll campaign in 2021: To expel the Bohiragato (outsiders) from the state.

Senior leaders of Trinamool Congress like Kakoli Ghosh, Subrata Bakshi, Partha Chatterjee and Derek OBrien were also present during the campaign launch. With the focus on the upcoming assembly polls, the states ruling party has often iterated the outsider remarks to target its main opposition  Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Union Home Minister Amit Shah who is also the chief campaigner of the BJP in the state.

The BJP has also used multiple strategies to politically counter-attack the states ruling party, stating that the CM Mamata Banarjee is anti-Hindu, frequently using the Pishi-Bhaipo (Aunt-Nephew) taking a jibe at Abishek Banarjee, (Mamatas Nephew) and allegations on TMC being a party of corrupt leaders. Amit Shah, Union Home Minister and the campaign chief promised the people of the state that a Bhumiputra- son of the soil, would be the BJPs Chief Minister in West Bengal.
Boris Johnson has been warned that failing to reopen international travel for the summer would blow an 18billion hole in the economy.

The prime minister has been facing growing pressure to include international travel in his roadmap for easing lockdown, due to be published today, Monday.

On Thursday, the bosses of some of Britain's biggest airlines and package holiday firms urged Mr Johnson to have a 'can-do' attitude to reopening travel by summer or face tens of thousands more jobs being destroyed.

Boris Johnson has been warned that failing to reopen international travel for the summer would blow an 18billion hole in the economy. Pictured: Heathrow on Sunday

And a study by a group of cross-party MPs lays bare the scale of the potential hammer blow if current restrictions continue over the summer months, saying it would be 'beyond devastating'.

The figures project the hit to inbound tourism, integral to the recovery of shops, bars, restaurants, hotels and tourist destinations, would be at least 7.5billion.

And for outbound travel, which generated around 37.1billion for the UK economy in 2019, the hit would be at least 10.5billion.

The figures, compiled by Parliament's Future of Aviation group, relate to the potential hit for June, July and August this year.

They are based on the amounts inbound and outbound travel were worth to the UK economy for these months in 2019 and the impact if current historically low passenger numbers continue over the summer.

On Thursday, the bosses of some of Britain's biggest airlines and package holiday firms urged Mr Johnson to have a 'can-do' attitude to reopening travel by summer or face tens of thousands more jobs being destroyed. Pictured: Heathrow on Sunday

Tory MP Henry Smith, chair of the Future of Aviation group, said: 'Our aviation, travel and tourism industries have faced the hardest 12 months in their history and have been devastated by a collapse in passenger numbers and delays to the promised recovery package.

'These figures lay bare the brutal reality that without further financial support and a clear pathway out of the restrictions, these industries who are already running on empty will be left in a battle for survival.

'The pandemic has been disastrous for our aviation, travel and tourism sectors and the consequences of a lost summer season will be beyond devastating not only to the businesses involved, but their employees, their communities and the UK economy as a whole.

'That is why it is so vital that the Government meets this challenge through a clear roadmap out of the restrictions and brings forward a serious and significant package of support that protects these essential industries for the challenging months ahead.'

Tory MP Henry Smith, chair of the Future of Aviation group, said: 'Our aviation, travel and tourism industries have faced the hardest 12 months in their history'

Joss Croft, CEO of UKInbound, a trade body of 400 businesses, said: 'Since the removal of travel corridors and the introduction of quarantine hotels, our members have received hundreds of cancellations for 2021, and as long as quarantine is in place, cancellations will continue and people will be put off booking a trip to the UK this year.

'This is why we need the Prime Minister to publish a roadmap to reopening the tourism sector today.'

He also called for Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend furlough and business rates relief as long as travel restrictions are in place to keep them afloat or face hundreds of firms being wiped out.

The travel industry has been ravaged by the pandemic, with air passenger numbers plummeting by around 90 per cent by the end of last year.

It takes us a number of weeks to go from no activity to providing flights and holidays for our customers. We need to make sure pilots, people in safety roles are trained, we've got to recruit people for the summer and it takes a lot of organisation for us to operate and not just operate in any way, but operate safely Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com

A raft of new measures in recent weeks, including pre-departure testing, quarantine hotels and the scrapping of 'travel corridors', has compounded the crisis and heightened fears for the future of the industry.

Mr Johnson's route out of lockdown on Monday is not expected to include a timeline for easing restrictions on holidays, but will give a broad outline of the Government's ambitions.

However, travel chiefs are concerned it may not be enough to give the sector the time it needs to prepare if holidays are to go ahead in the coming months and to create enough confidence for would-be holiday-makers to book.

They want Mr Johnson to harness the success of the vaccine roll-out and indicate when travel restrictions can be expected to start being lifted.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com, said: 'It takes us a number of weeks to go from no activity to providing flights and holidays for our customers.

'We need to make sure pilots, people in safety roles are trained, we've got to recruit people for the summer and it takes a lot of organisation for us to operate and not just operate in any way, but operate safely.

'It's not like getting in your car after you've not driven it for a few weeks and just driving off. There are a lot of things that need to happen. We need certainty.'

Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: 'We believe travel can be safely re-started through a risk-based phased easing of border restrictions.

'We need to be planning forward, it can take weeks and months to get operations fully up and running safely and consumers need confidence to be able to book.

'People want to know when they can look forward to being re-united with their families, re-establishing vital business links and going on a well-deserved family holiday.'

On Friday, the Save Future Travel Coalition  made up of 12 leading travel trade organisations  wrote to Mr Johnson urging him to include a blueprint for reopening travel in his roadmap.

It called for the introduction of 'vaccine passports' so restrictions can be relaxed for travellers who have been inoculated.

The letter said: 'We urge you to use your announcement on February 22 to provide a route out of the crisis for the travel industry, to help safeguard the livelihoods of the hundreds of thousands of people employed in the sector and rebuild the 80billion contribution the sector makes to the UK economy.'

A total of 7,000 UK-based pilots also signed a letter to the prime minister urging him to include international travel in his roadmap.
By Cheong Wook-sik





The Biden administration clarified that the U.S. will "review" its North Korea policy and suggest a "new strategy." This comes from the recognition that the North Korea nuclear problem has become worse across administrations.



In this regard, Secretary of State Tony Blinken emphasized two points: the first one was to look for "the most effective tools to advance the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," and the second was to "deal with the growing problem, posed by North Korea's arsenal."



As for the tools, he mentioned "additional coordination and cooperation with allies and partners" and "diplomatic incentives." He did not make any specific comments on actions against North Korean threats, but it seems that measures to fortify the South Korea-Japan-U.S. military cooperation centering around a combined missile defense (MD) system will be advanced.



However, if the Biden administration undertakes North Korea policy in this way, it is likely to be a repetition of failure as such measures are no different from previous ones, ignoring North Korea's new strategies.



The key tools that the former U.S.' administrations used were to impose economic sanctions and to strengthen military deterrence and MD, which turned out to be the most ineffective tools. While the U.S. grappled with the "uncertain hope" that increasing sanctions, the North would concede or collapse, North Korea has reinforced its nuclear capability.



As the U.S. intensified MD and deterrence against North Korea with its allies like South Korea and Japan, North Korea responded to it in a way to fortify its war deterrence including nuclear and missile capabilities.



North Korea's approach became more explicit in recent years. The North argues that yielding to sanctions was like "selling the dignity of the nation," and clarified that it will take sanctions as "a golden opportunity" to develop "self-reliance and self-sufficiency."



Moreover, the North expressed the intention to develop second-strike capabilities to strengthen its deterrence and to seek new weapons for neutralizing the US-led missile defense. In this circumstance, could the additional sanctions that Blinken mentioned be effective tools? Would not the enforcement of military cooperation with South Korea and Japan inflame an arms race and security dilemma, which is already precarious?



If the Biden administration is to review preceding North Korea policy and make a new one, it ought not to repeat the already failed policy but to learn from it. For sanctions to be the most effective tool, the U.S. rather needs to mitigate and relieve sanctions and mediate positive measures with North Korea, and it can build up "sympathy" between the U.S. and the North.



Moreover, to make North Korea consider giving up its "nuclear deterrence," the U.S. and its allies should restrain their military build-ups. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan already have the powerful capacity to deter North Korea's military provocation.



Now is time to refrain from any further military build-up and to revive the hope for the denuclearization of and a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. should spend economic resource gaining from the arms reduction for domestic issues and other global issues, such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.





Cheong Wook-sik is director of Peace Network.


The Sunday my column about President Bidens Catholicism posted online, I received an e-mail from a former Marist High School student Id taught at the now-closed Bayonne school.

I read your column on Joe Biden and enjoyed it, he wrote. The priest where I go to Mass stated during his sermon that Joe Biden is not a Catholic. I walked out of Mass in the middle of the sermon. This was the first time in 60 years I walked out of Mass.

The church he attended belongs to the Diocese of Trenton, and the former student went on to say that the priest prayed for Trump in the prayers of the faithful the week before the election. What bothered him more was that his two teenagers do not want to go back to the church they grew up in. He ended with: I frankly am second-guessing my attendance at Mass.

The pride the Catholic community showed in John F. Kennedys election as the first Catholic president is half that for Biden. And that divide is reflected in the countrys split as well as the politicking by many of the Catholic bishops throughout the country. There are some who are dredging up denying Communion to Biden if he ever came to their church or advising him not to take Communion when he attends Mass.

In his book Belonging, Frank Butler recounts his five decades of working with Catholic bishops and his admiration for Pope Francis.

Francis was determined to challenge those many bishops who see the church as a self-protecting fortress, he writes. A clericalized church so accustomed to deploying moral teachings as weapons against its people and the world was destroying Catholicisms more gospel-like image as a community of love and mercy.

That failed, punitive prescription is still a fresh memory for Hobokens Bernard Kenny Jr., the state Senate Majority Leader back in 2004. At the time, then-Archbishop John Myers issued a letter to all statewide elected officials stating the churchs positions on abortion, gay marriage and stem cell research. When Kenny, the second-highest elected official in the state, opened the letter in his office, right across from his church, Ss. Peter and Paul, where he had dropped off his three children in their school earlier in the day, he decided to go see his pastor.

Kenny had taken stands that were contrary to the letter and the pastor, Kenny recalled, told him he was welcome at church but could not take Communion.

Kenny was shocked since he not only brought his family to Sunday Mass but was almost a daily communicant.

When he returned to his office, the phone was ringing off the hook with reporters from television stations and newspapers asking for comments about the letter. It made national news the next day and he recalled thinking, Wow, this is a big deal.

Kenny stopped going to church then even though other pastors welcomed him to their churches. Contrary to reports, he did not become Episcopalian and today, he is back at Catholic Mass.

Even then-Gov. James McGreevey became embroiled in the brouhaha. The bishops of Trenton and Camden told him not to take Communion and he complied.

Born and raised in Jersey City, where he now lives, McGreevey recalled his parents attending St. Patricks Church where all Catholics shared strength and power in one faith, which was more foundational and essential. He went on to say, I draw sustenance from my faith though we live in a world where the lines are blurred.

More recently, McGreevey started studying to become an Episcopal priest and then withdrew. Today, he worships at St. Aedans, the Jesuit church of St. Peters University, in Jersey City. His work among prisoners in the NJ Reentry Corp. gives him that sense of service, which reveals that actions speak louder than words.

He is inspired, he said, by Pope Francis openness and describes the pontiff as someone who has been faithful to the church but understands the human condition.

In spite of what the bishops did to him, McGreevey had cordial relations with Myers and John Smith from Trenton, both now deceased. And he has great respect for Newarks Cardinal Joseph Tobin.

In brief, he said: I go to Mass for the gospel and the Eucharist.

And that brought me back to an evening back in 2018 when Tobin visited the Hoboken deanery and a group of priests were chewing the fat before dinner in the same rectory where Kennys pastor had confronted him. Some of the priests were talking in favor of denying Communion to elected officials who support abortion. It caught Tobins ear and he said to me, I dont see myself as a Communion cop, which the priests heard.

Then everyone hushed and heard this massive man gently add, I think only God can judge whats in the heart of someone who comes up for Communion.

After that, dinner was quite pleasant.

The Rev. Alexander Santora is the pastor of Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph, 400 Willow Ave., Hoboken, NJ 07030. Email: padrealex@yahoo.com; Twitter: @padrehoboken.

Details ...

Belonging: One Catholics Journey, by Frank J. Butler; Orbis Books; 2020. $25.
Crowd gathering doesn't lead to revocation of laws: Tomar

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 21: Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Sunday reiterated that the Centre was ready to talk to the farmers protesting against the new agriculture laws, and said that mere gathering of the crowd does not lead to revocation of legislations.

He urged the agitating farm unions to tell the government which provisions in these new laws they find anti-farmers.

''Considering the issue with sensitivity, the government has held 12 rounds of talks with the farmer unions.

But decisions on the basis of talks could be taken when objections (over the new farm laws) are pointed out,'' the Agriculture Minister told reporters here when asked about the protest.

The unions should tell as to what is anti-farmers in the new laws, he added.

''You flatly say revoke the laws...It doesn't happen that the crowd gathers and the laws get revoked,'' he said.

Farmer unions should tell the government what provisions are against the farmers. The government is ready to understand this and make amendments even today. The prime minister himself has said this, the minister added.

Farmers announce series of events to further escalate protest

''Now, if the agitating unions are well-wishers of the farmers, then they should make it clear which provisions are creating problems to them,'' he said.

Thousands of farmers have been protesting at Delhi'sborders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh demanding the rollback of the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm ServicesAct, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 23:52 [IST]
At least four rockets struck an Iraqi airbase Saturday night, the Iraqi military said in a statement, while other officials said one person was wounded at the base where an American defense company services combat aircraft.

Four security officials said that the individual wounded at Balad airbase in Salahaddin province worked for the company, and one of them said his nationality was South African. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

They said U.S. defense company Sallyport has its headquarters within the airbase, and currently has 46 personnel there contracted to provide base services to support Iraq's F-16 program.

The attack comes days after over a dozen rockets targeted coalition forces outside Irbil international airport in the Kurdish-controlled region of northern Iraq. The attack killed one coalition contractor and wounded nine more. Iraqi and Kurdish residents were also severely injured.

A little-known Shiite militant group calling itself Saraya Awliya al-Dam, Arabic for Guardians of Blood Brigade, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Saturday's attack comes after NATO announced it would dramatically scale up its mission in Iraq from 500 personnel to 4,000, in order to battle the remnants of the Islamic State group, according to comments from Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg this week. The increase comes as U.S.-led coalition troops have gradually reduced their presence in Iraq over the last year.

NATOs training mission was launched in 2018 to help the conflict-ravaged country develop new academies and military schools for its armed forces. It was initially located in the capital, Baghdad, and in neighboring Jordan.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Pyongyang in the late 19th century / Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection



By Robert Neff





A Korean gentleman in the early 1900s / Robert Neff Collection

Joseon officials in the late 19th century were often described by Westerners (and probably a lot of Koreans) as corrupt, ill-mannered and cruel. There was a great deal of tension between these officials  often due to politics, but money was also a cause for contention  and it wasn't uncommon for them to use Machiavellian-maneuvers to advance their own positions and do away with their competitors.



One such incident took place in Pyongyang in the spring of 1898 and was featured prominently (for at least one day) in The Independent  an English-language newspaper published in Seoul in the latter part of the 1890s.



Kim In-sik was born in 1862 and despite not being a yangban (nobleman), was able to rise to a fairly high position in the Joseon government. As a young man he traveled to Japan where studied for about five years before returning to Korea and becoming a government official. He seems to have been quite capable. In 1895  during the great cholera epidemic  he was made chief of the Sanitary Bureau and "performed his duties diligently during that scourge."



However, the winds of politics soon changed and after the pro-Japanese government under Kim Hong-jip fell in 1896 and the pro-Russian party ascended. Kim In-sik was sent off to far away South Pyongan Province where he was made a magistrate in a small backwater district. He, however, saw it not as being removed from the political arena but as an opportunity to start a grassroots movement for change.



"He threw aside the old customs of pomp and assumed the dignity of a magistrate and conducted himself towards the people like a school master to his pupils. He visited every humble home in the district on foot to inquire into the needs of the poor. He divided his salary with the sick and distressed in his district and he strictly enforced the new revenue laws."





The area surrounding Pyongyang in the early 1900s / Robert Neff Collection



The Independent declared that during his reign as magistrate none of his people paid any illegal taxes. He also instructed the people on the importance of a good infrastructure  especially bridges and roads. The people, enlightened with his wisdom, volunteered their labor and began to improve the transportation system. Of course, Kim was not one to idly sit and watch; as soon as he finished his administrative duties he went out and joined them. Soon his district was famed for its fine roads.



His roads may have been appreciated by the people but by his fellow government officials they were a great source of irritation for he obtained the stone needed by erasing their past.



"The magistrate unwisely utilized the memorial stone tablets of former magistrates and governors of the province (which were erected by the people at the instigation of the officials themselves) in building bridges throughout the district."



He was promptly dismissed  much to the delight of the magistrates in the neighboring districts. Kim began the long journey back to Seoul and as he was passing through one of the neighboring districts, was besieged by the residents to give them his opinion of a new tax their magistrate had imposed upon them. Kim assured the people that he would go and speak with their magistrate and see if something might be done  it was a promise that would cost him.



Kim went to the local magistrate and asked about the new tax. The magistrate claimed that he had received authorization from one of his superiors  even though, he admitted, the tax was illegal. Kim warned him that the people might rise up in revolt if they knew the tax was illegal and then he began to scold the magistrate for not having enough courage to defy illegal orders. It was too much. The magistrate had his men seize Kim and they began to beat him for his audacious impudence in insulting a yangban.





Sailing on the river near Pyongyang in the early 1900s / Robert Neff Collection
A male driver was killed Sunday afternoon in a single-vehicle accident along Route 378 in Bethlehem, city police said.

Bethlehem Police Capt. Tim Cooper confirmed the fatality in the accident, which happened shortly after 2 p.m., but couldnt immediately provide information about what led to the crash. A witness reported it appeared the driver was operating a white work van that overturned.

The Lehigh County Coroners Office said the driver was pronounced dead at 3 p.m. by deputy coroner Andrew Kehm.

Route 378 was shut down for several hours between between the Eighth Avenue and Main Street exits as authorities investigated the accident. Sundays fatal accident remains under investigation by the Bethlehem Police Department and Lehigh County Coroners Office.

Those with information or who might have witnessed the accident are asked to call the Bethlehem Police Department tip line at 610-691-6660 or email Bethlehem Police Officer Matthew Vanic at mvanic@bethlehem-pa.gov.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Mumbai, Feb 21 : Ayushmann Khurranas film Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan released a year ago on this day. The same-sex love story cast him as a gay person. The Bollywood actor says it takes time and effort to normalise topics that are prone to be hushed up by society.

"Taboo topics need to be constantly addressed through our cinema because it can really help alter the mindset of people. It takes a lot of time and effort to normalise taboo subjects and bring about constructive changes in society. I'm glad that we tried to contribute towards making the conversation about same-sex relationships in India mainstream through Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan," Ayushmann said.

He added: "If it has had some impact on the minds of people, then we have done our job." For him, the film was a success story because Indian families watched the film. "The fact that the film became a success, told me that people want to engage and have a conversation on such important subjects. The fact that Indian families came out and watched this film was the biggest success story for me because our families can contribute so much to foster a spirit of inclusivity when it comes to same-sex relationships," he said.

Ayushmann recalled how many people in the industry advised him not to sign the film.

"I was thrilled with the response towards this film because everyone told me I was doing a very tricky film and that no one would accept this kind of cinema. Instead, I was humbled with appreciation. The success of this film is in how it was accepted as a commercial film and how it has hopefully done its job to pave a path for many other films on such subjects to be made." "I have always wanted to reach out and have a conversation with people about the subjects that I have addressed through my movies. I will continue doing that because it satiates me as an artiste and motivates me to discover more subjects like these," he concluded.
RTHK: Myanmar protesters gather again despite crackdown

Tens of thousands of opponents of Myanmar's February 1 military coup gathered on Sunday in towns from north to south, undeterred by the bloodiest episode of their campaign the previous day when security forces opened fire on protesters, killing two.

Early on Sunday, police arrested a famous actor wanted for supporting opposition to the coup, his wife said, while Facebook deleted the military's main page under its standards prohibiting the incitement of violence.

The military has been unable to quell the demonstrations and a civil disobedience campaign of strikes against the coup and the detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and others, even with a promise of a new election and warnings against dissent.

In the main city of Yangon, several thousand young people gathered at two sites to chant slogans, while thousands massed peacefully in the second city of Mandalay, where Saturday's killings took place, video from a media outlet showed.

In Myitkyina town in the north, which has seen confrontations in recent days, people laid flowers for the dead protesters while young people with banners drove around on motorbikes.

Crowds marched in the central towns of Monywa and Bagan and in Dawei and Myeik in the south, pictures showed.

"They aimed at the heads of unarmed civilians. They aimed at our future," a young protester in Mandalay told the crowd.

Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun, who is also the spokesman for the new military council, has not responded to attempts by Reuters to contact him by telephone for comment.

He told a news conference on Tuesday the army's actions were within the constitution and supported by most people, and he blamed protesters for instigating violence.

The more than two weeks of protests had been largely peaceful, unlike previous episodes of opposition during nearly half a century of direct military rule to 2011.

But if the numbers on Sunday are anything to go by, the violence looks unlikely to silence opposition.

"The number of people will increase ... We won't stop," said protester Yin Nyein Hmway in Yangon.

Earlier, UN Special Rapporteur for Myanmar Tom Andrews said he was horrified by the deaths of the two in Mandalay, one of them a teenaged boy.

"From water cannons to rubber bullets to tear gas and now hardened troops firing point blank at peaceful protesters. This madness must end, now," he said on Twitter.

The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said the strikers sabotaged vessels and attacked police with sticks, knives and catapults. Eight policemen and several soldiers were injured, it said.

The newspaper did not mention the deaths but said: "Some of the aggressive protesters were also injured due to the security measures conducted by the security force in accordance with the law."

Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) condemned the violence as a crime against humanity. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2021-02-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Biking between Hoboken and Jersey City is about to get a lot easier.

The two cities are taking the final steps toward approving a joint contract with Lyft that would bring Citi Bike to Hoboken and merge it with Jersey Citys bike share.

The Jersey City Council will vote Wednesday on a resolution to authorize a five-year deal with Lyft, which operates Citi Bike, and Hoboken. Under the agreement, Jersey City will pay $400,000 to Lyft to operate the system and Hoboken will pay the remaining $200,000.

Hoboken, which previously offered a separate bike share that was incompatible with Citi Bike, will get 29 new docking stations and 300 Citi Bikes. The first 200 bikes will be deployed on Hoboken streets within 60 days of the agreement, which takes effect March 1.

Jersey City will get two new stations added in Greenville and will have a total of 520 bikes.

Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said the city will receive an additional 15 stations over the course of two years with the contract stating the priority for the new stations to be Greenville, West Side, and the Heights.

We are committed to Jersey City having a comprehensive transportation network that includes mass transit, the VIA system we launched and the bike share system we launched, Wallace-Scalcione said.

Hoboken spokesman Vijay Chaudhuri said the agreement is expected to go before the City Council for approval at the next regularly scheduled meeting in March.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced in June they were working to merge their bike-shares and launch later in the year. The agreement leaves room for other municipalities to join the system.

Between the two cities over the course of the contract, a total of 1,000 bicycles are expected to be deployed. At least 40% of the bikes will be pedal-assisted e-bikes.

According to Lyft, 90% of Jersey City rides are take by those who have annual Citi Bike memberships, which cost $179. Over 70% of registered Citi Bike members in Jersey City also use Citi Bike in New York.

The cost for non-members runs $3.50 for a single ride for up to 30 minutes on a regular pedal bike. If a rider decides to upgrade to an e-bike or go over 30 minutes, they will pay an additional $.15 per minute.

As part of the agreement, Hoboken and Jersey City will pay an annual operations of either $600,000 or $30 per month per dock in the bike system, which ever is greater. But the cities could be reimbursed for that money.

(Lyft) shall continue to make a good faith effort to obtain funding from private sponsorships to cover the amount of the Operations Fee, the agreement reads. If (Lyft) is successful, it shall reimburse the Cities at the end of each contract year for the amount of the Operations Fee that (Lyft) has actually obtained in such contract year through private sponsorship funds.

Meanwhile, Lyft will pay an annual concession fee to Hoboken and Jersey City equal to 5% of its annual ridership revenue exceeding $2 million.
People wait in line outside a Burberry store in the Badaling Outlets shopping plaza on Feb 6. Photo: Li Hao/GT

From long queues to get into luxury shops to purchases of gold accessories and expensive hotel bookings, China saw a boom in spending by consumers with deep pockets during the weeklong Spring Festival holiday, leading experts to predict an annual growth rate of up to 7 percent in consumer spending for 2021.

During the Spring Festival holiday  when Chinese consumers traditionally open their wallets - there have been ten-meter-long lineups to get into some stores selling expensive designer goods in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, continuing the holiday spending spree.

The queues have lasted for months and we have taken measures to limit the number of shoppers, a shopping assistance at a Louis Vuitton store in Shanghai told the Global Times on Saturday, adding that consumers have to wait in line for more than half an hour on average.

Consumers also spent lavishly on costly items and services such as gold accessories during this year's Spring Festival.

According to the China Gold Association, Chinas gold consumption during the seven-day Spring Festival holiday grew 80 percent compared to the same period last year.

Booking for high-end hotels rose more than 160 percent year-on-year during the Spring Festival, data from Chinese travel platform Fliggy showed. The hospitality sector suffered during the initial outbreak of the coronavirus in January 2020.

A Shanghai resident surnamed Chen said that he bought a luxury handbag for his wife and a golden necklace for his mother for 36,000 yuan ($5,576) during the Spring Festival.

My family used to travel overseas during the Spring Festival, but we canceled travel plans this year and decided to buy some gifts instead," he told the Global Times.

Holiday spending was mainly unleashed by China's efforts to discourage people from traveling during the Spring Festival, Zhao Ping, vice president of the international trade department at the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, told the Global Times on Saturday.

The strong consumer spending also drove up demand for imported food and products. Cassava imports from Vietnam were up by 120 percent in January as Chinese people celebrated the Lunar New Year with traditional home cooked banquets.

Zhao predicts that consumer spending will continue to pick up, and will grow between five to 7 percent in 2021.

Currently, the growth rate and scale of commodity consumption have exceeded the level before the epidemic and there will be a quick rebound in the movie and catering sectors after COVID-19 vaccines become widely available, Zhao said.
Xusana Davis, Vermonts newfangled Executive Director of Racial Equity, has chosen to butt her head against an implacable wall: global warming. Davis invokes race as the cause for every societal ill, including claiming poor white Vermonters discriminated against (nonexistent) blacks when they transferred their (historically worthless) lands intergenerationally. Now, she claims Vermonts acclaimed plan to save the planet through a Global Warming Solutions Council is white supremacistbecause it sets a deadline!

Davis either doesnt credit AOCs ten-year life expectancy for the planet, or she just wants to rearrange the deck furniture on the Titanic for BIPOC people while hitting the climate-catastrophe iceberg full speed ahead. Xusana appeared at a January hearing to demand that statutory mandatory carbon emission reduction timelines be extended to allow for racial tinkering:

Well, Im going to say it, and youre going to say, oh thats not an option. But reconsider: Change the deadline. And I know what youre thinking, this might require a long legislative process, or hey, but we set a date, and its what we wanted. But heres the thing, though. If we really want to do something right and do it equitably, were not going to have to remain beholden to a timeline that we ourselves made up and can change. So, I do urge you, if slowing down the process to perfect it will lead to equitable policies, then do that. Because thats more important, I think, than the times we set for ourselves.

It is unclear what policies Ms. Davis seeks delay implementing. Perhaps she just wishes to hold Vermont hostage to climate annihilation long enough to raise awareness of the 4% of Vermonts population that is BIPOC. Though, with all the hoopla about systemic racism and perverted statistics slandering Vermonts entire law enforcement community as racist, Vermonters sure are woke and well aware of that 4% presence. As with this incident, it has taken priority over all else (including sanity).

Vermonts Global Warming Solutions Act is an unconstitutional, ineffectual farce that grants huge powers to renewable energy interests at the expense of all taxpayers. Using the race card to slow or stop the GWSA boondoggle is, to date, the best use of racism on behalf of Vermonters. Nevertheless, it creates public friction within the social justice warrior camp -- who shall they rescue first? The marginalized ecosystem, or marginalized BIPOC?

Xusana sure doesnt mince her volatile activist words when shes laying out the inherent racism of white, virtue-signaling climate warriors:

Thats the most polite way that I can put it. Because other folks will phrase it as follows: other folks will phrase it as, deadlines are a tool of white supremacy. I dont usually refer to deadlines as the tools of white supremacy, but deadlines often do reinforce a white supremacy culture that prizes itself more on the process than equitable outcomes.

Xusana is always very polite when she says toxic things. (Other folks would phrase differently how she talks as, perhaps, a racist opportunist on a power trip, but I dont talk that way. But such people do exist, or so Im told.).

This revealing internecine conflict is a welcome expose of the priorities that were going to face when diverting societys resources en masse to conflicting existential emergencies, whether race, gender, or climate. One can only hope that the intersectionality of these supposed causes forces more reality-checks.

For instance, the racial justice warriors have already dissed the feminists (or, at least the non-intersectional white ones; lesbians, not so clear yet). For a (white) woman to say As a woman, I know what you go through as a racial minority, is specifically labeled as an intolerable microaggression, because it is a statement made when whites deny their racial biases. Its just so comforting to know that BIPOC people are not capable of racial bias, or accountable to anyone for any consciously racist thing they might unconsciously say. Free at last!

While the black and white ladies work out their doublespeak (with lesbians, and dont forget transgenders, and Indians, and Jews) over who claims the higher social justice authority, at least Xusana Davis will block the implementation of Vermonts white supremacist process at the expense of equitable outcomes! As a white (and Abenaki) Vermonter, I do not want Xusana Davis or anyone else to permit some looming planetary catastrophe to hinder the creation of a racial utopia in the Green Mountains for wronged BIPOC.

Oh Xusana, oh, dont comply for me!

IMAGE: Xusana Davis. YouTube screengrab.
One cant blame state lawmakers for wanting to rein in Gov. Andrew Cuomo a bit. Nearly unbridled power isnt suiting him well.

The trick, though, is to not hobble the governor so much that he cant handle the ever-changing demands of a pandemic nimbly enough. Thats certainly doable. Government with checks and balances has served this country and this state pretty well for close to two and a half centuries.

It made sense when the pandemic erupted to give the governor authority to quickly respond. Remember, COVID-19 last March was spreading rapidly and stretching hospitals and morgues to their limits, especially in New York City. No one knew how bad it would get, how far and how much it would spread beyond the city, what resources would be needed, or what rules would need to be put in place to slow the spread.

For the most part, Mr. Cuomo did an impressive job with the power and the burden he and his administration were given. And lets be clear: The day-to-day task of handling a pandemic is not what a Legislature of 213 lawmakers was ever designed to do, especially one in which the Republican minority is now accusing the Democratic governor of unspecified crimes and champing at the bit to impeach him.

Mr. Cuomo didnt help this atmosphere, certainly, by going out of his way to rebuff requests from the Legislature, journalists, and others for better data on the deaths of nursing home residents from COVID-19. After months of his stonewalling, we now learn that the nursing home numbers are far higher than the administration said (though it didnt change the total deaths statewide). We learn, too, that the governors top aide acknowledged in a meeting with Democratic lawmakers that the administration delayed the disclosures not because of the stated reason that calculating the numbers was so complex, but because of concerns about political attacks and a probe by the Justice Department under the Trump administration.

Now we hear of the governor allegedly threatening to destroy a Democratic lawmaker whos been critical of him, a charge Mr. Cuomo denies but which many who have dealt with him find all too credible. He finds himself with a dwindling number of friends not only among Republicans but Democrats as well.

Its understandable, then, that the Legislature would want to take Mr. Cuomo down a few pegs and remind him that this is still a government of checks and balances.

But even without the governors stonewalling and bullying, this arrangement needed to be rebalanced. Lawmakers, for example, have all along had the power to rescind any action the governor took to suspend a law or issue some new directive, but the governor, they complain, doesnt bother to tell them what hes planning until after he does it. Hardly a cooperative, working relationship.

A proposal under consideration by the Legislature seeks to restore some of those checks and balances with the creation of a 10-member commission that would review the governors orders under the extraordinary powers he would still have. Modeled loosely after what Connecticut has done, the arrangement appears to put an appropriate degree of legislative oversight in place without making it so cumbersome and hyper-politicized that state government would be hamstrung.

No, Mr. Cuomo probably will not like it. Well, that  as he might say  is New York tough.
After registering a drop in COVID-19 cases for some weeks, the viral disease is again showing an upward trend in Madhya Pradesh, specially its industrial hub Indore, with experts blaming people for lowering their guard against the pandemic.

Since the past one week, more than 200 COVID-19 cases are being reported daily in MP, prompting the state government to send some samples of patients to labs in Delhi and Pune to check whether a new variant of the virus has found its way into the state, a government official said.

The Centre recently said four people were detected with the South Africa variant of SARS-CoV-2 in India in January, while one tested positive for the Brazil variant strain in the first week of February.

In September 2020, Madhya Pradesh witnessed a daily count of more than 2,000 cases for 10 consecutive days, but the graph started going down by the year-end.

Earlier this month, the daily COVID-19 cases were below 200 in the state, but crossed the mark on February 14.

So far, the state has reported a total of 2,59,128 COVID-19 cases and 3,850 deaths due to the disease.

Out of 257 cases recorded in MP on Saturday, 131 were from Indore, which has been the worst-hit by COVID-19 in the state, as per official figures.

Indore has so far reported 929 deaths due to COVID-19, thehighest among all districts in the state.

All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Bhopal, Director Dr Sarman Singh told PTI that the cases were swelling as MP shares borders with Maharashtra, which has been badly hit by the pandemic.

Besides, people have become complacent against the pandemic, he said.

"The infection was expected to re-surge. Therefore, people should not be complacent till the last man in the country is cured of the pandemic," he said.

Amid the spike, 100 samples of patients, mostly from Indore, have been sent to the National Centre for Disease Control in New Delhi and the Pune-based National Institute of Virology to check whether a new virus strain has entered MP, a government official said.

Indore's nodal officer for COVID-19 prevention, Amit Malakar, also said the spurt in cases of late is due to the "careless approach of people", after the graph of cases showed a downward trajectory last month.

"Nowadays, people in many places are seen without masks or not wearing face coverings properly. Besides, adherence to physical distancing norms and use of sanitisers have also gone down drastically," he said.

An analysis of the government data shows the virus positivity rate - proportion of positive cases from the total number of samples - which was 0.9 per cent in MP on February 12, shot up to 1.9 per cent on February 19.

A total of 161 people in MP tested positive on February 12, and the number rose to 297 on February 19.

The number of daily COVID-19 cases has been above the 200-mark since February 14.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
We are lucky to be in India during pandemic, say expats in Jaipur Image Source: IANS News

We are lucky to be in India during pandemic, say expats in Jaipur Image Source: IANS News

We are lucky to be in India during pandemic, say expats in Jaipur Image Source: IANS News

Jaipur, Feb 21 : This is the story of young expats who left their countries years ago and stayed back in Jaipur, making the Pink City their new home.

Happily settled in the capital of the desert state for over a decade now, Marie-Anne Oudejans and Barbara Miolini love India and consider themselves lucky to be in this country at a time when the world has turned upside down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Both of them have not gone back to their families in Europe for over a year due to the Covid induced restrictions, though they are eager to meet them now.

"It has been quite a long time," said Swiss born Barbara.

"People in Europe and many other parts of the world have been affected mentally due to the strict restrictions imposed there. However, we are lucky to be here as we are moving ahead with day to day life. We have not been affected mentally as those people have," she said, adding, "I came here on a sabbatical and had planned to travel six months in India and six months in Africa. I travelled to Gujarat, Varanasi and south India but I really loved Rajasthan. I also stayed in Jaisalmer for some time before I landed in Jaipur 14 years back owing to work reasons. Since then I have stayed here." "It was not planned at all," she added with a smile on her face.

Shedding light on her background, Barbara said, "I did my hotel management from Switzerland, then had a factory doing production for Armani and other Italian brands. Then I started with a hotel here and now I am working on a new project." Barbara, who is half Swiss and half Italian, grew up in Switzerland and has been in India for the past 15 years. Presently, she owns one of the city's finest restaurants, Bar Pallidio, which is a blend of the beauty and history of Asolo, a town in Italy, and merges the grandeur and culture of Jaipur.

"I love taking up new things. India is a land with a lot of opportunities. It is a wonderful place if you want to do something. Everything is possible here, but one needs to be patient to make things possible," she said.

Barbara, meanwhile, is planning to visit her family in Switzerland during Easter.

The other expat, Marie-Anne, is an interior designer who came to the Pink City 10 years back.

"I came to India to work on a project in Delhi and then decided to come to Jaipur as I had my dog and we felt more comfortable in Jaipur," she said.

"In Jaipur, Barbara asked me to design her bar and after that I have been here for a long time working on a lot of projects. I have floated my own company here, doing some prestigious projects," she added.

Speaking about the lockdown, she said, "Many of our friends in Europe and other parts of the world are blocked, as most places are still under lockdown. While we can go out in Jaipur now, for most of our friends, the situation is still like a nightmare. We used to travel a lot, used to see our families six times a year as they used to fly here frequently; however, now no one is coming here and we cannot go there because we have business visas. We are worried that if we go, we might not come back as things are changing fast.

"Also, I have a Dutch passport but have not lived in the Netherlands since the last 17 years. It is a complicated case, so we decided to stay here; now we are waiting for the right time to come when we can go and meet our families, she said.

Marie-Anne grew up in France, then went to New York besides staying in Italy and Spain.

"India is very much my home. I have made good friends here and have done some incredible work... So this remains my home," Marie-Anne said.
Scalise on Trump Meeting: He Still Cares a Lot About This Country

The No. 2 Republican in the House said after a private meeting last week with former President Donald Trump that the now-Florida resident still cares a lot about America.

He still cares a lot about this country and the direction of our country, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) said. But it was a conversation more about how hes doing now and what hes planning on doing and how his family is doing.

Scalise met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 16, a spokesperson for the congressman previously told The Epoch Times. The spokesperson had declined to provide details on the meeting other than to say the pair had touched base.

On Feb. 21, Scalise said he was fundraising in various parts of Florida when Trump reached out.

I hadnt seen him since he had left the White House. And it was actually good to catch up with him. I noticed he was a lot more relaxed than his four years in the White House, he added.

President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington on Aug. 29, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Scalise spoke on ABCs This Week.

The shows host asked the Louisiana congressman whether he thought Trump should take responsibility for the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol. Scalise noted that Trump denounced the breach.

And I think everybody should have been unequivocal in their denouncing of what happened, not only on January 6th but during the summer, when they were burning down cities, shooting cops, beating people in the streets, he said.

You saw the left denouncing January 6th, as we did. They didnt denounce what happened during the summer. So lets be across the board and say anybody who resorts to violence to settle political disputes, theres no place for that in America and it should be disputed unequivocally.

Trump was impeached on Jan. 13 for alleged incitement of insurrection, as a majority of lawmakers in the lower chamber said he incited the Capitol breach; he was acquitted earlier this month by the Senate.

Scalise met with Trump several weeks after the top House Republican, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), had traveled to Mar-a-Lago.

Republican leaders in the Senate, though, have condemned Trump in recent days.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) voted to acquit the former president but then took to the Senate floor to blame him for the Capitol breach.

Trump responded in a strongly worded statement saying the GOP wont win with McConnell at the partys helm and vowing to support primary candidates he believes will promote his America first agenda.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, speaks during a ceremony at the institutes in Bethesda, Md., on Dec. 8, 2020. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

Fauci Says Its Possible Americans Still Need to Wear Masks in 2022

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White Houses top medical adviser, said on Sunday that people in the United States may still need to wear masks in 2022.

When asked during an interview on CNNs State of the Union if Americans will need to continue wearing masks into next year, Fauci replied that he thinks its possible that thats the case.

I think were going to have a significant degree of normality, beyond the terrible burden that all of us have been through in the last year, that as we get into the fall and winter by the end of the year, I agree with the president completely that we will be approaching a degree of normality said Fauci.

However, Fauci noted that things may not get back to the exact way they were before the CCP virus pandemic by that time, and that people may still need to wear masks until daily case counts drop and the overwhelming majority of people are vaccinated.

If you combine getting most of the people in the country vaccinated with getting the level of the virus in the community very, very low, then I believe youre gonna be able to say, for the most part, we dont have to wear masks, Fauci said.

I want to see it go way down, he continued. When it goes way down and the overwhelming majority of people are vaccinated, then Id feel comfortable saying we dont need to wear masks.

Faucis remark came after Biden on Friday toured a vaccine manufacturing site of Pfizer in Michigan, where he said that he hopes the nation will be approaching normalcy by the end of 2021 as vaccines continue to roll out.

I believe we will be approaching normalcy by the end of the year, said the president. God willing, this Christmas will be different than the last.

Biden then refused to make a promise because things can change.

I cant make that commitment to you. There are other strains of the virus. We dont know what could happen in terms of production rates, he said. But were doing everything the science has indicated we should do, and people are stepping up to get everything done that has to be done.

As of Sunday morning, over 43.6 million Americans have received at least one dose of either Pfizer or Modernas vaccine, while more than 18.8 million have received both scheduled doses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Laparoscopy Devices Market Overview:

The global market for laparoscopy devices is projected to surpass a valuation of USD 17,206.32 million by 2023, with a CAGR of 8.30% during the forecast period covering 2018 to 2023. Market Research Future (MRFR) discusses the possibilities for the market and reveals that it could do better due to the rising geriatric population who need the support of advanced devices, a surge in demand for minimally-invasive surgeries, improved reimbursement schemes, and need to improve diagnosis methods for better treatment facilities.

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The global market for laparoscopy devices has been analyzed by MRFR experts on the basis of segments like product, application, and end user. Data gleaned from these segments are reliable as they are backed by scientific approaches and can be used for developing market strategies.

By product, the global study on the laparoscopy devices market can be segmented into energy devices, insufflation devices, laparoscopes, handheld instruments, access devices, suction/irrigation devices, internal closure devices, trocars, and others. The laparoscope segment has been leading the global market with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Its valuation can reach up to USD 5091.77 million by 2023. Hike in the inclusion of advanced technologies and integration of these into hospitals is expected to boost the market.

By application, the global laparoscopy devices market includes bariatric surgery, gynecological surgery, general surgery, colorectal surgery, urological surgery, and others. The general surgery segment has a substantial market share and is expected to move forward with 7.79% CAGR during the forecast period. It includes sub-segments like hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, anti-reflux surgeries, appendectomies, and others. The bariatric surgery includes sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, gastric bypass, and others.

By end user, the market includes hospitals and clinics, ambulatory centers, and specialty centers. The hospitals & clinics segment had a 38.11% share of the global market in 2017.

Laparoscopy Devices Market Regional Analysis:

Better investment capacity and infrastructural support are expected to support North Americas prominence in the global Laparoscopy Devices Market. The US and Canada are expected to make a positive impact on the market with their substantial budgetary impacts. Asia Pacific would grow fast with India, Japan, China, South Korea, and other nations influencing the market.

Laparoscopy Devices Market Competitive Landscape:

The global market for laparoscopy devices is getting backed by companies like Smith & Nephew PLC (UK), Becton, Dickinson and Company (US), Cook Medical LLC (US), B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany), Medtronic PLC (US), Olympus Corporation (Japan), Fujifilm Holdings Corporation (Japan), Richard Wolf GmbH (Germany), KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG (Germany), Stryker Corporation (US), and others. This is primarily due to their ability to impact the market with various strategic moves that focus on the expansion of the portfolio and client base. These companies develop their moves around concepts like mergers, innovations, acquisitions, and joint ventures. In fact, these companies are strengthening their prospect by boosting their funding for research and development, which leads to better launching of projects and marketing strategies.

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Italian heiress Camilla de Bourbon is set to pay a 2million fine tomorrow as part of a bitter inheritance dispute over her mothers 250million (216million) trust fund.

Princess Camilla, who lives in Monaco, was fined in December after Jerseys highest court ruled that she had ignored an order to reveal the location of valuable assets owned by her mother to help rebuild the familys disputed Grand Trust.

Last week, the Royal Court of Jersey turned down her application to delay paying the penalty for contempt of court ahead of the February 22 deadline.

Italian heiress Princess Camilla de Bourbon is set to pay a 2million fine tomorrow

However, Princess Camilla has been granted permission to appeal against the fine at a hearing in May, and will be repaid the 2million if her appeal is successful. She is being advised by a legal team led by former judge Sir Anthony Hooper.

Princess Camilla said: It is my intention to pay the 2million fine in full and I look forward to it being returned when I succeed in my appeal.

The dispute over the Grand Trust dates back to its restructuring in 2010 that has triggered more than a decade of litigation.

Princess Camilla was ordered by the court to help trace the trust funds missing assets after its trustees  Princess Camillas mother Edoarda Crociani and French bank BNP Paribas  were found guilty of mismanaging the trust.
METAIRIE, La.  A gunman opened fire at a combination gun store and indoor firing range near New Orleans on Saturday, killing two people before others returned fire, killing him, the authorities said.

Two other people were injured and in stable condition after the shooting at the Jefferson Gun Outlet in Metairie, La., the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office said.

The office said the shooting happened just before 3 p.m. when a gunman fatally shot two people  a man and a woman  inside the store. The gunman was then shot and killed by people either inside the store or in the parking lot outside, said Joseph P. Lopinto, the sheriff for Jefferson Parish.

I have multiple shooters here at this location that were either customers, employees or individuals here at the location itself, and were trying to put it all together and piece it together with what we have in this developing scene, Sheriff Lopinto said at a news conference.
With the snow and ice clearing in Texas after days of unusually cold temperatures, bodies are being found of people who likely froze to death as they struggled to stay warm after electricity was cut to millions of homes

Of the around 70 deaths attributed to the snow, ice and frigid temperatures nationwide, more than a dozen were people who perished in homes that had lost their heat, and most of those were in Texas.

They include an 11-year-old boy who died in his bed in Conroe, near Houston, and two older men found dead in their homes in the small West Texas town of Buffalo Gap in Taylor County.

At least 70 people across several US states have been confirmed dead, with concerns more will be found in the coming days. Source: AP

Taylor County Sheriff Ricky Bishop said his office received many calls in recent days asking for checks on friends or family members who may be suffering due to the power outages.

I can think of probably one point in one hour we probably got 10 of those calls, said Bishop, adding that some of the countys roads were covered in 120 centimetre deep snow drifts.

Hypothermia can set in if the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and if it falls below about 35C. Normal body temperature is around 37C.

After hours and hours, it leads to a very dangerous condition, Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said.

XL Jefferson Jr., 58, said he has prepared his tent to keep him warm the next few days as the temperature continues to drop. Source: AP

Matt Zavadsky, a spokesman for Fort Worth area ambulance provider MedStar, said most of the hypothermia calls they received were from people in their own homes, where temperatures had dipped to 10C or lower.

MedStar reached a peak on Wednesday with 77 hypothermia calls, Zavadsky said. Some people reported numb hands and feet, while others had more severe symptoms.

You had people who had been so cold for so long that they were shivering uncontrollably, they may have had a decreased level of consciousness, which is not uncommon when you are in hypothermia for a prolonged period of time, he said.

Some who were transported to hospitals had reached the point they were no longer shivering, which is a very bad sign, Zavadsky said.

Story continues

At first, the body will try to generate heat by shivering and boosting its heart rate. But if internal temperatures keep dropping, those things start to slow down, said Dr. Jeff Pothof, an emergency room doctor at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin.

The body will restrict blood circulation to extremities to maintain blood in the core and keep internal organs warm.Source: AP

The body will restrict blood circulation to extremities to maintain blood in the core and keep internal organs warm.

Left untreated, hypothermia begins to affect the brain, making it hard to think clearly or move easily.

You might not understand exactly whats going on, Potfhof said.

And thats a vicious cycle because you cant take the action you need to.

Some of the older people who died in Texas were found outside their homes. It wasnt immediately clear what prompted them to go outside.

Babies, children and seniors are at the highest risk for hypothermia because of poor circulation and temperature regulation.

Some areas remain without access to safe water. Source: AAP

Water woes linger after storm passes

Incoming and outgoing passenger flights at Memphis International Airport resumed on Saturday (local time) after being canceled due to terminal closures caused by system-wide water pressure issues, the facility said.

Yet water woes continued to plague Shelby County, Tennessee's largest county which includes Memphis, forcing officials to scramble to provide safe and clean water as they race to repair damages caused by deadly storms from earlier this week.

Separately, the Department of Health on Saturday confirmed two weather-related fatalities in Sumner County, bringing Tennessee's current weather fatalities to 10.

According to the the Memphis airport, temporary restroom facilities were set up because the water pressure problems had still not been resolved.

An abandoned car is covered in snow in Nashville, Tennessee. Source: The Tennessean via AP

However, Memphis Light, Gas and Water is continuing to work on the system to restore reliable water supply for restrooms, operations, food and beverage, and the airlines.

Overall, roughly 260,000 homes and businesses in the Tennessee county that includes Memphis were told to boil water because of water main ruptures and pumping station problems. Restaurants that could not do so or did not have bottled water were ordered to close.

Separately, the Tennessee departments of Correction and Transportation were providing the Mark Luttrell Transition Center in Memphis with potable and non-potable water.

A total of eight water tankers have been sent to or located in Shelby County to assist with potable water issues. The Tennessee National Guard is supplying water for St. Francis Hospital.

Louisiana reports two new weather-related deaths

Louisiana authorities on Saturday (local time) confirmed two more fatalities tied to severe winter conditions, bringing the total deaths in the state to five.

The Louisiana Department of Health said a 68-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman died of carbon monoxide poisoning after a generator was placed in a camper where they sought shelter in Avoyelles Parish. The parish coroner confirmed the deaths as being storm-related, authorities said.

State officials continue to warn residents not to use portable generators indoors. This includes garages, carports, basements or crawl spaces lacking ventilation, the department said.

Gas powered generators produce carbon monoxide which is odourless and colourless. Inhaling carbon monoxide can very quickly lead to full incapacitation or death, officials said.

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New Delhi: The rising fuel prices have become a major concern for commuters across India. In some places the price of petrol of crossed the century mark, while diesel is also closing the price gap it enjoys over its costlier counterpart. At a time the fuel prices seem to be rallying with no sign of slowing down, HDFC has offered its IndianOil Credit Card which can give up to 50 litres of fuel for free.

The HDFC IOCL card promises fuel points on every refill carried out at IndianOil fuel outlets and on bill payments, grocery shopping and other utility payments. The cardholders could end up earning up to 50 litres of free fuel every year.

Key benefits of the HDFC IOCL Credit Card:

Cardholders can earn 5 per cent of their total spend with IOCL card. This will be up to a maximum of 250 Fuel Points per month for the first six months, followed by a maximum of 150 Fuel Points per month for the next six months.

Cardholders can get 5 per cent Fuel Points on grocery shopping and bill payments, subject to a maximum of 100 Fuel Points per month on each category. Transaction values should be a minimum of Rs. 150.

Cardholders will also get 1 per cent fuel surcharge waiver, up to a maximum of Rs. 250 per statement cycle.

Joining and membership renewal fee for IndianOil HDFC Bank Credit Card:

The joining fee to get the credit card is Rs 500 plus taxes. The membership renewal fee is also the same. However, the renewal charge would be waived off if the cardholder spends above Rs 50,000 using the card in a year.

Who can get the IndianOil HDFC Bank Credit Card?

Any person aged between 21 and 60 years (65 in case you are self-employed) is eligible for the scheme. In case of a salaried applicant, he or she must have a minimum monthly income of Rs. 12,000. If case of a self-employed applicant, one must furnish an income tax return with higher than 2 lakhs as income per annum.

How to get the IndianOil HDFC Bank Credit Card?

To get the HDFC IOCL credit card, one can visit the banks website or go to the nearest branch for offline application. The card can also be obtained from select IndianOil fuel outlets in various cities across the country.

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KABUL  Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Mirwais Nab, met with Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Kabul, Mr. Mansour Ahmad Khan, in his office this morning.

The Deputy Foreign Minister stressed the importance of Afghanistan-Pakistan cooperation in various fields and Islamabads support for the success of the peace process, expressing hope that through joint efforts, we will see security and prosperity in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the region.

During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral cooperation, support for the peace process, and preparations for the Ninth Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the "Heart of Asia" Istanbul Process, to be hosted by the Republic of Tajikistan in the near future.

Emphasizing the importance of Kabul-Islamabad cooperation in different areas and its active participation in the previous meetings of the Istanbul Process, the Pakistani Ambassador to Kabul said that Islamabad would inform Afghanistan of the necessary preparations as soon as it receives an official invitation in this regard.
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New Mexico is blessed with an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. The Land of Enchantment is one of the most biodiverse states in the country, as we rank second in the number of bird species and third in our diversity of reptiles and mammals.

However, these resources face a multitude of threats. As an arid state, New Mexico stands on the front lines of climate change, which means our wildlife and ecosystems are potentially even more susceptible to the mass extinction crisis that is threatening more than one million species across the globe. On top of this, values around our relationship with wildlife have changed. As we consider environmental justice issues like food security and equitable access to the outdoors, ensuring ample opportunities for resident hunters becomes paramount.

New Mexicos wildlife policies and institutions date back to the late 19th century when the New Mexico Territorial Assembly passed its first game law in 1880. The system of wildlife management that was subsequently developed has served New Mexicans well in the past but requires updating if we are going to face these new challenges.

Senate Bill 312, the New Mexico Wildlife Heritage Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Steinborn and Rep. Nathan Small, both D-Las Cruces, does just that. It protects our wildlife heritage while offering a vision for the future that will conserve these resources for wildlife advocates, sportsmen and women, and the public at large for generations to come.

New Mexico is one of only 11 states that still manages wildlife under a game and fish framework. SB 312 changes the name of the Department of Game and Fish to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, reflecting this modern approach to wildlife management. It directs the state to manage and conserve the publics wildlife in accordance with the North American Model of Wildlife Management and the Public Trust Doctrine  as a trust resource with intrinsic and ecological value, for the equitable benefit, use, enjoyment and food supply of all New Mexicans, including future generations.

In addition, SB 312 defines wildlife to include all non-domestic animal species in New Mexico, not just the subset of species, mostly vertebrates, currently managed by the Department of Game and Fish. It appropriates $1 million to increase the departments capacity to manage these species and authorizes the newly named New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Commission to manage additional species, as needed, to respond to emerging threats and changing conditions and to ensure these species do not end up as threatened or endangered.

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The bill also reforms an unjust and widely unpopular law that allows some landowners to slaughter elk, antelope and other protected wildlife without department permission or oversight because of perceived threats to crops or property.

A key element of the bill will protect and increase the interests of New Mexicos hunters and anglers as well. It corrects historic inequities in the allocation of hunting opportunities between resident and non-resident hunters, making more than 1,000 additional big game tags available to New Mexican families. It also expands New Mexicos definition of waste of game. Current state law allows hunters to remove only the skin, claws or other body parts from bear, cougar, and javelina, but SB 312 will prohibit leaving edible portions of these species in the field.

The wildlife and wild places that help make us the Land of Enchantment face existential threats that we must tackle head-on. Over the past several years, New Mexico has proven itself a leader by committing to a transition to renewable energy and by making historic investments in education. As other states grapple with some of the same issues, we have an opportunity to demonstrate our bold leadership once again.

We need policies and institutions equipped to meet the challenge of protecting our states priceless wildlife resources. The Wildlife Heritage Act is a necessary step toward ensuring New Mexico is a leader in conservation for generations to come.
By Sue Altman, Ryan Haygood and Jesse Burns

In New Jersey, elections are rigged.

We are the only state that uses the line to design our ballots  meaning in almost every county in the state, county clerks and county branches of both major party chairs provide a definitive advantage to their endorsed candidates by grouping them together in a prime position on the ballot in a manner that attracts maximum attention from voters.

The candidates who are not endorsed are placed on other lines, sometimes far away from the main line, minimizing visibility.

The result is devastating for non-endorsed candidates.

Candidates awarded the favored county line gain, on average, a 35-point advantage. The result is an election system that is fixed, which diminishes the power of voters and ensures that politically connected candidates are elected again and again.

Indeed, as Salem Countys Deputy County Clerk explained, A poor guy might be a good candidate, but he doesnt have a chance unless hes on the line. Thats kind of the way it is.

In fact, no incumbent state legislator has lost a primary in New Jersey since 2009.

This undemocratic approach makes our states elected officials, from township councilmembers to state senators to members of Congress, accountable to the preferences of party chairs rather than to voters.

It is also part of the reason why Black and brown people here confront some of the worst racial disparities in America, why our elected officials never lose elections, why there is so little accountability to voters and why New Jerseyans suffer from a corruption tax composed of lucrative contracts that go to politically connected engineering, insurance and law firms.

It is also a reason why, while New Jersey is one of the most racially diverse states in America where people of color comprise 45% of the population, our elected representatives dont reflect that diversity and also under-represent women. Party chairs who influence ballot design are overwhelmingly white and male. More than three-quarters of Democratic county party chairs are men, and more than 80% are white. The numbers are even worse on the Republican side.

The leaders who are elected through this process are then in charge of spending billions of dollars in taxpayer money. Our state budget alone is more than $38 billion annually. Our county governments spend nearly $7 billion annually. And local governments, as well as obscure state agencies like joint insurance funds, local and state authorities spend billions more.

Imagine if these billions of dollars were invested in ways that increased the standard of living for working families, invested in communities of color that have been left behind due to structural racism and enhanced coveted features of New Jersey life, like schools, transportation, and our natural environment  instead of being steered to politically connected professional services firms.

Key to making this change happen is ending the county line and the unconstitutional power that comes with it. A case filed before a federal district judge in Trenton, in which New Jersey Working Families is a plaintiff, seeks to do just that.

We know we can do this.

Our organizations, which have been at the forefront of the fight to build an inclusive democracy in New Jersey, have  along with advocates around the state  already succeeded in restoring the right to vote to 83,000 people on probation and parole; creating online voting through which more than 400,000 registered to vote; and ending prison-based gerrymandering for legislative redistricting.

Our ultimate goal is to build a democracy in New Jersey that will serve as a national model for electoral reform one that empowers the people, not the politically connected.

Now, its time for New Jersey to end the line and return the power of democracy to the people, where it belongs.

Sue Altman serves as state director for New Jersey Working Families.

Ryan Haygood is the president and CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice.

Jesse Burns serves as executive director of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey.

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New Delhi, Feb 21 : A day ahead of his visit to poll-bound West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the BJP's vision and effort is to ensure "top quality development" in the state currently ruled by the Trinamool Congress under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The Prime Minister will be in West Bengal's Hooghly district at around 4.30 p.m. on Monday to inaugurate various railway projects to bolster the BJP's campaign considering upcoming Assembly election which is due before the expiry of the state Assembly in May-end this year. The BJP, which had made deep inroads in the state during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls by winning 18 of the 42 seats, is targeting more than 200 of the 294 Assembly seats.

It will be Modi's second visit to the state in a month. He had addressed his maiden public rally in West Bengal on February 7 at East Midnapore district.

"The great soil of West Bengal has nurtured extraordinary individuals who have contributed towards national progress. It's our vision and effort to ensure West Bengal gets top quality development," the Prime Minister said in a series of tweets.

From Hooghly, the extension of Metro railway from Noapara to Dakshineswar will be inaugurated, said Modi, adding this project is special because it will improve access to the sacred Maa Kali Temples at Kalighat and Dakshineswar.

"These temples are vibrant symbols of India's great culture." Mentioning about two newly-built stations of Baranagar and Dakshineswar, the Prime Minister said the stations have many modern facilities that will further 'ease of living' as "they have also been designed aesthetically." The Prime Minister will inaugurate the extension of Metro railway from Noapara to Dakshineswar and flag off the first service on this stretch. This 4.1-km extension has been constructed at a cost of Rs 464 crore, fully funded by the central government.

He will also inaugurate a line between Kalaikunda and Jhargram over a stretch of 30 kms of the 132-km-long Kharagpur-Adityapur Third Line Project of South Eastern Railway, which was sanctioned with an estimated cost of Rs 1,312 crore.

The four stations between Kalaikunda and Jhargram have been redeveloped by constructing four new station buildings, six new foot over bridges and 11 new platforms, along with renovation of the existing infrastructure.

The Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the doubling of the Azimganj to Khargraghat road section, which is a part of the Howrah-Bandel-Azimganj section of Eastern Railway, which has been laid at a project cost of about Rs 240 crore.

Modi will then dedicate to the nation the rail line between Dankuni and Baruipara (11.28 kms) of Howrah-Bardhaman chord line and the line between Rasulpur and Magra (42.42 km) of Howrah-Bardhaman main line, which serves as a gateway to Kolkata.

The line between Rasulpur and Magra has been laid at a cost of Rs 759 crore, while the fourth line between Dankuni and Baruipara has been laid at a project cost of Rs 195 crore.
Mr Prince Bagnaba Mba, President of Forum for National Equity, has called for the creation of National Guards to take responsibility of National assets.



"The security challenges of our present time demand the creation of National Guards"

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency on security issues in the country, Mr Mba said there was the need for the President and Parliament to consider it as a matter of priority and initiate the process of creating a legislative Instrument for it.



"National Guards will ensure absolute safety and peace enforcement during crisis.



It will also be proactive in intelligence gathering with the collaboration of other security agencies. "



He said the Operatives should be of sound education with military fitness and height to scare away potential troublemakers.



He said the National security Guards would also ensure the safety of forest reserves and resources and become the permanent constituted body to fight galamsey, kidnapping and most importantly to counter terrorism.



"We are blessed with intelligent human resources and must be able to provide the best nationwide security.



"The intended National Guards will be the triumph card of national security."

Source: GNA









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Can US catch up with Russian diplomacy in Europe?

I need hardly explain why oil and natural gas has played a very important strategic part in geopolitics over time.

by Victor Cherubim

With the 760-mile Natural Gas pipeline, Nord Stream an offshore pipeline owned and operated by Nord Stream AG whose majority shareholder is the Russian State Company, Gazprom and Nord Stream 2 owned and will be operated when complete by Nord Stream 2 AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gazprom, there is a battle looming between the United States and Europe.

The 7 billion pipeline running from Vyborg in Russia through the Baltic Sea to Greifswald in Germany, is almost 94 % complete.

Trumps distraction

Whilst the Trump Administration perhaps, wasted 4 years in making America Great Again with its biggest distraction in diplomacy in global affairs and particularly all things Europe, with its Anti-European stance, the Russians were cavorting with Angela Merkel of Germany to draw Europe closer to its Russian borders in every way, especially Europes dependence on natural gas.

I need hardly explain why oil and natural gas has played a very important strategic part in geopolitics over time.

US has ample supplies of gas from shale drilling and fracking within its borders. Russia is anxious to promote trade with Germany and the EU.

Competition by US and Russia for the lucrative European gas market was at the heart of this strategy.

With the pandemic, gas and oil prices have fallen nearly 75% over the last year and a surge of new supplies from US and others has swamped the European market.

Demand has fallen with the pandemic lockdowns, but pressures are there about future demand for gas in Europe.

The Russian strategy

Europe was supplied by natural gas through the current route of Ukraine. Russia wanted to deal directly with Germany and the pipeline was a way to ship substantial amounts of gas to the lucrative European market at competitive prices.

While President Trump could only threaten the suppliers of the pipeline with sanctions, on companies, the relationship between Washington and Moscow deteriorated, but the pipeline continued to be built.

Now President Putins Representative Dimitry Peskov has warned US the development does not concern Washington. The project concerns the energy security of the European Continent especially with the turbulence caused by climate change.

His comments came after new US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said, the pipeline would enable Putin regime to further weaponise Russias energy resources to exert political pressure throughout Europe.

We all know countries like Germany, France and the EU rely on Nord Stream 2 for their supplies of natural gas from Russia in the future. This pipeline when complete is expected to double the capacity of natural gas to Europe.

Dependency inevitably may undermine security.

No one expects US to roll over for Moscow, any more than Angela Merkel of Germany. She even offered Trump 877 million to allow the building of this pipeline, which offer was not taken up.

But the Russians are clever that with the Brits leaving the EU, the European market may stagnate within a decade. Who knows?

We also know Russia is turning its attention to faster growing Asian markets. It is also waiting in the wings for this years election in Germany with Angela Merkel exiting the scene after 16 years as Chancellor.

What has no one envisaged?

Power everywhere in the world resides in military might.

France has taken a swipe at Merkel over the development of a Joint Fighter Jet aircraft, costing Euro 100 billion. Replacement for Frances Rafale fighter aircraft and Germanys and Spanish Euro Fighter from 2040, are now under consideration.

A spokesman for President Macron is alleged to have confided, it would be a lot easier for us French to work with Britain, because we share the same military culture.

I have always maintained the affinity between the Brits and the French. Both Anglo Saxon baguette cannot be underestimated. Besides, it is not only because my son studied French at Sorbonne?

All we know is that Michel Barnier is entering the French political scene, perhaps, to oppose Macron at next years Presidential election and in the wings is Marie Le Penn, who has always touted to leave the EU.

Who said we have problems in our little island? There are smaller, if not bigger issues, worrying bigger powers around the world?
Broomfield, Colorado: David Delucia was settling back into his airplane seat and starting to relax on his way to a long-awaited vacation when a huge explosion and flash of light interrupted an in-flight announcement and put him in survival mode.

The Boeing 777-200, headed from Denver to Honolulu on Saturday with 231 passengers and 10 crew aboard, suffered a catastrophic failure in its right engine and flames erupted under the wing as the plane began to lose altitude.

Debris from a commercial airliner forced into an emergency landing is scattered in the front yard of a house in Broomfield, Colorado. Credit:AP

As Delucia and his wife prepared for the worst, people in this Denver suburb reacted in horror as huge pieces of the engine casing and chunks of fibreglass rained down on a sports fields and on streets and lawns, just missing one home and crushing a truck. The explosion, visible from the ground, left a trail of black smoke in the sky, and tiny pieces of insulation filled the air like ash.

The plane landed safely at Denver International Airport, and no one on board or on the ground was hurt, authorities said. But both those in the air and on the ground were deeply shaken.
Many Texans woke up after Winter Storm Uri with energy bills costing them thousands of dollars, despite residents being without power for multiple days due to the frigid temperatures impacting the system.

These bills were as high as $17,000 for some residents, according to The Dallas Morning News, and has put a new focus on the deep-rooted problems into the states market for selling electricity to consumers.

Texas has an independent, deregulated electricity market, which offers both wholesale and fixed-rate power plans for residents. The structure is the only of the kind in the continental United States, as all other states run on a federally regulated grid, and it puts an emphasis on cheap prices.

Its a Wild West market design based only on short-run prices, said portfolio manager Matt Breidert at an analytical firm called EcoFin/Tortoise, speaking to The Washington Post.

Fixed-rate customers pay a specific rate for their power thats agreed upon with the company. But wholesale customers pay at the rate of whatever the price per kilowatt-hour of electricity is when using the system.

The attraction to a wholesale plan is it offers customers the opportunity to save money during fair-weather months when the residents are unlikely to be turning on their heating or cooling systems. But during a winter storm that plummets the state to frigid temperatures, like what was seen last week, prices per kilowatt-hour can reach astronomical heights.

Energy company Griddy was one key player that has offered a wholesale system to customers. But now residents who took the risk by using a wholesale electricity plan were now left with bills in the thousands.

The wholesale rate before the winter storm was around $50 per megawatt/hour, according to Reuters. But Texass Public Utility Commission moved that cap on wholesale rates at $9,000 per megawatt/hour on Wednesday.

Scott Willoughby from San Antonio, Texas, was one resident who received an electricity bill far above what he usually paid. He told The New York Times that he nearly emptied his savings account after his electric company charged $16,752 to his credit card, about 70 times what he usually pays.

Other Griddy customers have reported bills around $5,000 for their electric usage during that week, despite being without power and heat for periods of time.

Griddy reportedly warned customers on Monday that the wholesale rate could starkly increase due to the freezing temperatures, and the company even encouraged residents to switch companies to avoid high rates. But customers told The Dallas Morning News that switching over would take days, which left them stuck on their wholesale plan during the storm.

On Friday, Griddy announced in a statement that it was seeking customer relief for the residents who were served with expensive electricity bills. The request was made to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the states power grid and has faced backlash this past week, and the states Public Utility Commission.

The high electricity bills have sparked outrage from Democrat and Republican lawmakers, as Texas works to recover from a winter storm that caused millions to go without power and has created a food and water shortage throughout the state.

This is WRONG. No power company should get a windfall because of a natural disaster, and Texans shouldnt get hammered by ridiculous rate increases for last weeks energy debacle. State and local regulators should act swiftly to prevent this injustice, Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican, said in a tweet when sharing an article about Griddy customers receiving $5,000 bills.

Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, held an emergency meeting on Saturday with lawmakers to discuss the bills.

We have a responsibility to protect Texans from spikes in their energy bills that are a result of the severe winter weather and power outages, Mr Abbott, who has faced backlash for the states power infrastructure this past week, said in a statement after the meeting.

He added that his administration would work with legislators to ensure no resident was stuck with skyrocketing energy bills.

It's been the year from hell for Eton  the school that famously hates attention  and now I can reveal things have got so bad they have drafted in a top City PR firm to rebuild its image.

Brunswick Group  famous for high-profile crisis management and eye-watering prices  has been appointed to help headmaster Simon Henderson.

Brunswick strategists are moving in after two major scandals.

First came the sacking of English teacher Will Knowland in November over a YouTube lecture criticising feminist thinking.

A month later ex-teacher Matthew Mowbray was jailed for sexually assaulting three boys.

There is also said to be an atmosphere of disunity after the head was branded 'Trendy Hendy' for bringing woke values to the school and sacked several members of the old guard after he was hired in 2015.

Shelf improvement: Out go head Simon Henderson's woke books, and in come serious dusty tomes... and a tie

A source said: 'Brunswick's appointment has been made in relation to the particular situation Eton is currently in.'

Another source close to the school said that the majority of remaining teachers support Henderson, but admitted several remain who don't.

The PR firm will have kept an eye on Dr Brendan Cooper who I can reveal has just resigned as head of English after seven years.

He penned a carefully written note, which had the whiff of Brunswick speak about it  though he did not personally take advice from the firm  to say he was stepping down 'after a great deal of reflection'.

Dr Cooper was keen to stress the turbulent year was unrelated to his decision, and he is a firm supporter of Henderson.

But many teachers have railed against the head's progressive shake-up of the institution and have spread rumours he is going to resign  although he insists he is not.

Brunswick Group  famous for high-profile crisis management and eye-watering prices  has been appointed to help headmaster Simon Henderson. Pictured: Eton College

My sources say Brunswick is on board to help Henderson quash the rumours, bring unity to the school and calm down those who accuse him of eradicating traditions in favour of a woke makeover.

It looks to me like Brunswick has also advised him to start wearing a tie and remove a set of PC books from his bookshelf.

Trendy Hendy has been making Zoom calls which display Isabella Tree's Wilding book  about creating new habitats for wildlife; hipster bible Girl Up; and Everyday Sexism, a patriarchy-smashing essay collection.

In his most recent video, on February 11, they had been replaced with leather-bound reference tomes.

In January Henderson sent bottles of 9 prosecco to staff, with a thank-you note offering 'best wishes' for the new term.

My source says of Brunswick's advice: 'It's pretty obvious stuff: suck up to the teachers and calm down on the wokery.

'I do hope they aren't charging too much for the service.'

I imagine they are  Brunswick's services are said to cost tens of thousands of pounds a month. No wonder, then, that despite the 40,000-a-year fees, Henderson couldn't stretch to champagne!

Talulah's new dish: pottery king Matthew

Gorgeous actress Talulah Riley has been helping artist Matthew Rice recover from the breakdown of his 30-year marriage to Emma Bridgewater, with whom he built a pottery empire.

Though there's quite the age difference between them  Talulah is only 35 while Matthew is in his mid-50s with four grown-up children  I can see them being a good match.

Gorgeous actress Talulah Riley has been helping artist Matthew Rice recover from the breakdown of his 30-year marriage to Emma Bridgewater, with whom he built a pottery empire

Pictured: Matthew Rice with his ex-wife Emma Bridgewater in February 2015

Matthew is charming by all accounts, while Talulah is so alluring that tech billionaire Elon Musk married her not once but twice! She won fame playing a schoolgirl in the St Trinian's movies.

When I called Matthew, he chuckled and said: 'As much as I'd love to talk to you, I'm not going to talk about that. But it's very kind of you to ring.'

Harry's lost Skippy too

Prince Harry could be feeling even more removed from his old life now that he has lost a Stateside best friend in the form of Tom 'Skippy' Inskip, who has moved back to the UK from Washington DC.

Skippy and wife Lara have moved to the Isle of Man to be closer to her father, though they retain Skippy's Kensington pad, which hosted many a party attended by Harry.

He and Meghan attended Skippy's Jamaican wedding but the pals drifted apart until Skippy moved to America just when Harry did last year.

But Skippy didn't ask Harry to be godfather to his baby son Albert, which was a huge surprise as they had been best pals since their schooldays.

Skippy tells me: 'My son does not have one famous godparent.'